Donald Sutherland joins 'The Hunger Games'

Fans of "The Hunger Games," how do you feel about this one? Lionsgate today announced Donald Sutherland will slip into the role of President Snow in the big-screen adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novels. The film will hit theaters March 23, 2012.

President Snow has been the autocratic ruler of Panem and its contained districts for some 25 years at the outset of the story. With a snake-like appearance, he is cruel and ruthless in his intimidation and control tactics. Perfect role for Sutherland. 

I must admit I have not read any of "The Hunger Games" books, but Sutherland is a capable actor who can take on a large vareity of characters. His recent credits include "The Eagle" and "The Mechanic." Gary Ross is directing "The Hunger Games."

Movie Review: "The Eagle"

Seen on: February 11, 2011

The players: Director: Kevin Macdonald, Writer: Jeremy Brock, Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Mark Strong, Donal Sutherland

Facts of interest: Formerly titled "The Eagle of the Ninth." The film is based on the novel by Rosemary Sutcliff.

The plot: A young Roman soldier (Tatum) heads to Britain to retrieve the emblem of a missing legion.

Our thoughts: Channing Tatum goes all Roman on us in Kevin Macdonald’s “The Eagle,” a decent action adventure that follows an ambitious solider on his quest to restore his family’s damaged honor. “The Eagle” isn’t exactly Oscar material, but the film’s fast-paced battles, stunning locations and satisfying cast successfully turn it into a gritty, entertaining big-screen spectacle you can’t help but enjoy.

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New images & poster from 'Astro Boy' land online

I simply can't get very excited about David Bowers' upcoming animated adventure "Astro Boy." Maybe it's because the trailer kind of failed to win me over, or maybe it's because the whole robot boy story just doesn't catch my interest.

Anyway, some new stills (via SuperHeroHype) and a new poster (via Joblo) for the film popped up online today, and you can check them out above and below. The pic above is a shot from a battle scene during which Astro is forced to fight some of his robot enemies.

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Daily news dose: Apparition picks up 'Black Dynamite;' Cast updates for 'Eagle of the Ninth'

Here is your dose of film news from the Web and trades for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009:

• Distribution house Apparition has aquired rights to bring "Black Dynamite" to theaters this fall. Scott Sanders' blaxploitation spoof screened at Sundance earlier this year. Apparition also recently acquired distribution rights to "Bright Star," "The Tree of Life" and "The Young Victoria." (More @Variety)

• Jet Li will return to China for the upcoming Xue Xiao-lu-directed Chinese flick "Ocean Paradise." At this stage, details about the project are kept under wraps. Li, who recently starred in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," will soon be seen in Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables."

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Daily news dose: Ben Stiller to direct 'Goodness;' Cast update for 'Love Child' & 'Tribes of October'

Here's your dose of film news for May 4, 2009:

• Ben Stiller is ready to direct "Help Me Spread Goodness," a dramedy that focuses on a Chicago banker who gets involved in a Nigerian Interney scam. Mark Friedman wrote the script. Stiller recently directed "Tropic Thunder." He's also got "The Trial of the Chicago 7" lined up. (Variety)

• Donald Sutherland, Rossif Sutherland, Rebecca Romijn and Sarah Roemer are starring in Risa Bramon Garcia's romantic comedy "Love Child," which is currently filming. Michael Melski wrote the script, which follows an ex-con whose plans to start over are ruined by a loan shark who reminds him of a debt he has to repay. (Variety)

• Ray Stevenson, Jaime King and Stephen Moyer have joined Robert Duvall and James Caan in Philippe Martinez's postapocalyptic thriller "Tribes of October." Written by Nick Vallelonga and Paul Sloan, the film is set in futuristic New York and follows a detective who tracks down a mafia member and is on the lookout for the love of this life. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Accoring to Production Weekly, Dwayne Johnson will star in McG's upcoming "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo." Featuring characters from the Jules Verne novel and written by Bill Marsilli, the film focuses on Nemo's efforts to build the Nautilus, his advanced submarine.

Teaser radar: 'Astro Boy'

Summit Entertainment today released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming "Astro Boy," an animated film based on Osamu Tezuka's comic series that follows the adventures of a young robot created by a scientist to replace his late son.

At 48 seconds with plenty of titles, this teaser doesn't really paint a good picture of what this thing will eventually look like. The only thing I can say for now is that the characters look like simple animated toys doing goofy stuff.

Freddie Highmore, Nicholas Cage, Donald Sutherland, Bill Nighy, Eugene Levy and Nathan Lane have all signed on to voice the characters. The film is set to open Oct. 23, 2009 (still via Cinematical).

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