DeRay Davis latest to join 'G.I. Joe 2'

Actor Dwayne Johnson has become the go-to source for everything "G.I. Joe 2." Less than two weeks after revealing Bruce Willis was joining the project, Johnson posted on Twitter that comedian DeRay Davis is in too.

DeRay Davis

"On set now. We're all waiting for ONE actor: @DeRayDavis. Very late. Time to get ya ass whupped son," Johnson posted today. (Hat tip to Comingsoon.net for the link.)

Davis has appeared in a number of movies recently, including "Jumping the Broom" and "Life as We Know It." It is not clear what role he has in the "G.I. Joe" sequel.

Davis joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow), along with newcomers Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jane), D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx), Ray Stevenson (Firefly), Walton Goggins (Warden Nigel James).

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and is set for a June 29, 2012, release date.

John Moore to direct 'Die Hard 5'

Director John Moore is now free to die hard.

According to Deadline, the director survived the gauntlet and is in final negotiations to join actor Bruce Willis for "Die Hard 5."

Bruce Willis to return as John McClaine

It was revealed earlier this month that 20th Century Fox had shortlisted its choices for director, with Joe Cornish ("Attack the Block"), Justin Lin ("Fast Five") and Nicolas Winding Refn ("Drive") also in the running.

His films include "Max Payne," "The Omen" and "Behind Enemy Lines."

According to the report, filming for "Die Hard 5" will take place in Russia. Additionally, Willis was very "hands on" in the director search and met with Moore before the studio made its final decision.

The original "Die Hard" shot its way into theaters in 1988, and the latest installment, "Live Free or Die Hard," arrived in June 2007, bringing home $134 million domestically and $383 million worldwide on a production budget of $110 million. That film was directed by Len Wiseman, also known for the "Underworld" films.

Willis also recently signed on for the "G.I. Joe" sequel, in which he will play General Joe Colton, a character who never appeared in the 1980s animated series but did show up periodically in the various comic book incarnations, having been the original "G.I. Joe," appointed by President John F. Kennedy to create an "ultimate freedom fighting force."

First teaser of 'The Hunger Games' now online

The first teaser for 'The Hunger Games" is now online.

"The Hunger Games" adaptation may not be hitting theaters until March, but the buzz has been red hot the last couple of weeks since it was announced the first teaser would be released during last Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards.

Well, the VMAs came and went, and we got our first 60-second glimpse of actress Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone") as heroine Katniss Everdeen.

When I first watched the teaser (available below), I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. Not by the footage itself, but by how lacking in context the clip was. As a fan of the books, I knew what was going on, but I'm betting a sizable proportion of Sunday's audience has never read the books and quite a few had never even heard of them until the clip interrupted their "musical" entertainment.

Steven Spielberg and Stephen King to bring 'Under the Dome' to Showtime

Steven Spielberg and Stephen King are partnering to bring the author's 2009 novel "Under the Dome" to Showtime as a series.

The novel was published in 2009.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project will be produced by DreamWorks Television with King as executive producer along side DreamWorks TV's Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank.

The novel follows a small town in Maine which is suddenly closed off from the rest of the world by a impassible force field, and how the residents trapped inside react.

This isn't the first time Spielberg and King partnered on a project. In 2006, they tried to bring King and Peter Straub's "The Talisman" to TNT as a six-part mini-series but the project ultimately fell through due to budget concerns.

Josh Brolin joins Spike Lee's 'Oldboy' remake

Actor Josh Brolin will star in director Spike Lee's upcoming English-language adaptation of the 2003 Korean hit "Oldboy."

Josh Brolin

According to Deadline, the actor has officially signed onto the project, which is set to begin filming in March.

Brolin will next be seen in 2012's "Men in Black III" along side Will Smith. His most recent role was the villain Tom Chaney in the Coen brothers' "True Grit," and his resume also include parts in "Jonah Hex," "No Country for Old Men" and "Milk," for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The "Oldboy" remake will be based on a script by Mark Protosevich ("Thor," "I Am Legend," "Poseidon"), who will also co-produce.

Released in 2003, "Old Boy" followed a man who was kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, only to discover his captor was more insidious plans in store for him.

Lee's last feature film was 2008's "Miracle at St. Anna" and his resume includes "Malcolm X," "She Gotta Have It" and "She Hate Me."

Sienne Guillory is offically Jill Valentine for 'Resident Evil: Retribution'

Although anyone who saw the after-credits scene in "Resident Evil: Afterlife" knew Jill Valentine was likely to return for the fifth film in the franchise, actress Sienna Guillory made it official today she will be the one playing her in the forthcoming "Resident Evil: Retribution."

'Retribution' will debut Sept. 14, 2012.

As ShockTillYouDrop.com first reported, Guillory posted on Twitter today: "Big day tomorrow! Meeting Paul Anderson and Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kultzer to see what my future looks like..."

She lated posted, confirming her involvement, "THANK YOU SO MUCH! RETRIBUTION HERE I COME!"

The actress hinted at her return in March, posting (again on Twitter), "RE:5 alert! Training begins! I aim to mostly put less in the big hole on the front of my face than comes out of the little one on my arse."

According to ShockTillYouDrop, however, her return was put in question when a report surfaced the actress was going to be replaced. Today's tweets, however, seem to have put the issue to bed.

