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Archive: May 2010 (1-10 of 127)

May 30 2010 08:06 PM ET

Guillermo del Toro drops out of directing 'The Hobbit'

deltoro Guillermo del Toro will no longer direct The Hobbit, but will continue for the next several months to polish the scripts for the two-part Lord of the Rings prequel alongside Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh. Del Toro made the announcement Sunday via the J.R.R. Tolkien fan site TheOneRing.net.

“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming The Hobbit, I am faced with the hardest decision of my life,” Del Toro said. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director.”

Jackson, who said he’ll sit down with New Line and Warner Bros. execs this week to start securing a new director, added the following: “We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave The Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects. The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him. Guillermo’s strong vision is engrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA.”

Jackson does not anticipate any delay or disruption to ongoing pre-production work. The films, co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, are scheduled for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

May 29 2010 01:50 PM ET

Dennis Hopper dies at 74

by Chris Nashawaty

Categories: In Memoriam, Legacy, Movies, Television

Image Credit: Chris Hatcher/PR PhotosDennis Hopper, who died Saturday at age 74 after a battle with prostate cancer, was always a fighter. Early in his career, the Dodge City, Kan., native fought tooth-and-nail against onscreen phoniness with a Method intensity he learned at the Actors Studio. In his second act, he revolutionized Hollywood with his 1969 directing debut Easy Rider – an existential road movie whose Harleys, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll message struck gold with an underserved counterculture audience. But Hopper, the newly minted hippie icon who was no stranger to career ups and down, burned out and faded away in a swirl of drugs and alcohol. The third act of Hopper’s life was one of repentance, recovery, and career rehabilitation, as the actor got clean and sober in the mid-1980s and spent the next three decades turning in a handful of brilliant performances, including his Oscar-nominated turn as an alcoholic basketball coach in 1986′s Hoosiers. But the fighter ultimately lost his toughest battle when he passed away from cancer.

Whether playing leading men or supporting parts, oddballs or villains, Hopper was always a welcome presence on film. He gave every movie he graced a spark of unpredictability — you never knew what he might do next. Hopper learned his raw, naturalistic technique with the best, sharing the screen with his idol James Dean in both 1955′s Rebel Without a Cause and 1956′s Giant. In the late ’60s, in the wake of the summer of love, Hopper and pals Peter Fonda, author Terry Southern, and an unknown actor named Jack Nicholson teamed up to make Easy Rider. They raised the $400,000 budget independently, shot the movie on the fly, and watched in amazement as the receipts rolled in. Easy Rider grossed $60 million and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film’s success also opened the studio doors to a new generation of long-haired young film brats who would go on to re-energize American cinema in the ’70s. But Hopper will be remembered as much for what he accomplished onscreen as behind the camera. He leaves behind a string of indelible and daring performances in such films as Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, True Romance, and Speed.

May 28 2010 06:52 PM ET

'American Idol' creator Simon Fuller makes bid for CKX

by Kerrie Mitchell

Categories: Industry News, Television, TV Biz

Reuters reports that Idol creator Simon Fuller and an investor group made a $600 million takeover bid for CKX Inc., the corporation that owns the rights to the Idol television brand, among other intellectual properties. CKX’s founder Robert Sillerman had resigned as chief executive and chairman on May 7.

May 28 2010 06:52 PM ET

Joanna Garcia engaged

by Kate Ward

Categories:

Privileged star Joanna Garcia and New York Yankee Nick Swisher are engaged, People reports. Garcia was previously engaged to Justin Timberlake’s business partner Trace Ayala.

May 28 2010 05:47 PM ET

'Avenue Q' creator remembers Gary Coleman, says there will be changes to show

by Kate Ward

Categories: In Memoriam, Stage

Jeff Marx, who conceived the Broadway musical Avenue Q with Robert Lopez, called up EW to remember Gary Coleman, and discuss some of the changes they would instill in their show, which boasts a character named for the late actor. “It’s a very sad day for all of us,” Marx says. “And we’re really sorry to hear this. We all were inspired by him for many, many years.”

Marx says that the show decided to alter some of the lines in the script, since they seem “inappropriate” now, but the show will go on. Marx says Avenue Q has even planned a tribute to Coleman, which will follow Friday night’s showing at New World Stages and be headed by the actress who plays Coleman, Danielle K. Thomas. “We all grew up watching and enjoying his work, and it’s just very sad to hear.”

More Gary Coleman:
Gary Coleman dies at 42
Gary Coleman: Five memorable moments from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’
Friends and co-stars remember Gary Coleman

May 28 2010 04:31 PM ET

'Hurt Locker' producers file piracy lawsuit

by Kerrie Mitchell

Categories: Industry News, Lawsuits, Movie Biz, Movies

Variety is reporting that the producers of the Academy Award-winning The Hurt Locker have filed a copyright infringement suit against potentially 5,000 people who may have illegally downloaded the movie through P2P networks. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington and is a first step in finding the names of the people who may have downloaded the film.

May 28 2010 04:21 PM ET

'Voltron' producer Peter Keefe dies

by Kerrie Mitchell

Categories:

Animation producer Peter Keefe died of throat cancer yesterday at his home in Rochester, N.Y. He was a prolific producer and creator of children’s entertainment and was best known for his mid-80s hit Voltron: Defender of the Universe. He also produced such U.K. shows as Widget, The Mr. Bogus Show, and Twinkle.

