Want to be an undead walk-on in 'Resident Evil: Retribution'?

Sony Pictures has issued the following press release concerning a fan-contest/casting call for the forthcoming "Resident Evil: Retribution," which just recently began production.

Think you've got what it takes to be part of Screen Gems' new Resident Evil movie? If you're a fan of the previous films based on Capcom's videogame Resident Evil, and can play an age between 18 and 34, you just might be considered for a walk-on part in the upcoming movie through Sony Pictures Entertainment's Face of the Fan® program, which has launched a casting call for the fifth installment of the film franchise. A Constantin Film International GmbH and Davis Films/Impact Pictures (RE5) Production, the movie is written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and also produced by Anderson and his Impact Pictures producing partner Jeremy Bolt, together with Robert Kulzer of Constantin Film, Don Carmody, and Davis Films' Samuel Hadida. Constantin Film's Martin Moszkowicz and Davis Films' Victor Hadida are executive producing.

Do you want to be undead?

Users nationwide can participate in this casting call, which is open to men and women, by visiting www.FaceOfTheFan.com and submitting audition materials for the role of an undead. The audition requires the user to provide contact information, a headshot photo, and a video (1 minute or less) of the participant stating why he/she is the biggest Resident Evil movie fan and acting out a dialogue line from any previous film in the franchise: Resident Evil: Afterlife, Resident Evil: Extinction, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, or Resident Evil. The audition submission process will end on Monday, October 3. All submissions will be reviewed and one person could be considered for a walk-on role in the film.

Face of the Fan® launched in November 2010 and has since done casting calls for several Screen Gems' properties. People from across the country can visit the website, download select materials to rehearse, and then upload their audition videos and other elements for submission. Submitted videos are then reviewed by a panel of studio and production executives and select participants are considered by casting agents for possible future roles. The concept for Face of the Fan® builds on several past initiatives from Sony Pictures, in which uber-fans were chosen to participate in various marketing-related activities. Whether meeting talent on the red carpet, interviewing them at Comic-Con, or becoming guest correspondents covering the movies, these programs allowed the winning fans to get close to actors and filmmakers like never before and share their experiences online with their friends, family, and other fans.

'The Lion King' re-release rules the box office

Seventeen years after Disney's "The Lion King" first hit theaters, the 3-D re-release managed to earn more than the other three films making their first debut this past weekend...combined.

"The Lion King" earned $30.1 million.

"Lion King" grabbed $30.1 million over the weekend, good enough for the fourth highest September opening in history and more than any movie has earned since the first weekend of August, when "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" earned $54 million in its debut.

Of course, the re-release benefited from the premium prices which go along with 3-D, but there's no denying "The Lion King" ruled the box office this weekend.

Last week's box office champ, "Contagion," fell to second place with $14.5 million and a two-week total of $44.2 million.

The critically praised "Drive" fared the best of the (true) newcomers with $11.4 million. "The Help" continues its strong--and lengthy--run at the box office, cleaning up another $6.5 million in its sixth week in theaters for a total of $147.4 million.

The "Straw Dogs" remake couldn't sniff out an audience, earning only $5.1 million for the weekend, figuring out to a paltry $2,128 per theater. Faring even worse was the Sarah Jessica Parker-starring "I Don't Know How She Does It," which earned only $4.4 million with an extra 68 theaters compared to "Straw Dogs."

"The Debt" followed with $2.9 million in its third weekend, while "Warrior" drew in $2.8 million in its second. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" ($2.6 million) and "Columbiana" ($2.3 million) rounded out the top 10.

The top ten grosses of the weekend (based on actual returns released today) were:

1. "The Lion King," $30,151,614 (New)
2. "Contagion," $14,548,433 ($44.2 million) 
3. "Drive," $11,340,461 (New) 
4. "The Help," $6,513,039 (Total: $147.4 million)
5. "Straw Dogs," $5,123,760 (New) 
6. "I Don't Know How She Does It," $4,402,201 (New)
7. "The Debt," $2,942,631 (Total: $26.5 million)
8. "Warrior," $2,860,325 ($10 million) 
9. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $2,658,131 (Total: $171.6 million)
10. "Colombiana," $2,330,291 ($33.3 million)

Third 'Riddick' seeking a 2012 release date?

"The Final Stand of Riddick"

The third "Riddick" film could be out as early next year, according to the latest from star Vin Diesel.