Guillory starred as Jill Valentine in the second film, "Apocalypse," but didn't show up in the third film, and only returned in the after-credits sequence in "Afterlife." As I've stated before, hopefully her return will let us learn the fate of the young Angela (Sophie Vavasseur), who like Jill vanished sometime between the second and third films.

Screen Gems has set a Sept. 14, 2012, release date for "Retribution" and filming is expected to start later next month.

'The Departed' scribe William Monahan to visit 'Sin City'

Six years after directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller wowed audiences with "Sin City," the pair have signed Academy Award-winning screenwriter William Monahan to work on the script for the sequel.

William Monahan

Monahan won the 2006 Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Martin Scorsese's "The Departed." His other credits include "Kingdom of Heaven," "Body of Lies" and "Edge of Darkness."

The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision first reported Monahan's signing adding that he will be "supplementing" a draft written by Miller, who created the original "Sin City" graphic novels.

Rodriguez said at Comic Con last month that financing was arranged and filming would begin as soon as the script was ready.

Fans, myself included, have been waiting for word on when the promised sequel would finally come. It seems the wait may soon be over.

Hurricane Irne helps 'The Help' to another victory

With the northeast facing Hurricane Irene, it was not a great weekend at the box office, with "The Help" holding onto the top spot for the second week in a row while another trio of newcomers disappointed.

'The Help' held onto the top spot.

"The Help" earned $14.5 million during its third weekend, bringing its total to $96 million and making it the second highest grossing film of the month, behind "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

The prequel/reboot fell to third place this weekend with $8.9 million in its fourth week of release for a total of $148 million. (The studios released the weekend's actual box office grosses today.)

Of the newcomers, Luc Besson's "Columbiana" fared the best, with $10.4 million, good enough for second place. Directed by Oliver Megaton, the film, like most of Besson's works, was made on a smaller than average budget ($40 million). The opening for "Columbiana" was slightly higher than Besson's last film, "From Paris with Love" ($8.1 million), which went on to earn $24 million domestically and $52 million worldwide, equaling its production budget.

The horror film "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," starring Katie Holmes, scared up $8.5 million in its debut weekend. Produced and written by Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth"), the movie was made for $25 million.

Opening in fifth place with $7 million was "Our Idiot Brother." Although the comedy boasted a paltry $2,700 per screen average, its tiny $5 million budget should help The Weinstein Company make its money back, depending on how much they spent on promotions.

Faring even worse were last weekend's holdovers, with "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World," "Conan the Barbarian" and "Fright Night" all taking significant hits in their second week, dropping 48 percent, 68 percent and 59 percent respectively. With a production budget of $90 million and only $16.6 million to show for it, "Conan" is making a case for one of the biggest box office bombs of the summer.

"The Smurfs," one of the only other films to find an audience this month (although it debuted the last weekend of July), held relatively strong with $4.5 million in its fifth week for a total of $125 million.

The weekend's top 10 films were as follows:

1. "The Help," $14,536,118 (Total: $96.8 million)
2. "Columbiana," $10,408,176 (New)
3. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $8,867,741 (Total: $148.6 million)
4. "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," $8,525,728 (New)
5. "Our Idiot Brother," $7,011,631 (New) 
6. "Sky Kids: All the Time in the World," $6,007,180 ($21.9 million)
7. "The Smurfs," $4,754,766 (Total: $125.9 million)
8. "Conan the Barbarian." $3,185,094 ($16.6 million)
9. "Crazy, Stupid, Love," $3,108,178 (Total: $69.7 million)
10. "Fright Night," $3,103,227 ($14.2 million)

Dan Aykroyd reveals 'Ghostbusters 3' details

Development on a third "Ghostbusters" film has been languishing for years, but according to to star Dan Aykroyd, filming may begin next spring.

The first film debuted in 1984.

Comingsoon.net quoted Aykroyd following his talk on Dennis Miller's radio show, saying they will be moving forward with the project with or without Bill Murray.

"Yes, we will be doing the movie and hopefully with Mr. Murray," he told Miller. "That is our hope. We have an excellent script. What we have to remember is that 'Ghostbusters' is bigger than any one component, although Billy was absolutely the lead and contributive to it in a massive way, as was the director and Harold [Ramis], myself and Sigourney [Weaver]. The concept is much larger than any individual role and the promise of 'Ghostbusters 3' is that we get to hand the equipment and the franchise down to new blood."

 Aykroyd also confirmed the rumor that the new film will feature the original Ghostbusters and a new generation.

"My character, Ray, is now blind in one eye and can't drive the cadillac," Aykroyd said. "He's got a bad knee and can't carry the packs... Egon is too large to get into the harness. We need young blood and that's the promise. We're gonna hand it to a new generation."

Although no casting has begun on the film, Aykroyd cast his vote on "Criminal Minds" actor Matthew Gray Gubler.

The original "Ghostbusters" film hit theaters in 1984 with the sequel following in 1989. The franchise also spawned the animated series "The Real Ghostbusters" and "Extreme Ghostbusters."

CW looking to develop 'Deadman' series

With "Smallville" now at an end, CW is once again looking to DC Comic to find a series.

Deadman first appeared in 1967.

Deadline is reporting that the network is developing a series based on the character Deadman from "Supernatural" creator Erik Kripke.

