Casting Tidbits: Ray Wise, Jackie Earle Haley and Paul Giamatti« FirstShowing.net

With as much dignity as he could muster, the Old Man gathered up the sad remains of his shattered Casting Tidbits. Later that night, alone in the backyard, he buried it next to the garage. Now I could never be sure, but I thought that I heard the sound of"Taps"being played, gently.First up,IGNheard straight form the horse's mouth thatRay Wise("Reaper.""24") has landed a role in Bryan Singer'sX-Men: First Class. In the silver age, 1960's set comic book adaptation Wise will be playing the Secretary of State of the United States. The actor will be shooting for a couple weeks and mentioned he may be involved with some big special effects sequences.

Second,THRreportsJackie Earle Haley(Watchmen),Kristen Bell(Forgetting Sarah Marshall),Chloe Moretz(Kick-Ass) andBailee Madison(Just Go with It) will star in the indie black comedyDance of the Mirlitons.Evan Greenbergis writing and directing the film which follows an ambitious, slightly overweight ballerina (Madison) with an overbearing mother (Bell) who will stop at nothing to become a star. The girl enters a catty clique-type environment when she has to prove her worth in class and face-off against the star ballerina (Moretz) who becomes her school nemesis. Meanwhile, Haley will likely be bringing laughs as a subtly sadistic Russian ballet teacher of the highest order. Sounds somewhat interesting.

Next,The PlaylistreportsPaul Giamattihas snagged an unknown role in David Cronenberg's adaptation of  Don DeLillo's bookCosmopolis. The actor is only in active discussions at the moment, but it seems likely that he will have a part in the story following 24 hours in the life of a newly married billionaire (Colin Farrell) as he cheats on his wife (Marion Cotillard), is pursued by a stalker, gets attacked by a protester and gradually loses his entire fortune over the course of a single day. With Farrell set to start shooting theTotal Recallremake in March, it doesn't look like Cosmopolis will get started before late 2011.

Also, a press release announcedDougray Scott(Mission Impossible 2) has joinedUnited, the true story of Manchester United’s legendary ‘Busby Babes’, the youngest side ever to win the Football (soccer for us) League, the 1958 Munich Air Crash that claimed eight of the their number and the extraordinary spirit of a city that rebuilt the team in the wake of the disaster. Scott is playing Matt Busby alongside previously cast David Tennant as coach Jimmy Murphy.

Finally,VarietyreportsAngela Bassett(Akeelah and the Bee) has joined McG's action comedyThis Means War. In the story Chris Pine and Tom Hardy play two retired spies who battle with one another after they fall in love with the same woman (Reese Witherspoon). Bassett will play both of the spies' boss who has dedicated her entire life to the spy business and has no life outside the CIA. This is yet another surprising role for Bassett who also landed a small role in the comic book adaptation of Green Lantern.

Well, that's all for this edition ofCasting Tidbits. Be sure to stay tuned for more casting updates on the way.

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Kevin Smith Announces Nicholas Braun to Star in 'Hit Somebody'« FirstShowing.net

MoreKevin Smithnews tonight! Smith announced in a new episode of his podcastHollywood Babble-On(viaSlashFilm) that the star of his upcoming hockey filmHit Somebody, based on the Warren Zevon song, will be young actorNicholas Braun. Most of you won't recognize him, but Braun is a 22-year-old, 6'6"tall actor mostly known forSky High,dating Selena Gomez, and appearing on ABC Family's"10 Things I Hate About You."He is also inDisney'sPromand Kevin Smith's horror flickRed State, which is where/why/how he cast him in this anyway."I found so much of myHit Somebodycast while makingRed State,"Smith says.

Here's the quote from theHollywood Babble-On podcastwhere Smith reveals Braun and why he chose him.

"The guy who’s going to play my lead, whose name isBuddy McKrakenin the movie, is a fella who's in our flick {Red State} and his name isNicholas Braun. He's this really great actor who I love to death and he is the perfect lead for this hockey movie, for this script, which is based on this Warren Zevon song."