The actor provided fans with the update via his Facebook page, also providing another piece of concept art, entitled "The Last Stand of Riddick."

"Concept art and Key frames allow a production to explore possibilities before actually committing to film, Diesel posted. "The road to the 'R' rating, that so many of you were vocal about, has been a long one. The advantage however, (never empower the negatives) was that we were allowed a really extensive preproduction. The art work is so good, the artists have really outdone themselves in illustrating this world at it's early stage.

"When this film comes to the screen... know that you willed it into being!" he added.

"I got two meetings today that I have been prepping for... one with the Director and another one with the head of the studio to discuss casting and the 2012 release date. Like always, I appreciate having your voice present in these meetings."

'The Hunger Games' wraps principal photography

Lionsgate announced Thursday the close of principal photography on the highly anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel "The Hunger Games."

It will be released March 23, 2012.

Lionsgate will release "The Hunger Games" on March 23, 2012. The film is the first in a series that Lionsgate is making based on the book trilogy that has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Filmed entirely in North Carolina, the locations spanned from a dense forest in which the arena that hosts the games themselves was created to a town that stood in for Katniss' home, District 12, to a sound stage that was the platform for the fantastical sights and sounds of The Capitol, the futuristic capital city of the nation of Panem. Principal photography on the 84 day production began on May 23.

The film pairs Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men First Class") with Josh Hutcherson ("The Kids are Alright") and Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song") in the key young adult roles. Rounding out the cast is a who's who of acclaimed adult actors: Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley and Toby Jones.

"It has been an absolute thrill watching 'The Hunger Games,' a project that has truly become part of Lionsgate's DNA since our acquisition of the book in 2009, come to life. What I observed on set was impressive on every level, and reinforced my confidence that we have assembled precisely the right team to bring Suzanne Collins' brilliant novel to the big screen," said Joe Drake, Lionsgate's co-COO and motion picture group president.

J.J. Abrams directing 'Star Trek 2'

It was only a matter of time, although admittedly it took quite a bit more time than expected. J.J. Abrams has been confirmed as the director of "Star Trek 2."

The first film was released in 2009.

Abrams has been working on the script for the sequel with co-writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof since finishing the promotional tour for "Super 8."

"Star Trek 2" had been scheduled for a June 29, 2012, release but lost it to another sequel, "G.I. Joe 2." A new release date has not been revealed.

Vulture first broke the news, stating that according to sources pre-production is underway and the script will be complete by the end of September.

The first film, released May 8, 2009, grossed $257 million domestically and $385 million worldwide.

Boris Kodjoe returning for 'Resident Evil: Retribution'

Another day, and another actor Tweeting about his involvement in "Resident Evil: Retribution."

Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe, who played Luther West in "Afterlife" will be back for the forthcoming film, which is in production now.

"Ok, Resident Evil fans. @MillaJovovich and myself are up here in Toronto getting ready for RE5 More action than ever!!!" he posted Tuesday.

In addition to "Afterlife," Kodjoe starred in "Surrogates" and the short-lived television series "Undercovers."

He joins Colin Salmon, who also recently announced he was returning to the world of "Resident Evil." Salmon played the commando One in the first film and subsequently posted that he couldn't elaborate on how his character will be back, because "it's intrinsic to the plot."

Hugh Grant joins Wachowski's 'Cloud Atlas'

Actor Hugh Grant has joined the Wachowski's adaptation of "Cloud Atlas," which will begin filming Friday.

Hugh Grant

According to Screen Daily, filming will take place in Glasgow, Spain and Germany. It was reported last month that co-directors Andy and Lana Wachowski ("The Matrix") and Tom 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.

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.

Grant joins Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon and Jim Broadbent.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to direct 'Highlander' remake

There can be only one? Apparently not.

"Highlander" debuted in 1986.

Summit Entertainment has announced it has signed direct Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to helm its remake of "Highlander."

Fresnadillo wrote and directed "28 Weeks Later," the sequel to the popular "28 Days Later." He is also attached to the litigation-plagued "The Crow" remake for Relativity Media.

"Highlander" hit theaters in 1986, featuring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, an immortal who must battle against other like himself only one remains. Immortals can only be killed by decapitation.

The film spawned three sequels and a television series, which followed Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod. The series had its own spin-off and feature film.

The remake is based on a script from Art Marcum and Matt Holloway ("Iron Man," "Punisher: War Zone").

This is one of those remakes that immediately falls into the "why?" file. Sure the sequels never lived up to the first film, but "Highlander" is a classic and remains a staple of pop culture 25 years after its debut.

