Oh no! We will be 'smurfed' again

Sure, the big-screen version of "The Smurfs" sucks big time, but unfortunately, the Raja Gosnell-directed flick has already bagged $75 million at the box office, which is reason enough for Sony to go ahead with a sucky sequel.

Luckily enough, it will take some time to develop "The Smurfs 2," and we won't have to go into hideout until Aug. 2, 2013. No word yet on who will return for this unnecessary project (except for the annoying CGI Smurfs).

Anyway, Deadline reported Sony's plans for what seens to be the next "Alvin in the Chipmunks" franchise. If only we could get rid of shitty movies like this, maybe the world would be a little better off. Hey, let's head outside and riot!

Chris Hemsworth to star in 'Shadow Runner'

Chris Hemsworth, the star of Marvel's "Thor," is getting busier and busier. He's got "Red Dawn," "The Avengers" and "The Cabin in the Woods" coming soon, and according to Deadline, he's also in talks to star in "Shadow Runner," a pitch acquired by Sony.

It looks like Hossein Amini had a lot to do with the structure of the concept, which Sony is keeping under wraps. One thing is for sure though; "Runner" will be an action flick, a genre Hemsworth has proven he can handle. He will also star in "Snow White and the Huntsman."

What is Roland Emmerich up to?

Studios are currently abuzz about a new sci-fi script penned by big budget disaster director Roland Emmerich ("Godzilla," "2012," "The Day After Tomorrow"). While very little is known about the project other than its working title "Singularity," Deadline tells us that Sony is going to soon announce its aquisition of the property. 

Even though it seems that the director is throwing a monkey wrench into his career as a disaster filmmaker with his upcoming Shakespeare drama "Anonymous," I think it is safe to assume that Emmerich will return to his winning formula with this new sci-fi film.   

Which brings me to a little game I would like to play. Based on the title, what do you think the film will be about? Please let us know in the comments below. 

My guess: It is the year 4026 and a singular and momentous event threatens to annihilate the human race. Due to the world's inability to stop global warming, the Sun is on a collision course with Earth.

As the people of earth are engaged in a brutal civil war, they must set aside their differences and band together to build a space shield that will not only stop the sun from plummeting into the Earth, but also use the Sun's energy to energize the Earth for years to come. 

'Salt' sequel happening soon!

Let me tell you right away: I loved "Salt." It's one heck of a crazy, over-the-top thriller, but I enjoyed the hell out of it. Consequently, I'm quite excited about Sony moving ahead with the sequel, which Kurt Wimmer is writing, according to Deadline.

Angelina Jolie is expected to return as Evelyn Salt, who in the first film tried to save the world from some evil Russians. Let's hope Wimmer will come up with something just as intriguing in the follow-up. I also hope Phillip Noyce will return to direct. You?

Robert Downey Jr. to produce 'Emergency'

Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey are teaming up again to bring Neil Strauss' popular non fiction book "Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life" to the big screen. Downey Jr. may even star in the lead.

Deadline says Allan Loeb, whose credits include "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" and "21," will write the screenplay. Michael DeLuca is joining the Downey team to co-produce "Emergency" for Sony.

From Harper Collins, here is part of the book's summary: After the last few years of violence and terror, of ethnic and religious hatred, of tsunamis and hurricanes–and now of world financial meltdown–Strauss, like most of his generation, came to the sobering realization that, even in America, anything can happen.

But rather than watch helplessly, he decided to do something about it. And so he spent three years traveling through a country that's lost its sense of safety, equipping himself with the tools necessary to save himself and his loved ones from an uncertain future.

Robert Downey Jr. will next be seen in "Due Date," which looks hilarious. It opens Nov. 5, 2010.

Emma Stone cast as lead in 'Spider-Man'

It is official: Emma Stone ("Easy A") has landed the female lead in Marc Webb's upcoming "Spider-Man" reboot for Sony Pictures. The studio announced Stone will slip into the role of Gwen Stacy.

Andrew Garfield of "The Social Network" is set to play Peter Parker in the film that follows Sipder-Man at a younger age. James Vanderbilt penned the script for the flick, which is set to open in 3D July 3, 2012.

Columbia's Matt Tolmach said, "It's been an incredible journey for us to watch Emma's star rise as an actress. She is extraordinarily talented and has a very special on-screen spark that is perfect for this role."

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Kevin James to star in martial arts comedy

This sounds like another opportunity for Kevin James to deliver some fat jokes: the "Grown Ups" actor is now attached to star in an untitled martial arts comedy for Sony. Word is the film shoots next year.

Deadline says Allan Loeb is in charge of the script. James would star as a physics teacher who tries to save his buddy's job and some school programs by trying to earn some money as a martial arts fighter.

Wow! That's all I can say about it right now. James, who also appeared in "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," has "The Zookeeper" coming out next year. Loeb's credits include "21," "The Dilemma" and "The Switch."

Len Wiseman to direct 'Total Recall' remake

Paul Verhoeven's 1990 sci-fi flick "Total Recall" is being recycled into a contemporary version for Columbia Pictures, and Len Wiseman is pretty much set to direct the film, the studio announced today.

Neal H. Moritz is in talks to produce the remake of the film that was based on Philip K. Dick's story and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kurt Wimmer, the guy behind "Salt," will write the screenplay.

"I've always been fascinated with Philip K. Dick's short story, and I'm excited at that prospect of diving even deeper into the type of world it evokes and the questions it asks," Wiseman said about the project.

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Sony picks up Meryl Streep/Tina Fey comedy

Meryl Streep and Tina Fey will play mother and daughter in "Mommy & Me," and Sony Pictures has officially picked up the comedy project, which Stanley Tucci will direct. Tucci also helmed "Blind Date."

The Hollywood Reporter says no story details are being released, but the film will obviously deal with all the problems and funy aspects that come with mother-daughter relationships.

Joby Harold penned the treatment. Streep starred with Tucci in "Julie & Julia" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Fey, the "30 Rock" star, was last seen in "Date Night." She will next be heard in "Megamind."

'Karate Kid' sequel coming soon?

I know this post almost seems unnecessary, but what the heck. Yes, "The Karate Kid" brought in tons of moola this weekend, and that's the reason Sony is already developing a sequel to the remake.

So, that means we will most likely get to see Jaden Smith battling more bad boys while caring for his mentor and trying to hook up with a chick at the same time. I mean, what else would they shoot for?

Needless to say, Deadline New York says Sony's folks are in talks with writers to come up with the story. I'm sure they couldn't care less about quality, so I guess they're focusing on a delivery dates first.

I admit I didn't hate the "Karate Kid" remake, but I see no reason whatsoever to revisit the punching kung fu dude. Okay, maybe the kids do, but who cares? Read my review of the film right here.