Dustin Hoffman is going British.

Dustin Hoffman, at the sprightly age of 72, is set for his directorial debut. Reported by Deadline London, BBC films are taking a chance on the evergreen American.

Lately, Hoffman has been forging a career of quirky comedic turns with Stranger Than Fiction, I Heart Huckabees, and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. But, now he is in talks to replace Richard Loncraine as director of Quartet, starring Maggie Smith, Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay.

The film, focuses on a group of retired opera singers reflecting on their lost glory days, and is based on playwright Ronal Harwood’s bittersweet stage comedy of the same name.

Finola Dwyer, Oscar winning screenwriter of The Pianist, and recent producer of An Education, is currently working on the project in Los Angeles.

MATT RICHARDSON

Fincher goes Heavy Metal

According to Deadline Hollywood, David Fincher is resurrecting Heavy Metal, an animated anthology film, that he originated two ago, only for paramount to drop the project.

However, Fincher is now pitching a much more appealing proposition to studios. In its latest incarnation Avatar director James Cameron is set to direct one of nine segments, with Watchmen director Zack Snyder set for another. Fincher, of course, will direct his own segment. And, just to tantalize those studio executives a little further the whole thing will be in 3D animation.

Commencing In 1977, Heavy Metal is an American science fiction and fantasy comic, known for its blend of violence and erotica.  It has already spawned one film adaptation in 1981 and a sequel in 2000. This version will consist of eight to nine segments, each by a different director, and all infused with the spirit of the Heavy Metal, if like previous releases they will infuse different storylines most likely to run parallel much like the successful Sin City.

The project is yet attached to a financier, or a distributor, but this is sure to change. While the project would appear to be niche, the individual successes of Cameron, Snyder, and Fincher cover all the bases to get this picture green lit. With further talent to be added, it is a matter of time before it is officially signed up.

MATT RICHARDSON 

Captain America has Red Skull all woven up!

No, It is not the hotly anticipated announcement surrounding Captain America’s vacant castings. But, it looks like that they have found the right man to play Red Skull, in Hugo Weaving.

According to the Heat Vision Blog, Weaving will play Captain America’s archenemy, saboteur, and right hand-man to Hitler’s regime.

If the script for Joe Johnston’s Captain America remains true to Marvel comics, we may see the adversaries in two time periods. Beginning with the duo battling in 1941 against the backdrop of World War II, and later revived from suspended animation in modern times.

The deal between Marvel Studios and Weaving is yet to be finalised, but will play out in the next day or so. The negotiating process is minefield of assurances, with most new projects demanding multi-movie commitments, now franchises can be so lucrative.

If the deal does happen, it will see Weaving and Johnston reunite following their collaboration on recent horror remake ‘Wolfman’.
MATT RICHARDSON

New Trailer: Shrek Forever After

DreamWorks have released the latest trailer for Shrek Forever After. Billed as the final outing for the not-so-jolly green giant, except, of course, the rumoured Puss in Boots spin-off, it delivers early promise.

The trailer reveals the story: Our ogre hero, yearning for one day that returns him to his former monstrous glory, enters a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The catch, In return for this day, Shrek must lose a day in return.

 Of course it’s a trick, Rumpel steals the day Shrek met Fiona, thus changing the course of history. Far Far Away is a land transformed, now under the dictatorship of Rumpel, where Fiona is part of a ‘resistance’ to his cruel reign, none of Shrek’s group knows him, and Puss is need of a girdle.

Yes, Shrek three was abysmal, managing to completely forgo the enjoyable traits of its previous outings, but this looks promising. The film is released on July 2.

MATT RICHARDSON

Trailer Debut: Twilight Eclipse

Yes, it is that time already, with the premier of Twilight: Eclipse set for July 9 here in the UK, the theatre conquest starts here. It has been reported by Empire that this is one of many new trailers due before its release. Good news, for its avid followers.

The third book in the series centres on the developing love triangle between Bella (Kristen Stewart), her vampire lover Edward (Robert Pattinson) and lovesick-pup friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

Bryce Dallas Howard replaces Rachel Lefevre as Victoria, the would-be vampire bitch, who forms an army of super strong newborn vampires to seek revenge on our tangled trio.

The Eclipse trailer continues the pursuit of love-driven angst of previous releases. But, this is where New Moon failed, tipping the fine balance of entertainment in favour of scenes that verge on torturous pining. Hopefully Eclipse will do just that, and see a return to the enjoyable Twilight original.

