Writer set for 'Final Destination 5'

Remember the days when we were told that last year's "The Final Destination" was the last chapter of the series? Yeah right... New Line Cinema quickly forgot about all that when the fourth film, which opened in 3D, scored $66 million domestically. "The Final Destination 5" is on the way, and it now has a writer.

Heat Vision reports Eric Heisserer, the dude behind the screenplays of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remake and the upcoming "The Thing" prequel, is set to write the fifth installment in the horror series, in which death chases after a group of youngsters. Yep, more ridiculous killing is on the way indeed.

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'Police Academy' will return to big screen

This is not the first time we hear something about a reboot of "Police Academy," but it now looks like New Line Cinema is trying to get the show on the road faster than before. Helping out is Paul Maslansky, original producer of the comedy series.

Other than that, not many details are known at this point, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The project is obviously at early developmental stages, because no writer is attached at this point. Is it a bad idea to reopen the once funny "Police Academy"?

Personally, I believe so. The first film of the series debuted in 1984, and I remember it was one of those films I would watch repeatedly without losing interest. We've seen some great comedy in this series, but I believe they won't be able to match that old humor.

'Speedy Gonzales' feature racing to big screen

New Line Cinema is about to develop what I fear will be a massive failure: a Speedy Gonzales movie. Yes, that's right; the studio has indeed decided it would be an awesome idea to create a live-action/CGI film for the fast mouse nobody can stop.

I know this is bad news, but it gets worse: Alec Sokolow and Joel Cohen, the folks behind the disastrous misery "Garfield," will write the script. Also, George Lopez will most likely end up voicing the character. He recently voiced a stupid Chihuahua.

Heat Vision, which reported the news, has this quote from producer Ann Lopez: "We wanted to make sure that it was not the Speedy of the 1950s -- the racist Speedy. Speedy's going to be a misunderstood boy who comes from a family that works in a very meticulous setting..."

Whatever Speedy will end up doing, I don't care. How about you? Anyone interested in seeing this thing?

Oh no! New Line confirms 'New Year's Eve'

I haven't seen "Valentine's Day" yet and obviously can't comment quite yet on whether it was a failure to make this film happen, but apparently, some studio folks out there think it was the best idea ever.

To top that, New Line Cinema has announced it will develop "New Year's Eve," a "Valentine's Day" spinoff that will take place on New Year's Eve in New York City and follow a bunch of people as they... celebrate?

Anyway, details are sketchy, but Variety says Katherine Fugate ("The Prince & Me," "Army Wives") will write the script. Plus, Garry Marshall, who helmed "Valentine's Day," is also expected to return as director. Release is planned for late 2011.

"Day" follows 10 Los Angeles people whose lives intersect on Valentine's Day. Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper and Shirley MacLaine star, among others.

"Day" can obviously be considered an American version of "Love Actually," a film I adored. That said, I doubt this one will be just as romantic, charming and funny. At least it's got quite an awesome cast as well...

Mark Pellington will direct 'Orphanage' remake

Spanish hit horror thriller can't escape remake; director found for new version

As you may know already, Juan Antonio Bayona's excellent horror flick "The Orphanage" (El orfanato) will get the Hollywood remake treatment (as sad as it is), and Mark Pellington is now officially in negotiations to direct the new version.

Last thing I heard, Larry Fessenden was set to helm the project, but Variety now says Pellington is in talks for the job. Fessenden co-wrote the script for the remake with Guillermo del Toro, who also produced the original film.

The original film focuses on Laura (Belen Rueda), whose dream of reopening the orphanage she grew up in is in jeopardy when her 7-year-old son starts playing mysterious fantasy games with an invisible friend.

As far as Pellington is concerned, his directing credits include "Arlington Road," "The Mothman Prophecies" (which I really enjoyed) and more recently, "Henry Poole Is Here."

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Adam Shankman to direct 'Rock of Ages'

Last year, New Line Cinema acquired the rights to adapt Off Broadway's musical show "Rock of Ages," and now, Adam Shankman has signed on to direct and choreograph the project, set for release in 2011.

Chris D'Arienzo, who created the musical, wrote the adaptation and was originally set to direct. The show boasts '80s rock classics from Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and others.

The story of "Rock of Ages" follows a man and a woman who fall in love at a rock club but later break apart because of the extravagance of the rock lifestyle.

Shankman is obviously no stranger to musicals, having helmed New Line's "Hairspray." He will be back to direct the sequel, and his upcoming projects also include "Playing for Pizza" and a "Sinbad" musical.

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Daily film news dose: David Duchovny wants 'X-Files 3;' Selena Gomez hears thoughts

Here is a brief summary of today's film stories straight out of Hollywood and from across the Web:

• I hated "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," but as a diehard fan of the TV series, I know how to forgive and would still like to see another film. So does David Duchovny, who recently said he would love to do another film set in 2012. Read more right here.

• Selena Gomez from "The Wizards of Waverly Place" will star in New Line Cinema's "What Boys Want" from a comedy pitch by Amy Andelson and Emily Meyer. The film follows a teenage chick who can hear men's thoughts. Freakyyyyyy... (Variety)

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Nick Cassavetes sues New Line Cinema big time

Nick Cassavetes has had enough, and it seems his collaboration with New Line Cinema is now coming to an end. The filmmaker has decided to sue the studio over the upcoming "Peaceable Kingdom," which is based on the life and career of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, an animal conservationist.

The Hollywood Reporter says trouble started when Cassavetes was promised to direct the film but ended up being fired instead. Jeff Stockwell wrote a draft of the script, which Cassavetes was apparently asked to rewrite. When he turned in his new version, New Line supposedly kicked him out.

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Kyle Gallner moves to 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'

Kyle Gallner, who actually pulled off a rather decent performance in the completely unnecessary horror thriller "The Haunting in Connecticut," will join the cast of New Line Cinema's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" reboot.

As I'm sure you've read or heard by now, Jackie Earle Haley, who recently played Rorschach in Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" will play bad boy Freddy Krueger, the famous killer who slips into the dreams of teenagers.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Gallner will portray a teen who hosts a high school podcast and ends up being one of Krueger's victims. The film will be directed by Samuel Bayer ("Fiasco Heights")

Gallner's credits also include "CSI: NY," "Veronica Mars" and "The Shield." He will also soon be seen in "Cherry" and the Diabo Cody-scripted horror flick "Jennifer's Body."

And the new Freddy Krueger is... Rorschach!

No, I'm not kidding. Jackie Earle Haley will jump into the role of Freddy Krueger in New Line Cinema and Platinum Dunes' upcoming big-screen reboot of "A Nightmare on Elm Street."

Samuel Bayer will direct the remake from a script by Wesley Strick, whose credits include "Doom," "The Glass House" and "Cape Fear," among others. Variety says "Elm" will start shooting next month, with a release set for April 16, 2010.

So yeah, Haley will play the famous killer who slips into the dreams of teenagers. Robert Englund played the original Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven's 1984 film and its numerous sequels.

Haley, of course, can currently be seen as Rorschach in "Watchmen." He will next star in Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island." Some of his other credits include "Little Children," "Semi-Pro" and "The Bad News Bears."