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Originally posted on www.thefancarpet.com

Sandler to become Dracula

Adam Sandler is set to join a long list of stars to portray the count in Sony’s Hotel Transylvania.

The comedy star however will only be lending his voice to the role, as Hotel Transylvania becomes the latest in a list of 3D cartoons.

The film will see Sandler play the iconic vampire, who was first introduced by Bram Stoker, as an overprotective father who wants to ensure the safety of his daughter Mavis. After warning her of the terrible dangers that exist beyond the borders of his property, which he has turned into a luxury resort where monsters can live without fear of humans. That is until an ordinary boy checks in a takes a liking to the counts daughter.

Sandler will be joined by an all star cast which features the talents of Kevin James as Frankenstein’s monster, James Spade as Quasimodo, Steve Buscemi and Molly Shannon as werewolves an finally Adam Samberg as Jonathan, the human who arrives at Dracula’s hotel.

Sony’s Michelle Raimo-Kouyate comment on the casting of Sandler saying, “We're thrilled to be working with Adam to create a comedic Dracula for a new generation.”

She later added, "We have a unique story about that iconic character, starring a phenomenal cast directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, that re-imagines Transylvania and its legendary monsters in the way that only animation can.

Danny Boyle wants Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson

Director Danny Boyle is reportedly looking to cast Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson in the lead roles of his new thriller Trance.

After Michael Fassbender dropped out due to scheduling issues, Boyles top choice for Fassbender vacated role is Academy Award winner Firth, whilst Johansson is leading in the short list for the films female lead.

The film which is based on the 2001 British TV film will see, an assistant at an auction house mastermind an art heist and team up with a gang of thieves, before suffering a blow to the head and waking up with amnesia. As the only one who knows where the painting’s are located and after his continued failure to remember, the gang begins to suspect duplicity on his part and hire a female hypnotist to get into his brain.

At this point in time neither Firth nor Johansson have received a solid offer to star in the film.

If the pair join the film, Firth will be playing Aidan, the leader of the thieves, while Johansson is presumably up for the role of the female hypnotist.

James McAvoy has already been picked up for the role of Simon, the amnesiac.

Trance will begin shooting before Boyle begins work at the 2012 Olympics, as art-director. Due to this high profile gig the film is expected to see a release in early 2013.

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Originally posted on www.thefancarpet.com

Bridesmaids becomes the highest grossing R-rated female comedy

Despite its modest budget and a lack of A-list stars Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids has become the top R-rated female comedy ever.

The film, which is produced by Judd Apatow has become a constant stable on the box office charts since its release in May.

Since its release the film has amassed a domestic tally of $152.9 million, helping it to knock style queen Sarah Jessica Parker and her group of middle aged career girls off the top spot, which they previously held with Sex and the City, since its release in 2008.

Not a bad feat considering the millions of Sex and the City fans there are around the world.

The film has also become the highest grossing entry in American producer, director and screenwriter Judd Apatow’s library.

The film was written by star Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo and has appeared to have captured the hearts and tickled the funny bones of an incredibly sizeable audience. Along with the help of the films director Feig and the remainder of the cast that includes Maya Rudolph, Jon Hamm, Chris O’Dowd, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids has cemented its status of the one of the funniest and must see films of the year.

James Purefoy discusses John carter

British actor James Purefoy has spoken out about his involvement with sci-fi film John Carter.

Purefoy, who is known to audiences for his roles in Solomon Kane and for portraying Mark Antony in TV hit Rome, plays Kantos Kan, the captain of a futuristic airship in the film, which is set for release in 2012.

The actor said of the character, “he’s a very cheeky, mischievous solider/airman,” before adding, “he’s just very charming, he’s not frightened of getting involved in very sticky situations with John Carter.”

The film follows the titular human character, John Carter, who finds himself caught up in the middle of a Martian battle after he is transported to Mars.

Purefoy later added that John Carter is being set up as the first in a series of movies, which will allow his character more screen time in the future projects.

He said, “He’s not in this film very much.” He then added, “I think a lot of the characters in the first John Carter are established, but with the knowledge that they’re going to be bigger in the next two episodes of it.”

The film John Carter opens next year on March 9^th.

True Blood is Back

Originally posted on www.differentscene.co.uk

The world is still crazy about vampires and this week True Blood returned in America for its fourth series.

If you haven’t seen the vampire show yet then I recommend that you do. For a start unlike the snooze fest that is Twilight the vampires in True Blood actually show us their fangs and aren’t afraid to kill when necessary, and this is only the beginning. The show is full to the brim with mystical and terrifying creatures that include the likes of werewolves, witches, shape shifters and countless more (really the list is almost endless).

Based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, the show is set in Bon Temps in Southern America in a time when vampires have come out of the coffin and integrated themselves into everyday human lives, but things aren’t always that easy. Soon we experience the plight of the vampires as they try and become accepted into sceptical world along with murder, a few love stories and a whole lot sex thrown in for good measure.

