25 Things You Didn't Know About 'Straw Dogs'

You'd never know from the way this past September's 'Straw Dogs' opened and closed with so little fanfare that it was a remake of a movie whose unflinching depiction of graphic violence created a controversy that has never fully abated. Nor would you know that the original 'Straw Dogs' (released exactly 40 years ago, on December 29, 1971) was a landmark film that gave Dustin Hoffman one of his meatiest roles, made a star of Susan George, solidified Sam Peckinpah's reputation (fairly or not) as Hollywood's most macho and bloodthirsty director, and influenced countless filmmakers who followed (most notably, Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright, who wear their 'Straw Dogs' fandom on their sleeves). As notorious as 'Straw Dogs' was in its day, you may not know the story behind the making of the film -- a tale of mismatched lovers, alcohol, rage, and bloodshed that seemed to echo what ended up on the screen. 1. The movie's title comes from a passage in the Tao Te Ching. It refers to the Chinese ceremonial objects used in sacrifices and then casually discarded. In the 2011 remake, the protagonist makes clear the analogy between the disposable canines and the men in the town. 2. The movie was based on novel 'The Siege of Trencher's Farm' (1969) by Gordon Williams. Aside from different character names, there are a number of key plot differences. In the book, the couple have a daughter, there's no rape, and the attackers are not killed but seriously injured and left alive to face charges. 3. 'Straw Dogs' was Peckinpah's first movie that wasn't a Western. The director had scored in 1969 with 'The Wild Bunch,' a revisionist Western whose extravagantly bloody finale had revolutionized the way violence was portrayed on screen. But he'd become a pariah in Hollywood with his follow-up, the gentler 'Ballad of Cable Hogue,' on which he'd run 19 days over schedule and $3 million over budget, only to see the film flop at the box office. The director felt forced to make a change and work in England. "I'm like a good whore," Peckinpah said at the time. "I go where I'm kicked." 4. Peckinpah adapted the novel along with screenwriter David Zelag Goodman, a recent Oscar nominee for his script for 'Lovers and Other Strangers' (1970). Peckinpah's rewrite of Goodman's script was informed by his reading of Robert Ardrey's books 'African Genesis,' 'The Social Contract,' and The Territorial Imperative,' drawing from them the idea that man is instinctively a carnivore who is prone to turf wars. It was also informed by the real-world violence of the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings. Early in the film, young wife Amy criticizes mathematician David for fleeing campus life (and, it's implied, faculty and students engaged in anti-war protests) and for refusing to take a stand, but by the end of the film, he'll be forced to take a stand and defend his home. 5. For the role of David, the filmmakers considered Beau Bridges, Stacy Keach, Jack Nicholson, Donald Sutherland, and (most interestingly) Sidney Poitier, before 'Midnight Cowboy' star Dustin Hoffman agreed to take the part. 6. Up for Amy were such young British actresses as Judy Geeson, Jacqueline Bisset, Diana Rigg, Helen Mirren, Charlotte Rampling, and Hayley Mills, before 20-year-old Susan George, a former child actress, landed the role. 7. Peckinpah wanted Richard Harris to play Charlie Venner, Amy's ex-boyfriend-turned-rapist. The role eventually went to Irish TV actor Del Henney. 8. Cast as village idiot Henry Niles, whom the couple first injures and then protects, David Warner had already established himself as a character actor. He'd co-starred as the villain in 'Tom Jones' (1963) and had played a preacher in Peckinpah's previous movie, 'The Ballad of Cable Hogue.' 9. The movie was filmed in the ancient Cornish village of St. Buryan, whose most famous resident (then and now) is spy novelist John Le Carré. 10. Shooting the scene where Hoffman's newcomer first visits the pub, Peckinpah wasn't getting the hostile, suspicious reaction he wanted from the actors playing the locals. So he did another take in which he had Hoffman enter with no pants on. That did the trick. 11. Peckinpah used alcohol to bond with the actors playing the violent villagers. The actors would frequently get into brawls; during one rehearsal, T.P. McKenna (who played the Major) broke his arm in a fight and had to wear a sling throughout the shoot. Ken Hutchison (who played Scutt, the second rapist) cut his arm while smashing some bar glasses; George had to take him to the hospital. Another time, Peckinpah and Hutchison spent the pre-dawn hours drinking tequila at the shore in a winter rainstorm. 12. As a result of that incident, the director came down with pneumonia, and producer Daniel Melnick (who had resisted warnings from others in Hollywood that Peckinpah's drinking made him an unreliable hire) was forced to close down the movie for a few days until Peckinpah agreed to dry out. Peckinpah didn't go on the wagon, but he cut back on his drinking and was able to finish the movie with speed and clarity. The shoot ran five days over schedule -- hardly any time at all, compared to some of Peckinpah's other overruns. 'Straw Dogs' (1971) - Trailer 13. The film's most controversial sequence comes when Venner rapes ex-girlfriend Amy, then holds her down while Scutt does the same. Critics thought Amy seemed to enjoy the assault (though it's clear later in flashbacks how traumatized she is) and that the film seemed to celebrate, or at least exploit, violence against women. In fact, the sequence as Peckinpah wanted to shoot it would have been even more graphic, but George talked him out of it, persuading him that the complicated play of emotions on her face was all he needed to show. 14. Part of the controversy over the rape had to do with the editing necessary to earn the film an R rating. By trimming some of the most horrific moments from the scene, the resulting sequence seemed to eroticize the rape and make it look like Amy was taking pleasure in the attack. So argued the British Board of Film Classification, which initially banned the film's home video release in the U.K. when it was first made available on VHS in 1984. The BBFC's remarks accompanied the release of the uncut version on DVD in 2002. 15. Defending the rape sequence, Peckinpah suggested that the film was a way to work out personal demons over his own violent temper and four failed marriages (three of them to the same woman). "In a film, you lay yourself out, whoever you are. The one nice thing is that my own problems seem to involve other people as well," he said. "'Straw Dogs' is about a guy who finds out a few nasty secrets about himself, about his marriage, about where he is, about the world around him ... It's about the violence within all of us. The violence which is reflecting on the political condition of the world today." He did not deny the cathartic effect of the scene but added that it doesn't let the viewer off the hook for his own voyeurism. "Someone may feel a strange sick exultation at the violence," Peckinpah said, "but he should then ask himself, 'What is going on in my heart?'" 16. In fact, some critics thought the film too fond of violence overall, calling it sadistic, as if it endorsed David's descent into savagery. (Pauline Kael called it "the first American film that is a fascist work of art.") Peckinpah insisted he wasn't endorsing violence, merely exploring it. Indeed, he thought, you could consider David the villain, not just for his violent behavior, but for indirectly provoking (through his refusal to act) all the terror directed at the couple in the first place. He explained, I am not saying that violence is what makes a man a man. I'm saying that when violence comes, you can't run from it. You have to recognize its true nature, in yourself as well as in others, and stand up to it. If you run, you're dead or you might as well be. 17. The film came out at a time, just three years after the end of the Production Code, when movies seemed to be pushing new boundaries in the portrayal of violence. Released around the same time were 'The French Connection,' 'Dirty Harry,' and 'A Clockwork Orange' (whose director, Stanley Kubrick, was also a fan of Robert Ardrey's books). Still, 'Straw Dogs' seemed to stand out; at a test preview screening, a third of the audience walked out in revulsion. 18. Peckinpah followed the movie with an about-face, going to work on rodeo tale 'Junior Bonner' within weeks of wrapping 'Straw Dogs.' The low-key Steve McQueen picture didn't deliver on the action that the star's fans expected, and the film flopped. Peckinpah complained, "I made a film where nobody got shot, and nobody went to see it." Thereafter, he returned to the violent movies that had made his reputation, making films like 'The Getaway,' 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,' and 'Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.' He continued making thoughtful, idiosyncratic action films for another decade, until his death in 1984 at age 59. 19. Peckinpah met crew member Joie Gould on the set of 'Straw Dogs.' They married in April 1972, during the shoot of 'The Getaway,' but his alcoholism and abusive behavior proved too much for her, and the marriage ended after just four months. 20. After 'Straw Dogs,' Monty Python memorably parodied Peckinpah's fondness for extreme bloodletting and slow-motion death scenes in a sketch called 'Sam Peckinpah's Salad Days.' The extremely gory sketch earned the BBC some complaints from disgusted 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' viewers, but Peckinpah himself reportedly found it hilarious. 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' - 'Sam Peckinpah's Salad Days' (NSFW) 21. Today, it's hard to imagine the usually cerebral, nerdy Dustin Hoffman as a man of action, but there was a period in the '70s where he played several such roles -- not just 'Straw Dogs' but also 'Little Big Man,' 'Papillon,' and 'Marathon Man.' He'd go on to win Oscars for his regular-guy role in 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and his autistic genius in 'Rain Man,' but he did have one more action role (sort of) in 1995's 'Outbreak,' made when he was 58, in which he played a military epidemiologist who does a lot of running and jumping out of aircraft. 22. George went on to play similarly provocative roles in such 1970s features as 'Dirty Mary Crazy Larry' and 'Mandingo.' She remains active as a producer and a character actress. 23. Warner played a sympathetic character for Peckinpah again in 1977's 'Cross of Iron.' Otherwise, he has continued to specialize in villainous roles, including memorable turns in 'Time After Time' (1978), 'Time Bandits' (1981), 'Tron' (1982), and 'Titanic' (1997). 24. Colin Weiland, who played the vicar, went on to win an Oscar as the screenwriter of 1981's 'Chariots of Fire.' 25. David Goodman went on to write such memorable films as 'Logan's Run' and 'The Eyes of Laura Mars.' He was a script doctor on another movie involving a murdered housepet and a couple in a country home who are besieged by a crazed attacker, 'Fatal Attraction.' In fact, he claimed it was his idea that Glenn Close's character ought to be killed at the end. He died at 81 on September 26, 2011, less than two weeks after the release of the remake of 'Straw Dogs.' [Photos: MGM] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman

Report: Bradley Cooper Dating Zoe Saldana

First Released: December 28, 2011 5:50 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Bradley Cooper, Zoe SaldanaLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Peoples Most sexy Guy Alive is apparently no more single. Sources told E! News that Bradley Cooper is associated with Star Wars beauty Zoe Saldana. Although a repetition for Zoe ignored romance gossips recently between your pair, one source told the web site the two are actually totally dating. The origin also stated that a week ago the 2 were telling buddies they'd intends to go skiing together within the Rockies within the holiday period. Bradley and Zoe are co-stars within the Words, a thriller also starring Olivia Wilde, Dennis Quaid and Jeremy Irons, going to be out in 2012. Zoe and Keith Britton, whom she dated for over a decade and was engaged to, revealed their breakup in November. Bradley was briefly associated with Jennifer Lopez in October. Reps for Bradley and Zoe didn't immediately react to demands from E! News for comment. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Rooney Mara's 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' Training Made Her Attack a married relationship Guest