Colin Salmon returning to 'Resident Evil'

Actor Colin Salmon is returning to the world of "Resident Evil," after he played the commando One in the first film.

Colin Salmon

Salmon posted on his Twitter account Saturday, stating, "Confirmed I will be shooting new Resident Evil movie. Paul Anderson has written an amazing script."

It seems almost of the new concerning "Resident Evil: Retribution" is coming from Twitter these days, with lead actress Milla Jovovich giving almost daily updates on the production.

As for Salmon's role in "Retribution," little is known at the moment considering his character One was left in more than a few pieces in the first film.

In addition to "Resident Evil," Salmon has starred in "AVP: Alien vs. Predator," which was also directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, as well as "Tomorrow Never Dies," "The World is Not Enough" and "Punisher: War Zone."

No Felix Leiter in 'Bond 23'?

Comingsoon.net is reporting that actor Jeffrey Wright has not yet been contacted about reprising his role of CIA agent Felix Leiter in the forthcoming "Bond 23."

Jeffrey Wright

Wright played Leiter in both "Casino Royale" in 2006 and "Quantum of Solace" in 2008.

According to the report, Wright told Comingsoon at the Toronto International Film Festival that the character may still be mentioned in the new film.

"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 "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace."

Wright is the seventh actor to portray Leiter in the official bond films, following Jack Lord, Cec Linder, Rik Van Nutter, Norman Burton, David Hedison and John Terry.

'Contagion' sweeps through the weekend box office

"Contagion" infected the box office this weekend, producing the largest box office gross in a month to take the number one spot.

"Contagion" grossed $23.1 million.

The Steven Soderbergh-directed ensemble thriller earned an estimated $23.1 million in its debut weekend, the largest three-day total since the weekend of Aug. 12, during which "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" earned $27.5 million in its second week.

Since that time, there have been significantly more box office failures than successes, with the lone bright spot being "The Help," which dropped to number two this weekend after three straight weeks in the top spot. The film earned $8.7 million in its fifth week in theaters for a total of $137 million.

The mix-martial arts drama "Warrior" didn't have much of a punch, earning $5.6 million in its debut weekend, the only other newcomer to make it into the top 10.

Last week's number two film, "The Debt," fell to number four with $4.9 million and a total of $21 million.

"Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star," the other wide release of the weekend, utterly failed to shine, finishing with $1.4 million in 15th place. It's notable that the limited release "Laugh at My Pain" outdrew "Bucky Larson" with $2 million in only 97 theaters compared to the latter's 1,977

The weekend's top 10 grossing films according to studio estimates were: 

1. "Contagion," $23,135,000 (New)
2. "The Help," $8,691,000 (Total: $137 million)
3. "Warrior," $5,607,000 (New) 
4. "The Debt," $4,905,000 (Total: $21.9 million)
5. "Colombiana," $4,000,000 ($29.7 million)
6. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $3,875,000 (Total: $167.8 million) 
7. "Shark Night 3D," $3,533,000 ($14.8 million)  
8. "Apollo 18," $2,913,000 ($15 million)
9. "Our Idiot Brother," $2,761,000 ($21.4 million)
10. "Sky Kids: All the Time in the World," $2,506,000 ($34.2 million)

'Coraline' studio Laika to adapt Colin Meloy's 'Wildwood'

Animation studio Laika, which produced "Coraline," has optioned "Wildwood," the debut HarperCollins children’s novel written by Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter for The Decemberists, with illustrations by award-winning artist Carson Ellis.

"Wildwood" was published on Aug. 30.

The announcement was made Thursday by LaikaPresident and CEO Travis Knight.

“Wildwood is a marvel, an exquisite, staggering and lyrical work of art,” Knight said. “It’s an uncannily perfect fit for Laika, commingling the time-honored qualities of classic fantasies and fairy tales with a bold, contemporary sensibility. Colin’s captivating, melodic prose and Carson’s gorgeous, spellbinding illustrations form a rich bounty of ideas, language and imagery. Wildwood is a wonderful work of literature, and Laika is fully committed to honoring it with an exceptional, groundbreaking film.”

"Wildwood," the first book in a middle-grade fantasy series full of magic, wonder and danger set in an alternate version of modern-day Portland, tells the story of Prue McKeel, whose ordinary life is changed forever when her younger brother is abducted by a murder of crows and taken to the Impassable Wilderness, an enchanted and forbidding forest on the edge of the city.

