Neil Burger to direct 'Uncharted: Drake's Fortune'

David O. Russell was supposed to direct the big-screen adaptation of the popular video game "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune," but after he left, Columbia went on the hunt for a new helmer. Now it looks like they got one: Neil Burger, who's attached to the project.

Burger last directed the fairly entertaining "Limitless" with Bradley Cooper. He will also work on the script for the film. The story follows a modern-day fortune hunter on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island.

The search turns deadly when Nathan Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island. (via CS)

David O. Russell to possibly direct Disney's 'Maleficent'

With Tim Burton's exit from the project earlier this year, Disney is still looking for a director for their live-action version of Sleeping Beauty entitled "Maleficent." Among the many directors that Disney has in mind to helm the picture is "The Fighter" director David O. Russell.

Russell should be available as it was recently announced that he parted ways with the Columbia Pictures project "Unchartered: Drake's Fortune." While nothing is confirmed, it would be interesting to see what Russell would do with this type of material. 

"Maleficent" is said to be told from the witch's perspective and has mega-star Angelina Jolie attached for the lead. 

Via The Hollywood Reporter

Cool poster for 'The Fighter' is here

The feature poster for David O. Russell's upcoming boxing drama "The Fighter" is here, so check it out after the jump. Great one-sheet for sure - simple, but quite sophisticated. The film opens Dec. 10, 2010.

Inspired by a true story, the film examines the special relationship between Boston fighter Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Christian Bale). Amy Adams and Melissa Leo co-star.

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David O. Russell to direct 'Uncharted'

David O. Russell has locked down a new project: the big-screen adaptation of the popular video game "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune." Columbia Pictures is developing the fillm with Russell writing it too.

Matt Tolmach of Columbia Pictures said, "David is a tremendous choice to take on this film. He has a brilliant vision for this material and we know he will bring his original, unique voice to this adaptation."

Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer wrote a draft of the screenplay, and Russell will make his changes and submit it to the studio. The game follows the quest of treasure hunter Nathan Drake.

Intense trailer for 'The Fighter' debuts

The feature trailer for David O. Russell's upcoming drama "The Fighter" has debuted online, so make sure you check it out after the jump. It's quite intense and looks strong. The film opens Dec. 10, 2010.

Inspired by a true story, the film examines the special relationship between Boston fighter Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Christian Bale). Amy Adams and Melissa Leo co-star.

As you can see, Bale lost a ton of weight for his role, and it's his performance I'm really looking forward to, even though I admit Wahlberg looks solid as well. All in all, I'm quite stoked about seeing this...

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'Nailed' drama: David O. Russell quits for good!

Even though we're not sure when it will happen, there's still a chance we'll get to see "Nailed," the movie that was recently hit by countless delays and other production problems. And it's getting worse...

THR reports director David O. Russell has now called it quits, and he will not be part of the project any longer. What this means is that someone else will take over to finish the flick that was shot a while ago.

"Nailed" ran into a bunch of financial trouble before and during production, which caused filming to shut down a couple of times. Russell now tried to negotiate with fiancier Ronald Tutor, but the talks failed.

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Skinny Christian Bale spotted on 'Fighter' set

Dang, Christian Bale sure looks terrifyingly skinny these days. In case you're wondering... no, he's not sick and not doing drugs. It's all for his new movie "The Fighter," which is currently shooting.

Directed by David O. Russell, the film examines the special relationship between Boston fighter Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg, also pictured below) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Bale).

Set photos showed up all over the Web recently, and as you can see, Bale lost a lot of weight for his role. Of course, he's used to it by now. Remember he did the same for his awesome performance in "The Machinist."

Like him or hate him, but he sure seems committed. Last thing I heard, losing that much weight and put it back on afterwards is not the best way to treat your body. Anyway, check out the set pics above, below, and here.

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Amy Adams to join O. Russell's 'The Fighter'

Amy Adams is in talks to join Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale in David O. Russell's upcoming drama "The Fighter," which Darren Aronofsky was originally set to direct with Matt Damon (they both left the project).

The film focuses on the special relationship between boxer Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Bale). Melissa Leo is also on-board as the guys' mother.

The Hollywood Reporter says Oscar nominee Adams is set to play Charlene, a bartender who ends up dating Wahlberg's character.

The lovely Adams is currently onscreen in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian." She will soon be seen in Nora Ephron's "Julie & Julia," a film that reteams her with Meryl Streep.

Relativity Media is backing "The Fighter" financially, with Paramount Pictures on-board to distribute.

Melissa Leo in talks to star in 'The Fighter'

Oscar-nominated actress Melissa Leo is in talks to star alongside Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in David O. Russell's upcoming "The Fighter," a drama about the special relationship between boxer Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Bale). According to Variety, Leo would play the guys' mother.

Leo recently scored an Oscar nomination for "Frozen River," which I shockingly still haven't seen. Other recent appearances of hers include "Righteous Kill." Leo also has several projects lined up, including "Betty Anne Waters" and "Welcome to the Rileys."

Christian Bale joins Mark Wahlberg in 'Fighter'

To be very honest, I already forgot about "The Fighter." You know, the film Darren Aronofsky was planning to do with Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon in the lead roles?

Well, according to Variety, the film is now finally going to happen, and joining Wahlberg is no other than Christian Bale, the dude who's in almost every big blockbuster these days. (Damon dropped out, and Brad Pitt was supposed to replace him; he too ended up ditching the project.)

But wait! That's not all! Also joining the project to direct is David O. Russell, the guy who helmed "Three Kings" and "I Heart Huckabees." He's got quite a bunch of future films lined up, including "Aaron and Sarah" and "The Silver Linings Playbook."

The trade says Relativity Media is backing "The Fighter" financially, with Paramount Pictures on-board to distribute. The story examines the special relationship between Boston fighter Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) and his brother Dicky Ecklund (Bale).

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