EYE ON FILM
Oct. 12 - 18
New movies:
Amber Tamblyn has signed on to star in “Blackout,” an indie thriller being directed by Rigoberto Castaneda, Simon O’Leary and Valerio Morabito are producing. The script by Ed Dougherty and Morabito, revolves around three people who are trapped in a hospital elevator for almost 24 hours as what at first seems like an inconvenience turns into a nightmare. Shooting begins early next month in Spain.
Paddy Considine has joined the cast of “The Bourne Ultimatum,” the third installment of Universal Pictures’ successful action series starring Matt Damon. Paul Greengrass is directing.
Fox 2000 has purchased the Kim Barker comedy spec script “All About Steve” as a starring vehicle for Sandra Bullock.
Rogue Pictures has pacted with James Cameron to co-write and produce “James Cameron’s Sanctum,” a live-action drama to be shot next spring in hi-def 3D.
The “Dallas” feature is no longer galloping to the starting gate. New Regency’s adaptation of the popular 1970’s TV sudser was set to start shooting in Nov. but has been put on hold as the movie is rebooted. Decision has been made to scrap the pic’s cast with the exception of John Travolta, who’s still set to star as J.R. Ewing.
John Moore (“The Omen”) is in negotiations to direct “Pilgrim,” formerly titled “Splinter Cell,” for Regency Enterprises.
Screen Gems has acquired “Armored,” a spec script by tyro James V. Simpson.
John Goodman has joined the cast of the vigilante drama “Death Sentence” for director James Wan and 20th Century Fox.
New Line Cinema has picked up Justin Haythe’s screenplay “Snitch,” which Guy East and Nigel Sinclair will produce via their Spitfire Pictures.
After steering clear of political controversy with 9/11 heroism tale “World Trade Center,” Oliver Stone and Paramount Pictures are venturing into edgier territory with “Jawbreaker.” Pic will focus on America’s response to the terrorist attacks with the invasion of Afghanistan and hunt for 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.
Columbia Pictures has set Peter Berg to direct “Tonight, He Comes,” the long-gestating film that will star Will Smith as a superhero in existential crisis. Pic will begin shooting in May for a summer 2008 release.
Rachel Bilson is stepping in as the leading lady opposite Hayden Christensen in Regency Enterprises and 20th Century Fox’s sci-fi adventure pic “Jumper,” being directed by Doug Liman. Bilson takes over the role from Teresa Palmer, who dropped out when the role was reconceived as a 25-year-old woman rather than a 20-year-old.
Universal Pictures has acquired “Secret Agent Men,” a buddy action comedy pitch to be developed as a directing vehicle for John Hamburg.
Helmer Brian Robbins and Eddie Murphy are reteaming on “Starship Dave,” Murphy’s next project, which is in pre-production at 20th Century Fox. Deep River Prods. is producing along with Guy Walks Into a Bar.
Diane Lane is toplining Screen Gems’ “Untraceable,” which Lakeshore Entertainment will produce. Gregory Hoblit is attached to direct.
New Line’s decided to look “In the Stars,” buying feature rights to Eileen Cook’s novel and setting up the romantic comedy with Benderspink and Mason Novich.
Warner Independent Pictures has inked a multiterritory deal for distrib rights to “Cache” auteur Michael Haneke’s English-language debut, a remake of his 1997 “Funny Games,” to star Naomi Watts.
IFC and the Weinstein Co. are joining forces again, this time to buy North American rights for Christina Ricci starrer “Penelope.” This is the first film for Reese Witherspoon as a producer.
Rogue Pictures has pre-emptively bought the film rights to an upcoming vampire comic book titled “Blood on the Tracks,” setting Neill Dela Llana and Ian Gamazon to write and direct the adaptation.
Universal Pictures has picked up “Counter Clockwise,” a dramedy written by Paul Bernbaum for Jennifer Aniston to produce with an eye to star.
Jeremy Garelick and Jay Lavender, the screenwriters behind “The Break-Up,” will make their directorial debut on “The Golden Tux,” a comedy for Dimension Films that will star Don Fogler. Todd Phillips is producing.
Helena Bonham Carter will play the diabolical meat pie-maker Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd.” Director Tim Burton tapped Carter to co-star with Johnny Depp in the DreamWorks Studios and Warner Bros. co-production of the Stephen Sondheim musical. John Logan wrote the screenplay
New Line has signed Barry Mendel to produce “Inkheart,” an adaptation of the first in Cornelia Funke’s kidlit fantasy trilogy that will go into production in London this fall.
Universal Pictures has picked up “Shy Guy,” a comedy from writers Dan Greaney and Jeff Poliquin. Jay Roach and Jennifer Perini will produce via Roach’s Everyman Pictures.
Studios/Executive Shuffle:
Arthur Hair has been named chief technology officer and senior vp at the Walt Disney Studios. He will be responsible for the studio’s technology strategies, reporting to president Alan Bergman.