Sometimes, stars go so deep into character, the role will all of a sudden appear inside their actual lives -- or, according to Rooney Mara, regardless of the film has finished shooting. Mara, who got a Golden Globe nomination on her behalf portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' -- employment that involved moments of torture, rape and nudity -- revealed to David Letterman the intensity she place in Salander all of a sudden showed up in this area inside a friend's wedding, carrying out a drunk guest got too frisky while using actress. Sadly for him, that was a terrible idea. "It absolutely was very difficult to leave [character]," she mentioned. "Right once we finished, my nearest friend got married which i visited her wedding, and one of the site visitors there's quite inebriated. He found me which he was trying to bop with me at night which he selected me up, which i suppose I used to be still type of in character which i simply immediately clicked up his throat, and was like 'Put me lower. I'll hurt you,'" mentioned Mara. A clip in the interview, because of Vulture, is below. For Mara's Lisbeth Salander, you can examine her in 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo,' if the hits theaters 12 ,. 20. Best Performances of 2011 11. Uggie, 'The Artistཆ. Corey Stoll, 'Midnight in ParisƏ. Ryan Gosling, 'DriveƎ. Kristen Wiig, 'Bridesmaidsƍ. Michelle Williams, 'My Week With Marilynƌ. Meryl Streep, 'The Iron LadyƋ. Michael Fassbender, 'ShameƊ. Albert Brooks, 'DriveƉ. Charlize Theron, 'Young Adultƈ. Kaira Pitt, 'MoneyballƇ. Rooney Mara, 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' See All Moviefone Galleries » [via Vulture] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Reese Witherspoon Attached to West Memphis Three Movie 'Devil's Knot'

Prashant Gupta / FX FX and Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter have prevailed in a lawsuit filed by an ex-Hell's Angel biker who claimed the idea for the hit drama series was stolen.our editor recommends'Glee,' 'Sons of Anarchy' Added to Amazon Prime Instant Video Streaming Service'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 PlansFurious 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Tells DirecTV Viewers 'You're Getting F---ed Over'; Reveals Banned Script Chuck Zito sued FX for $5 million in June 2010 claiming he had developed a show called Nomads (later The Wild Angels) and had agents at ICM set up a pitch meeting in 2004 with FX chief John Landgraf, during which Zito says he discussed ideas for a show about a motorcycle club. FX passed on the project but later developed Sutter's Sons, which ICM packaged and which recently concluded its 4th season as a big hit for the network. "FX was obligated to pay Zito the reasonable value of his ideas, hire him to work on the series and afford him screen credit as creator," the lawsuit alleged. "Defendants breached an implied-in-fact contract with defendant." VIDEO: 'Sons of Anarchy': Ron Perlman Says Season 4 Was a Challenge At the time, Sutter took to his twitter account to blast the lawsuit, saying: "HAVING THE F***ING IDEA IS NOT THE SHOW. THERE HAVE BEEN DOZENS OF OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE TV DRAMAS PITCHED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. NONE OF THEM HAS MADE IT TO SERIES, EXCEPT SOA. BECAUSE THEY SUCKED." STORY: 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 Plans Today a Los Angeles Superior Court judge agreed, ruling on summary judgment that Sons was independently created and Zito doesn't have a case. The judge relied on declarations submitted by Sutter, Landgraf and talent agent Matt Solo (now with WME), among others, showing Sutter's development process and the fact that Sons was pitched to several networks, including HBO and AMC, before arriving at FX, which bought the project in a bidding war. The judge saw no reason for the case to continue past the summary judgment phase. We've reached out to Zito's attorneys for comment. FX is represented by Scott Edelman at LA's Gibson Dunn firm and Rick Stone at Jenner & Block. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Sons of Anarchy' Red Carpet Premiere

Hammond: From Tinker Tailor To Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Oscar Talk Is Everywhere

‘Tis the season. Studios and distributors are pulling out all the stops tobring attention to their big awards contenders.The drumbeat has been so loudsince Thanksgiving that it’snot uncommon to be invited to 4 or 5 sceenings, parties, events, and Q&As in a single night. I get the feeling everyone ispushing a lot harder this year than ever beforebecause of relaxed pre-nomination Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences rules and the feeling that the race is wide open.And with ballots due bySunday for LA Film Critics, Critics Choice, and Golden Globe awards,AFI Top 10, and others, the crush washeavy this week. Witness Focus Features’push for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Gary Oldman and cast including Colin Firthand key crewhave been in town doing one screening after another to packed Industry crowds for the likes of SAG, BAFTA, DGA guild awards. A post-premiere party Tuesday night drew swarms of Academy members while Oldman and company held court.At a Sundaycocktail party attended by members of the Los Angeles Film Critics, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and other groups, I ran into the film’s directorTomas Alfredson (Let The Right One In) who is new to the Hollywood awards scene but doesn’t seem fazed by it. When I asked if he was upset by his very British film’s inexplicableloss to the lower profile minor film Tyrannosaur at that day’s eccentricBritish Independent Film Awards, he said, “I don’t think they consider Working Title and Universal too independent.”Still, how a movie on the level ofTinker Tailor could lose to a dreary thing like Tyrannosaur is one of the quirks of critics awards. In fact theTinker Tailor contingent is pretty thrilledabout their ownreviews and current 86% fresh score at Rotten Tomatoes plus the industry reaction.At a KCET/American Cinematheque post-screening Q&A Saturday, Oldman was presented witha career achievement Lumiere award. The actoris known forportrayingfar less restrainedcharacters. But hetold me playing George Smiley and walking in Alec Guiness’footsteps was a career highlight and he is hoping to do another turn based on John LeCarre’s Smiley’s People. Tinker Tailor opens in the U.S. today so box officeand perhaps awards attention may figure in that decision to go forward with another Smiley project. Angelina Jolie also has been busy promoting her writing and directorial debut, the Bosnian war drama In The Land of Blood and Honey which is getting attention from news shows likeNightline, 60 Minutes, and This Week With Christiane Amanpour. Jolie uses a virtually unknown cast of local actors and shot the film in both English and the native Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language – but it is releasing in the latter, complete with English subtitles. At least for now.Thursday night’s Los Angeles premiere party at Boulevard 3 swarming withwell-wishers, Jolietold meshe wanted the pic to betrue to the events that happened and did what was best for the film. An HFPA officer in charge ofeligibilityfor the Golden Globes confirmed to me that Jolie’smovie will be considered for their Best Foreign Language Film prize. In fact, if you did not know who directed this movie, you might think it is the work of a great European auteur.It is not eligible, however,for the AcademyAwards’ Foreign Languagecategory due to more complicated rules. It is, of course, eligible in regular categories for the Oscars. One ofthe manyoffering congratulations was former Presidential candidate General Wesley Clark who introducedJolie to his son, a budding filmmaker himself. Clark told me he thought the movie, about a war he knew very well, was just “incredible”. That’s the exact word Jolie’s proudfather, Jon Voight, also used to describeher uncompromisingfilm which opens on December 23rd. GK Films and Film Districttoppers Graham King and Peter Schlessel also weresinging the star’s praises. I suggested to King that he personally could be nominated in an unprecented 3 picture categories when next week’s Golden Globe nominations are unveiled: Best Picture Drama for Hugo, Best Animated Feature for Rango, and Best Foreign Language Film for In The Land Of Blood And Honey. “Iwould be happy just to get one,” he said with a smile. Meanwhile, in another corner of the room stoodBrad Pitt, who could nab a couple of those nominations for himself for Moneyball and The Tree of Life. Pittseemed alternately fascinated and amused as wetalked aboutthe whole circus and strategiesof awards season.He couldn’t believe guys like me cover this thingyearround now. (“You should write a book in a few years,”he laughed.)He told me hewas very happy about his Best Actor award from the NY Film Critics and also very proud of Jolie’s movie. The Academy’s relaxed rules mean the food and wine are flowing at these screening/party events. And Academy members I have seen on the circuit seem to be enjoying it more with studios sending out the invites directly to them for the first time. There are Q&As everywhere and, for the likes of The Iron Lady’s Meryl Streep and War Horse’s Steven Spielberg in just past week, they arewebcast live around the world, too, to give studios the biggest bang for their campaign bucks. So far no webcasts of thenumerous parties aimed at attracting voters: like the post-screening fete for Drive Wednesdayat the Andaz Hotel on the Sunset Strip that drew Supporting Actor hopeful Albert Brooks and Cannes-winning director Nicolas Winding Refn among others. Earlier that night there was a packedreception at Spagofor the Chinese Foreign Language entry, The Flowers of War that had Academy and HFPA members mingling withdirector Zhang Yimou and stars Christian Bale and Ni Ni just before all of them had to catch a plane for the movie’s world premiere in Beijing. Some of those attendees then headed over to ICM for a special screening event of Cuba’s entry Habanasation hosted by Michael Moore which drew Sean Penn among others to offer support. Meanwhile, Warner Bros was showing off its late-inning release, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, at an industry screening and reception at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, similar to an event they did for J. Edgar there a few weeks earlier. Not to be outdone, Dreamworks did their industry screening of War Horse the night before at the Academy. And all of this is just a small sample of goings on out on the circuit all week. This non-stop awards train is enough to drive you insane this time of year.

Globe nods have boosted film B.O.