Deadman is a ghost who was once Boston Brand, a circus trapeze artist. He is given the ability to possess living people in order to solve crimes and fight evil.

The character first appeared in 1967 in "Strange Adventures" #205 and has had several dedicated series as well as numerous cameos in other comics. He most recently had a large role in DC's year-long "Brightest Day" series.

Warner Bros. TV will be producing the series.

Beware the seas: Lucian Msamati is sailing into season two of 'Game of Thrones' as Salladhor Saan

HBO's "Game of Thrones" has added a pirate lord to the menagerie of characters suiting up for its upcoming second season.

Lucian Msamati

Entertainment Weekly is reporting British actor Lucian Msamati has signed on to play Salladhor Saan, a sell sail pirate working for Lord Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "John Adams") and friend to Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight (Liam Cunningham, "Camelot").

Perhaps best known to American audiences for his work in HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," Msamati has appeared in multiple television and film projects in England, including an episode of "Doctor Who."

The actor joins fellow season two newcomers Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association and also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

Train sequences delaying 'Bond 23'

Another major studio film is finding itself delayed, only instead of weather, the problem with the upcoming "Bond 23" is trains.

The last bond film hit theaters in 2008.

The Times of India is reporting that the railways have failed to give the production permission to block the track in Ahmedabad and Goa to film the sequences.

"Bond 23" is being directed by Sam Mendes ("American Beauty," "Road to Perdition," "Revolutionary Road") and will once again star Daniel Craig, who portrayed British secret agent James Bond in 2006's "Casino Royale" and 2008's "Quantum of Solace."

Filming on the "Bond 23" train sequences has been pushed back from this fall until early next year, but there's already talk about moving the production to South Africa to avoid additional delays.

The Times quotes Pravesh Sahni of India Take One Productions, who said:

This could be one of the biggest Hollywood movies shot in our country. Trains are the backbone of the film. We'll pay for the shooting and also mention Indian Railways in the credit line. The shooting was supposed to happen in October-November. Now, we've postponed it to January-February. For the past three months, we've been trying to get things in order. The film has Daniel Craig doing stunts on a freight train. While the Indian Railways has given us permission to shoot, I need to meet someone and explain how important it is for us to block two tracks for eight hours a day over five to six days. For the past 15 days, I've been trying to get someone to hear me out. South African authorities are waiting to provide everything that is required to support this movie. If we can't get this cooperation from India, the film will no longer be shot here.

 (Hat tip to Deadline)

Weather delaying 'The Wolverine' filming until spring?

Filming on the anticipated sequel to Fox's "X-Men Origin: Wolverine" may not begin until next spring.

The first film debuted in 2009.

Deadline is reporting that while the studio had been eying a fall start-date, weather concerns in Japan have delayed matters. Star Hugh Jackman said in a June interview with Toronto radio station CHFI that filming was set to begin in October.

That same month, Fox signed director James Mangold ("Knight and Day," "3:10 to Yuma," "Walk the Line") to the project to replace Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), who dropped out in March.

According to Deadline, the weather issues may lead to part of the filming being moved to Canada. Christopher McQuarrie's ("The Usual Suspects," "Valkyrie") script, as it stands now, is set mostly in Japan.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hit theaters in 2009, spinning off of the successful "X-Men" trilogy, told the backstory of Logan/Wolverine (played by Jackman). That film was expected to be first of a number of films exploring the histories of various X-Men. The next was supposed to be "Magneto," but it was eventually reworked into June's "X-Men: First Class," a far superior film to "Wolverine."

'Taken 2' to start production in October

The sequel to the 2009 action thriller hit "Taken" will start production in October.

"Taken" opened in January 2009.

Comingsoon.net spoke with writer/producer Luc Besson ("From Paris With Love," "The Professional") about "Columbiana," which opens Friday, and the conversation led to an update on the forthcoming sequel.

Taken starred Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, whose daughter (Maggie Grace) is abducted in Paris by a human-trafficking ring. A former government operative, Bryan wages a bloody battle with his daughter's captors to return her home safe.

According to Comingsoon, "Columbiana" director Olivier Megaton ("Transporter 3") will helm the sequel, taking over for Pierre Morel, with a script from Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, who penned the original.

Megaton is scouting locations in Los Angeles, where at least some of the filming will take place, the report continued. Besson also said that "everyone" is back for the sequel.

"Taken" was a solid thriller and one of the first hits of 2009 following its Jan. 30 release, earning $145 million at the domestic box office and $226 million worldwide.

Patrick Malahide is Balon Greyjoy in 'Game of Thrones'

The Greyjoy family continues to grow with the expanding cast of HBO's "Game of Thrones," as British actor Patrick Malahide will play Lord Balon Greyjoy.

Patrick Malahide

Balon, who rules over the Iron Islands, is father to Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) and season two newcomer Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan, "The Wolfman").

Malahide's credits include "Brideshead Revisited" and "Quills," as well as a recent stint on "Law & Order: UK."

Malahide joins other season two additions Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

It was recently announced season two will be filmed in Croatia and Iceland as well as Belfast.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association and also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

'Ouija' joins Universal's board game scrap heap

It's been three weeks since Universal dropped its plans to adapt the board game Clue into a feature film, and now it appears the studio is boxing up its Ouija adaptation as well.

