James Badge Dale to fight the good fight in 'World War Z'

Actor James Badge Dale is reportedly in talks to join the fight for humanity's survival against the zombie hordes.

James Badge Dale

According to Variety, Dale is in negotiations for the film adaptation of Max Brooks' "World War Z." The actor, who starred in HBO's "Pacific" as well as "The Departed," will play a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat.

The book's website describes it a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

Brad Pitt ("Ocean's 11," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") is set to play a U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos, who is currently playing police officer Sarah Linden is AMC's "The Killing," will play Pitt's wife.

The movie, to be directed by Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland," "Stranger than Fiction"), is based on a script from J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5," "Jeremiah") and Matt Carnahan ("State of Play," "The Kingdom").

Open casting call for 'The Avengers'

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is advertising an open casting call for the Marvel Comics' "The Avengers."

Those wishing to try out for a part in the film tying together all of Marvel's recent theatrical offerings--"Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Thor," along with the forthcoming "Captain America"--are asked to come to the Holiday Inn Independance on July 15 or 16.

The full notice reads:

MARVEL FEATURE FILM ‘THE AVENGERS’ OPEN CASTING CALL
ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS! !

WHEN:	Friday, July 15 Noon – 4 pm Saturday, July 16 10 am to 4 pm
WHERE:	Holiday Inn – Independence 6001 Rockside Road Independence, OH 44131 (map)
NOTES:	Must be 18 years or older Parents can submit current pictures of children under 18 Please come well-groomed and wearing your best business executive outfit Your photo will be taken at no charge Please bring a pen for application Know your clothing sizes!

Note: Hat tip to Comingsoon.net for the link.

Open casting call issued for 'The Dark Knight Rises'

An open casting call has been issued for "Magnus Rex," which appears to be the production title for Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises."

SWD Casting issued the call for Pittsburgh, where "The Dark Knight Rises" is being filmed.

Prisoners, guards, cops sought

According to the casting call, "A Warner Bros. Film requires extras to play as victims and perpetrators within a city besieged by crime and corruption. Take part in the urban action adventure ripping through the streets of Pittsburgh from July 28 through Aug. 21."

Viral videos released on Youtube have suggested a mass breakout from Gotham City's Arkham Asylum.

The full casting is available behind the jump.

Donald Sutherland is President Snow in 'The Hunger Games'

Donald Sutherland is the latest to join Lionsgate's "The Hunger Game" film with the announcement he will play President Snow.

Donald Sutherland

Snow is the leader of Panem, which puts on the Hunger Games, an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of the country.

Sutherland, whose career spans almost 50 years, was most recently seen in "The Mechanic" and "The Eagle."

"The Hunger Games" trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia"), who are the tributes from District 12 in the 74th games.

Sutherland also joins 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").

"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.

Toby Jones, newcomer Amber Chaney join 'The Hunger Games'

While the major characters have already been cast, news continues to filter out from the set of "The Hunger Games" on the latest additions to the the production.

Toby Jones

First up is Toby Jones ("The Rite," "Your Highness") as announcer Claudius Templesmith, who provides blow-by-blow commentary for the thousands watching the Hunger Games live on television throughout Panem. The games are an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of the country.

Jones is also known for voicing Dobby the house elf in the "Harry Potter" films.

The other casting announced this week was newcomer Amber Chaney, who will be the Avox girl Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") encounters in the Capitol. Avoxes are people punished by the government by having their tongues removed and then forced into servitude.

Amber Chaney

Chaney has appeared mostly in television, including "Somebodies" and "Meet the Browns."

They join 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").

"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.

Lenny Kravitz will be Cinna in "The Hunger Games"

"American Woman" singer Lenny Kravitz is heading to Panem to portray Cinna in the film adaptation of "The Hunger Games."

Lenny Kravitz

The singer had a role in 2009's "Precious," and will appear in two other films in 2012, "The Blind Bastard Club" and "Selma."