It ain't like with the Oscars, but a Golden Globes win (or even nomination) still can boost a film's box office potential.Most often the biggest beneficiaries come from the specialty market, especially pics in the musical or comedy category, where the Globes rep their best shot at kudos glory.Last year, Sony Pictures Classics' comedy "Barney's Version," which won acting honors for Paul Giamatti, saw considerable expansion in the weeks following the Globes ceremony. The film grossed $7.5 million Stateside and wound up playing in a few hundred locations through the Oscars, even though it scored just one nomination (best makeup) with the Academy.Fox Searchlight's 2009 specialty B.O. hit "Crazy Heart" nabbed two trophies at the Globes, including a win for Jeff Bridges. The studio added just 46 locations the weekend following the ceremony, but that weekend the pic saw a massive 109% uptick vs. the previous frame, earning more than $1 million for the first time in one weekend."Crazy Heart" went on to cume a stellar $39.5 million domestically -- primarily a result of its eventual winning Oscar run.Also in 2009, "Precious" had a significant push after winning the Globes award for supporting actress. The film had been in theaters for more than a month, with almost $40 million already in the till the weekend of the Globes. But Lionsgate decided to capitalize on Mo'Nique's supporting actress win by expanding "Precious" the following Friday to its widest location count. Pic grossed in total $47.6 million.Indies aren't the only films to see B.O. boosts from the Globes, however.Paramount timed its nationwide expansion of "The Fighter" to benefit from possible Globes recognition in 2010. The film went out at more than 2,000 locations on Dec. 17, just three days after the film received six nominations, including drama picture.As a result, "The Fighter" scored more than $12 million that weekend, during which the film faced heavyweight studio entries like "Tron: Legacy" and "Yogi Bear."But like with most major awards groups, the Globes sometimes doesn't provide much B.O. benefit, as some nominees or winners already have been released on homevideo.Such was the case last year with both Globes pic winners, Sony's "The Social Network" and Focus Features' "The Kids Are All Right." In fact, both films hit DVD shelves just the week before Globes noms were announced. ("Social Network" received six bids and won four; "Kids" scored four noms, winning two.)"Social Network," which cumed a solid $97 million, lost almost 800 playdates of its total 1,088 count the Friday following the Globes ceremony, while "Kids" -- 2010's best specialty player with $20 million -- had exited theaters by mid-October, after having first launched in early July.Even though the Globes isn't the Oscars when it comes to B.O. traction, the former kudos org certainly has the potential to kickstart a golden B.O. run.GOLDEN GLOBE UPDATE Nixing the hijinx jinx | Contemporary directors: Stylists or shape-shifters? | Stateside sitcoms mixed overseas | Awards aren't goal of HFPA giving | TV biz buys into backseat Globes role | Memorable moments at the Globes Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

'Shame' Red Band Trailer: Michael Fassbender Brings Sex to the Subway (Video)

Jojo Whilden/ Lionsgate Lionsgate has been sued by a consulting firm that alleges it is owed money for services provided to help its slate of films garner Academy Award nominations. The work is said to have resulted in an Oscar nod for Nicole Kidman in the best actress category for Rabbit Hole, and the firm says it is entitled to $61,500 plus interest.our editor recommendsNicole Kidman, Director Philip Noyce Set for 'My Wild Life' (AFM 2011) PHOTOS: 2011 Oscars Red Carpet The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month by CBB Consulting, which says it was contracted in August 2010 to provide logistical services in advance of awards season. Per the agreement, CBB was to get $12,000 per month from August until the Academy Awards telecast in late February. The agreement provided a right to terminate with five days written notice. On November 1 2010, Lionsgate allegedly informed CBB of its intention to terminate. According to the complaint, the explanation given was "financial reasons." (At the time, the studio was battling investor Carl Icahn for control of the company.) PHOTOS: 2011 Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon However, CBB says that no written notice was given and that the reasons cited weren't permissible in the opt-out provision, which stated that the parties were allowed to cancel in the event of "any change in business form, management or organization or any other occurrences materially frustrates this intent." CBB now claims it is owed $42,000 for unpaid services. In addition, the firm claims $12,000 more damages as a promised fee for handing over an updated draft of an Academy members mailing list. Finally, CBB says it's due $7,500 as a promised bonus for Kidman's nomination. According to the agreement, CBB was to get $5,000 for an Oscar nomination (which Kidman got) and $2,500 for any Guild nomination (Kidman got a Screen Actors Guild nod as well). PHOTOS: Top 10 SAG Awards Red Carpet Looks We've reached out to Lionsgate for comment and will update with a response. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 2011 Oscars Red Carpet Nicole Kidman Oscars Rabbit Hole

Reviews: Jennifer Lopez Stays Thanksgiving With Casper Smart

First Launched: November 25, 2011 12:39 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Jennifer Lopez, in lacy couture, watches the 2010 American Music Honours held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in La on November 20, 2011Jennifer Lopez apparently stood a happy Thanksgiving, trading it in Hawaii with backup dancer Casper Smart, according to Radar On the web and Us Weekly. The singer, who split from husband Marc Anthony within this summer time, reaches The area of the island of kauai, Hawaii, on Thursday with Casper, 24, and her twins, Max and Emme, 3. An origin told Us Weekly the little children loved the ballroom ballroom dancers company. Casper was great while using kids. He was twirling them around and doing movies with Emme and he or she made an appearance very at ease with him, the foundation mentioned. Jennifer got an chance to unwind and relax while Casper needed over and carried out. In related Jennifer news, on Friday, FOX released a preliminary have a look at Season 11 of yank Idol, which she returns to for just about any second season within the month of the month of january. Follow The Link to check out the sneak look! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

ABC Developing Family Sitcom Based On Academy Prez Tom Sheraks Experience

EXCLUSIVE Up-to-date: ABC network has bought a comedy pitch inspired with a chapter inherited information on Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences leader Tom Sherak who's in operation while using network inside the broadcasting in the Academy Honours. The comedy, We’ll Be Out By Christmas, is created and executive produced by High Fidelity scribe Steve Pink and Rob Morris. It is founded on real-existence encounters of Sherak and also the producer wife Madeleine when their daughter moved into residence along with her three kids while her husband although getting his Master of economic administration. Madeleine Sherak (Personally, I Can't Stand Valentine’s Day) will executive produce the hybrid comedy through her My Bench Prods., along with Tom’s boy, producer William Sherak, and Jason Shuman through their Blue Star Entertainment. The Sheraks initially offered the idea just like a feature to Vital this past year with assorted authors, Kristen Buckley and John Regan. Following a project was devote turnaround, Madeleine and William Sherak made a decision the storyline in the family ordeal might be appropriate just like a family sitcom and, with Pink and Morris aboard, pitched the project to ABC. UTA-repped Pink recently directed this year's movie Health spa Time Machine and produced Dark day and night. Morris is to apply WME and Art/Work Entertainment. My Bench and Blue Star were repped inside the deal by attorney Scott Whitehead.

'The Muppets' Stage a Comeback

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) Jason Segel is balancing a bowling pin atop his noggin.The jolly actor-film author is perched round the stage from the makeshift Muppet Theater that has been erected within the mammoth Universal Art galleries soundstage. He's nervously grimacing because the furry blue daredevil Gonzo the fantastic winds his arm up when planning to make a bowling ball toward Segel for just about any stunt the pair are filming for "The Muppets."Segel, who co-written the film with "Negelecting Sarah Marshall" director Nicholas Stoller, is balancing not just a bowling pin on his mind nowadays: The Wally Disney Co., which acquired The Muppets franchise within the Jim Henson Co. in 2004, has entrusted him while using first large-screen adventure starring the felt-covered performance troupe in 12 years."In my opinion eventually, The Muppets changed a little,Inch mentioned Segal within a relaxation from filming taken. "Our goal using this movie is always to reintroduce The Muppets to kids with techniques that's like the movies within the late '70s and early eighties. The fantastic factor about people movies and what Pixar does now's they don't pander or condescend to children."Segel, a hardcore Muppet fan most broadly noted for his R-rated roles such movies as "Knocked Up" and "I Like You, Guy," petitioned Disney brass to resurrect The Muppets with Stoller with techniques which will attract both nostalgic grownups who had been elevated watching "The Muppet Show" and youngsters more familiar with computer-created 3-D animation than large-eyed puppets.Inside the film, out Wednesday, Segel and may Be play just a little-town couple named Gary and Mary who along with Gary's puppet brother Walter (referred to by Peter Linz) attempt to reunite The Muppets. It seems the felt ones have found themselves irrelevant inside an entertainment landscape centered by such over-the-top imaginary game shows as "Punch Teacher."The musical's story mirrors The Muppets' own reality. They haven't starred in the film together since the 2005 made-for-TV movie "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" and possess been absent from theaters since 1999's "The Muppets in Space.""It's funny the wealth from the film might undue the story itself," mentioned director James Bobin. "That's what really came me for the story. I used to be struck because when honest it absolutely was with real artistic license referred to how people The Muppets at this time around around. One of the great emotional drives inside a story will get this rock band back together again.InchThe completely new movie finds The Muppets off doing their particular factor: Fozzie Bear is languishing in the tribute band referred to as Moopets, Miss Piggy is sashaying around Paris just like a fashion editor, Animal is coping with his anger management issues at rehab, Dr. Teeth as well as the Electric Mayhem are undertaking inside the NY subway and Scooter is working at Google.The filmmakers, nearly all who've never labored with puppets, as well as The Muppets, carefully labored with while using puppeteers who had been representing these figures for any very long time. A specific winding up inside them introduced Segel and Stoller to axe any self-referential jokes and puns in regards to the Muppets being puppets. "I question how that felt," for example, will be a goner."Many of us are partners relating to this movie," mentioned producer Todd Lieberman. "We was elevated round the Muppets, however, these males are actually living it for two-and-a-half decades. They do know these figures a lot better than anybody possibly could because they've been carrying it out for two-and-a-half decades. They do know the figures, and so they be familiar with style. They get seem advice and much more to accomplish for your brand."Adams, who went the award show gauntlet taken on her behalf role in "The Fighter," think it is harder to alter between fancy gowns throughout the evening and Mary's conservative ensembles throughout your day throughout production than coping with puppets. She mentioned acting opposite puppets like Walter wasn't any longer difficult than working opposite stars like Mark Wahlberg."Whenever you think that the puppet that you're coping with is certainly a real character, it is actually much like coping with another human actor," mentioned Adams. "The puppeteers are prodigies at disappearing. I am unsure how they take action, nonetheless they take action. I see Peter and Walter as two completely separate animals. Peter is Peter, and Walter is Walter."The immersive set design aided, too. For your new Muppet Theater that's made to appear like it's abandon prior to the Muppets give a transformation, production designer Steve Saklad and also the team incorporated the towering theater set built-in 1924 for "Phantom in the Opera," that's still waiting in the soundstage round the Universal Art galleries backlot."I had been initially prone to shoot the various in the Muppet Theater moments that face everyone else in the historic downtown La theater, nevertheless it could have been restricting for your director to split up everything up," mentioned Saklad. "It worked out to find the best because we now have got this huge, luscious theater covered in the 1000 jackets of fresh fresh paint."Saklad mentioned the completely new Muppet Theater set was devote storage after production on "The Muppets," just just just in case it's required for any follow-up, and he's wanting that nobody offers inside the "Phantom in the Opera" walls. However, the options from the Muppets just like a re-vitalized franchise featuring Segel is really a the actor-film author can't seem to fathom."Which will be easily amazing," mentioned Segel sheepishly. "It is not something I'm even thinking about at this time around. I'm still dedicated to this movie. My large goal only decided to be to re-establish The Muppets where they belonged. Next, other things is gravy. I merely preferred to start to see the Muppets again the means by that we appreciated them." The Hollywood Reporter