Hit Somebody, which is Kevin Smith's first foray into a sports flick, is based on theWarren Zevon songand tells the story of a hockey kid (Braun) who wants more than anything to be in the NHL, but is only good at one thing: beating people up on the ice. Smith wantedSeann William Scottto star as Buddy, but he ended up inGooninstead. Smith joked saying,"Scott apparently wanted to make a hockey movie real fuckin' bad… So he went to do another one, which meant we were star-less for a while."Now he's found what sounds like will be a good lead and he'll probably be filling up the cast with other great actors before shooting next July.

I'm sure we will hear plenty more about this as Smith continues pre-production work the project, but in the meantime, we've got his horror flickRed State, which will most likely be hitting Sundance early next year. I don't know anything about Nicholas Braun, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Kevin Smith can do with a hockey film, I think we're in for somethingveryfun.Who else is looking forward toHit Somebody?

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Gael Garcia Bernal is Playing Roberto Durán in 'Hands of Stone'« FirstShowing.net

Mexican actorGael Garcia Bernal(Rudo y Cursi, Blindness) has booked a role as five-time world boxing champRoberto Duránin an upcoming biopic calledHands of Stone. Ben Silverman and Jay Weisleder are producing with Paul Webster of Shine Pictures. In addition to Bernal starring,Al Pacinois circling the role of trainer Ray Arcel, and Spanish actorOscar Jaenada(The Losers) is also in a key role. Directing is Venezuelan-born filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz from his own screenplay."The infamous 'no mas' fight is the biggest enigma in the history of boxing. This movie will answer that enigma,"said director Jakubowicz.

Panama-bornRoberto Duránmade his professional boxing debut in1968as a 16-year-old and retired in 2002 at age 50. In 1980, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard to capture the WBC welterweight title, butshockedthe boxing world by returning to his corner in the November rematch, saying"no mas."Interesting to see them use that as the focal point of the film, as quoted above.Hands of Stonehas a budget of $15 million and will shoot mostly in English in Panama, where he was born, and New York next spring."This is adynamicstory thatwillhave animpact,"Silverman said. Gael Garcia Bernal is one of those great actors that always stays under the radar with indies, but he's talented and I'm happy to see him starring in just about anything.

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Mysterious Neill Blomkamp Viral Video Found in Wired for iPad« FirstShowing.net

That newApollo 18posterisn't the only mysterious thing out there today. Last night, Peter fromSlashFilmcalled me and told me he found an odd video randomly linked in-between pages of the latest issue ofWiredmagazineon the iPad (the digital app version of it). The page plays a video (embedded below fromYouTube) that has no description or title. Our only hint is a"Video By:Neill Blomkamp"tag in the magazine. So this is some new video by Blomkamp, director ofDistrict 9, involving a creepy mutated creature? Is it a viral for a new movie or some other web project? Watch the video below and read on for hints at what this might be.

The video shows two guys finding some weird, disgusting mutated creature in a puddle. If you look closely, you'll see it has a stamp on it:"18.12 AGM Heartland."Well,SlashFilmdid some research and found out that AGM Heartland was filed as a trademark for an"onlinewebsitewith video, audio and textual content and images featuring characters and storylines about a fictional genetic engineering company that produces genetically engineered and altered organisms."So, as I first thought, it looks like it's just a disgusting start to an online web series that Blomkamp is behind called"AGM Heartland"about weird creatures like this.

We're notreallysure what this weird creature and video mean yet, but it definitely has caught theinterestof the movie community online, mostly because of the name involved. Blomkamp hasn't officially announced a follow-up toDistrict 9, but has been working on another sci-fi project calledElysium, but that seems like it's a long ways out. Based on all the evidence, I have a feeling the video is just a very odd way to start some viral buzz for a new web series that Blomkamp is behind. Either way, bravo, as this definitely has me interested!

