Michelle Williams, two-time Oscar nominee for Brokeback Mountain and Blue Valentine, could be signing up for the part of Glinda the Good Witch in Oz: The Great and Powerful set up at Disney. Raimi’s already found his other witches: Oscar winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) will be Evanora, the evil Wicked Witch of the East and Mila Kunis is Theadora, The Wicked Witch of the West (and Evanora’s little sister).
Raimi’s cast also includes James Franco as Oz.
Williams is also wanted for the next Bourne film with Jeremy Renner, and so she may not have time to fit Oz in her schedule. If she does, as Glinda she would be teaming up with Franco to take down the evil witches.
Filming is expected to begin this July.
Williams recently completed work on the Marilyn Monroe film, My Week with Marilyn, which is heading to theaters this year.
The English-language version of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel has just picked up some additional financial backing.
MGM will become a financial partner on the upcoming Sony Pictures Entertainment film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it was announced today by MGM Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum and Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and Co-Chairman Amy Pascal. Sony will handle marketing and distribution, while MGM will handle select international television licensing for the film.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is part of the recently announced agreement between Sony and MGM to explore co-financing opportunities on future motion pictures produced by each of the respective studios for the next five years. They have most recently partnered on the highly anticipated Bond 23, set for worldwide release on November 9, 2012.
In recent years, the two studios have collaborated on numerous films, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, 21, Yours, Mine And Ours, The Pink Panther, and the summer tent pole Kevin James comedy Zookeeper, which opens nationwide on July 8, 2011.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which will be released on December 21, 2011, is the first film in the three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy. Directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, the film is based on the first novel in the trilogy, which altogether have sold more than 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a worldwide phenomenon. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian.
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, now known to a new generation of young fans as one of the American Idol judges, debuted his video for his solo project “(It) Feels So Good” on American Idol on May 12, 2011.
Popular music video director Ray Kay (Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Adam Lambert) helmed the project. Tyler co-wrote the song with Marti Frederiksen and, per the Columbia Records press release, “‘(It) Feels So Good’ showcases one-man band Tyler on vocals, guitar, harmonica, keys and percussion backed up by an ensemble including American Idol judge Randy Jackson on bass guitar and Nicole Scherzinger on backing vocals.”
AI host Ryan Seacrest debuted the single on his “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” on May 9th.
In addition to his music career and judging AI, Tyler’s also put out his autobiography: Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Memoir. And to prove he’s still into his fans, Tyler’s also on Twitter.
James Franco was extremely busy in 2010 going to college, starring in films, hosting the Oscars, Twitting pictures of himself, etc, but one of his projects slipped quietly under the radar. The crime thriller Shadows and Lies will hit stores on DVD and Blu-ray on June 7, 2011, following a festival run throughout 2010.
Written and directed by Jay Anania, the R-rated drama also stars Julianne Nicholson and Josh Lucas.
The official synopsis: James Franco stars as William Vincent, a quiet and mysterious criminal. When he falls for a New York gangster’s (Josh Lucas) favorite call girl (Julianne Nicholson), Vincent is forced to flee the city, threatened with death if he should ever return. But after four years in exile, Vincent secretly returns intent on rescuing the woman he loves from her dangerous fate.
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth takes on the starring role in this action-heavy introductory story to Marvel’s Thor. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the PG-13 rated Thor tells the story of the hammer-wielding God of Thunder.
The cast also includes Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Josh Dallas as Fandral, Idris Elba as Heimdall, and Ray Stevenson as Volstagg. Jaimie Alexander plays Sif, Tadanobu Asano is Hogun, Clark Gregg is Agent Coulson, Kat Dennings is Darcy, Colm Feore is Laufey, and Stellan Skarsgard is Dr Erik Selvig.
Thor opens in theaters on May 6, 2011.
Official Synopsis: The epic adventure Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present-day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. As a result, Thor is banished to Earth where he is forced to live among humans. When the most dangerous villain of his world sends its darkest forces to invade Earth, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero.
We’re used to men behaving badly in films, but with Bridesmaids it’s the women who get to act all kinds of crazy.
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Rose Byrne
Directed By: Paul Feig
Release Date: May 13, 2011
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 120 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout
Official Synopsis: Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.
Cast and Characters:
Rose Byrne – ‘Helen’
Kristen Wiig – ‘Annie’
Maya Rudolph – ‘Lillian’
Chris O’Dowd – ‘Rhodes’
Ellie Kemper – ‘Becca’
Wendi McLendon-Covey – ‘Rita’
Melissa McCarthy – ‘Megan’
Matt Lucas – ‘Gil’
Jill Clayburgh – ‘Annie’s Mom’
Rebel Wilson – ‘Brynn’
Michael Hitchcock – ‘Don Cholodecki’
Kali Hawk – ‘Kahlua’
Greg Tuculescu – ‘Kevin’
Tim Heidecker – ‘Dougie’
Johnny Depp’s back for his fourth go at playing Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, although this time around he’s got new sidekicks and a new director.