Ouija is the latest project to be scrapped.

Vulture is reporting the studio has put the project, which features producer Michael Bay ("Transformers") and director McG ("Charlie's Angels," "Terminator Salvation"), in turnaround.

According to the report, Ouija was part of a gigantic deal between Universal and Hasbro to develop up to six films based on the toy company's products, including Candy Land, Stretch Armstrong, Battleship and Clue.

Earlier this month, Universal dropped the Clue adaptation, although director Gore Verbinski remains on the project, which he is also set to produce. It hasn't been a good month for Verbinski, with Disney pulling the plug on his Lone Ranger project as well.

As for Ouija, McG is expected to shop the project around to other studios to find a new home.

Meanwhile, Vulture reports Universal is continuing to develop Candyland and Stretch Armstrong. "Battleship" is set for release next year, with the first teaser trailer hitting the web last week.

First teaser of 'The Hunger Games' to debut during MTV VMAs

Fans of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" will get their first taste of Lionsgate's film adaptation Sunday evening when lead actress Jennifer Lawrence unveils a clip during MTV VMAs telecast.

The film will debut March 23, 2012.

"The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.

Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men: First Class") plays Katniss Everdeen, who along with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") are forced to enter a battle to the death with teenagers from the 12 districts of Panem.

The cast also includes Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic") Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

'Game of Thrones' season two will film in Croatia, Iceland

With its cast blossoming, the second season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" is expanding the scope of its settings as well.

The novel was published in 1998.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that while the production will still be headquartered in Belfast, North Ireland, filming will expand to Croatia and Iceland. Season one's filming locations included Malta.

Season two will follow the second novel in George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, "A Clash of Kings." According to the report, Croatia will serve for the Eastern lands through which Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) travels, while Iceland will be home to Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and the rest of the Night's Watch as they travel north of the Wall.

While the series already boasted a large cast, season two adds Michael McElhatton ("Fifty Dead Men Walking") as Roose Bolton, Robert Pugh ("Robin Hood," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") as Craster, Hannah Murray (the U.K. "Skins") as Gilly, Roy Dotrice ("Amadeus," "Beauty and the Beast") as Pyromancer Hallyne, Tom Wlaschiha ("Enemy at the Gates") as Jaqen H'gar, Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association. It also picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The Emmys will be announced Sunday, Sept. 18.

Wachowskis, Tom Tykwer to start 'Cloud Atlas' next month

It's been three years since the Wachowski siblings' "Speed Racer" crashed and burned at the box office, but now they are ready to start filming their latest project "Cloud Atlas" next month with co-director Tom Tykwer.

"Cloud Atlas" was published in 2004.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the trio will begin filming at Germany's Studio Babelsberg in mid-September.

Based on the novel by David Mitchell, the movie will tell six stories in different times and places, ranging from 19th century Australia to post-apocalyptic Hawaii. The novel was originally published in 2004.

The film is set to star Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon and Jim Broadbent.

According to the report, Andy and Lana Wachowski ("The Matrix") and Tykwer ("Run Lola Run," "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer") will be filming simultaneously with the former handling the more futuristic settings while the latter shoots the period stories.

The Reporter quoted X Filme rep Stefan Ardnt, who said the production budget will be less than than the $100 million to $120 million previous reported.

'The Help' helps itself to the weekend box office crown

For the second week in a row, a bevy of newcomers crashed and burned at the U.S. box office, while last week's number two film, "The Help," rose to the top, continuing its impressive run.

"The Help" earned $16.3 million.

"The Help" scored $16.3 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates, falling only 21.4 percent from its debut, for a total of $71.8 million over 12 days. Made for a reported $25 million, the film has been of the few success stories of the late summer season.

Meanwhile, last week's number one film, "The Rise of the Planet of the Apes," swapped positions with "The Help," finishing its third weekend with $16.3 million for a total of $133 million.

Unfortunately for their rivals, "Rise" and "The Help" have been the only August releases to find any success at the box office.

Of the four new films to debut this weekend, "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" fared the best with $12 million on a budget of $27 million. The fourth film in director Robert Rodriguez's children's series arrived eight years after the last installment and opened to little more than a third of what 2003's "Spy Kids 3D: Game Over" did. The long wait in between movies forced the introduction of new spy kids, while the earlier films' original audience is now either in high school or college.

The remake "Conan the Barbarian" likewise failed to find its original's audience, looting a paltry $10 million from the box office. The film had the largest budget--$90 million--of the weekend debuts, and therefore the most to prove and the most the lose.

"Fright Night," another 1980s remake, did little better, scoring only $7.9 million but with one third the budget.

Rounding out the newcomers, the romantic drama "One Day" barely make it into the weekend's top 10 with $5.1 million. It's budget is reported to be $15 million.

Among the rest, "The Smurfs" continued to produce strong returns, drawing $8 million in its fourth weekend for a total of $117 million. Last weekend's other movies--"Final Destination 5" and "30 Minutes or Less"--both dropped more than 50 percent after failing to impress during their debuts.