'Daily Show' Comedienne to Recur on '30 Rock' (Exclusive)

Comedienne Kristen Schaalwill add30 Rockto her already hectic agenda. TheDaily Showcontributor and formerFlight from the Conchordsstar has reserved a multiepisode arc on NBC's30 Rock,The Hollywood Reporterhas learned solely.Particulars on Schaal's role are now being stored under systems. Schaal, who also voices Louise on Fox's animatedBob's Hamburgers, joinsJames Marsden, who's also slated to gueston Tina Fey'sEmmy-nominated series set tokick offits sixth season at 8 p.m. on Jan. 12. Additionally toBurgers, Schaal has voiced figures onThe SimpsonsandAmerican Father, and guest starred onModern Family.She arrived on the scene withSexy Book of Sexy Sexin 2010 andserves because the moderator inThe Muppetsfeature film, which opens countrywide in a few days. Schaal is repped by UTA and Avalon Management. Related Subjects NBC 30 Rock The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

ABC Charging $1.6-$1.7 Million For Oscar Ad Spots

The 2012 Academy awards broadcast has been offered to marketers for slightly under its 2011 counterpart.our editor recommendsHave The Academy awards Attended the Dogs?!Billy Very Replaces Eddie Murphy for Academy awards: What Hollywood is SayingRicky Gervais Purports to Host Academy awards Following Eddie Murphy, Brett Ratner ExitsEddie Murphy's 6 Greatest Problems Before Bailing around the Academy awards ABC, that is airing the 84th annual honours show telecast February. 26, is seeking between $1.6 and $1.7 million for every 30-second place of advertising to air throughout the Oscars, Advertising Age reviews. PHOTOS: Oscar Hosts Over time These figures are slightly underneath the 2011 broadcast, which netted nearer to $1.7 million per ad, but nonetheless greater than the newest low of $1.3 million last year (triggered through the show's constantly decreased rankings and also the country's recession). PHOTOS: Oscar Show Moments This past year's broadly-belittled show, located by James Franco and Hathaway As Catwoman, might be partially the reason for the decrease, that also saw a nine percent drop in rankings from 2010's telecast. 37.9 million audiences viewed The King's Speech collect Best Picture this year during 2010, 41.7 million were updated directly into begin to see the Hurt Lockerwin the very best recognition. VIDEOS: The Greatest Unsuccessful Jokes in the Oscars The approaching show has seen its share of drama, with producer Brett Ratner and host Eddie Murphy walking lower using their responsibilities a week ago (amongst debate surrounding Ratner's utilization of a homophobic slur), four several weeks prior to the show is placed to air. John Grazer and veteran host Billy Very have since been named his or her substitutes. Related Subjects ABC Billy Very Brett Ratner John Grazer Eddie Murphy Academy awards Academy awards 2011

Katy Perry Announces Free Concert at Staples Center

On an appearance of The Ellen DeGeneres Show set to air Friday, Katy Perry announced that she has added a second show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, but the show will be free.our editor recommendsKaty Perry's 'Teenage Dream': Capitol to Release Sixth Single From the AlbumMTV Video Music Awards Winner Katy Perry: Firework Is a Movement (Video) Set to take place on Nov. 23, one day after her sold-out show at the same venue, the free show was to give thanks to the fans for their support throughout the year. Dubbed Katy Perry Gives Thanks, the show wraps up Perry's 122-date California Dreams trek. "I am giving thanks to all of my fans," said Perry on the show. "This is my big announcement on Ellen that no one has heard about or knows about. I played 121 shows up in to the 23rd date, and I want to finish it off by renting out Staples myself and giving a free concert to anyone in the world that wants to come to the California Dreams Tour as my last show." The singer, who has been married to British actor-comedian Russell Brand since October 2010, also discussed the possibility of starting a family. "Yeah, I would love to have children," she said. "I think that's one of the reasons you get married. Especially to the person that you marry. You think, that person is going to be a good partner, a good parent. But, I'm not sure it's yet. We'll see, ya know." Perry appeared on Ellen to debut the music video for "The One That Got Away," directed by Floria Sigimondi. Thus far this year, Perry has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, had five No. 1 singles and took home an MTV VMA for video of the year. She is nominated for three American Music Awards and has seven Peoples Choice noms. Billboard contributed to this report. Related Topics Katy Perry

Thesps fall into line for 'Django Unchained'

Quentin Tarantino is adding four more veteran thesps towards the cast of his epic spaghetti Western "Django Unchained," as James Remar ("Dexter") Tom Wopat ("The Dukes of Hazzard"), James Russo ("Miss Bala") and Presidio Pictures founder Todd Allen have became a member of the star-studded ensemble.Remar and Russo will have slave buying and selling siblings Ace and Dicky Speck, who purchase Django (Jamie Foxx) in the Greenville Slave Auction. Remar's "48 Several hours." co-star Allen will have plantation movie director Dollar Bill, while Wopat continues to be cast as Marshall Gill Tatum.Most widely known nowadays for playing Michael C. Hall's father on Showtime's "Dexter," Remar is really a longtime favorite of director Walter Hill, who cast him in classic films for example "48 Several hours." and "The Players," in addition to Westerns "Wild Bill" and "The Lengthy Riders." Thesp continues to be keeping a hollywood in studio films, with recent roles as military generals in Matthew Vaughn's super hero pic "X-Males: Top ClassInch and David Gordon Green's stoner comedy "Pineapple Express."Most widely known for playing Luke Duke around the lengthy-running CBS series "The Dukes of Hazzard," Wopat lately made an appearance in "Jonah Hex" and merely wrapped a recurring role as Margo Martindale's husband on CBS' "A Gifted Guy."Russo has co-starred alongside The Actor-brad Pitt in "Public Opponents," "Donnie Brasco" and "The Ninth Gate." Thesp also made an appearance within the Western "Open Range" and "The Mail carrier," each of which were directed by Kevin Costner, who dropped from "Django" and was changed by Kurt Russell.While Allen has not labored with Tarantino before, the 2 return almost two-and-a-half decades for an acting class both of them attended. Allen formerly starred opposite Robert Duvall both in "The Apostle" and AMC's "Damaged Trail," that also featured Russo. Thesp presently can serve as prexy of Austin-based film and television production company Presidio Pictures, that is developing the inspiring football pic "12 Mighty Orphans."Remar is repped by Gersh and Lighthouse Entertainment, while Innovative Artists reps Wopat. Allen is repped by Linda McAlister Talent and Variety. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

New Movie Reviews: 'Tower Heist,' 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas,' 'The Son of No One' Hitting Theaters

The first weekend of November sees two big comedies opening along with a bittersweet rock dramedy and a gritty cop drama.our editor recommendsEddie Murphy Says Brian Grazer Saved 'Tower Heist' (Video)Ben Stiller Reveals 'Zoolander' Sequel Secrets; Future of the Fockers and What He Thinks of 'Tower Heist' Co-Star Eddie Murphy as Oscar HostEddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist': What the Critics Are Saying Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer (Video)'Charlotte Rampling: The Look' Puts the Actress' Style in the SpotlightSUNDANCE: Al Pacino-Katie Holmes The Son of No One Bombs, Prompts Walkouts 'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Apologizes for Epilepsy Joke in Movie's Trailer (Video) Universal leads the way withBrett Ratner's comic caper flickTower Heist.LiketheOcean's series, Heist comes with an all-star cast, includingBen Stilleras the straight man, Eddie Murphyas therude, confrontational wiseass and Alan Alda as the Bernie Madoff-like swindler. PHOTOS: 'Ben Stiller Show' Alumni: Where Are They Now? The other big comedy premiering this weekend is the third installment in theHarold & Kumar series, A Very Harold & Kumar 3DChristmas,from Warner Bros./New Line Cinema. Also opening this week is Killing Bono, aBritish dramedy about a pair of brothers who attended school with U2but could never replicate their success as musicians. On the serious side,Dito Montiel's Sundance movieSon of No One,from NuImage/Millennium Films,agritty cop drama about hidden secrets set in post-9/11 NY starringAl Pacinoand Katie Holmes, opens in select theaters. PHOTOS: '80s Action Stars: Where Are They Now? Here's what The Hollywood Reporter's critics have to say about those films -- and others opening this weekend -- and see how they are expected to perform at the box office: Tower Heist Brett Ratner's comic caper about coworkers who turn the tables on a Bernie Madoff type is a smoothly engineered crowd pleaser.Click here to read Todd McCarthy's review. THR COVER STORY: Ben Stiller Reveals What He Thinks of 'Tower Heist' Co-Star Eddie Murphy Hosting the Oscars A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas It's Harold & Kumar vs. Christmas and, yes, Christmas wins out.Click here to read Kirk Honeycutt's review. Charlotte Rampling: The Look An engaging doc reveals plenty of sweet Charlotte along with a little hush-hush.Click here to read Jordan Mintzer's review. VIDEO: 'A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas' Red Band Trailer: The Second Coming of Neil Patrick Harris The Son of No One Atmospheric and intriguing, this cop movie revolving around a buried secret and occurring in two time frames stars Al Pacino and Katie Holmes.Click here to read John DeFore's review. Killing Bono Adapted from rock critic Neil McCormick's autobiography, Nick Hamm's British comedy stars Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan and Krysten Ritter.Click here to read Jordan Mintzer's review. VIDEO: Al Pacino, Channing Tatum Sport Badges, Mustaches in 'Son of No One' Trailer Young Goethe in Love German director Philipp Stölzl's film falls gently between the stools of high-brow camp and genuine seduction by its many period charms, fine actors and lovely landscapes.Click here to read John DeFore's review. Related Topics Brett Ratner Channing Tatum Eddie Murphy Katie Holmes Al Pacino Ben Stiller The Son of No One Tower Heist A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas Charlotte Rampling: The Look Killing Bono Young Goethe in Love