May 28 2010 04:07 PM ET

Friends and co-stars remember Gary Coleman

by Kate Ward

Categories: In Memoriam

Various friends and celebrities have begun to weigh in on Gary Coleman’s passing. Here’s what they had to say about the actor, who passed away Friday after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

“I worked with Gary around 1982 when we did the animated series The Gary Coleman Show together. He was 14 at the time and at the height of his success with Diff’rent Strokes. I know over the last number of years he’s had a tough go of it, but I have nothing but good things to say about my time with him. He was a bright, cool, and extremely talented kid. After all is said and done, Gary gave a lot of people the chance to laugh and feel good. That’s a wonderful legacy to leave behind. He’ll no doubt be missed.” -Jerry Houser, who co-starred with Coleman on The Gary Coleman Show

“Gary was a dear friend. He was so enormously talented. His death saddens me beyond my ability to express. I can only hope that he finds the peace he so earnestly sought. I will miss him.” -Robert Guillaume, who co-starred with Coleman in The Kid With the Broken Halo

“When I did BOWFINGER, Gary Coleman was the security guard. A pop icon and here he was a damn security guard. He was humble and sweet. Sad” -Jamie Kennedy, via Twitter

“Sad news. Gary Coleman has passed away at 42. RIP Watcha talking about Willis? -Gary Coleman ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Thanks for the laughs. RIP Gary Coleman” -Marlee Matlin, via Twitter

“Rest in peace, Gary Coleman.” -Alyssa Milano, via Twitter

“I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Gary Coleman. my heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family” -Paula Abdul, via Twitter

“RIP Gary Coleman You’re forever a part of my childhood! Godspeed!” -Omar Epps, via Twitter

“mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be…actors. r.i.p. gary” -John Stamos, via Twitter

“Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?!” -Chris Masterson, via Twitter

“RIP Gary Coleman rest with the angels in heaven!” -Nikki Blonsky, via Twitter

“This news makes me so sad ” -Gretchen Rossi, via Twitter

“Gary Coleman has died. If gary was before ur time or u just want to reminisce, here’s some of his best work: http://bit.ly/bPAAjU” -Ryan Seacrest, via Twitter

“Arnold and Abraham the goldfish together again. RIP Gary Coleman.” -Eric Stonestreet, via Twitter

“I hope that in heaven Gary Coleman finds the peace that eluded him on Earth, and finally discovers what Willis was talking about.” -Mark Hoppus, via Twitter

“Bless & rest his soul.” -Eliza Dushku, via Twitter

More Gary Coleman:
Gary Coleman dies at 42
Gary Coleman: Five memorable moments from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’

May 28 2010 02:56 PM ET

Gary Coleman dies at 42

by Dan Snierson

Categories: In Memoriam

Gary Coleman, the former child star best known for his portrayal of the lovable, wisecracking Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, died today in a Utah hospital. The 42-year-old actor suffered an intracranial hemorrhage after falling at his Santaquin, Utah, home on Wednesday.

Coleman’s manager released the following statement today: “We are very sad to have to report Mr. Gary Coleman has passed away as of 12:05 PM Mountain Time. He was removed from life support; soon thereafter, he passed quickly and peacefully. By Gary’s bedside were his wife and other close family members. Thanks to everyone for their well-wishing and support during this tragic time. Now that Gary has passed, we know he will be missed because of all the love and support shown in the past couple of days. Gary is now at peace and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years.”

The Illinois-born Coleman, who suffered from a kidney disease that stunted his growth and required him to undergo two transplant operations, found fame early in life, guest starring on The Jeffersons and Good Times before scoring a starring role in 1978 at the age of 10 on the NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes as one of two adopted sons of a rich widower. Coleman delighted audiences with his vibrant, seasoned performance, and “Whatchoo talkin’ about, Willis?”—his rapid-fire exclamation of disbelief uttered to his on-screen brother (Todd Bridges)—became one of TV’s most memorable catchphrases. During Diff’rent Strokes eight-season run, Coleman starred in feature films such as 1981’s On the Right Track and 1982’s Jimmy The Kid, as well as TV movies like 1982’s The Kid with the Broken Halo, which served as the basis for the 1982 NBC animated series The Gary Coleman Show. In the 1990s and 2000s, he popped up on a number of TV shows, including The Ben Stiller Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Simpsons, The Drew Carey Show, and Son of the Beach. Coleman—who also ran for governor during California’s recall election in 2003, finishing in eighth place—most recently starred in the 2009 mockumentary Midgets Vs. Mascots.

Coleman had been plagued by financial issues (he filed for bankruptcy in 1999) as well as legal ones in later years, including citations for disorderly conduct following incidents with his wife, Shannon Price, whom he met on the set of the 2006 movie Church Ball. Earlier this year, after pleading guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief, he was ordered to pay a fine and attend a domestic violence class. Coleman had been struggling with his health as well, suffering two seizures in 2010; one of them occurred on the set of The Insider in February. Coleman is survived by his wife, Shannon.

More Gary Coleman:
Friends and co-stars remember Gary Coleman
Gary Coleman: Five great moments from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’

May 28 2010 12:08 PM ET

Gary Coleman on life support

by Kate Ward

Categories:

Gary Coleman is on life support after suffering a brain hemorrhage, People reports. The actor was rushed to the hospital Thursday in critical condition after hurting his head in his Utah home Wednesday. “He’s unconscious and on life support at the moment,” his manager John Alcantar told People. “He had a brain hemorrhage and he was lucid but he went unconscious [Thursday] afternoon.”