MATT RICHARDSON

Da Vinci, The Last Action Hero?

Yes its true, Warner Brothers are launching an action-adventure vehicle centred on Leonardo da Vinci, with Prime Universe and Vertigo Entertainment also on board.

By reading this far, you are forgiven for thinking that this idea is outlandish. But, it is never to late to add to your list of achievements, even if you have been dead for centuries, apparently.

Leonardo da Vinci: painter, sculptor, inventor, and enemy to all things supernatural. Details are under wraps, but it will see ever-resourceful Da Vinci will use his inventions to defend humanity.

Titled ‘Leonardo a Vinci and the Soldiers of Forever’ it is an original story pitched by Hitman producer Adrian Askarieh.

Well, that is all we know for the moment. But, for certain, it will be hard to view the Mona Lisa in the same way again. You can picture it now; Da Vinci brush in one hand, harpooning some random devil creature with the other.  Fantastic.

MATT RICHARDSON

Clint Eastwood considering Hoover biopic

It has been reported that Clint Eastwood is currently contemplating whether to take over troubled biopic about a FBI founder J Edgar Hoover written by Milk scribe Lance Black.

Imagine Entertainment’s producer Brian Grazer is overseeing production, with Eastwood taking over the helm from the exiting Ron Howard. The film will likely follow Hoover from his creation of the bureau in 1935, and his reign as its first director until his death in 1972.

Hoover’s story is certainly worthy as a biopic; while he portrayed himself as a man dedicated to justice, he was an increasingly controversial figure up until his death. His private life was rife with allegations about closeted homosexuality and cross dressing. He also employed agents to gather sensitive information about political leaders; by harassing dissenters and activists, using ‘unconventional’ methods.

As it stands this interesting project is limbo after being put into turnaround by Universal, but given that Clint Eastwood’s production company is based at Warners, it is likely that they will soon become attached following a string of successes such as Million Dollar Baby, Changeling, and Gran Torino.

Eastwood is currently in post production on ‘Hereafter’, a supernatural thriller starring Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard that will hit the US theatres in December.

MATT RICHARDSON

Chipmunk 'Threequel' to go 3D

Twentieth Century Fox have announced that Alvin and his chipmunk pals will return for a third outing; and in move that is fast becoming mandatory it will be 3D. 


No details have surfaced about script development, casting or directors, however the marketing strategy for its release is clear.


The release date has been set to Dec. 16, 2O11 for Alvin and the Chipmunks 3D; with one eye firmly on the festive market, and the other on Steven Spielberg's 3D "Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of Unicorn" released a week later on Dec. 23.


Despite critical response to the films being poor; the announced 'threequel' is no surprise. The little jumper wearing fur-balls have provided a lucrative franchise for Fox, New Regency and Bagdasarian Pictures. The first film, released in 2OO7 grossed $361.3 million worldwide. Last year's 'squeakquel' brought in $429.8 million. If this trend continues, be ready for more. 
 MATT RICHARDSON

In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps... but it can be delayed

Fox have announced that upcoming Oliver Stone film 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' is to have its release date moved back from April 23rd to September 24th.


Deadline Hollywood report; both Fox and Oliver Stone decided to postpone releasing Stone's sequel to 8O's classic Wall Street, in a gamble to launch on the world stage at the Cannes Film Festival.


But, with publicity already completed with director Stone, and main stars Michael Douglas, Shia Le Beouf, Carey Mulligan and Josh Brolin; suggestions are that all is not right with the film in its current state.


This view is compounded by reports stating that Fox's announced move; just happened to coincide with Stone presenting the film to its executives.


The released trailers have offered very little; at best it can be likened to Michael Douglas on screen saying 'remember me'. So, any rumour that the film is not ready does not come as a surprise. But, with a five month extension granted by Fox; Stone has some time to tweak before it's eventual release.
MATT RICHARDSON

New Iron Man Stills

Just in case the new trailer to Iron Man's sequel did not marvel enough, we have been blessed with even more new material. It may only be stills and future advertisement shots, but they do showcase Robert Downey Jr; aka Tony Stark in all is his iron clad glory, and he is not alone. 


He is joined by a suited and booted War Machine, otherwise known as Col. James Rhodes, who will be played by Don Cheadle this time out. Cheadle inexplicably replaces Terence Brown, who leaves the franchise on turbulent terms; with word a rift with Favereau is at the heart of it. 