The weekend's top 10 films were as follows:

1. "The Help," $20,479,000 (Total: $71.8 million)
2. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $16,300,000 (Total: $133.7 million)
3. "Sky Kids: All the Time in the World," $12,020,000 (New)
4. "Conan the Barbarian." $10,000,000 (New)
5. "The Smurfs," $8,000,000 (Total: $117.7 million)
6. "Fright Night," $7,900,000 (New)
7. "Final Destination 5," $18,400,000 ($32.3 million)
8. "30 Minutes or Less," $6,300,000 ($25.7 million)
9. "One Day," $5,128,000 (New)
10. "Crazy, Stupid, Love," $4,950,000 (Total: $64.4 million)

Pixar announced two new films for 2013 and 2014

At Disney's D23 Expo held this weekend in Anaheim, Calif., the studio announced two new Pixar films slated for release in late 2013 and the summer of 2014.

Bob Peterson

The first, which will be directed by Bob Peterson and produced by John Walker, supposes what the world would be like today if the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs hadn't hit the Earth, allowing them to live on and evolve.

The as-yet-untitled film is set for release on Nov. 27, 2013.

Peterson was co-director on the Academy Award-winning "Up," for which he also had story and screenplay credits, as well as voicing the talking dog Dug. He has a long history with Pixar, having served as story artist for "A Bug's Life" and "Toy Story 2," and also worked on the original "Toy Story."

The second untitled Pixar film announced at D23 will explore "a place that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen: the world inside the human mind." Directed by Pete Docter and produced by Jonas Rivera, the movie will be released May 30, 2014. It has been previously reported that Pixar was eying a May 2014 date for a future Pixar release, and it would seem this is it.

Pete Docter

Docter has had his hand in almost every Pixar project, directing "Up" and "Monsters, Inc.," and receiving story credit on "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc.," "WALL·E" and "Up."

The newly announced films will follow fellow forthcoming Pixar projects "Brave" (June 22, 2012) and Monsters University (June 21, 2013), a prequel to 2011's "Monsters, Inc."

Until this summer's "Cars 2," Pixar has enjoyed an almost unbroken string of critical and box office successes. Despite the bump in the road, the studio's track record proves it should be able to easily get back on track.

'WarGames' remake will be penned by Noah Oppenheim

Pretty soon, the number of movies from the 1980s which have not been remade by Hollywood will be less than those that have.

The original was released in 1983.

MGM has announced writer Noah Oppenheim to pen the screenplay for its remake of 1983's "WarGames," according to Deadline.

As a television producer, Oppenheim has worked on "Hardball with Chris Matthews," "Today" and "The Buried Life." He has written several films, including "Jackie," which will be directed by Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), but none have made it to screen yet.

In the original "WarGames," two hackers (Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy) break into an advanced military computer, unwittingly putting the world on the brink of nuclear war. A direct-to-video sequel--and I use the word loosely--was released in 2008.

MGM announced in June it had attached "Horrible Bosses" director Seth Gordon to the remake.

Bruce Willis signs up for 'G.I. Joe 2'

According to "G.I. Joe 2" star Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis has official joined the sequel.

Bruce Willis

Johnson tweeted about his new co-star Saturday afternoon, posting, "Welcome brother Bruce Willis to the cast of GI Joe! What an honor." (Hat tip to Comingsoon.net for the link.)

It was first reported Wednesday that Willis was in talks to star in the project as General Joe Colton, a character who never appeared in the 1980s animated series but did show up periodically in the various comic book incarnations, having been the original "G.I. Joe," appointed by President John F. Kennedy to create an "ultimate freedom fighting force."

Johnson is on board as the G.I. Joe Roadblock.

It was also recently announced that 20th Century Fox is moving forward with a fifth installment in the "Die Hard" franchise with Willis on board as John McClane.

Willis joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow), along with newcomers Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jane), D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx), Ray Stevenson (Firefly), Walton Goggins (Warden Nigel James).

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and is set for a June 29, 2012, release date.

Pheonix Pictures to adapt Ray Bradbury's 'Dandelion Way"

Acclaimed author Ray Bradbury is partnering with Phoenix Pictures to adapt his 1957 auto-biographical novel "Dandelion Wine" into a feature film.

The book was published in 1957.

Mike Medavoy and Doug McKay, vice-president of production at Phoenix Pictures, have teamed up with Bradbury, RGI Productions’ Rodion Nahapetov--who is penning the screenplay--and producer Natasha Shliapnikoff to produce the adaptation.

Bradbury, who turns 91 on Monday remarked, “This is the best birthday gift I could ask for. Today, I have been reborn! ‘Dandelion Wine’ is my most deeply personal work and brings back memories of sheer joy as well as terror. This is the story of me as a young boy and the magic of an unforgettable summer which still holds a mystical power over me.”

“I was deeply honored when Ray Bradbury chose me to write the screenplay adaptation for his novel ‘Dandelion Wine,’" Nahapetov  said. "When I began my studies at the Cinema Institute in Moscow, many foreign books were banned in Soviet Russia. Still, I decided to make my short film based upon “Dandelion Wine” because this novel represented to me the childhood I never had. My childhood had been stolen by the ravages and destruction of post World War II Russia and 'Dandelion Wine' restored it back for me.”

Downeys partnering to tell U.S.S. Indianapolis story

Anyone who has seen "Jaws" remembers the harrowing tale the hardened Quint tells of the fate of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, which went down in the Pacific in the waning days of World War II, leaving its men to fend for themselves during five days on the open sea while they were harried by countless sharks.