Alcon Entertainment in talks to produce David Twohy's 'Leonardo Job'

"Pitch Black" director David Twohy is in talks to develop "The Leonardo Job" for Alcon Entertainment.

David Twohy

The deal comes together, Twohy will direct the project based on his own screenplay.

According to The Wrap, "The Leonardo Job" is "a heist movie about the theft of a 'lost' Leonardo da Vinci painting. The story is about two rival thieves who travel to Florence to find the painting. They use both high-tech methods and old fashioned tricks to prove the painting exists and find it. Ultimately, they have to work together when they learn that they're not the only ones looking for the painting."

In addition  to "Pitch Black," "The Chronicles of Riddick" and the forthcoming third film in the franchise, Twohy wrote the screenplays for "G.I. Jane," "A Perfect Getaway" and "Waterworld."

Production underway for 'Resident Evil: Retribution'

Production is underway for "Resident Evil: Retribution," the fifth film in the video-game adaptation and actress Milla Jovovich is continuing to update fans through Twitter.

Milla Jovovich

Screen Gems has set a Sept. 14, 2012, release date for "Retribution" and the film will once again be directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, who is married by Jovovich.

The actress posted Friday: "hey every1! 'camp evil' is in full swing! every1 has moved in2 the studio here in toronto and we're 1 big happy family. lol!"

She also discussed the film's costumes and stunt work.

"already i've cut 2 of alices costume changes, i mean really! is this a resident evil fashion show? no way," she posted, again on Friday, following up with, "the costume my design partner, carmen hawk, and i have drawn up looks so great! i'm going in a few minutes to try it on!"

"also, i sat in on a stunt rehearsal yesterday and its SICK!!!! we're working w nick powell, who did the stunts on the "bourne" movies," she posted.

Powell has had a lengthy career in stunt work and served as coordinator on "The Three Musketeers," which will be released in the U.S. next month and was also directed by Anderson.

The first "Resident Evil" film was released in 2002, followed by "Apocalypse" in 2004, "Extinction" in 2007 and "Afterlife" in 2010.

Third 'Riddick' movie to be rated R

Riddick first appeared in 2000's "Pitch Black."

Actor Vin Diesel has once again updated fans on the progress of the much-anticipated third "Riddick" film, stating the Universal production will be rated R.

"I am grateful to have Universal in such support of this complex character's journey... not many studios would back an 'R' rating. Very cool," Diesel posted on Facebook.

The character of Riddick, played by Diesel, first appeared in 2000's "Pitch Black." That movie was followed by 2004's "The Chronicles of Riddick." The sequel was rated PG-13, while the original was R. Both films were written and directed by David Twohy.

Vin Diesel

"While I was working on character, the director and his team of artists have been creating the world and style of this picture," Diesel said about the third film, posted a sample of concept art (shown above). "We all know how much I enjoy concept art and storyboards, haha, I am like a kid in a candy shop."

"Seeing the early stage of CGI is always fascinating to me, it is a element that usually comes together long after the filming process, so you look forward to seeing it fully realized."

He went on to say that the first stop for "Riddick 3" production will be in Canada, where a large portion of "Chronicles" was filmed.

The existing plot synopsis for the upcoming film is as follows: "Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick fights for survival against alien predators and becomes more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Soon bounty hunters from throughout the galaxy descend on Riddick only to find themselves pawns in his greater scheme for revenge. With his enemies right where he wants them, Riddick unleashes a vicious attack of vengeance before returning to his home planet of Furya to save it from destruction."

Weekend Box Office: 'The Debt' leads newcomers at the box office; 'The Help' stays on top

August's box office woes continued into the first weekend of September, with three new movies once again failing to unseat "The Help" from its number one position.

"The Debt" earned $9.6 million.

"The Help," which became the first movie since "Inception" to top the box office chart three weeks in a row, earned $14.2 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its total to $118 million. The film only dropped 2.3 percent compared its total last week.

"The Debt," starring Hellen Mirren, led the newcomers with  $9.6 million, good enough for second place, according to studio estimates. Although not a great opening total, it made its money on significantly fewer screens than its competition, 1,800 compared to 2,800 for "The Help" and "Shark Night 3D" and 3,300 for "Apollo 18."

Speaking of the horror thrillers, "Apollo 18" debuted with $8.7 million, with "Shark Night 3D" just behind at $8,640,000.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" continued its strong run, picking up $7.8 million in its fifth week for a total of $160 million.