Gervais, HFPA informally talk Globes

Ough Gervais and also the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. have hidden the hatchet -- the question now becomes, did they sink it deep enough to create him to the Golden Globes? Though some HFPA people condemned Gervais to take shots at notables within the Beverly Hilton audience in The month of january, the 2 sides have started speaking informally in regards to a third straight stint as host from the telecast on NBC. While Gervais stated late recently that there is no truth to reviews he had been requested back, the rumor mill started churning again Thursday, once the NY Publish reported the comedian was spotted dining in Paris with HFPA leader Aida Takla O'Reilly and NBC's mind of special offers Doug Vaughan. Gervais later tweeted a hyperlink towards the story, saying: "Ooooooh! The plot thickens ..." Though sources stress that no offer has been manufactured, people near to the HFPA the org undoubtedly thinks Gervais will return for that Jan. 15 kudocast, which exercising particulars is really a mere formality. Reps for NBC and also the HFPA rejected comment. Gervais' schtick was tame enough this year, but after this year's show, then-HFPA leader Philip Berk stated the comedian's withering humor "entered the road.Inch Others belittled the comedian for barbs for example calling Bruce Willis "Ashton Kutcher's father" and presenting Robert Downey Junior. as "also known for his stays in the Betty Ford Clinic and also the L.A. City Jail.Inch This is not the very first time this season Gervais' title originates up for that Globes. In Feb, he tweeted that he'd been offered the task, although the HFPA firmly refused it at that time: "Nice try, Ough," Berk stated inside a statement. Then in September, Gervais stated he was considering getting their own no-holds-barred webcast to operate throughout the show. Josh Dickey and Andrew Wallenstein led for this report. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Weinstein Co. To Re-Release Sarahs Type In Honours Push

The Weinstein Co stated today it's rereleasing its war drama Sarah’s Key on 300 screens on Friday, giving the summer time title a push into honours season. The film stars Kristin Scott Thomas being an American journalist residing in modern-day Paris whose research to have an article concerning the jail time of Jews throughout France’s well known Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup in 1942 eventually ends up turning her very own world thoroughly. Gilles Paquet-Brenner directed the film and co-authored the script with Serge Joncour in line with the novel by Tatiana p Rosnay. Sarah’s Key made $7 million in the domestic box office after its This summer 22 release worldwide, it’s made $20.5 million up to now. “We know there’s a level bigger audience for that movie, which’s why we’re re-delivering it now, inside a wider pattern, and before honours consideration,” Weinstein Co distribution boss Erik Loomis stated. The organization already has its own hands full throughout honours season, with a minimum of its My Week With Marilyn (release date: November 23), The Artist (November 23) and Meryl Streep-starrer The Iron Lady (December 16) angling for attention.

Director Joe Dante's 8 Favorite Scary Christmas Movies

To paraphrase the great Frank Sinatra: first comes Halloween, then comes Christmas. In honor of today's holiday (plus the freak October snowstorm that blanked much of the Northeast over the weekend), Moviefone asked director Joe Dante ('Gremlins') to compile his list of favorite scary movies, which -- thanks to the release of 'Rare Exports: A Christmase Tale,' now on DVD -- has a decidedly holiday-season feel. After you're done watching 'The Exorcist,' consider these eight fright flicks to get you in the mood for a haunted Christmas. Joe Dante's Favorite Scary Christmas Movies 'The Devil-Doll' (1936)'The Curse of the Cat People' (1944)'The Day Mars Invaded Earth' (1963)'Tales From the Crypt' (1972)'Black Christmas' (1974)'Gremlins' (1984)'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale' (2010) See All Moviefone Galleries » Want More? Check Out Our List of Santa Slasher Movies (Yes, there's more than one). [Top Photo: Everett Collection] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Right-Winger Mostly Succeeds in Complimenting Sean Penn

“Sean Penn is an outstanding director and I’m betting he gets the best performance we’ve seen from Robert De Niro in 15 years. Watching De Niro overact in the tradition of his pal Al Pacino has been more than a little heartbreaking. But Penn was able to direct scenery-chewer Jack Nicholson into one of his best performances in The Pledge, a near-masterpiece everyone should see regardless of your personal feelings about Penn. No doubt, Sean Penn is an asshole, but he’s an asshole capable of telling superb, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the lights come up.” Well, it’s something. [Big Hollywood] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

The Muppets Parody Breaking Dawn, Paranormal Activity and More

If you thought you had seen the last Muppets parody trailer, think again. With less than a month until Kermit and Miss Piggy storm the theaters for their movie comeback, The Muppets Studio has a released another promo in which the fuzzy gang pokes fun at Paranormal Activity 3, Puss In Boots, Breaking Dawn and themselves. Okay, so maybe Breaking Prawn isn’t as inspired as the Muppets’ Girl with the Dragon Tattoo send-up. But let’s give Fozzie, Gonzo and Pepe the King Prawn some credit for their last ditch-effort at pop culture relevance. If you haven’t yet marked your calendars, November 23 is the release date for The Muppets, which will feature everyone from Anne Hathaway to Rizzo the Rat. [via Muppets Studio] Follow Julie Miller on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Wally Disney's Mobile Game Character Swampy Can get Web Series (Exclusive)

NY - Swampy, the sewer-dwelling alligator this is the protagonist of Wally Disney's apple apple iphone/iPad gaming Where's My Water? will get an online video series. Where's My Water?, the Adventures of Swampy will begin getting a 12 episode season, featuring 3-4 minute weekly animated episodes. The initial episode will formally launch within the month of the month of january. In December, a preview or aircraft aircraft pilots of sorts may come to Disney.com. Beyond the initial 12 episodes, the business has plans for just about any story arc that allows to improve the show once the reception is positive. Due to the effective oncoming of mobile game, its first the organization created a geniune character, Disney feels the level of smoothness has resonated so well with audiences it's eco-friendly lit a geniune animated series for Disney Online. The 99 cents game has showed up at well greater than millions of downloads since its Sept. 22 launch, with different representative for your Disney Interactive Media Group. Swampy is certainly an alligator who lives inside the sewers below a metropolis and contains a distinctive quirk: he dislike being dirty. Consequently, he tries to get water that's clean to his undercover apartment, so they can shower. In the sport, players must help Swampy by digging paths to influence water to his undercover tub. Meanwhile, Cranky, the Alpha Gator, always tampers with Swampy's plumbing to avoid his discharge. And both alligators' love rates of interest are female alligator Ally. It absolutely was a preliminary for Disney to develop a geniune character for just about any mobile game together with a milestone for that organization in original intellectual property created for any non-traditional screen. Its success "is a crucial and encouraging symbol of Disney's enthusiasm with this particular character," a representative mentioned. "The continuing demand and excitement about Swampy clearly signifies that might be many people available that are interested with the sport, but also needs to find out more in regards to the story," mentioned Mark Master, senior v . p . of Disney.com. "We are searching to create the planet and tell Swampy's story which of other figures." Asked for about likely story on the internet series, Master mentioned "we'll learn a little more about Swampy and also the pals as well as the conditions he lives under." Also, audiences will uncover a little more about how Cranky and Swampy make an effort to impress Ally as well as the dynamics involving the figures. "We expect the area of figures will grow more wealthy as the sport reaches become more wealthy to ensure that once we uncover new pals within the video series," he added. Disney didn't disclose the expansion budget on the internet series. The expansion team behind it's introduced by executive producer Chris Williams, v . p . and gm of Disney Online Originals, who's searching to produce together the writing, production and voice talent. Could any famous stars voice Swampy as well as the other figures inside the Web series? "It's really a little more about selecting the very best voice for your character," mentioned Master. "That might actually be someone with whom we used in the bigger Disney family. It probably will not be, however wouldn't foreclose that...I don't think it's necessary to the wealth of the program.Inch Could Swampy look at possible film or TV fame carrying out a Web series? Without predicting possible future steps, Master mentioned: "It's fair to convey that there are tremendous excitement throughout Disney of those figures largely good success of the sport. People through the organization required note in the tremendous success of Where's My Water." Asked for about possiblity to generate money in the online series, Master mentioned his team is searching at sponsorships together with other options. "At Disney.com, we've lots of respect for that audience, which we goal to become family-friendly, so anything making might be consistent with Disney.com's approach overall," mentioned Master. After its release, Where's My Water? immediately rose up place inside the ranking of the extremely popular products in Apple's paid out application store, remaining # 1 inside the U.S. for three days and overpowering another animal-designed game application, typically the most popular Angry Wild wild birds. It showed up at the most effective devote 30 nations and counting. By Wednesday evening, Where's My Water? ranked at number 6 in the report on top paid out programs for your iPad and number 15 of top apple apple iphone programs. Experts needed the wealth of the sport just like a sign that established entertainment companies can success against gaming upstarts which Disney is dedicated to turning around its gaming business. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects The Wally Disney Company

Maksim Chmerkovskiy Battles Idol judges Over Dancing Critique

First Released: October 24, 2011 11:45 PM EDT Credit: ABC Caption Ballerina Maksim Chmerkovskiy assumes the idol judges on Dwts, March. 24, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- There is a fight happening within the Dwts ballroom, but on Monday evening, it wasnt the playful competition between J.R. Martinez and Ricki Lake for that top just right the leaderboard that required the spotlight. Rather, it had been professional ballroom dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy who required around the idol judges and particularly, Len Goodman for which he appeared to suggest was an disinclination around the idol judges part to critique the celebrity participants on equal criteria. After carrying out a rumba to Seasons of affection in the Broadway musical Rent, Len known as Hope Solos performance with Maks her worst dance from the whole season, and scolded her because of not remaining on her behalf toes (she was putting on flat bottomed athletic shoes in theme using the popular show in the Great Whitened Way). As lengthy because the audience likes our journey, were good, ballroom bad boy Maks rapidly retorted. Without a doubt, Maks, the crowd likes the result, Len started. Ive experienced e-commerce for pretty much half a century. Maybe it is time to visit, the always-open Maks clicked back, compelling another idol judges to chime in. Do not be disrespectful like this, an angry Barbara Ann Inaba quipped. Bruno Tonioli attempted to calm matters, but Maks ongoing. Allows 't be disrespectful to everyone, right, because everybodys investing in lots of effort, Maks chimed in again. Everyone on that balcony continues to be dying and killing themselves simply to hear your men just a little judgmental comments. Im safeguarding my partner, he added. It had been show co-host Tom Bergeron who stop the spat within the ballroom between Maks and also the three idol judges, but after receiving their scores just 20 from 30 (Len gave them just 6 points, Bruno and Barbara Ann 7 each) Maks required another swing, apparently directed over what he appeared to think about unequal idol judges critiques. With all of due respect, this really is my show. I assisted allow it to be what it's, he stated. I really like every factor of it, I really like every professional thats have you been here and that i love every celebrity that puts effort into each week. With that said, Im just a little tired which were being judged, some on effort plus some being selected on, on heel leads! AH Nation Poll: Whose side are you currently on? Maks or even the idol judges? Click The Link to election! Maks brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, who had been removed the 2009 season with partner Elisabetta Canalis, rapidly hit Twitter, meant for his brother. Sh** got real, he Tweeted, adding, Sorry however i cant stand double standards. The backwards and forwards happened after Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer gained only one point under Maks and Expect a routine the idol judges stated didn't have the kind of content worth Week 6 material. The argument overshadowed the evening, which really featured impressive amounts from both Ricki and J.R., who both tied for that top just right the leaderboard with 29-point scoring quicksteps. Meanwhile, HLN host Nancy Sophistication demonstrated huge enhancements too, carrying out a Spamalot-inspired foxtrot with Tristan MacManus towards the third just right the leaderboard and 24 points. AH Nation Poll: Would be the idol judges looking at fairly and equally? Click The Link to election! The Leaderboard for Week 6: J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff carried out a quickstep and required home 29/30 Ricki Lake and Derek Hough carried out the quickstep and gained 29/30 Nancy Sophistication and Tristan MacManus carried out the foxtrot and gained 24/30 David Arquette and Kym Manley handled the quickstep and gained 23/30 Take advantage of Kardashian and Cheryl Burke handled the cha cha and gained 22/30 Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy carried out a rumba and gained 20/30 Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer carried out the tango and gained 19/20 Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Couric talk show clears majority of markets