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Wishing Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving From FirstShowing.net« FirstShowing.net

Happy Thanksgiving!What arewethankful for this year? All of you. If you're reading this, then we owe you thanks. Its been an odd year this year, but without every last reader, we wouldn't still be here. Normally we publish our annualThanksgiving Movie Guide, but we decided not to write one for 2010. Why? Mostly because the line-up isn't that impressive, but honestly because we're just tired and need a day off, too. But here's a quick rundown of movies arriving in theaters:The King's Speech(limited),Burlesque,Faster,Love& Other Drugs,The Nutcracker in 3D, and last but certainlynotthe least,Disney'sTangled.

Wethank youfor all of your continued support ofFirstShowing.netas well as your readership, criticism and feedback, and for everyone that keeps us on our toes and constantly evolving in newer and better ways every single day. I really mean it when I say that if it wasn't for our readers, we wouldn't be here and that's why I owe this Thanksgiving thanks toyouand no one else. Enjoy your day off, too. Whether you're feasting on a delicious meal with your family or enjoying any new movies (orboth), have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And yes, that poster seen up at the top comes from thedisgusting horror trailerfor Eli Roth'sThanksgiving.

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Fox Searchlight Adapting 'Wilson' for Alexander Payne to Direct« FirstShowing.net

No, no, this isn't the memoirs of a lonely beach volleyball trapped on an island with Chuck Noland, this is a much different story.Deadlinereports that Fox Searchlight has made a deal to adapt agraphic novelcalledWilsonwritten by Dan Clowes, published this year. Interested in directing is none other thanAlexander Payne, the filmmaker behindElection,About Schmidt,Sidewaysand the upcoming filmThe Descendants, though he's not fully signed on yet. I haven't read the graphic novel, but it sounds like an immensely tragic story of an"opinionated middle-aged loner who loves his dog and maybe nobody else."This sounds gloomy.

The story followsWilsonas he begins a quest to find human connection, badgering friends and strangers into a series of one-sided conversations that get derailed by his brutally honest sense of humor. When his father dies, Wilson isreallyalone and tries to find his ex-wife in hopes of rekindling their dead relationship. In the process, he discovers he has a teen daughter, who was born after the marriage ended and given up for adoption. He becomes determined to reconnect all three of them as a family. It was one of nineAmazon Best Books of the Monthearlier this year. One of Clowes' other stories was the basis of the indie flickArt School Confidential. This seems like an interesting adaptation, we'll be sure to keep an eye out for it as it develops.

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'The Dark Knight Rises' Will Be Christian Bale's Last Batman Film« FirstShowing.net

ThoughChristopher Nolanhas confirmed that he'sdefinitely directingThe Dark Knight Rises, for awhile now, there have been rumblings that the next sequel will likely be the filmmaker's last in the franchise, and perhaps the conclusion of a supposed trilogy. More support to those rumors comes from a recent interview withChristian BalefromE! Online. The actor said very simply,"The thing is that this will be, I believe, unless Chris says different, this will be the last time I'm playing Batman."And if he's going off what he's heard/talked about from Nolan, I think it's safe to sayThe Dark Knight Riseswill also thehislast Batman film as director.Read on!

Now it sounds like Nolan is going to wrap up his take on The Caped Crusader as neatly as possible, but you can bet Warner Bros. will be keen on continuing the franchise even after Nolan and Bale leave it behind. The studio will also likely try their best to keep them around for another film (if not another trilogy), but I'm willing to bet neither Nolan or Bale want to keep this going for much longer. But before we even start thinking about more Batman films with Nolan and Bale, we're still waiting for details onThe Dark Knight Rises. Unknown factors still include what role Tom Hardywill be takingand exactly whatfemale roleswill be showing up in the sequel. Here's hoping we find out those details very soon.Are you cool withThe Dark Knight Risesbeing the last Batman film for Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan?

