The God of Flannel ventured down from on high to pay humble respects to an actor receieving the American Cinematheque’s 23rd annual award to Samuel L Jackson.
Coming Soon got a few words with George Lucas about what keeps him busy:
CS: You’re here in L.A. to pay tribute to Samuel L. Jackson. Of all the actors in Hollywood who would’ve killed to lobby you for a part in the “Star Wars” prequels, why was Sam an actor that you felt fit your plans enough to bring into “Star Wars”?
Lucas: To be honest, he’s the only one who asked, actually. He didn’t really lobby for it. He was on a talk show and someone asked him what movie he would’ve liked to be in or that he would like to be in that he hadn’t been in and he said “Star Wars.” So I called him up and said “Is that true? Do you really want to be in ‘Star Wars’?” He said “Yeah - as long as I’m a Jedi,” and I stated “Well, I’ve a little little role, but it grows if you’re willing to do the three movies.” He said “I’m in.” It was just like that. He didn’t look at it like “This is a opportunity to make a whole bunch of money, a opportunity to do a massive thing.” He just did what was asked of him and tried to make it as good as he possibly could.
In the interview they also hit on his hopes to translate the six Star Wars movies into the new hip 3D style, and in true Lucas style he states he’ll, but they are trying to find a superior way to do it.
He also admits to not directing any more features (to a collective sigh of relief from the fandom), his plans to do some independent films (everyone needs a hobby) and his plans for another Indiana Jones motion picture. Nothing solid yet about what he will be chasing or who would be in the film.
Around these parts we’ve 4 Rules Before Making a Remake that trump any whining about originality in Hollywood. Remakes are hard business. But when I heard they were taking Arthur - a Dudley Moore classic, and remaking it with newcomer Russell Brand, something clicked.
Russell Brand might soon be caught between the moon and New York City.
The British comedian is developing a remake of “Arthur,” the 1981 comedy that starred Dudley Moore, for Warner Bros. as a potential starring car. Brand is meeting with scribes to write the screenplay, which will be produced by MBST’s Larry Brezner, whose credits range from “Good Morning, Vietnam” to HBO’s current “Tiny Britain USA.”
I really like Brand’s charm and his Brit casual aloofness would be perfect for a drunken millionaire who falls in love with a common girl.
The original is old enough that most people this day have not seen it, and relevant enough that it would serve well as an updated remake. I just hope they retain some heart to the comedy and don’t dumb it down to puking-on-yourself-drunk gags.
New images from Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino are up on the net in such volumes that if you string them together you don’t have to go see the motion picture.
Multiple Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood stars in the drama “Gran Torino,” marking his first film role since his Oscar-winning film “Million Dollar Baby.” Eastwood stars as an iron-willed and inflexible Korean War veteran, living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices.
I like these feel good “learn something about yourself” redemption kind of flicks and with someone as badass as Eastwood with a rifle, you superior stay the hell off his lawn.
We have word today that Twilight’s vampire bait Kristen Stewart has scored a super sweet role as Joan Jett in an upcoming Runaways biopic. We get the scoop from the rock and roll caves of Yahoo
Fresh from the box-office success of “Twilight,” Kristen Stewart is set to portray Joan Jett in “The Runaways,” the rock ‘n’ roll biopic of the 1970s all-girl band.
The Runaways were hugely influential as the first commercially successful all-girl hard rock band; their members included guitarists Jett and Lita Ford, drummer Sandy West, singer-keyboardist Cherie Currie and bassist Jackie Fox. The band was brought together in late 1975 by impresario Kim Fowley, who thought a novelty act of teenage girls performing in leather and lace would be an simple sell. But the girls proved to be serious and influential musicians with songs like “Cherry Bomb.” The band lasted about four years, falling apart over management and money issues.
The question on my mind is who will play Lita Ford? Joan Jett may be the most popular break off from the Runaways, but Lita Ford will always be my favorite (after Kiss Me Deadly rocked my ass.)
The Runaways are a legendary all girl rock and roll band and I’m pumped to see this story told on the silver screen. Stewart looks like she’ll make a great Jett and I’m looking forward to watching this project unfold. Check the jams for yourself below.
There’s murmuring of the man who may be Thor this day. Thanks ye to the movieweb for the following news.
McKidd mentioned a while ago that he was in speaks to play a role in the film. but said it was likely for a supporting role as “They want to go for someone younger” for the main part. Seems something’s changed along the way.
McKidd, who currently appears on “Grey’s Anatomy”, says he’s excited at the prospect of working with Kenneth Branagh, who’s helming the Marvel Comics motion picture.
Kevin McKidd might not be a bad choice at all. At 6′ he has a frame that he can work with, and will no doubt go through a dedicated “beef up” phase before shooting. I like that McKidd isn’t young, I prefer a weathered Thor. The scar on his upper nose is also a welcome accessory.
What I am currently wondering is if Kevin will grow his hair our for the role, and don long reddish blonde locks (closer to the mythic description of Thor) or will they get him to wear a wig under his winged helm?
I wouldn’t mind this man as Thor; what do you guys think?
The God of Flannel ventured down from on high to pay humble respects to an actor receieving the American Cinematheque’s 23rd annual award to Samuel L Jackson. 
Around these parts we’ve 
There’s murmuring of the man who may be Thor this day. Thanks ye to the