CouricKatie Couric's upcoming talk show "Katie" has been cleared in over 60 percent of the country according to distributor Disney-ABC Domestic Television. The syndie yakker has been sold in 14 out of the top 15 markets to stations owned by a variety of cable operators. Recent clearances include ABC affiliates in Dallas; Boston; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; Tampa, Fla.; and Phoenix, and NBC affiliate KING in Seattle. The series is set to premiere in September 2012 and is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group's larger multiplatform deal with the former "Today" and "CBS Evening News" anchor. Couric left CBS earlier this year when her contract with the Eye ended; she is currently slated to interview Regis Philbin for an ABC News special in November. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Wachowskis planning Jupiter Climbing

Lana and Andy Wachowski are likely to write and direct an originalsci-fifilm referred to as Jupiter Climbing.Vigilant movie fans can invariably remember their littlescience fictionproject The Matrix, which produced three movies making $1.6bn worldwide.Unlucky movie fans may also still remember Speed Racer, which explains why it's good to hear they're writing and pointing one which goes for them ideas rather than adapting a present story.Production is scheduled to start in spring 2012 as well as the pair have for the time being to agree a b --list star with studio Warner Bros.While using script along with the idea under systems for the moment here's everything we understand about the project: Jupiter Climbing.Could this function as top-secret pic they were planning in 2008, with Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions co-star Collin Chou (he carried out Seraph) attracted on up for just about any role?Could be.

'Secret Circle,' 'Hart of Dixie' Acquired for Full Seasons around the CW

Courtsy from the CW"The Key Circle" The CW has because of the relaxation of their rookie dramas a long stay. Around the heels of Ringer's full-season pickup earlier within the day, the network has because of the eco-friendly light on full seasons of Kevin Williamson's The Key Circle and Josh Schwartz's Hart of Dixie. PHOTOS: 10 Television Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' For Secret Circle, the choice to get the rear nine may come as no real surprise, because the hourlong show -- toplined by Existence Unpredicted alum Britt Robertson -- is presently the internet's best-carrying out new drama, keeping intact Williamson's block on Thursdays (Vampire Journals at 8 p.m., Secret Circle at 9 p.m.). In the first three days on air, Secret Circle has averaged 2.4 million total audiences along with a 1. rating among grown ups 18-49. Particularly, it increased 11 percent within the more youthful 18-34 demo in the second to 3rd week. Keeping Williamson happy is really a factor, as Vampire Journals continues to be CW's top series as the story goes through its third season. PHOTOS: The CW's Fall Premiere Party Exactly the same could be stated for that Alabama-set Dixie, which stars Rachel Bilson, Scott Porter and Jaime King. Using the pickup, the CW solidifies its Monday selection, featuring veteran cleaning soap Gossip Girl and Dixie, both executive created by Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Since its debut Sept. 26, Dixie has created solid amounts for that more youthful-skewing network, calculating 1.9 million total audiences along with a .8 rating among grown ups 18-49. "We feel within the creative strength of those dramas, by providing them with back nine orders we are able to give our audience the opportunity to enjoy complete seasons of three of these,Inch stated Mark Pedowitz, leader from the CW. "With compelling story lines, engaging figures and tremendous buzz, we firmly think that Hart of Dixie, Ringer and also the Secret Circle may become signature series for that CW, the type of top-notch implies that are symbolic of our brand." PHOTO: Exclusive First Consider the 'Hart of Dixie' Poster With Secret Circle and Dixie generating their keep, the moves mark the CW's latest effort in broadening its audience. Dixie follows the internet's head to a show that's sways toward the vein of procedural, using its weekly medical cases, compared to heavily serialized dramas like Gossip Girl and Vampire Journals. The CW can also be creating a bid to maneuver in to the comedy space. Secret Circle and Dixie join fellow newbies Ringer, New Girl, 2 Broke Women, Up Through The Night and Whitney as newcomer series receiving full orders. Prime Suspect has brought a purchase for six additional scripts. Rachel Bilson The CW Hart of Dixie The Key Circle Sarah Michelle Gellar Britt Robertson

5 Essential 'Coming Out' Movies, In Honor of LGBT History Month

October’s designation as LGBT History Month and yesterday’s National Coming Out Day is more than enough reason to revisit five movies that chronicle coming out, the disorientation that comes with queer self-identification, and the still-underrepresented world of gay romance. Our quintet includes a touch of the mainstream, a dollop of the obscure, and a heady mix of fantasy and reality. Cue up your Mama Cass solo discs! Making Love Harry Hamlin’s ineffably Hamlinesque haircut may be a distraction, but the impact of Making Love as a progressive gay film in 1982 can’t be overlooked. A doctor (Michael Ontkean) eventually confides in his exec wife (Kate Jackson!) that he’s gay after entering an affair with an unromantic author (Hamlin). A touching effort for director Arthur Hiller, the man who also helmed my least-favorite two lovers of all time in Love Story. In the battle of Kate (Jackson) and Ali (MacGraw), I take Kate any day. Edge of Seventeen This coming-of-age story of a gay teen in 1980s Ohio (note the scenes set at Sandusky’s Cedar Point amusement park) is an emotional, but thoroughly relatable story of young love. It’s just honest and unpretentious, with a very appealing lead in Chris Stafford. He’s just like a white-winged dove in that darling preppy vest! Beautiful Thing Featuring a soundtrack that will leave you with a pretty comprehensive knowledge of Mama Cass Elliot’s solo work, Beautiful Thing takes place in South East London’s blue-collar housing. A gay teen named Jamie (Glen Berry) lives with a single mother (Linda Henry) and is infatuated with his classmate Ste, who lives with abusive family members. When Jamie’s mother takes pity on Ste and lets him sleep over with Jamie, the two realize they have feelings for one another, though Ste is reluctant to admit it. Without giving much away, I have to say that the conclusion of this movie is damn great, and you’ll never think of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” the same way again. In & Out In & Out is notable not because it’s a prized piece of cinema or even a very funny movie, but because it was a mainstream success that focused solely on one man’s (Kevin Kline, as a buttoned-up schoolteacher) journey of self-acceptance after one of his students (Matt Dillon) outs him during an Oscar speech. Though Joan Cusack earned the real-life Oscar nod as Kline’s histrionic wife, it’s Kline who transcends the cliched jokes about effete demeanor with his plucky, fully realized portrayal. The conclusion is an expected feel-good triumph, but it doesn’t undermine the fun of our befuddled protagonist’s arc. Angels in America Tony Kushner’s two-part Pulitzer-winning epic play came to vivid, ethereal life in the form of Mike Nichols’s glorious 2003 HBO miniseries. We keep track of several characters (many double-cast, like in the Broadway form) including an AIDS-afflicted NYer with heavenly hallucinations (Justin Kirk), his craven boyfriend Louis (Ben Shenkman), legendary right-wing fixer Roy Cohn (Al Pacino), an unhinged Mormon housewife (Mary-Louise Paker) and her deeply closeted, moral crisis-enduring Mormon husband Joe (Patrick Wilson). Joe’s transformation throughout the series is resounding, and Wilson plays him with melancholic grace. If you can handle the genius of Meryl Streep’s triple-casting as Wilson’s mother, a bearded old rabbi, and Ethel Rosenberg, you may be slightly ready for the scope of Angels in America. For further insight, check out Alonso Duralde’s indispensable book 101 Must-See Movies for Gay Men.

Take advantage of Zombie Casts Lords Of Salem

Dern! Wallace! Promote! Drago! Slightly after initially planned, Take advantage of Zombie is finally going to get going on his next horror opus The Lords of Salem. There has been copious casting bulletins in the guy themself during the last couple of days. Here is a brief roundup.House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects and also the Halloweens all demonstrated Zombie's penchant for casting recognisable genre faces and giving a go within the arm towards the careers of individuals - Sid Haig, Bill Moseley - who he really wants to see much more of. There is a identical principle at the office here.Dee Wallace (The Howling, ET, Cujo) is playing a self-help guru known as Sonny. She labored with Take advantage of before around the to begin his Halloweens.Veteran counter-culture character actor Bruce Dern, meanwhile, is going to be Francis Matthias, author of the book around the Salem Witch Tests that will get him into trouble.Horror legend Billy Drago (he seemed to be Frank Nitti, the man Kevin Costner put from the roof within the Untouchables) is Judge Samuel Mather, "a vital player within the good reputation for the Lords".Meg Promote, who made it dealing with John Contractor, Mike Peckinpah and Gary Busey (though not all at one time), is Margaret Morgan, leader of the secret witch coven.Ernest Thomas (Funny People, Everyone Hates Chris) may be the manager in the radio station in which the horror begins.Shaun Daniel Phillips, who had been in Faster using the Rock, and made an appearance two times in Zombie's Halloween II, works best for Thomas.And Torsten Voges (also in Funny People, and among the nihilists within the Large Lebowski) is Count Gorgann, "lead singer from the Norwegian dying metal band Leviathan the Running Serpent".An eclectically left-area cast to date then, for any peculiar sounding story including raised from the dead Salem ghouls and haunted records. Zombie is tease an incomplete period-setting together with the current-day viscera, and guaranteed Empire captured the Lords of Salem is going to be "the bleakest of my films." The program was initially to shoot early in the year and edit during the cold months, however the production, underneath the aegis of Oren Peli's Haunted Films, will get going ahead later this month.