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Emily Blunt Might Have 'Five Year Engagement' with Jason Segel« FirstShowing.net

Before the lovely Rose Byrne took the role of raunchy pop starlet Jackie Q in Nicholas Stoller's comedy spin-offGet Him to the Greek, the role was initially supposed to feature the talents of the radiantEmily Blunt. However, because Fox still had an option to throw her in another film (thanks to her contract fromThe Devil Wears Prada), the studio decided to put her in theshittier-looking comedyGulliver's Travelsand thus cause her terrible embarrassment. But while doing that film, she was able to work withJason Segel(Forgetting Sarah Marshall), and nowVulturereports the two may reunite forFive-Year Engagement, another romantic comedy from Stoller.

Blunt is currently only being offered the role right now, but because of the history between her and Stoller, this sounds like a done deal in the making. In addition, Blunt's work with Segel onGulliver's Travelslikely allowed the two to bond and develop quite an onscreen chemistry that could make a long relationship like a five-year engagement work very well on the big screen. Stoller delivered one of the best romantic comedies of the past decade withForgetting Sarah Marshalland since Judd Apatow is producing the film for Universal, it's probably safe to say we're in for yet another one. Either way, seeing Blunt onscreen is a treat in itself.What do you guys think?

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David O. Russell& Ice Cube Making 'Dirty Harry' Style Franchise« FirstShowing.net

They previously collaborated on the war flickThree Kings, and now it looks like directorDavid O. Russelland rapper-turned-actorIce Cubeare re-teaming in a big way.Deadlinereports the duo are working with New Line to create an all-new franchise in the same vein as 70's revenge films like Clint Eastwood'sDirty Harryfilms. Don't worry, they're not looking at remaking any of those classics, but apparently the film will be a raw, R-rated drama which calls back to that certain style of film with a plainclothes detective who's quick on the trigger. However, development is still in the early stages with a story still being figured out by Cube and Russell.

There's a chance that Russell may write the actual script, but it sounds like New Line will get a different screenwriter to come in for the first draft. After working with anotherThree Kingsstar again (Mark Wahlberg onThe Fighter) and now Ice Cube, Russell should probably make a movie with George Clooney and Spike Jonze to make everything nice and neat. I'm not sure if I'm interested in a franchise with Ice Cube (especially afterxXx: State of the Union, and throwbacks to 70's revenge films are already happening with flicks likeDrive Angry 3D.  The project is still probably pretty far down the road since Russell already hasOld St. Louislined up as his next film as well as an adaptation of the Playstation video gameUncharted: Drake's Fortune. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.Anyone interested?

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Stephen Sommers Now Confirmed to Direct 'Odd Thomas' Movie« FirstShowing.net

Back in September we heard that directorStephen Sommers(G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) might be lining up an adaptation of Dean Koontz'ssupernatural novelOdd Thomas. NowScreenDaily(viaComingSoon) has confirmed that Sommers is indeed attached to an adaptation of the story that follows the titular Odd Thomas (who narrates the books almost like a film noir) who lacks ambition working as a fry cook in California but has the gift of seeing and conversing with ghosts. He's notlooking to change the world, but he does use his talents to help out the local police chief in solving brutal crimes. Read what Sommers has to say about the project below!

Sommers remarked,""As soon as I read the book I felt compelled to turn it into a movie. It's a fantastic love affair between these two wonderful characters. The story combines action with heart, laughs and scares. It felt right to be doing this independently and I'm excited to take this to the market."So apparently no studio is involved with the project as Sommers is producing himself with Howard Kaplan (producer ofThe Good Shepherd) and John Baldecchi (producer ofThe Mexican).

If you want a full rundown of the story in the first book, check out our previous story on the adaptation. If the first film is successful, you can bet a franchise might be in order adapting therest of the book serieswhich includes three more books and two graphic novels.Now that it's official, what do you think of Stephen Sommers directorOdd Thomas?