Cinna is Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") stylist who is tasked with creating costumes for the tribute to wear at the public events leading up to the games. Unlike most capitol citizens, he appears almost normal, forsaking the usual over-the-top clothing and makeup.

His compatriot Portia, who is Petta Mellark's (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") stylist, was cast yesterday with Latarsha Rose ("CSI: Miami, "Bones") landing the role. Brooke Bundy ("Without") will be Octavia, a member of his team, with Venia and Flavius yet to be filled.

Cinna was the final major character to be cast for "The Hunger Games," which is based on the first book on Suzanne Collins' best-selling trilogy.

Kravitz joins 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").

I have to say, of all the casting decisions thus far, this is the most far out there. I'm betting nobody predicted it for sure. I personally was hoping Aaron Eckhart ("The Dark Knight") would get the role, but I'll give this one a wait-and-see approach. It reminds me of when Mos Def was cast as Ford Prefect in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," which turned out to be an inspired decision.

Filming is underway on the adaptation, which 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.

'The Hunger Games' film casts Octavia and Portia

Brooke Bundy

Octavia and Portia are the latest characters to be cast in the upcoming film adaptation of "The Hunger Games."

Octavia, a member of Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") styling team, will be played by newcomer Brooke Bundy ("Without"). Meanwhile, Latarsha Rose, who has had guests spots on such shows as "CSI: Miami, "The Cape" and "Bones," will be Portia, who is Petta Mellark's (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") stylist.

"The Hunger Games," based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, follows Katniss and Peeta as they are chosen to participate in an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem.

Latarsha Rose

Both Octavia and Portia are citizens of the capital and notable for their outlandish attire; Octavia is described as having dyed her skin pea green.

The pair join 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").

The film will be 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.

Chris Vance is Cinemax's 'Transporter'

Chris Vance

Frank Martin's career as a transporter continues as Cinemax is planning a 12-episode series based on the film franchise created by Luc Besson.

Deadline reported yesterday actor Chris Vance ("Prison Break," "Burn Notice") has been cast as Frank in the upcoming series, taking over for Jason Statham from the "Transporter" films. Additionally, Hungarian actress Andrea Osvart ("Spy Game") will be Carla, a former CIA agent and Frank's handler.

Andrea Osvart

As the title would suggest, Frank is a professional transporter. If you need something sent quickly and discreetly, he is your man. He just has three rules: Never change the deal, no names and never open the package.

"The Transporter" raced into theaters in 2002, followed by "Transporter 2" in 2005 and "Transporter 3" in 2008. Besson and Robert Mark Kamen wrote all three films. Besson will executive produce the television series.

The film franchise was solid popcorn fun, even though the writers ignored the laws of physics more often than they observed them. With the right scripts, this could be translate well into an action series, providing they have a large enough budget for the car chases and explosions that make a Luc Besson production a Luc Besson production.

Stephen Fry joins Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit'

"The Hobbit" director Peter Jackson and Conan Stevens

Peter Jackson, as he has been wont to do since filming began on the two-part "Hobbit" film, updated fans on the latest casting news Wednesday, announcing Stephen Fry ("Bones," "V for Vendetta") will be joining the production along with two others.

"We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown," Jackson posted on his Facebook page. "I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Stephen Fry

"The Master's conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage," Jackson continued. "Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part."

"Last, and certainly not least, is Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (Orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason).  And yes that's his name—Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan!"

Jackson included a photo of Stevens (shown above), saying , "I'm pretty tall, probably at least 6'5" or 6'6" I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is!"

In addition to the casting news, Jackson also announced filming would soon go on a brief hiatus.

"As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story," Jackson said.

Woody Harrelson is Haymitch Abernathy in 'The Hunger Games'

"The Hunger Games" casting news has been non-stop for the past few weeks, but Lionsgate dropped a big one Tuesday night, announcing Woody Harrelson is joining the production as Haymitch Abernathy.

Woody Harrelson

Haymitch is a former victor of the Games, a battle to the death involving two children from each of the 12 districts of Panem. He is assigned to mentor Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") when they are chosen to represent District 12.

In Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels, Haymitch is described as a "paunchy, middle-aged man" and spends most of his waking hours drunk.

"Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I'm so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I cant wait for us to get to work," director Gary Ross said.

Harrelson, who has had a long and successful career, was most recently seen in "Zombieland" and "2012."

I have to admit, Harrelson never crossed my mind when thinking of possible actors for Haymitch, but in hindsight, it seems a great decision. Although Jeffrey Dean Morgan ("Watchmen," "The Losers") had been at the top of my personal list, I can't say I'm disappointed with this outcome.

Harrelson joins 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").

The film will be directed by 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. 

Stanley Tucci joins 'The Hunger Games' as Caesar Flickerman

"The Hunger Games" has its flamboyant host, Caesar Flickerman, with Lionsgate announcing actor Stanley Tucci as the latest to join the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel trilogy.

Stanley Tucci

Caesar is famous throughout Panem for his colorful hair and his lively interviews of the tributes who each year are chosen by lottery to play in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which there can only be one winner.

"The Hunger Games" follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia"), the tributes from District 12, who must fight in the 74th games along with 22 others.

Tucci will next be seen in Marvel's "Captain America: The First Avenger." While many of his roles have ventured on the comedic side, he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2010 for his work in "The Lovely Bones," in which he played a serial killer.

I'll be honest, Tucci is not how I pictured Flickerman, who I saw more as Gilderoy Lockhart, as played by Kenneth Branagh in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Still, there's no denying Tucci's talent, and it will be interesting to see what he brings to the role.

Tucci joins joins Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

The film will be 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.

District 9 reaps its tributes for 'The Hunger Games'

The reaping is almost complete with the addition of District 9.

Although fans of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" never discover the specialty of District 9, we do now know who will be playing its tributes in the upcoming film adaptation of the best-selling trilogy.

The movie's Facebook page has been updated to include Imanol Yepez-Frias and Annie Thurman, the latest newcomers to join the production. Thurman will appear in another film set in a dystopian future this year, "Falls the Shadow," from writer/director Steven Berryessa.

Like most of the tributes, neither of these roles is a large one, but District 9's male tribute is notable in the novel for being the first competitor Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") sees killed in the games.

The story follows Katniss and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") from District 12 as they and 22 other tributes are forced to fight to the death by the Capitol in an annual, televised event.

Yepez-Frias and Thurman join fellow tributes Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid, Amandla Stenberg, Dayo Okeniyi, Ian Nelson,  Kalia Prescott, Jacqueline Emerson, Chris Mark, Ethan Jamieson, Tara Macken, Sam Ly, Leigha Hancock, Samuel Tan and MacKenzie Lintz.

The film also stars Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

This just leaves the unnamed tributes from District 10 along with Cato and Clove from District 2. Also yet to be cast are Katniss and Peeta's mentor Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss' designer Cinna and President Coriolanus Snow.

The film will be 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.

Wes Bentley joins 'The Hunger Games' along with District 8's tributes

After a week or so of reaping tributes for "The Hunger Games," Lionsgate announced Wes Bentley ("American Beauty") is joining the cast as Seneca Crane.

Wes Bentley

Crane is the head gamemaker for the 74th Hunger Games, which heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") must enter along with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") and 22 other tributes in a fight to the death.

Bentley's work in "America Beauty" earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2000 BAFTAs. More recent roles include "Jonah Hex" and "The Tomb," along with "There Be Dragons," a drama set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War which opens in limited release this weekend.

In addition to Crane, the Facebook page for "The Hunger Games" movie added District 8's unnamed tributes to the growing board, newcomers Samuel Tan and MacKenzie Lintz.

Crane also joins Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

District 8 is the latest to reap its tributes for "The Hunger Games."

Tan and Lintz join fellow tributes Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid, Amandla Stenberg, Dayo Okeniyi, Ian Nelson,  Kalia Prescott, Jacqueline Emerson, Chris Mark, Ethan Jamieson, Tara Macken, Sam Ly and Leigha Hancock.

The film will be 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.

