Caffeinated Clint
– One of the best days of my life, I have to tell you, was when I ran into the one-and-only Clint Eastwood at Warner studios in Burbank. I was there developing a film with an outfit, and upon a stroll just happened to come face-to-face with my namesake. It was probably one of three times I was a little starstruck – the other being the first time I interviewed both John Travolta and Harrison Ford, whom I’d also been huge fans of throughout their careers – and I think he could tell. But he was lovely; so gracious with his time. And not only did I get to wax lyrical with Eastwood for a few minutes, but his good friend and a legend in his own right, Robert Duvall (!) who was lunching with his fellow icon. Ah, man… good times. But I digress… my fellow Eastwood fans are definitely going to want to start saving their pennies. Warner Home Video are putting together an meteorically one-of-a-kind release : A 35-DVD set that features films that Eastwood either directed and/or starred in for the studio. The “Dirty Harry” films are here, “Unforgiven”, “Million Dollar Baby”, “The Rookie”… they’re all here. ”Clint Eastwood: 35 Films, 35 Years” will hit shelves in the states in Feb (Video Business)
– Though it still hasn’t got a greenlight from the studio (Probably something to do with MGM’s financial woes) rest assure “The Hobbit” willhappen – just not until next Summer. Producer Peter Jackson tells Movie Reporter that they’re currently working on the second script (“The Hobbit” will be sliced down the middle; thus, two films) and ideally, hope to lens “middle of next year” (TheOneRing.Net)
– Not surprisingly, considering the boat of cash “Paranormal Activity” made for them, Paramount have picked up writer/director Oren Peli’s follow-up “Area 51”. The pic, about three teenagers who wander into the dessert and discover the, er, underground hub featured in “Independence Day”, was shot last month in Utah. Speaking of “Paranormal Activity”, my interview with lead actress Katie Featherston is up here; my chat with actor Micah Sloat is coming in a coupla days.
– Federico Alvarez, the young Uruguayan filmmaker behind the cost-effective short “Panic Attack” (view it here), has been snapped up by Sam Raimi and Ghost House Pictures to helm an untitled robot tale that might or might not be based on his short. Does Neil Blomkamp get a cheque, too? (Filmjunk)
– In case you missed it, filmmaker Steven R. Monroe stopped by Moviehole yesterday to chat about his remake of the 70’s classic “I Spit On Your Grave”.
– Sam Worthington tells The Herald Sun that he’s signed for two “Avatar” sequels (pretty standard these days) but that he assumes – based on how slow James Cameron works – he’ll “be 94 by the time it finishes”.
– Anne Thompson has a bit more on the immobile “Superman” franchise. According to the vet blogger, “As the studio is waiting to resolve the legal dispute, there’s no movement on the project. Production execs at Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. have been culling the various pitches that have come in, and are eager to start development on a sequel” (or is that reboot?). Considering Brandon Routh’s option has now expired, it’s safe to assume he won’t be back as the Man of Steel – if another film ever gets up. And speaking of all things ‘Red Undies’, EW has your first look at Dr. Fate and Stargirl as they appear in the upcoming “Smallville” telemovie, “Absolute Justice”.
– (A Time to Kill… Yourself). Fox is partnering with actor/producer Matthew McConaughey to develop an animated TV comedy based on his brother’s life. “Rooster Tales” follows the world of a beer-swilling, redneck sheriff who marries a much younger woman from Mexico. The man soon realizes, however, that he’s gained not only a wife but an entire clan — 114 members and counting.
“My brother’s life is so unbelievable, we had to animate it,” McConaughey said. Nuf said. (Variety)
– Moviehole talked to Jim Sheridan recently about some of his upcoming/canceled projects, including “I, Claudius”, “Sheriff Street”, and “Ikiru”.
– TV vets Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”) and Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) are teaming for Gabby Della’s “Waska”. Thomas Dekker (“The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), Elizabeth McGovern (“She’s Having a Baby”) and Mira Sorvino (“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion”) are also onboard the film, about a young father who loses his son, throwing the community into disarray at the time of Waska — the first snowfall of the year, which is magical but often treacherous. (Variety)
– “Expendables” unit publicist Maria Scala has another update on “Rambo 5” here.
– Fellow journos, not lucky enough to have scored an interview with an “Avatar” cast or crewie? Then fear not, your transcript will come courtesy of MTV who are doing a live roundtable interview with the core players on December 3
– Joel Schumacher’s vampire pic “Blood Creek” (released in about two or three theaters a few weeks back; shocking treatment it received from Lionsgate) will hit DVD in February (Bloody Disgusting).
– “Expendables” co-stars Gary Daniels and Stone Cold Steve Austin will reunite for a new action thriller. Find out more here.
– Former ‘Dr. Who’ Christopher Eccleston will play the legendary Beatle John in BBC Four’s “Naked Lennon” (Variety).
– A 10th Anniversary Edition of the Julia Stiles/Heath Ledger teen classic “Ten Things I Hate About You” will be released on Blu-Ray in February (EzyDVD).
– Serial Guest-Star Callum Keith Rennie, likely best known for his stints on “Battlestar Galactica” and “Californication”, will graduate to leading man status starring in the smallscreen drama “Shattered”. Molly Parker (“The Road”) and Camille Sullivan (“Da Vinci’s Inquest”) are also onboard the series, which will screen next year on Canada’s Showcase channel. Rennie, who also appeared recently in “The X-Files : I Want to Believe”, stars Rennie as Ben Sullivan, a homicide detective with multiple personality disorder. Parker plays his wife, Ella, while Sullivan stars as his new partner on the homicide squad, Amy Lynch. (Variety)
– Corey Haim will star opposite Mischa Barton and Jason Mewes in the “Weird Science”-esque comedy, “The Science of Cool”.