Robert Downey Jr.

One such "Jaws" fan was Hunter Scott, who was 11 years old in 1996 when he decided to make the Indianapolis the subject of his National History Day project. It eventually led him to begin a campaign to clear the name of the Indianapolis' captain, Charles McVay, a journey which would take him to the halls of Congress.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros., along with Robert and Susan Downey, are partnering to tell Scott's story.

Robert Schenkkan ("The Pacific," "The Quiet American") is attached to write the screenplay.

Ridley Scott returning to 'Blade Runner'

Director Ridley Scoot looks to continue his trip down memory lane with the announcement today he is set to helm a follow up to his own ground-breaking 1982 science fiction classic “Blade Runner” for Warner Bros-based financing and production company Alcon Entertainment (“The Blind Side,” “The Book of Eli”).

The original film was released in 1982.

According to a release from the studio, Alcon co-founders and co-chief executive officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce with Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, along with Scott. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEOs of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.

The filmmakers have not yet revealed whether the theatrical project will be a prequel or sequel to the renowned original. There is also no word whether Harrison Ford, who played Richard Deckard in the original, will be involved with the new project.

Scott's "Prometheus" is currently in post-production. The film, starring Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Patrick Wilson, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce and Noomi Rapace, was originally going to be a prequel to Scott's "Alien," but "Lost" writer Damon Lindelof came on board offering a fresh take and the project went into a different direction. According to reports, the film will still contain some ties to the "Alien" universe, but is now considered an original work.

Can Gore Verbinski justify a $250 million western?

Disney has pulled the plug on director Gore Verbinski's $250 million "The Lone Ranger" and is demanding tens of millions of dollars in budget cuts.

"At World's End" grossed $963 million.

Based solely on Verbinski's record with Disney's "Pirate of the Caribbean" franchise, one might wonder why Disney is so worried. Didn't the first three films directed by Verbinski gross a combined $2.6 billion?

And don't forget that actor Johnny Depp is set to star as the Lone Ranger's companion Tonto. Depp's last two films with Disney--"Alice in Wonderland" in 2010 and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" this year--each grossed more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

Looking at the ever-increasing budgets of the first three "Pirates" films--$140 million, $225 million and $300 million--it's understandable that the studio might be concerned with another $250 million project. And since Depp isn't portraying the lead character here, perhaps his star power may not provide quite the bang (no actor has been named to play the Lone Ranger).

Mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer is also attached, as he has been with all four "Pirates" films. But he also helped deliver two less-than-stellar box office results to Disney last summer with "Prince of Persia" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

In the end, however, the decision to take a step back--and perhaps cut their losses altogether--has nothing to do with Verbinski, Depp or Bruckheimer. It has everything to do with the fact that "The Lone Ranger" is a western.

Gore Verbinski trims 'The Lone Ranger' budget, but still millions above Disney's goal

Director Gore Verbinski is trying to salvage his big-budgeted "Lone Ranger" project after Disney pulled the plug Friday.

Johnny Depp

Featuring actor Johnny Depp ("Alice in Wonderland') as the Lone Ranger's companion Tonto and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the project's reported $250 budget million led the studio to halt production.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has reportedly given Verbinski a week to retool the script and cut at least $30 million from the budget. Citing a source, the report states Verbinski has the budget down to around $242 million with the director and Bruckheimer giving up $10 million in fees.

Unfortunately for the future of the project, that seems like the bulk of the cuts Verbinski is willing to make.

Big-budget westerns have not fared well, with last month's "Cowboys & Aliens," a western/sci-fi mash-up, bringing in only $84 million domestically to date on a budget of $163 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

With neither side looking like it's going to blink, the future of the project looks very much in doubt at this point. "The Lone Ranger" had been set for a Dec. 21, 2012, release.

Rosamund Pike gets her 'One Shot' at Tom Cruise

Paramount's shortlist of actresses to star with Tom Cruise in the adaptation the Jack Reacher novel "One Shot" has been reduced to one: Rosamund Pike.

Rosamund Pike

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pike ("Made in Dagenham," "Die Another Day") beat out Hayley Atwell ("Captain America: The First Avenger," "The Duchess") and Alexa Davalos ("Clash of the Titans," "The Chronicles of Riddick") for the role, which is described as "a tough lawyer and daughter of the district attorney."

"One Shot" is one of 15 Lee Child novels featuring Jack Reacher, a drifting former military police officer traveling the country and getting involved in a variety of adventures. Cruise is physically nothing like the character of  Reacher, who is described as 6'5", 220 to 250 and having dirty blond hair.

Reacher first appeared in 1997's "Killing Floor." "One Shot" is his ninth book, published in 2005.

In "One Shot," Reacher investigates a case involving a sniper accused of killing five people. He quickly realizes this isn't the open and shut case everyone else is making it out to be.

Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct the adaptation. Although his only directing credit to date is 2000's "The Way of the Gun," his writing resume includes "The Usual Suspects," "Valkyrie" (which starred Cruise) and the forthcoming "Jack the Giant Killer.

Ron Howard shopping 'The Dark Tower' to find new backers

The journey to Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" maybe not be over quite yet, but Universal Picture's decision not to move forward with ambitious project has delayed the adaptation by at least a year.

The project may not be dead after all.