Now you may be wondering what this show has to do with being gay? Aside from the openly gay character Lafayette the whole programme is an allegory for gay rights, with the vampires representing homosexual people and the humans representing the straight, as it shows how coming out for the vampires and their fight for equality and equal rights mirror that of gay men and women over the last 50 plus years. The author of the books on which the series was based has even stated this on several occasions, making the show even more enjoyable. Watch out for a few ‘God hates fangs’ posters and some anti-vampire religious groups (it really couldn’t be more obvious).

So if you haven’t seen it yet, go and get yourself series 1-3 sit back and enjoy a whole lot of real vampires (as opposed to those fake fangless ones in Twilight), as they kill, love, party and fight for their rights, True Blood is a must watch for anyone.

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Originally posted on www.thefancarpet.com

Snow White and the Huntsman to become a Trilogy

Producer of Snow White and the Huntsman Joe Roth has revealed that the revamp of the Brother Grimm tale is set to become a trilogy.

Roth said, “It’s meant to be the first in a series of films.” The producer added “This story will end, but there will be questions remaining for these three characters.”

The film, which hasn’t begun shooting yet, features an all-star cast including Twilight star Kristen Stewart, Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth ofThor fame.

It looks as though Roth and his team are looking to win the race in the Snow White battle, considering there’s competition from the likes of Tarsem Singh’s Snow White, by planning for the future of a possible franchise.

Roth said of the film, ““We retain the basic story, a young girl meant to be the queen who is cast out.” He later added, “The Huntsman is a mercenary, in the sense that he’s a guy who is very able in the woods, more able than most anyone. His job is to capture runaway girls, who are all fleeing the kingdom because of the queen. He’s a nondescript bounty hunter, as we first meet him.”

Of the title character Snow white (played by Stewart) the producer said, ““She starts out not a damsel in distress, but innocent, and after 11 years of imprisonment by the Evil Queen, she escapes and learns the ways of a warrior in the woods.”

It looks as though in the battle of the Snow White films that appears to be emerging, The Huntsman with its planned sequels may come out on top.

But until those box office tallies are in it looks like we will have to sit and await the fate of Roth’s Snow White.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre gets 3D treatment in 2012

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D and its chainsaw wielding killer Leatherface will return to the big screen on October 5^th 2012.

The Chainsaw movie that only saw a remake a few years ago will be re-envisioned and directed by Takers’ John Lussenhop, who will be turning the 1973 horror hit into a 3D fright fest.

Producer Carl Mazzocone said, “I’m excited to reconceive this iconic classic in a contemporary setting for a new generation of horror fans.”

“Both John Lussenhop and I intend to deliver a new chapter derived from Tobe Hooper’s 1973 masterpiece with the goal of making it as horrifying as the original, in 3D.”

The end of 2012 looks like it's shaping up to be the season of 70s horror revivals, as another instalment of the Halloween franchise, Halloween 3D will be hitting the big screens three weeks after Chainsaw.

Considering the worldwide-induced nightmares experienced by people who have seen the original I think it can be safely said that in 3D this film will have cinemagoers shaking in their seats.

We Remember: Queer as Folk UK

Originally posted on www.differentscene.co.uk

Now the last time we did one of these we looked at Queer as Folk USA, this time we’re going to look at the original British version of the show.

The programme courted controversy from the get go because of its unashamed portrayal of its openly homosexual characters and although the show only ran for 10 episodes between 1999 and 2000, the impact they had on openly gay representations in the media was enormous to say the least.

Queer as Folk achieved excellent ratings, produced a highly successful soundtrack, inspired the American remake (helping break boundaries across the pond) and was used to celebrate Channel 4s 25^th birthday celebrations.

I like many other young fans of the show learnt about the show through its impact it had on British television and at the age of 15 bought the deluxe edition box set, and have been in love the show ever since.

From the underlying love between Vince and Stuart, the naivety and coming of age story that surrounded Nathan to the explicit sex scene and endless amounts of humour, shock, love and compassion that the show emits, it is truly one of the best television shows ever made, and is a significant piece in homosexual representation.

This programme is the essential must watch for anyone looking for a great piece of gay television. Plus it also contains Charlie Hunnam circa 1999, what more could you ask for?

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Originally posted on www.thefancarpet.com

Drew Barrymore may direct Heist Society

It looks as though Drew Barrymore is another Hollywood star whose been bitten by the directing bug after potentially gaining another directing gig in the shape of caper film The Heist Society.

It has been reported that Barrymore who is currently down to produce the picture may add the role of director to her title.

This wouldn’t be the first time the actress has sat in the director’s seat, after her directoral debut with Whip It back in 2009.

Warner Bros picked up the film last, which is based on the Ally Carter book. The film follows a teenage girl trying to balance her school life with her family’s criminal world, who has to assemble a crew to track down and steal a powerful mobster’s art collection after her father is accused of taking it.

