Scorsese developing ‘Gangs of New York’ TV series
The Associated Press NEW YORK — Martin Scorsese is developing a TV series based on his 2002 film “Gangs of New York.” The director is partnering with Miramax, which released the Oscar-nominated film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis. The planned show doesn’t yet have a TV network. The series expands on the brutal, 19th-century … Read more
Dwayne Johnson: Savior of film franchises
By SANDY COHEN AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES — When your film franchise has gotten tired — the Fast aren’t quite as Furious, the Mummy needs a reason to Return — Dwayne Johnson is the guy to call. The 40-year-old actor has become a savior of stale film series, injecting new life into “Fast Five,” … Read more
Johnny Depp to do live ‘Lone Ranger’ online Q&A
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Johnny Depp will answer fans’ questions about “The Lone Ranger” in a live online session. Disney announced Thursday that Depp and co-star Armie Hammer will discuss the anticipated adventure film on April 17 after showing 20 minutes of exclusive footage to about 400 fans at a Las Vegas theater. Director Gore … Read more
Ford not ‘yet’ ready to talk ‘Star Wars’ sequels
By RYAN PEARSON AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES — Harrison Ford isn’t ready — “yet” — to talk about his reported part in Disney’s planned “Star Wars” sequel, but he praises its director, J.J. Abrams. “I think he’s fantastic,” Ford said in a recent interview. “I did his first movie, ‘Regarding Henry,’ with Mike Nichols. … Read more
‘G.I. Joe’ sequel back on mission after 3-D delay
By SANDY COHEN AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES — G. I. Joe’s second big-screen mission was just about to begin last year when Paramount suddenly called the troops back to base, delaying the release of “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” by nine months to convert it to 3-D. The move came just weeks after another movie based … Read more
‘Veronica Mars’ campaign rattles movie industry
By JAKE COYLE AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — After years of hope, stalled efforts and studio frustration, “Veronica Mars” creator Rob Thomas watched a long-held dream come to fruition in a sudden digital rush. “There were a few minutes of nothing happening,” he says. “Then in an hour, watching that ticker go was … Read more
Boyle: Queen volunteered for Olympics Bond spoof
The Associated Press LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II needed no convincing to appear in a James Bond-themed skit during the opening ceremony of the London Olympics — in fact, she volunteered, according to the show’s director. Director Danny Boyle says he had initially thought a lookalike — possibly actress Helen Mirren — would play the … Read more
‘Croods’ stars cringe at sound of their own voices
By ALICIA RANCILIO The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — “It’s like hearing your voice back on a voicemail,” said the 24-year-old Stone, who is known for her trademark raspy voice. “I still can’t believe I sound like this.” “I can’t believe you sound like this either,” joked the 36-year-old Reynolds in the same recent … Read more
Passing reference in ‘Argo’ rankles New Zealand
By NICK PERRY The Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Thirteen minutes into the Oscar-winning movie “Argo,” CIA agent Tony Mendez asks supervisor Jack O’Donnell what happened to a group of Americans when the U.S. Embassy was stormed in Tehran. “The six of them went out a back exit,” O’Donnell tells Mendez, played by … Read more
Bassett drawn to action flick because of director
By JOHN CARUCCI The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The idea of working with director Antoine Fuqua was enough for Angela Bassett to appear in the action flick, “Olympus Has Fallen.” But things got better for the Oscar-nominated actress when she found out she’d share most of her scenes with Morgan Freeman. “I was … Read more