The best is saved for the trailer with a sneak peak to the latest mark V model suit, that has the ideal functionality to cope with the modern world; when not used for flying, and making bad people explode, it really is a nifty little briefcase,

Pencil it in, Iron Man 2 is set for a UK release May 30.

MATT RICHARDSON

Fright Night Captures Director

Momentum gathers on Dreamworks' remake of Fright Night with the LA Times reporting that Craig Gillespie has signed to direct. Wait, before despairing at yet another horror remake, it has the potential not to be cast off into the bargain bin alongside 'The Fog', just yet.


It was first reported last year that scripting duties were handed to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Mad Men scribe Marti Nixon. Now with the arrival of Gillespie, who has comedies Mr. Woodcock, and Lars and the Real Girl to his name, its direction appears to be routed in the comedy horror genre.


For the uninitiated, the 1985 original Fright Night sees horror obsessed teenager Charlie Brewster suspect his next door neighbour is a vampire, after a series of deaths are reported. With no one to believe him, he turns to his hero, a washed up Horror star Roddy McDowell for help.   


Further rumours have been reported by Shock till you drop, that the remake will take on the same film within a film direction devised by Wes Anderson in Scream; with our hero seeking out original vampire star Chris Sarandon for help. 


At this stage storyline and directions for the remake remain rumours, it show the prospect of a comedy horror  with some legs in it. Following the success of last years Zombieland; Fright Night that will have an eye firmly placed on its development.
MATT RICHARDSON   

Watch new Iron Man 2 trailer

With the Oscar’s done and dusted for another year, eyes gaze back towards the new upcoming blockbusters of 2010. What better time then to release the trailer to the much-loved Iron Man sequel? Watch it here.

Watching the trailer feels like that you never left your auditorium seat from Faverau’s original Iron Man. The fundamental elements of entertainment, action, and fun that made the original, are there in spades.

As with the original, what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in sheer popcorn flicking fun. If you want depth, go deep-sea fishing, or better watch The Hurt Locker.

It blends previously released footage of Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash causing havoc at a grand prix, and generally being the ‘bad guy’ in a Russian accent. But, there is a hatful of new footage; lots of iron clad men blowing things up, and Stark morphing into Iron Man using a briefcase!
MATT RICHARDSON

An American Hero? Bill Hicks trailer released

Never diluted, never compromised; the death of Bill Hicks in 1994 shortened the career of a comedian who spoke truths verging on the prophetic. After a decade of government and corporate lies, one thing is certain; Hicks would have been devastating. 



American: The Bill Hicks Story, a documentary that focusses on the legacy started, if not finished by Hicks. The trailer shows a curious combination of animation, footage of Hicks' stand up sets, and remembrances by those closest to him. Courtesy of Empire watch the trailer here.


What set Bill Hicks apart was his conviction; he was often seen on-stage overspilling with anger.Indeed, the trailer reveals Hicks was passionate for America's mainstream to hear him. With the combination of this documentary, and a rumoured Russell Crowe biopic centred on Hicks; he may finally get his wish. 


It is released here in the UK on 14 May, however, for those already converted, or those who cannot wait; check out DVD release 'Totally Bill Hicks'. 
MATT RICHARDSON

Disney Launches Tron Legacy

Disney finally release first official look to Tron Legacy, sequel to the 1982 cult classic. With anticipation festering; Disney's decision to hold off releasing footage saw pirated copies and descriptions spill over servers. Now in high definition; it is here.

The ‘bridge’ over the 25-year gap is established immediately, with Sam Flynn, son to the original’s Tom attempting to track down his lost father; leading him to TRON.

Visually the trailer delivers; transporting the viewer from the mundane present day, to the futuristic neon lit crispness of TRON. It is certainly comparable to the early visuals produced for new 3D ‘wonderland’s’, Avatar and Alice.

A main talking point from the trailer is, of course, the return of Jeff Bridges as Flynn. Impressively, he returns in two incarnations of himself; the elder statesman, and as his younger incarnation from the original.These effects have been produced using the CGI techniques seen in X men: The Last Stand and Benjamin Button.  

It is only glimpse, though a promising one, but with the December release date looming, work remains to be done to deliver.

MATT RICHARDSON

Del Toro turns to the Mafia

Benecio Del Toro is to reunite with recent Che collaborators Steven Soderbergh, and writer Peter Buchman for Mafia thriller Making Jack Falcone.