Last week's "Columbiana" fell a respectable 28 percent to hold at sixth place, followed by "Our Idiot Brother" with $5.1 million and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" with $4.9 million. "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" and "The Smurfs" rounded out the top 10.

With Labor Day on Monday, the films are expected to increase their holiday weekend totals, which will be reported tomorrow.

The three-day weekend top ten was as follows:

1. "The Help," $14,209,000 (Total: $118.6 million)
2. "The Debt," $9,667,000 (Total: $11.5 million)
3. "Apollo 18," $8,700,000 (New)
4. "Shark Night 3D," $8,640,000 (New) 
5. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $7,800,000 (Total: $160 million)
6. "Colombiana," $7,400,000 ($21.9 million)
7. "Our Idiot Brother," $5,182,000 ($15.4 million)
8. "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," $4,941,000 ($16.3 million)
9. "Sky Kids: All the Time in the World," $4,637,000 ($29 million)
10. "The Smurfs," $4,000,000 (Total: $131.9 million)

Director David R. Ellis taking aim at 'Kite'

The controversial anime 'Kite' was released in 1998.

"Shark Night 3D" director David R. Ellis is looking to adapt the anime film "Kite" into a live-action thriller.

According to Variety, Ellis is set to direct with Anant Signh and Brian Cox producing under their Distant Horizon banner.

"Kite," directed by Yasuomi Umetsu, was released in 1998. The story follows Sawa, who is orphaned after her parents are murdered. Raised by the detectives who investigated her parents' murder, she is trained to be a ruthless assassin. When she meets another assassin her own age, they bond and she begins to question the motives of her guardians.

The anime film was quite controversial when it was released to due to its graphic violence and sex scenes, many involving an under-age Sawa.

This is not the first attempt to make a live-action adapation, with director Rob Cohen ("The Fast and the Furious") as well as Jorge and Javier Aguilera ("5:55") attached at various points.

Variety quoted Ellis as saying, "I am a big fan of Yasuomi Umetsu and honored to bring the amazing world of 'Kite' to the big screen."

In addition to "Shark Night 3D," Ellis has directed "Final Destination 2," "Cellular" and "Snakes on a Plane."

According to Variety, the producers are aiming for a January start-date on the project.

Steven Soderbergh speaks out about 'The Hunger Games'

A month after it was first reported that Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's 11," "Traffic") was on the set of "The Hunger Games" helping out with some second unit work, the director is speaking out about his experiences with the project.

Steven Soderbergh

Attempting to quash rumors why he was he was helping out, Soderbergh spoke with Moviefone, saying, "I show up in North Carolina, a crewmember Tweets, 'Steven Soderbergh's here.'' And immediately the...firestorm starts. 'Why is he here? What's going on? Is the movie in trouble? Is he directing footage from the second one?" All of this crazy-ass speculation. People just spinning off.

Soderbergh and "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross have worked together before, as the former helped produce the latter's 1998 film "Pleasantville."

According to Soderbergh, "The story is really simple. Back in April, Gary--who is a close friend of mine I've exchanged creative favors with non-stop over the last 15 years--when he got the boards for the shoot in April called me and said, 'Hey, first week of August, I got these two days of second unit. Is there any way you can come down and help me out? Because I'd rather have you do it than hire somebody who I don't know.' I said, 'Actually, that works out.' We'll just be finishing 'Contagion' and prepping 'Magic Mike' and, yeah, it could be fun."

'Total Recall' writer Mark Bomback to retool 'Wolverine' script

Last week it was reported that filming on "The Wolverine" will most likely be pushed back until early next year. Now Variety has confirmed that 20th Century Fox has hired Mark Bomback to rewrite the script.

Hugh Jackman

Bomback's credits include "Live Free of Die Hard," "Unstoppable" and "Race to Witch Mountain," as well as the forthcoming "Jack the Giant Killer" and "Total Recall."

He will be working from theoriginal script from Christopher McQuarrie's ("The Usual Suspects," "Valkyrie"). The story is expected to be set in Japan, although is the Japanese delays continue, some of the filming could be moved to Canada.

James Mangold ("Knight and Day," "3:10 to Yuma," "Walk the Line") is set to direct and star Hugh Jackman is reprising his role as Wolverine. Last week, it was reported that while Fox had been eying a fall start-date, weather concerns in Japan have delayed matters.

"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."