Rob Marshall directs the action/comedy set for release on May 20, 2011.
Official Synopsis: Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), Captain Jack Sparrow’s not sure if it’s love — or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.
The cast also includes Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa, Sam Claflin as Philip, Astrid Berges-Frisbey as Syrena, Kevin R McNally as Joshamee Gibbs, and Stephen Graham as Scrum. Keith Richards plays Captain Teague, Richard Griffiths is King George, Damian O’Hare is Gillette, and Oscar Jaenada is The Spaniard.
Volume 38 in the bestselling series NOW That’s What I Call Music! will be released on May 3, 2011. The series debuted back in 1998 with this latest compilation CD features tracks from artists including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry.
Per the EMI/Sony Music press release: “NOW has joined forces with eBay to raise funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan by participating in EMI Music and Universal Music Group’s worldwide charitable auctions. All funds raised from both auctions will be used toward the Red Cross’ efforts for the ongoing provision of immediate relief to support the affected population during their recovery.”
NOW That’s What I Call Music! 38 Artists and Songs:
1. Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”
2. Enrique Iglesias featuring Ludacris and DJ Frank E – “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)”
3. Rihanna – “S&M”
4. Britney Spears – “Hold It Against Me”
5. Ke$ha – “Blow”
6. Bruno Mars – “Grenade”
7. Katy Perry featuring Kanye West – “E.T.”
8. P!nk – “F**kin’ Perfect”
9. Diddy Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey – “Coming Home”
10. Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes – “Look At Me Now”
11. Jeremih featuring 50 Cent – “Down On Me”
12. The Black Eyed Peas – “The Time (Dirty Bit)”
13. Usher – “More”
14. Adele – “Rolling In The Deep”
15. Cee Lo Green – “Forget You”
16. Avril Lavigne – “What The Hell”
BONUS TRACKS: “NOW What’s Next” New Music Preview
17. Hot Chelle Rae – “Tonight Tonight”
18. Parachute – “You and Me”
19. Michael Franti & Spearhead – “I’ll Be Waiting”
20. Cody Simpson – “All Day”
Jive Records announced Weird Al Yankovic’sAlpocalypse – his 13th studio album – will be released on June 21, 2011. The album marks Yankovic’s first release since 2006’s Straight Outta Lynwood and will feature “Perform This Way,” a parody of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Yankovich’s video became a YouTube hit viewed 2 million times in the first few days of its release.
Track List:
1. Perform This Way
2. CNR
3. TMZ
4. Skipper Dan
5. Polka Face
6. Craigslist
7. Party In The CIA
8. Ringtone
9. Another Tattoo
10. If That Isn’t Love
11. Whatever You Like
12. Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me
DVD:
1. CNR
2. TMZ
3. Skipper Dan
4. Craigslist
5. Party In The CIA
6. Ringtone
7. Another Tattoo
8. If That Isn’t Love
9. Whatever You Like
10. Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me
“Weird Al” 2011 Tour Dates
May 19 New Brunswick, NJ The State Theatre
May 20 – Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
May 21 – Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
May 22 – Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE – Outdoor Stage
May 24 – Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort Casino
May 26 – Marion, OH Marion Palace Theatre
May 27 – Mt. Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino
May 28 – Waukegan, IL The Genesee Theatre
May 29 – Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music
May 31 – St. Charles, IL The Arcada Theatre
Jun 1 – Effingham, IL Effingham Perf. Arts Center
Jun 2 – Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Casino
Jun 3 – St. Charles, MO The Family Arena
Jun 5 – Springfield, IL Prairie Capital Convention Center
Jun 10 – Chandler, AZ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Jun 11 – Tucson, AZ Fox Tucson Theatre
Jun 12 – Riverside, CA Fox Perf. Arts Center
Jun 15 – Del Mar, CA San Diego County Fair
Jun 16 – Santa Ynez, CA Chumash Casino
Dimension Films announced they’ve just picked up The Greys, a spec script by Adam Cohen and producing partners Sean and Bryan Furst. F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) has committed to directing the project. Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company Bob Weinstein announced the acquisition of the sci-fi thriller on April 28, 2011.
Cohen and TWC are keeping the plot a secret.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating on this exciting script with Adam Cohen, Radar Pictures and The Fursts,” said Bob Weinstein. “As a fan, I have wanted to work with F. Javier Gutierrez for some time and am happy to join forces on his English language directorial debut.”
Sean and Bryan Furst are producing in partnership with Radar Pictures’ Ted Field and Mike Weber. Overseeing for Dimension Films are SVP of Production, Matthew Stein and VP of Production and Creative Affairs, Matthew Signer.
“We’re energized by the incredible level of passion Bob Weinstein and Dimension have shown for Adam Cohen’s thrilling script and for the talented F. Javier Gutierrez, and we all feel it’s that kind of passion that makes for an ideal filmmaking partner,” said the producers.
