Naomie Harris to be next Bond girl

For fans who have been eagerly awaiting news regarding the 23rd installment (release set for November 2012) of the James Bond series, we are pleased to let you know that actress Naomie Harris has been offered the role as the next Bond girl, this according to CinemaBlend.

While I don't know too much about the Bond films as a whole, I do know that the object of Bond's physical affection is vital to the series. If Harris accepts the role, she will join the ranks of other famous and comically named Bond girls such as Pussy Galore and Holly Goodhead.

If the name Naomie Harris isn't ringing a bell, don't be too concerned. While having a part in Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later" and a cameo in the "Pirates" series, Harris hasn't been involved in many big projects. However, if she accepts this role, she will soon be known by many middle-aged men all over the world. 

James Bond 23 gets a release date

Good news to start the day folks: James Bond 23 has a release date, which means loyal fans like myself can rejoice. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli just announced the 23rd film in the superb series will open Nov. 9, 2012. The film will start in the U.K. on October 26.

Production will kick off later this year, and Sam Mendes is set to direct a script by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. Daniel Craig returns as 007. I have to admit I was afraid about Bond's future there for a second, but then again, it's one big profitable series.

Sweet! Sam Mendes will direct next Bond film!

Despite rumors of Bond 23 being put on hold, the project is moving forward... with a director!

Oscar winner Sam Mendes will take on the next James Bond film, as the director is now in talks to helm the next installment in the popular spy series. That's good news, because Mendes is one of my favorite directors.

The decision to move ahead with the project comes as a surprise to me, especially considering MGM planned to put the project on hold until the company's financial struggles would be resolved. The plans have changed, however, and Bond 23 could be released 2011.

In fact, the Hollywood Reporter says production on the flick could kick off as early as June. Daniel Craig will return to reprise his role as James Bond, and Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and the great Peter Morgan are working on the script right now.

I love Mendes' stuff, and I can't say I've seen a film of his I didn't fully enjoy. His most recent efforts include "Away We Go" and "Revolutionary Road." "Road to Perdition" is still my favorite, and I'm sure he will bring even more freshness to the Bond franchise.

Click to read more ...

Casting news and Hollywood deals: García Bernal is 'Earthbound,' LeBron James to star in comedy

• Gael García Bernal is in talks to join Kate Hudson in Nicole Kassell's upcoming romance "Earthbound," about a terminally ill woman falling in love with her doctor. Gren Wells wrote the script. García Bernal recently starred in "Rudo y Cursi" and "The Limits of Control." (Variety)

• Josh Lucas has signed on to star alongside Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel and Christina Hendricks in Greg Berlanti's romance "Life as We Know It," about two adults whose lives abruptly change when their best friends die in an accident and they are asked to take on the role of caregivers for their orphaned daughter.

Click to read more ...

John August to write 'Preacher' for Sam Mendes

John August will write the screenplay for Sam Mendes' big-screen adaptation of Vertigo’s comic book series “Preacher.”

Created by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion in the ‘90s, the series followed a Texas preacher possessed by Genesis, a spiritual being conceived by an angel and a demon.

Along with a girlfriend and a vampire, the preacher embarks on a cross-country search for God, who abandoned his duties in heaven.

August has quite the experience as screenwriter. His credits include "Charlie's Angels," "Big Fish" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and he also recently wrote and directed "The Nines."

As for Mendes, his "Revolutionary Road" is currently playing. He's also wrapping up "Away We Go," a comedy with John Krasinski.

Source: Variety

Daily news dose: Focus Features sets release dates; Claude Berri dead at 74

Here's your dose of quick news bits for Jan. 12, 2009...

• Focus Features today announced a bunch of release dates for some of their 2009 films. For starters, Rob Marshall's musical "Nine" will open Nov. 25. Joel and Ethan Coen's "A Serious Man" will open in limited release Oct. 2, while Mikael Håfström's John Cusack vehicle "Shanghai" is set for Sept. 4. Sam Mendes' comedy "Away We Go" will start June 5.

• Legendary French filmmaker Claude Berri died Monday in Paris. He was 74. Some of Berri's notable directing efforts include "Germinal," "Jean de Florette" and "Lucie Aubrac." He also established a fabulous career as producer, developing successful films such as "Welcome to the Sticks" and "The Secret of the Grain." He will be greatly missed. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• The folks at Bloody-Disgusting today landed some "Scream 4" news. Although none of this has been confirmed yet, Kevin Williamson is apparently on board to write a draft. Also, Wes Craven may return to helm the fourth film in the series, which will be a younger version. Finally, rumor is David Arquette, Courtney Cox and Neve Campbell may be offered cameos in the sequel.

• Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff have signed on to star in Sam Taylor-Wood's "Nowhere Boy," a film about John Lennon's early years. Aaron Johnson stars as Lennon, while Thomas playshis Aunt Mimi. Duff is on board as his mother. Matt Greenhalgh wrote the script. (Variety)

Kate and Leo in new 'Revolutinary Road' clips

Considering we usually have to wait about three years for a new Sam Mendes flick, the upcoming release of "Revoutionary Road" will be quite an event for his fans. Not only is the film described as a hot awards contender, but it obviously also reunites Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet on the big screen.

Based on the novel by Richard Yates, the film follows the marriage of Frank and April Wheeler, who are struggling not to succumb to the ordinary lifestyle of all the people around them.

Three new clips from the movie recently popped up on the Web, and I suggest you check them out after the jump. One of them features part of Thomas Newman's scorce, which immediately reminded me of his brilliant work on "Road to Perdition." Good to hear he's back as well. "Revolutionary Road" opens Dec. 26, 2008.

Click to read more ...

Trailer radar: 'Revolutionary Road'

Here's quite an intriguing new teaser trailer for Sam Mendes' upcoming romance drama "Revolutionary Road," which reunites "Titanic" stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet on the big screen.

Based on the novel by Richard Yates, the film follows the marriage of Frank and April Wheeler, who are struggling not to succumb to the ordinary lifestyle of all the people around them.

The footage after the jump is interesting because it runs for only a minute and barely features any dialogue. Yet, the images and the accompanying music are powerful enough to establish a good sense of what to expect in the film. "Revolutionary Road" opens in limited release Dec. 26, 2008.

Click to read more ...

Sam Mendes to direct ‘Preacher’ adaptation

Sam Mendes is ready to direct the big-screen adaptation of Vertigo’s comic book series “Preacher” for Columbia Pictures.

Created by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion in the ‘90s, the series followed a Texas preacher possessed by Genesis, a spiritual being conceived by an angel and a demon.

Along with a girlfriend and a vampire, the preacher embarked on a cross-country search for God, who abandoned his duties in heaven.

The Hollywood Reporter says no writers are currently attached to the project.

Mendes, who previously directed the adaptation of “Road to Perdition,” is currently wrapping up “Revolutionary Road,” a drama with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

'Revolutionary Road' trailer and poster

If you took a trip to a loval theater this past weekend, you may have seen the first trailer for Sam Mendes' upcoming drama "Revolutionary Road," which reunites Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet on the big screen. The film may not score the same success as "Titanic," but it sure looks intriguing.

Based on a novel by Richard Yates, the film follows a couple struggling to prevent their relationship from breaking apart in a world ruled by convention."Revolutionary Road" opens Dec. 26, 2008. Watch the trailer above and check out the poster right after the jump. Enjoy.

Click to read more ...