DMG spends large in China theaters

"Priest" "The Founding of the Republic" Mintz L.A.- and Beijing-based DMG Entertainment has revealed a $230 million theater chain investment with Korean hedge fund Volton for that flourishing China market which will dovetail using its new $300 million fund to create co-production tentpoles to China. China may be the last frontier for Hollywood, an untrained market that's fiendishly hard to access with no sharp understanding from the local market and it is rules, along with an inside track towards the government forces-that-be. "The best problem, anything you call this area you package it in, is the fact that studio films are earning lots of money within China and aren't able to collect. Access and relevancy would be the two key issues," DMG topper Serta Mintz told Variety. DMG is really a partnership setup 18 years back by Mintz, chairman and finance expert Peter Xiao and former national gymnastics champion Wu Bing. Mintz confirmed that DMG had setup the fund, news which was leaked, to his irritation. It'll involve co-productions, that do not belong to China's quota rules on imported films. However, co-prods need a significant Chinese input to qualify under rules. "The film fund is $300,000, and also the theater investment is $230 million ... they aren't small amounts," he stated. The theater investment was slightly different, but ultimately is some another investment since it is bricks and mortar." The Korean marketplace is saturated, and traders happen to be searching at China for any very long time, eager to go into. Underneath the the deal, DMG will refit movie theaters in departmental stores, all multiplexes of eight screens or even more. "It comes down to content and distribution for us ... the fund's got lots of interest in the galleries, and we are for the reason that process. Should you add value and provide solutions, it isn't nearly writing a cheque and wishing for top this isn't what this really is about," Mintz stated. DMG has strong connections with government authorities and also the condition film colossus, the China Film Group. Future plans include posting "Priest," while this past year DMG handled to obtain "Resident Evil: Afterlife" past China's tough censors, an indication of precisely how good its connections are, as horror movies are often banned. It lately wrapped principal photography on its co-production "Looper," starring Frederick Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt and China's Xu Qing. The shingle has additionally created Chinese B.O. those who win, including top-generating domestic production "The Founding of the Republic" last year and "Go Lala Go!" and it has also distributed numerous Hollywood blockbusters in China, like the "Twilight" franchise. Recent days have experienced numerous tie-inches as Hollywood galleries try to obtain a bit of China. In addition to DMG's $300 million fund, Relativity Media setup a Chinese production and distribution partnership and Legendary Entertainment, through its Legendary East unit, introduced plans for any $220.5 million purchase of a filmmaking venture targeted at creating photos for that Chinese market. China keeps building increasingly more theaters, and cinema chain operators estimate that in 5 years, China may have 60,000 screens. The strong increase in Chinese B.O. this past year to $1.5 billion was driven through the surge in the amount of movie theaters, most of them located within the glittering departmental stores popping up in first-tier metropolitan areas like Beijing and Shanghai but additionally in second- and third-tier metropolitan areas. This past year China added 313 cinemas and 1,533 new screens for any total of approximately 6,200 screens. Your building of movie theaters has combined with boom in retail center construction in China to increase the risk for construction close to three new 450-chair theaters every single day -- an astonishing figure considering that three-quarters of Chinese metropolitan areas still do not have decent theaters. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Mega Buzz: Grey's Baby Blues, Danson's CSI Gig and Fringe's Peter Problem

Patrick Dempsey, Ted Danson, Joshua Jackson Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Got any scoop on Meredith and Derek on Grey's Anatomy? - Amanda NATALIE: Losing Zola will have serious ramifications on their marriage. "The partnership they've created after all these years is in jeopardy," executive producer Shonda Rhimes tells us. "When you lose a child, that could be possibly more devastating than almost anything else. The two of them are deeply in love with Zola and want that to work. They're also going to be trying to salvage and sustain their marriage." I really liked Ted Danson on CSI. When will learn more about his character's background? - Randy ADAM: Every episode is a discovery! In the next episode, we'll learn that he was once a member of a family band! Plus: We've already seen him get into the mindset of the victims by playing dead, but he also has an interesting way to put himself in a suspect's shoes, which will get complicated when three people confess to the same quadruple homicide. Is there no hope for Peter and Olivia on Fringe? - Anne NATALIE: Peter will continue to attempt to break through into Olivia and Walter's universe. Sadly, since Walter doesn't remember Peter, he'll desperately try to prevent this from happening, Plus: There's a special surprise return this week that will further the idea that, over here or over there, we're not in Kansas anymore. Are JJ and Will still together on Criminal Minds? - Lisa ADAM: You all want to know what she meant by "It's a long story," right? The good news: She and her baby-daddy are still together. The better news: We will see Will - and Henry! - in this season's seventh episode. "We see a little more into what JJ has been up to since she was gone, how that's affected her personal life, especially now that she's back [in the BAU] in the field with crazy hours," A.J. Cook tells us. "And [Henry's] getting older, so it's harder." What's coming up for the Originals on Vampire Diaries? - Thomas NATALIE: Very soon we'll meet Esther, the mother of the Original family, via 1,000-plus-year-old flashbacks. She's as strong and as fierce as Klaus, but she's more into protecting her family than packing them away in coffins. Lynette and Tom will definitely be back together before Desperate Housewives' series finale, right? - Jessica ADAM: Well, Felicity Huffman isn't optimistic. "I would like to see them get back together," Huffman confesses. "But as we've been shooting... I'm starting to feel like, maybe they're not going to get back together again. I'm really sad." Get in line behind Jessica, Felicity. I really like Revenge, but will that be all Emily Thorne does? Just getting revenge? -Jennifer NATALIE: Not always, says executive producer Mike Kelley. "All the questions that are posed in the pilot will be answered by the 13th episode, which is actually that engagement party," he says. "The concept for the show is to do this in installments, so the first installment takes 13 episodes and then the back half of the season will be the trial of the murderer." Translation: Expect a lot more revenge before the healing can begin. I've heard Jeff and Annie will get closer on this season of Community. True? - Hannah ADAM: If the premiere's opening number is to be believed, then yes. Executive producer Dan Harmon says the first part of Season 3 will revisit the romantic tension between the two characters, but mostly as a setup for an even bigger choice Jeff will have to make. "It's all about getting all the gears lined up so that we can kind of rotate the whole show. There's going to be a whole Britta emergence. She's going to become a force to be contended with in Jeff's life." Please tell me everything that's happened over the last two seasons of Supernatural is not just in Sam's head, as Lucifer indicated in the premiere. - Marsha NATALIE: Relax! "We're not like Lost," executive producer Bob Singer promises. "Or the end of the Sopranos," Sera Gamble quickly adds. It's safe to assume that the walls are actually coming down, driving Sam to go crazy, rather than the alternative, which would, well, piss everyone off. "Our intention is not to raise that to mess with people's heads," Gamble says. "It becomes pretty clear what [Lucifer's comment is] about in Episode 2, which is primarily concerned with answering questions about what's going on with Cas and getting really deep into what's going on with Sam." Whew, putting my pitchfork and cauldron of boiling oil away now. I really loved Person of Interest, but when are we going to get Finch's backstory? - Seth ADAM: Soon! Episode 2 delves into Finch's past, as well as the origins of his mysterious machine. And the reveals will most likely change much of what you thought you knew about the character. "I thought originally that this is a reclusive character," Michael Emerson says. "But he is a far bolder and more active character." That's probably because Reese will keep Finch on his toes. "Reese has challenged Finch's wall of impenetrability so that Finch now has to be a little more guarded," Emerson says. "He has to scramble a little harder to stay a step ahead of Reese." So was that a season or series finale of Weeds? - Jason NATALIE: Though Showtime has yet to renew the series, we hear that this isn't the last we've seen of the Botwin clan. So what does that mean for Nancy? Did Guillermo finally exact revenge after all these years of abuse? Possibly! We ran into Guillermo Diaz on the Scandal set, and he revealed that Guillermo actually appeared in the penultimate episode. He also mentioned that the cast, including him, are expecting to be back for another season. (Time to re-watch that episode again, stat!) Breaking Bad is getting so intense! What could possibly come next? - Chris ADAM: Remember that small dose of poison Jesse's been carrying around? It will finally be used, but not on its original target. And before the episode is over, Walt will once again find himself with a gun pressed against his head. Adam's Mega Rave: I don't want to see any less of Oliver Platt on The Big C next season, but I can't help but applaud the producers' brave choice to (maybe?) kill his character in the finale. It's a gut-punching reminder that crappy stuff still happens to you, even if you already have cancer. Natalie's Mini Rant: I had high hopes for 2 Broke Girls, but this week's episode was horsesh--, both literally and figuratively. (Additional reporting by Joyce Eng and Kate Stanhope) Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Free

Taylor Lautner Attends U.K. 'Abduction' Premiere With His Ex

If you ever wondered what a teen sensation does after his big action star film debut tanks, then check out the photos of Taylor Lautner at the U.K. premiere for 'Abduction.' After reportedly breaking up with girlfriend and fellow co-star Lily Collins last week, Lautner showed up at the event with her on his arm. Unfortunately for Lautner, his teenage 'Bourne' flick ended up in fourth place at the U.S. box office over the weekend, questioning the potential star power of the 'Twilight' actor (which our own Christopher Rosen analyzed on Monday). Perhaps he's hoping to stoke some much needed publicity by inviting his ex to get photographed in front of the paparazzi? Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins at the 'Abduction' Premiere See All Moviefone Galleries »