Adapted from the autobiography of former FBI agent Jack Garcia's, Del Toro will star as Garcia, who s he infiltrates the notorious Gambino crime family under the alias 'Jack Falcone'.

'Falcone', a persona chosen as a tribute to Giovanni Falcone, an Italian judge assassinated for his work against the mob; spent two years undercover witnessing racketeering, extortion and violence that lead to the arrest of 32 members.

Soderbergh will only produce this time, with no director yet signed. However, promise remains high for this film with Donnie Brasco, The Departed, and Resevoir Dogs for reference, it has a running start.

MATT RICHARDSON

De Niro to return to Midnight Run?

Robert De Niro is in demand, having just signed up to star in Dark Fields, Universal Pictures want to set Midnight Run sequel in motion.

Deadline Hollywood have reported that De Niro will once again reprise his role as Los Angeles cop-turned bounty hunter, Jack Walsh. In the original comedy, Walsh was charged with capturing turncoat mob accountant manager Charles Grodin, for a fee of $100,000.

Details for the sequel to 80's comedy hit are being kept under wraps, but it will focus on a new fugitive, with Charles Grodin not set to return [since he quit acting in 1994 to become a broadcast journalist].

The script is being produced by Role Models scribe Tim Dowling, which adds a glimmer of promise to the film. However, the original's success was based on the chemistry that was formed between the bickering duo that De Niro and Grodin created. It will take an inspired casting for the new fugitive to bring the best out of this sequel.

MATT RICHARDSON

Alien Prequel set for 3D

When Ridley Scott returned to the Alien franchise, he stated it would herald 'a brand new set of tricks'. Roger Christian, art director of the original Alien, has propelled Scott's promise to a new dimension, as he reveals the prequel is set to shoot in 3D.

Christian told Shadowlocked.com, that while both he and Scott were in Toronto ideas for the prequel had been discussed. Christian not only confirmed that the next Alien is to be in 3D, but also that he believed that the franchise under Scott is set to be revitalised, even hinting at a possible new trilogy.

'[Scott] has a very clear understanding of where this should go. They kind of stopped dead one of the greatest horror franchises there's ever been, and it had legs to go on. So I'm hopinghe'll revive another three. The world certainly wants it, and the fans want it - everybody'

Indeed, Scott himself was unequivocal when talking with Empire about the films direction; “We know what the road map is, and the screenplay is now being put on paper. The prequel will be a while ago. It’s very difficult to put a year on Alien, but [for example] if Alien was towards the end of this century, then the prequel story will take place thirty years prior.”

The move towards 3D will either entice intrigue to its potential, or label it as one of many releases using 3D as gimmick attraction.

In it's favour undoubtedly is Scott's involvement, it was he after-all that created the Oscar winning original; a timeless classic claustrophobic terror. That was in 1979; with the latest technology and the nightmarish creations of H.R.Giger there is the potential to create a film that halts the franchises fall from grace.

Christian is not yet involved with the film, however he stated ‘if ever I went back to designing, the only film I would ever want to design is Alien, if Ridley re-did it.’

We'll keep you posted...

MATT RICHARDSON

Warner’s to push 3D revolution

Following the record breaking success of Avatar; now, officially the top grossing film ever made. A response to turn towards 3D has enveloped studios, none more so than Warner Brothers.

According to Variety, Warner’s upcoming new releases The Green Lantern, Sucker Punch, and Cats and Dogs 2 are all candidates for the third dimension buff up.

Sucker Punch and the Cats and Dogs sequel have already finished filming, thus, it will be a case of post production touch ups. But, it has not yet been decided whether the Green Lantern will be filmed in 3D when Director Martin Campbell starts the camera’s rolling.

With the Clash of the Titan’s and both chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows poised to undergo the process, it appears that for better or worse, [Cats and Dogs in 3D, really?] 3D will become prominent with Warner’s new releases.

MATT RICHARDSON

Fountain City ahead for Andrew Adamson

With Shrek Fourever After completed, franchise director-writer-producer Andrew Adamson has already signed on to direct his next project, a big budget fantasy Fountain City.

Indeed, Adamson is no stranger to the fantasy genre, with the director also credited with producing roles for all three adaptations of the Chronicles of Narnia.

Lightstream Pictures purchased the CG/live action film, after Adamson and scribe Joby Harold pitched Harold’s original idea. It is reported that the budget is projected in excess of $100 million; with the storyline being kept safely under wraps.

MATT RICHARDSON