As Barrymore has already agreed to direct How To Be Single for New Line, it looks as though her stance as director depends on which film is ready first. So watch this space.

McKay, Ferrell and Wahlberg to reunite

Adam McKay looks like he may team up with actors Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell again.

The director is in talks to reunite with the duo on the football comedy film Three Mississippi, where he is already working as the producer.

Reports have recently surfaced that McKay is in talks with Warner Bros to helm the new feature, which will become the next in the long line of Ferrell/Mckay projects.

The film that is written by Robert Carlock (30 Rock) and Scott Silveri (Friends) tells the story of two neighbours from Philadelphia who have become extraordinary engaged in a heated annual Thanksgiving game of tackle football.

Staring alongside Ferrell and Wahlberg are, Alec Baldwin who portrays Whalberg’s father, and Jeremy Renner is being courted for a potential role in the film.

It looks as though Three Mississippi is set to become McKay’s next directorial effort for Warner Bros, with the picture having a hopeful release for Thanksgiving 2012

Some Film News ...

So recently I've been doing some writing for thefancarpet.com where I've been writing about some of the latest news in the film business. So here's the first few:

Nicole Kidman in talks to join the paper boy

Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman is in talks to take over the Sofia Vergara role in the Lee Daniels directed film The Paperboy.

The film has been plagued with drop outs as stars attached to the project such as Toby Maguire and Sofia Vergara have both left for different reasons. Now that Kidman is in talks to play role previously assigned to Vergara things are beginning to look back on track.

Actor Matthew McConaughey is still tipped to play the films lead role, a reporter who investigates the events surrounding a murder, along with his brother, which could lead to a prisoner on death row walking free.

Kidman’s character (if she signs to the film) is a woman with a sinister side to her and has a penchant for writing letters to inmates on death row, and initially brings the case to McConaughey’s characters attention.

With teen heartthrob Zac Efron also on board it appears as though the only cast member in need of replacement is Maguire. The film plans to begin filming in the late summer if the casting switch is successful.

Affleck set to star and direct!

Ben Affleck set to direct and star in his next film, Argo.

The political thriller set in 1979 will see Affleck play Tony Mendez, a CIA in disguise expert who, in order t help six American diplomats escape from Iran, creates a fake Hollywood production.

The film will be working from a script by Chris Terrio that had previously appeared on 2010s Black List.

Affleck has previously stepped behind the film camera and proven his abilities as a director with film such as Gone Baby Gone and The Town, but Argo will be his first ‘period’ film with a whole new set of challenges, but given his previous record it shouldn’t prove to be a big issue.

Other news surrounding the film is the talk that actors Alan Arkin and John Goodman are very close to signing up for Affleck’s latest venture on the big screen.

Given Affleck’s previous track record and the talk of the new signings, he looks set to prove why this film shouldn’t have been on the Black List.

Scarlett Johansson joins Judd Apatow/John Carney film

The Sunday Business post online has reported that screen siren Scarlett Johansson has been added to the cast of Can A Song Save Your Life?

The film is a musical picture that will be directed by Carney and will follow a “a washed-up A&R man who forms a passionate bond with a younger singer/songwriter (Johansson) from out of town.”

The film has been in the works for some time with writer/producer/director Judd Apatow stated way back in the summer of 2009 that he was working a movie with John Carey.

After two years the two men have finally cleared their busy schedules and began work together and the film is finally shaping up.

Carney said “I’ve been writing it for a year and a half.” He later added ‘I went out to Los Angeles to meet Scarlett a couple of months ago. She was everything you could imagine – very hot, elegant and she’s really smart.”

It comes as no surprise that Johansson will be singing in the new film after proving her worth as a vocalist over the past few years, with an album on Tom Waits covers and she collaborated with Pete Yorn on his album Break Up.

The film has a budget of $10 million and is planned to begin shooting next year in New York.

Madonna's W.E sent into Oscar race

Madonna’s narrative feature directional debutW.E will be released on December 9^th, during the heart of the awards season.

Following the stars critically panned directional debut Filth and Wisdom it appears that The Weinstein Company have some faith in her follow up feature.

“Madonna beautifully interweaves past and present in W.E. It’s a very smart film, and a stunning feature directorial debut,” said Weinstein. “I’m incredibly excited about this movie and I wanted to give it a prominent release date.”

The film looks at the fabled romance between American Willis Simpson and Britain’s King Edward VIII, who gave up the thrown to marry the woman he loved. More than six decades later, their story enthralls Wally Winthrop, a young woman who sees a stark contrast between her unhappy marriage and their devotion, an example she follows as she searches for true love.

Considering the film looks at what was happening off screen in The King's Speech, it makes perfect sense to release the film during award season given the success of the latter at this year’s award ceremonies’.

The films platform release will occur on the 9^th of December in New York and LA before going wide sometime in January.