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Watch Online

50-Year-Old George Clooney Still Loves His Juvenile Pranks

Even turning 50 and making serious Oscar-type movies, hasn't slowed down George Clooney's famous on-set pranking. 'Ides of March' co-star Ryan Gosling revealed that the seemingly highbrow actor loves to indulge in lowbrow gags: "He will come up to you and tell you something very serious, and then you walk away and you realize your pants are wet. He's had like an Evian spray bottle. He's been spraying your crotch the whole time." Judging by how friendly these guys were at TIFF, we doubt Gosling minded too much. But has anyone ever found a way to get back at Clooney? In a new 'Parade' cover story, Clooney admits his 'Ocean's Eleven' co-stars have managed some praking of their own: "My friends are rough on me, too," he says to the magazine. "Brad Pitt's brutal, and Matt Damon. My friends used to change my outgoing phone message all the time. This was the old days, when you had a phone machine. They would change the message to something horrible and there was nothing I could do to change it back. That was always brilliant." Among Clooney's classic pranks: Slapping a "Small Penis On Board" bumper sticker on Pitt's car, filling a passed-out producers pants with M&Ms and surprising his friends by leaving photos of his penis (with sunglasses on) in their cameras. Phone hackers take note. Or has Clooney wisely refrained from sending old-school X-rated photos via those newfangled cell phones? [via Parade, The Huffington Post] Photo: Getty Images

Watch Transformers 3 Movie

'Prometheus' Will Blow Your Mind, Says Patrick Wilson

We still don't know much about Ridley Scott's new "Alien"-themed film, "Prometheus." Only that it's not a prequel, has an A-list cast, that the production has people feeling "nervous," and that a nondescript photo was released. Thanks to a recent chat with cast member Patrick Wilson, on a break from filming his new TV drama "A Gifted Man," however, MTV News has learned that the Damon Lindelof and John Spaihts-penned screenplay really IS that bloody good, and that we're going to be plenty satisfied with what we see on the big screen come June 2012. "It was an absolute thrill," Wilson said of his time on Scott's set. "I was blown away by [the script] and I dont use that sort of phrase a lot, but I was blown away by it, so excited that I wanted to read it again. I just kept re-reading it, even though I knew what was coming. And put it this way, Ive never done this, I've never finished the shooting on a movie, and then on the ride home read the script again. I had no reason to read it, it was not work-oriented, I just really loved it, its so cool." We know from prior casting announcements that Wilson's role isn't the starring one, but he promised that his character carries his own weight. "There is an importance to my character, certainly size [of the role] was not the issue," he said. "It's an exciting, thrilling script, so to be a part of it on any level, I said Yes, just tell me where you want me to be, I will be there. It was great. It was nice to come in just as they were finishing shooting, just to play a little bit." The "Watchmen" star also all but guaranteed that we'll get our money's worth when the film opens next summer. "As you can imagine, [the film] is very wonderfully exiting, and yet so complicated and layered, which to me is what science fiction is all about, when it operates on many, many levels." What kind of character is Wilson playing? Tell us in the comments or on Twitter!

Watch Transformers 3 Dark Of The Moon

M-Appeal nabs Lacuesta's 'Double Steps'

SAN SEBASTIAN -- In one of the first deals to go down on a Competition title at the San Sebastian Film Festival, Berlin's M-Appeal has inked world sales outside Spain and Switzerland to "The Double Steps. Steps" is directed by Catalan Isaki Lacuesta, who helmed San Sebastian Competition entry "The Damned," which merited a Fipresci Prize in 2009. M-Appeal has also taken world rights to "The Clay Diaries," Lacuesta's documentary on Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo's African paintings. Deal was sealed Thursday morning between "Steps'" lead-producer Luisa Matienzo, at Barcelona's Tusitala, and M-Appeal head of acquisitions Anne Wiedlack. Written by Lacuesta and Isa Campo, the Mali-set, genre-shifting "Steps" mixes road movie and Western tropes with docu-portions and reflections on story-telling. Kicking off with a group of artists searching for a bunker painted by last century French artist-come-hermit Francois Augieras, it cuts to a boy who sets out for Mali's City of Saints where he becomes a bandit. Pic also includes cutaways of Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo as he paints. Steps" is co-produced by Switzerland's Bord Cadre Films. Avalon Distribution will release it in Spain. We wanted a film which was as chameleonic as Augieras himself," Lacuesta said. M-Appeal is energetic and passionate -- just the right company for such as singular film as 'The Double Steps,'" Matienzo said at San Sebastian. We're very excited to work with Isaki Lacuesta, who is part of a new wave of Spanish cinema with a very unique film language and narration," Wiedlack told Variety. On top of that, she added, "the artist Miquel Barcelo is taking part in the films, so we have two of the most interesting and upcoming of artists from Spain who, together, created two wonderful films!" Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Watch Movie For Free

Disney XD Renews Kickin It For Season 2

Disney XD has restored its top-rated original series Kickin’ It for just about any second season. Since its June 2011 premiere, the fighting styles-designed sitcom comprises concerning the network’s top three live-action telecasts in kids 6-14, kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14. Furthermore, the This summer time 25 episode ranked as Disney XD’s No. 1 live-action telecast ever inside the boys demos. Production on Season 2 will start in December for just about any 2012 premiere. Kickin’ It, which follows a crew of adorable misfits likely to beat the probabilities within the Bobby Wasabi Fighting Styles Academy, is created and executive produced by sitcom veteran Jim O’Doherty.

Hop-o'-My-Thumb ((Le petit poucet))

A Flach Film production, in colaboration with Arte France. (Worldwide sales: Pyramide Intl., Paris.) Produced by Jean-Francois Lepetit, Sylvette Frydman. Directed by Marina p Van. Script, Bertrand Santini, p Van.With: Ilian Calabert, Rachel Arditi, Adrien p Van, Denis Lavant, Valerie Dashwood, Thomas Momplot, Orfeo Campanella, Lilian Dugois."Harsh" might be the term that best describes French helmer Marina p Van's undertake "Hop-o'-My-Thumb," Charles Perrault's dark mythic of a diminutive boy deserted by his parents who comprises for his stature with elevated intelligence. Produced with the team behind Catherine Breillat's Perrault adaptations "Bluebeard" and "Sleeping Beauty," this telepic features a similarly tight budget and generic period look (mainly invoked by costumes) while again fusing a femme helmer's sensibilities -- here including flesh, violence and personality transfer -- by getting a time-old morality tale. Too grisly for children, "Thumb" should hop with a choose handful of fests. Story's been shot before in Gaul, including just like a 2001 kid pic by Olivier Dahan ("La Vie en rose"). P Van ("Throughout My Skin") brings an earthy matter-of-factness for the brutal tale in the titular boy (Ilian Calabert, okay), who, along with his four older brothers and sisters -- lower from Perrault's six -- must face a person-eating ogre (Denis Lavant, hamming up) after their muck-poor and (unconvincingly) desperate folks (Rachel Arditi, Adrien p Van) have abandoned them inside the forest. Gliding HD lensing is crisp, effects low-key, as well as the score's deeper undercurrents perfect.Camera (color, HD), Vincent Mathias editor, Mike Fromentin music, Alexei Aigui production designer, Francois-Renaud Labarthe costume designer, Marielle Robaut. Examined at Venice Film Festival (Horizons), Sept. 3, 2011. Running time: 83 MIN. Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com

Toronto 2011: ATO Pictures Takes United States Privileges to 'The Oranges'

Among a flurry of last second deal-making in the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival, NY-based ATO Pictures acquired United States privileges to Julian Farino's The Oranges and it is planning for a platform release in 2012.Related Subjects•Toronto Worldwide Fil... Compiled by Ian Helfer and Jay Reiss, the film, which in fact had its world release in Toronto, stars Hugh Laurie and Catherine Keener like a couple whose comfortable existence is upset when their prodigal daughter, performed by Leighton Meester, returns home for Thanksgiving. The cast includes Oliver Platt, Allison Janney, Alia Shawkat and Adam Brody. The film was created by Olympus Pictures' Leslie Urdang and Dean Vanech and Likely Story's Anthony Bregman. "We like this film! Julian has been doing a good job pointing an aspiration cast in our opinion will probably be among the greatest crowd pleasers of 2012," ATO co-founders Johnathan Dorfman and Temple Fennell stated. Sarah Lash, ATO's mind of purchases discussed the offer with CAA, who brokered it with respect to Olympus, Likely Story and Reiss. Related Subjects Toronto Worldwide Film Festival Worldwide

Nelsan Ellis Shocked By Death Of Beloved Character In True Blood Season Finale

By Jolie LashLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- On Sunday, in a bloody and emotional episode, True Blood wrapped up Season 4 in a very dramatic fashion that included saying goodbye to several Bon Temps faces including Lafayette Reynolds true love, Jesus Velasquez. While he never expected his character, Lafayette, to live happily ever after with Jesus, Nelsan Ellis told Access Hollywood he was still thrown by the twist that took the nurse and brujo, played by Kevin Alejandro, out of the land of the living. I wasnt surprised, because I heard [creator] Alan [Ball] say a couple of times that, you know, happy times in relationships dont last, but I was shocked that they killed him and I was shocked that they had me kill him, Nelsan told Access Hollywood. I was like, Why would you? And then I found out Kevin requested [it]. He was like, I want Nelsan to kill me. And I was like, Why did you request that, dude? Having shot the scene months ago one that saw Lafayette, possessed by the witch Marnie, stab a tied-up Jesus to take his brujo powers Nelsan said he understood why Kevin wanted his character to go out at Lafayettes hands. I kind of see why he requested that. It was just he and [I] that started and he and I that sort of went out in bloody flames, the actor told Access. Filming those final moments between the two men was painful, according to Nelsan, who praised Kevin and what the former Southland star brought to the small screen. It was painful because weve become good friends. Thats my dude. Hes one of the best people that Ive come to know and his wife I just love his family and his energy, Nelsan said. Im not gonna have that any more, so it was painful and we have such a good rapport, the best rapport Ive ever had with another actor. While Jesus life was brutally ended on Sundays episode, Nelsan said he expects that Lafayettes newfound medium abilities will create future opportunities for the two to connect. He definitely will be coming back. Next season, as Lafayette learns how to use his power, then we certainly will see Jesus, Nelsan said. True Blood wont return until June 2012 on HBO, and fans have already been clamoring for the return of another character Denis OHares Russell Edgington. Nelsan too, is supportive of the idea, which was hinted at with the exposed concrete and silver chains Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello) discovered in Sundays season finale. I would love Denis OHare to come back, Nelsan said. And he should could come back to be my boyfriend. The king of Louisiana and the new medium of Bon Temps? I think that would be a good combination, certainly a powerful combination, he added. Filming the next season is still months away and Nelsan is currently at work on Gods Behaving Badly, a film about Greek Gods living in modern day New York City, who encounter trouble after being discovered by a human couple, played by Alicia Silverstone and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. I am shooting it as we speak, Nelsan, who plays Dionysus in the film, told Access Hollywood. Its fun. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Watch Online The Hangover 2