Sam Ly, Leigha Hancock reaped by District 7 for 'The Hunger Games'

Only four districts' tributes remain to be cast for 'The Hunger Games."

District 7 has joined its neighbors who have already reaped their tributes for "The Hunger Games," with  newcomers Sam Ly and Leigha Hancock joining the film's growing cast.

"The Hunger Games," based on Suzanne Collin's best-selling novel trilogy, follows the title event, an annual battle to the death involving two children from each of the 12 districts of Panem.

While Hancock does not have any previous credits, Ly had roles in the direct-to-video films "Tremors 4: The Legend Begins" and "Timecop: The Berlin Decision." Like most of the other tributes, neither of their characters are given names and the roles are small ones.

This leaves District 2, 8, 9 and 10 as the only ones remaining to be cast. District 2's tributes Cato and Clove are the only named ones left.

Ly and Hancock join Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Leven Rambin ("All My Children") and fellow newcomers Willow Shields, Jack Quaid, Amandla Stenberg, Dayo Okeniyi, Ian Nelson,  Kalia Prescott, Jacqueline Emerson, Chris Mark, Ethan Jamieson and Tara Macken.

The film will be 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.

Saoirse Ronan will be Melanie Stryder in Stephenie Meyer's 'The Host'

Saoirse Ronan has landed the lead in the film adaptation of author Stephenie Meyer's "The Host."

Saoirse Ronan

According to Deadline, Ronan will play Melanie Stryder, who must fight to maintain her own identity when her body is invaded by an alien presence.

Ronan was most recently seen in the thriller "Hanna," in which she played an assassin out for revenge. She was 13 when she was nominated in 2008 for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in "Atonement." Ronan will next appear in "Violet & Daisy" and will have a role in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit."

Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca," "The Truman Show") wrote the screenplay for "The Host," while the identity of the director is still somewhat in the air, with Niccol and Susanna White ("Nanny McPhee Returns") both being rumored.

Meyer's Web site describes "The Host" as follows:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

With the film series based on Meyer's "Twilight" series having already grossed $788 million so far (with the two-part "Breaking Dawn" still to come), it is no surprise that "The Host" is in the pipeline. Although I'm not a fan of her vampire series, I am of Niccol and am curious to see what he will do with this.

Elizabeth Banks officially joins 'The Hunger Games" while District 4, 5 and 6 reap their tributes

"The Hunger Games" is set for a March 23, 2012 release.

"The Hunger Games" film continues to select its tributes, with the pairs from District 4, 5 and 6 now cast.

Also, Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), who had been in talks to star at Effie Trinket, is now officially part of the ever-growing cast.

Based on Suzanne Collins' trilogy of novels, "The Hunger Games" follows the title event, an annual battle to the death involving two children from each of the 12 districts of Panem.

Jacqueline Emerson

Of the six new youngsters, only District 5's Foxface has a name, although that is simply the nickname given to her by heroine Catniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone"). Foxface will be played by Jacqueline Emerson, whose only credit to date is a voice role in the short-lived animated series, "Father of the Pride." Her character is one of the more prominent of Catniss' competitors in the games, although she is never heard to speak.

Fox Face's male counterpart from District 5 will be newcomer Chris Mark, whose career to date has consisted of stunt work, including Michael Cera's lead stunt double in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."

Chris Mark

Meanwhile, District 4's tributes are newcomer Ethan Jamieson and Tara Macken, whose credits include appearing in six episode of the television series "Sons of Anarchy."

District 6 tribute Ashton Moio has had one-off roles in such television series as "iCarly," "Zoey 101" and "Everybody Hates Chris," in addition to the horror film "Let Me In." His counterpart is Kara Petersen, who has worked in stunts.

The actors join Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Leven Rambin ("All My Children") and fellow newcomers Willow Shields, Jack Quaid, Amandla Stenberg, Dayo Okeniyi, Ian Nelson and Kalia Prescott.

The film will be 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. 

There for five more districts to be cast.

Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace join 'The Hobbit'

"The Hobbit" has a new Fili, with Dean O'Gorman ("The Almighty Johnsons") replacing Robert Kazinsky, who had to leave the film for personal reasons. Additionally, Lee Pace ("Pushing Daisies") is joining the production as Elven King Thranduil.

Dean O'Gorman

Director Peter Jackson posted the news Saturday on his Facebook page, where he has been keeping fans up to date on the two-part film, which is now in production.

"Dean's a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with," Jackson said. "He's recently been in an excellent TV series down here called 'The Almighty Johnsons,' and I should let fans of that show know that our shooting schedule allows Dean to continue with a second series next year.  Dean will be joining us next week.

Lee Pace

"Casting these Tolkien stories is very difficult, especially the Elven characters, and Lee has always been our first choice for Thranduil," Jackson continued. "He's going to be great. We loved his performance in a movie called 'The Fall' a few years ago, and have been hoping to work with him since. When we were first discussing who would be right for Thranduil, Lee came into mind almost immediately.

I can't say I'm familiar with O'Gorma, but Pace was wonderful in the short-lived "Pushing Daisies," which would have a place on a list of my favorite television series of the past 10 years.

Javier Bardem signs on to play Roland in 'The Dark Tower'

The man in black fled across the desert, and Javier Bardem followed.

Javier Bardem

Yes, after months of speculation, Bardem has officially signed on to play Roland Deschain in Ron Howard's massive adaptation of Stephen King's epic fantasy western, "The Dark Tower" series.

In September, Universal Pictures and NBC Universal Television announced King's seven novel series would be adapted into three movies, with a television miniseries in between each of the films. The New York Post's Page Six is reporting Bardem has only signed on for the first film and miniseries so far.

The first film is set to open in theater on May 17, 2013.

'The Gunslinger' was published in 1982.

"The Dark Tower" series began with the publishing of "The Gunslinger" in 1982. The book introduced Roland as he pursues the unnamed Man in Black, during which he meets a variety of strange characters, including a young boy named Jake who is seemingly from our world. From there, the series continues as Roland gathers his ka-tet, a group with a shared goal, and they travel ever forward in search of the fabled Dark Tower. The seventh novel was published in 2004, although elements of the series have permeated into King's other works and vice versa, such as "Hearts in Atlantis" and "The Talisman."

Bardem is an interesting choice for Roland. The actor has proven his talent and skill time and time again, but this is just one of those roles where nobody is going to feel perfect, at least until we get to see him on screen.

This is an unprecedented project, involving years of work to produce three films and two television series and make it all feel like a single narrative. Good luck to all involved.

District 3's tributes announced for 'The Hunger Games'

District 3's tributes, as posted on the film's Facebook page.

The residents of Panem's District 3 no longer have to wonder who will be representing them in the upcoming film adaptation of Suzanne Collin's "The Hunger Games."

Lionsgate announced today newcomers Ian Nelson and Kalia Prescott will be the tributes of District 3, whose people are known for their skills with electronics. They are not large roles, since neither character is named in the book, although Nelson will get the most screen time of the two.

Prescott had an uncredited role in 2009's "Where the Wild Things Are."

The pair join Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Leven Rambin ("All My Children") and fellow newcomers Willow Shields, Jack Quaid, Amandla Stenberg and Dayo Okeniyi. Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days") is also in talks to star.

The film will be 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. 

Mireille Enos to play Brad Pitt's wife in 'World War Z'

Mireille Enos, who is currently playing police officer Sarah Linden is AMC's "The Killing," will join Brad Pitt in the zombie apocalypse film "World War Z," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Mireille Enos in AMC's "The Killing"

The movie, to be directed by Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland," "Stranger than Fiction"), is based on the 2006 novel of the same name from author Max Brooks, son of the famed Mel Brooks.

The book's website describes it a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

Pitt ("Ocean's 11," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") is set to play a U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Enos will be his wife.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, shooting will begin in June based on a script from J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5," "Jeremiah") and Matt Carnahan ("State of Play," "The Kingdom").