ESPN announced today that it has added Ice Cube and John Singleton to its roster of directors for the upcoming documentary series 30 for 30. The series —which premieres Oct. 6 and runs through the end of 2010— will offer up 30 one-hour films, covering an array of sports topics from ESPN’s 30 years of existence. Ice Cube will explore the connection between the Los Angeles Raiders and rap music; Singleton will profile track star Marion Jones. Additional installments are slated to be directed by Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) and Frank Marshall (Raiders of the Lost Ark), and produced by Morgan Freeman, Spike Jonze, and Johnny Knoxville. The network previously announced that Peter Berg, Barry Levinson, and Ron Shelton have also signed on as directors.
Archive: July 2009 (51-60 of 322)
'Twilight': Rachelle Lefevre 'stunned' by Summit's recast of Victoria for 'Eclipse'
EW received the following statement today from actress Rachelle Lefevre’s rep regarding the announcement that she was being replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard for the upcoming third Twilight film, Eclipse:
“I was stunned by Summit’s decision to recast the role of Victoria for Eclipse. I was fully committed to the Twilight saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules. My commitment to Barney’s Version is only ten days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse. Although the production schedule for Eclipse is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those ten days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for Eclipse, never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10 day overlap. I was happy with my contract with Summit and was fully prepared to continue to honor it. Summit chose simply to recast the part. I am greatly saddened that I will not get to complete my portrayal of Victoria for the Twilight audience. This is a story, a theatrical journey and a character that I truly love and about which I am very passionate. I will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty I’ve received since being cast for this role, and I am hurt deeply by Summit’s surprising decision to move on without me. I wish the cast and crew of Eclipse only the very best.“
Summit Entertainment announced yesterday that actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Terminator Salvation, Spider-Man 3, The Village) will replace Lefevre in the third Twilight movie (set for release on June 20, 2010) due to scheduling conflicts. Lefevre originated the role of Victoria in the first film, and will be seen in the sequel, New Moon, which is expected to be released theatrically in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 20.
UPDATE: Summit Entertainment responds to Rachelle Lefevre’s statement
Photo Credit: Christian Lapid/startraksphoto.com
Warner Bros. sues company who sold DVDs instead of destroying them
Warner Bros. Home Video has brought a $10 million lawsuit against IWMB, Inc., a California-based company it had contracted to destroy two million surplus DVDs, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The suit alleges that IWMB did not destroy the merchandise, but instead sold the surplus DVDs and Blu-Ray discs to a third party, who sold them at significantly discounted prices. It is estimated that 750,000 of the stolen discs were sold, and 250,000 remain unaccounted for.
'9 to 5' closing on Broadway in September, touring in 2010
The Dolly Parton-penned 9 to 5: The Musical will stage its last performance on Broadway on Sept. 6. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience on my first Broadway show,” says Parton in a message on her web site. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing group of people who have become like family to me. I can’t wait for this show to hit the road next year so people across the country can see why I’m so proud of everyone involved.” The show earned four Tony nominations, including Best Original Score for Parton, as well as nods for lead actress Allison Janney, featured actor Marc Kudisch, and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.
Michael Jackson autopsy results delayed
According to the AP, the LA County coroner’s office will not release Michael Jackson’s autopsy results this week. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter did not give a reason for the delay, but said results were expected next week.
A manslaughter investigation is now centering around Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who, according to anonymous reports, may have administered a lethal dose of propofol the night before the singer’s death on June 25th.
Microsoft, Yahoo form search partnership
Microsoft and Yahoo have joined forces in an effort to challenge Google, the dominant online search engine with 65 percent market share. The Associated Press reports a 10-year deal that calls for Yahoo to adopt Microsoft's new Bing search engine and for Yahoo to keep 88 percent of all the revenues from its search ads sales for the next five years. The long-rumored deal comes a year after Microsoft offered $47.5 billion outright for Yahoo.
Paul W.S. Anderson targets 'The Warded Man'
British director Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil) will direct an adaptation of The Warded Man, a best-selling fantasy novel from first-time novelist Peter V. Brett. Set in a bleak future where humans are subjugated by demon overlords, The Warded Man is the first chapter of Brett's planned trilogy, and Anderson told The Hollywood Reporter that he believes the property has Lord of the Rings style potential.
Animal Planet to launch investigative documentary series
Fueled by its successful 2008 TV special about football player Michael Vick and his illegal dog-fighting operation, cable station Animal Planet will create "Animal Planet Investigates," a periodic series of investigative documentaries. Variety reports that the station will launch the series with another special on dogfighting in January. Future episodes will address controversial issues such as animal testing, the exotic pet trade, cloning and slaughterhouses.
Zhang Yimou to remake Coens' 'Blood Simple'
Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou (House of Flying Daggers) will remake the Coen brothers’ first feature, 1984's Blood Simple. According to Variety, Zhang will transplant the original's dusty, Texas setting to a Chinese desert restaurant, where the owner schemes to murder his cheating wife.
New 'Secret of NIMH' movie in the works at Paramount
The rats of NIMH may soon be on the move again. Citing sources at Paramount, both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are saying Neil Burger (The Illusionist) is in talks to adapt Robert C. O'Brien's award-winning 1971 book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH for a new film, though it remains unclear if the updated version will be animated or live action with animation. The movie would be the second time the book had been brought to the silver screen, with Don Bluth's beloved, classic 1982 original The Secret of NIMH being the first. That version boasted vocal talents of a wide array of actors — including everyone from the late Elizabeth Hartman and Dom DeLuise, to Shannen Doherty and Wil Wheaton, to Derek Jacobi and John Carradine — and was critically acclaimed for its detailed, hand-drawn animation.
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