Producer Brian Grazer spoke with The New York Post's Page Six, saying Ron Howard is now "trying to get outside financing to make it, and distribute it through a major [studio]."

Howard and Grazer had planned their adaptation of King's seven-novel series as three movies combined with a pair of television series to tell the story of Roland Deschain's journey to the titular tower. At one point, Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men") was in talks to star as Roland.

In July, however, Universal passed on the project, willing only to commit to the first film after receiving scripts from Akiva Goldsman ("I Am Legend," "A Beautiful Mind") for the film and television series. This wasn't good enough for Howard and Glazer and the deal fell through.

According to Page Six, Glazer said they plan to still pursue a television component to the adaptation, but no longer with Universal's NBC. Instead they are looking to other networks or perhaps Netflix to bring "The Dark Tower" to the screen.

The delay, however, means Ron is moving forward with "Rush," about Formula One racer Niki Lauda, and Grazer is working on "J. Edgar," which stars Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The soonest we could do ["The Dark Tower"] would be June next year," Grazer told Page Six.

Jennifer Lawrence will sing for 'The Hunger Games' soundtrack

Jennifer Lawrence (left) will be featured on "The Hunger Games" soundtrack.

"The Hunger Games" star Jennifer Lawrence will be featured on the film's soundtrack with a recording of "Rue's Lullaby."

According to MTV, music producer and co-composer T-Bone Burnett revealed the news last night and Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, has already been in the studio to record the track.

Fans of the books will know what the context of the song, but everyone else will have to wait until March 23, 2012, when the adaptation hits theaters.

Earlier this month, Lionsgate along with Universal Republic announced a partnership on the soundtrack, which they said will not only include music being recorded by major artists for inclusion in the film, but a series of companion recordings that will feature new songs directly influenced by the themes and subject matter of "The Hunger Games," recorded by "some of music's most successful and acclaimed artists."
Burnett is collaborating with composer Danny Elfman on the film's score, which will also be released by Universal Republic.

Based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, "The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play").

Signed 'Game of Thrones' scripts 'stolen' en route to author George R.R. Martin

"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin is claiming two autographed scripts from the Emmy-nominated HBO series based on his works have been stolen en route to him for a charity auction.

George R.R. Martin

Martin made an online blog post about the theft over the weekend, warning fans to be cautious if they see any scripts up for sale or auction in the future.

According to Martin, he was prepare a number of items for a charity auction at this week's Worldcon in Reno, Nev.

"We had hoped to bring a couple of signed scripts from the first season of the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' with us, and the good folks in Belfast were kind enough to donate them. Dan Weiss sent them across the pond (registered and priority, signature required)," Martin said.

Walton Goggins is the latest to sign-up for 'G.I. Joe 2"

Enlistment continues for the "G.I. Joe" sequel, with "Justified" actor Walton Goggins the latest to join the ranks.

Walton Goggin

According to Variety, Goggins will play Warden Nigel James, although few details are known about the character other than he is apparently original to the film.

Goggins was nominated for Oustanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series by this years' Emmy Awards for his work as Boyd Crowder in FX's "Justified." His resume also includes "The Shield" as well as the films "Cowboys & Aliens" and "Predators."

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and is set for a June 29, 2012, release date.

Goggins joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow), along with newcomers Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jane), D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx), Ray Stevenson (Firefly) and Dwayne Johnson (Roadblock).

Bruce Willis ("Die Hard") is also in talks to star as General Joe Colton, the original "G.I. Joe," appointed by President John F. Kennedy to create an "ultimate freedom fighting force."

Bradley Cooper flying away from 'The Crow'

Relativity Media's remake of "The Crows" has hit another snag with star Bradley Cooper ("Limitless") flying the coop.

Bradley Cooper

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cooper, who joined the project in June, is leaving due to scheduling conflicts. The actor is instead set to film "Paradise Lost" in early 2012.

The Reporter continued that actors Channing Tatum ("G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra") and Mark Wahlberg ("The Departed") are possible replacements.

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo ("28 Weeks Later"), "The Crow" adaptation will be a "gritty reboot of the gothic iconic character Eric Draven, who returns from the grave as The Crow on a mission to avenge his wife’s murder, so that his soul can finally rest."

Screenwriter Alex Tse ("Watchmen") is also attached.

Even before Cooper was confirmed back in June, the project had sparked a back-and-forth round of litigation between Relativity and The Weinstein Company.

Relativity and Edward R. Pressman Film Corporation will be teaming with Spain-based Apaches Entertainment on the production. "The Crow" is being produced by Edward R. Pressman, Jeff Most, Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, and Apaches’ Enrique López Lavigne and Belén Atienza. Relativity’s Tucker Tooley ("The Fighter") and Apaches’ Jesus de la Vega will serve as executive producers. José Ibáñez and Pressman Film Corporation’s Jon Katz will serve as co-producers.

'Silence of the Lambs' director Jonathan Demme to adapt Stephen King's '11/22/63'

Stephen King is in high demand these days, unless of course you're Universal Pictures.

The novel will be release Nov. 8.

On the heels of the news that "Harry Potter" director David Yates and scribe Steve Kloves are in talks for a multi-film adaptation of "The Stand" and A&E is producing a mini-series based on the author's "Bag of Bones," director Jonathan Demme has picked up the movie rights to "11/22/63," King's latest and as-yet-unreleased novel.