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Scarlett Johansson Going 'Under the Skin' As Alien Seductress« FirstShowing.net

Though she's currently on the shortlist of considered actresses for the lead female role in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation ofThe Great Gatsbyand Cameron Crowe's adaptation ofWe Bought a Zoo, the lovelyScarlett Johanssonis apparently already attached to a new sci-fi film.Deadlinehas the news out of the American Film Market (from which plenty more news will come) that the actress is attached inUnder the Skin, a film from directorJonathan Glazer(Sexy Beast) which will see Johansson as a woman who is actually a deadly alien vixen seductress using her voracious sexuality to scour remote highways and desolate scenery to snare human prey.

Certainly the cheesy, Skinemax nature of theSpeciesfranchise comes to mind, but apparently the story is based on Michel Faber'snovel of the same namewhich will be adapted by Glazer and Walter Campbell. FilmNation is behind the project and CEO Glen Basner says,"We're so excited to be working on this arrestingly original movie. How could we pass up the chance to work with a visionary director like Jonathan, especially when combined with the intriguing notion of Scarlett Johansson as a ruthless alien seductress?"Personally, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to see Scarlett Johansson seduce anything. Production is slated to begin in the spring, there is a chance Johansson gets caught up in one of the aforementioned high profile projects.Anyone interested?

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Theron& Farmiga Rumored for Roles in 'The Dark Knight Rises'« FirstShowing.net

Since it's a slow news week so far, why not toss around some rumored names for Christopher Nolan'srecently titledsequelThe Dark Knight Rises. It's beenmentioned elsewherepreviously that Nolan has been meeting with actresses to take a lead female role in the anticipated franchise sequel. Obviously since Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) won't return, at least one female lead role needs to show up, but a new rumor has two major female roles looking to be cast.Comic Book MoviereportsCharlize Theronis being considered for one whileVera Farmiga(Up in the Air) andKacie Thomas(The Burning Plain) are up for the second.Read on!

Theron is apparently up for the role ofDetective Sarah Essen, a love interest for Commissioner Jim Gordon. In the comics, Essen is partnered with Gordon and they begin a romantic affair. Theron seems a little young for Gordon, but maybe they'll be changing the way she interacts with Gordon. Of course, there's always the change this is simply a red herring and maybe Theron is up for playing Catwoman. I'm not at all against seeing Theron in some tight leather outfits.

Meanwhile, Farmiga and Thomas are both up for the role ofJulie Madison, a love interest for Bruce Wayne. In the comics, Madison was a socialite once engaged to Bruce Wayne and thought she was unaware of his being Batman, she was used as a pawn by the vampiric villainMonkin his battle against the Caped Crusader. While the roles are certainly possibilities, these are definitely rumors at this point, and likely these characters could end up having a completely different impact on the story in the film than they have previously had on the comic books. We'll likely be hearing some official casting forThe Dark Knight Risessoon enough so stay tuned.

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Official First Look at Spielberg& Jackson's 'Adventures of Tintin'« FirstShowing.net

Just before the weekend we found out Empire wasteasingly counting downan exclusive first look at the motion capture animation adaptation of Hergé's best-selling comicwithThe Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn. Well, today we finally have the full photo in all its animated glory along with the first two stills from the film itself. Longtime fans of the international sensation will find Empire's magazine cover featuring the young intrepid Belgian reporter and his canine sidekick Snowy strikingly familiar. Below you'll find all three of the new images and can click each individual picture for the larger, higher resolution versions.

Motion capture has never looked better, and the artistic style both ingrains the characters in reality without losing their cartoonish features. Taking its inspiration fromthis classic photoof Tintin (played in the film by Jamie Bell) and his loyal canine Snowy, here'sEmpire's coverfor their story onThe Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn:

First look at Captain Haddock played by motion capture performance master Andy Serkis:

And here Tintin, Haddock and Snowy find themselves stuck on open water:

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicornis directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by Peter Jackson, with a script co-written by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish. The cast includes Jamie Bell as Tintin, Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock, Simon Pegg& Nick Frost as Thompson& Thompson, Daniel Craig as the villain Red Rackham, and Toby Jones as Silk. The animated movie is currently in post-production at Weta Digital and will hit U.S. theaters onDecember 23rd, 2011.Thoughts?

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