Demme won the 1992 Academy Award for directing "The Silence of the Lambs." His resume also includes "Philadelphia," which earned actor Tom Hanks his first Academy Award win, as well as "Married to the Mob" and "Swimming to Cambodia."

According to Deadline, Demme is set to write, produce and director the adaptation of "11/22/63," which follows a teacher who travels back in  time to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The novel will be released Nov. 8.

King's website includes the follow summary:

Jake Epping is a 35-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students--a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane--and insanely possible--mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life--a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

AMC's 'Breaking Bad' renewed for a final 16 episodes

 'Breaking Bad' will conclude its run on AMC after last-minute deal struck.

AMC announced today that “Breaking Bad,” the Emmy Award-winning and critically lauded drama series from Vince Gilligan has been renewed for a 16 episode order that will conclude the series.

Production on all episodes of the final order will commence in early 2012. The roll-out of the episodes and premiere date schedule has yet to be determined by the network. The announcement was made by Charlie Collier, president of AMC.

Negotiations between Gilligan and AMC have been long, testy and public as the two sides worked to find a way to keep the series on the network. Recently, talk had started that the series may move to another network if a deal couldn't be struck before the license deal ended Monday.

“Breaking Bad’s” fourth season premiered on Sunday, July 18, to the highest ratings ever for the series.  Household ratings are 30 percent stronger than season three and season four is delivering 28 percent more total viewers and over 45 percent more adults 18-34 than last season, AMC said in the release announcing the new deal.

'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' rules box office for a second weekend

The apes continued their conquest of the domestic box office this weekend, with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" remaining on top for the second straight week, according to studio estimates.

The film earned $27.5 million.

The reboot raised $27.5 million over the weekend, crossing the $100 million mark on Sunday. Made on a budget of $97 million, the film has earned $179 million worldwide after 10 days in theaters. Its writers recently said in an interview that they envision a trilogy, and with numbers like these, their dream may become reality.

Finishing in a strong second was newcomer "The Help," based on the best-selling novel from author Kathryn Stockett. Starting off strong on Wednesday, the film maintained its momentum through Sunday, finishing with $25.5 million for the weekend and $34.4 million over five days.

The news wasn't nearly as good for the other three films making their debuts. "Final Destination 5" had to settle for third place with $18.4 million, well short of last year's "The Final Destination," which opened with $27.4 million. It was the first film in the franchise to not build on its predecessor's opening and the smallest opening since "Final Destination 2" debuted with $16 million in 2003. Perhaps death has finally come to claim its last victim.

"30 Minutes or Less," which saw director Ruben Fleischer re-team with his "Zombieland' star Jesse Eisenberg for another edgy comedy, didn't live up to expectations, with "30 Minutes or Less" earning only $13 million, short of "Zombieland, which debuted with $24.7 million and went on to earn $75.5 million.

Even worse was "Glee The 3D Concert Movie," the documentary chronicling the world tour featuring the cast of Fox's hit musical series. The film failed to crack the top ten, grossing $5.7 million over the weekend. The saving grace for the documentary is that it was reportedly made for a low budget of less than $10 million.

The weekend's top 10 were as follows:

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $27,500,000 (Total: $104.9 million)
2. "The Help," $25,525,000 (Total: $34.4 million)
3. "Final Destination 5," $18,400,000 (New)
4. "The Smurfs," $13,500,000 (Total: $101.5 million)
5. "30 Minutes or Less," $13,000,000 (New)
6. "Cowboys & Aliens," $7,613,000 (Total: $84.5 million)
7. "Captain America: The First Avenger," $7,125,000 (Total: $156.9 million)
8. "Crazy, Stupid, Love," $6,930,000 (Total: $55.4 million)
9. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," $6,875,000 (Total: $357 million)
10. "The Change-Up," $6,219,000 (Total: $25.8 million)

11. "Glee The 3D Concert Movie," $5,700,000 (New)

Atwell, Davalos and Pike may take 'One Shot' at Tom Cruise

Hayley Atwell

Paramount has shortlisted the actresses in contention to be Tom Cruise's leading lady in the adaptation of Jack Reacher novel "One Shot."

 According to Heat Vision, the actresses in the running are Hayley Atwell ("Captain America: The First Avenger," "The Duchess"), Alexa Davalos ("Clash of the Titans," "The Chronicles of Riddick") and Rosamund Pike ("Made in Dagenham," "Die Another Day"). The role is "a tough lawyer and daughter of the district attorney."

Rosamund Pike

"One Shot" is one of 15 Lee Child novels featuring Jack Reacher, a drifting former military police officer traveling the country and getting involved in a variety of adventures. Cruise is physically nothing like the character of  Reacher, who is described as 6'5", 220 to 250 and having dirty blond hair.

Reacher first appeared in 1997's "Killing Floor." "One Shot" is his ninth book, published in 2005.

Alexa Davalos

In "One Shot," Reacher investigates a case involving a sniper accused of killing five people. He quickly realizes this isn't the open and shut case everyone else is making it out to be.

 Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct the adaptation. Although his only directing credit to date is 2000's "The Way of the Gun," his writing resume includes "The Usual Suspects," "Valkyrie" (which starred Cruise) and the forthcoming "Jack the Giant Killer."