Victor Rasuk Is Jose In Fifty Shades of Grey Movie

Victor Rasuk has joined the film adaptation of the erotic E L James book "Fifty Shades of Grey".says Deadline.

The sexually-explicit story follows 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey (British actor Jamie Dornan--who was welcomed by the author) and 22-year-old virgin college student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson TV's Ben and Kate and The Social Network"), who develop a relationship steeped in bondage, S&M, domination and submission.

Rasuk plays aspiring photographer Jose a classmate and friend of Anastasia Steele who wants to be more. He ultimately becomes a rival for her affections with businessman Christian Grey

Dornan won the male lead after the sudden exit of Sons of Anarchy and Pacific Rim star Charlie Hunnam--who seemingly backed out for a number of reasons--causing this production delay

Dornan and Tony Award-nominated actor Billy Magnussen were screen tested at the same time.

The likes of Scott Eastwood ("Texas Chainsaw 3D," "Fury") Alexander Skarsgård  Montreal-born François Arnaud  Theo James Luke Bracey and Christian Cooke had also been attached to take over the coveted role after Hunam's exit.

The news of the initial lead casting led to a strong fan backlash, Several actors were sought for the film and passed. Ryan Gosling  was one such Christian Grey option. Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Alicia Vikander, Imogen Poots and Elizabeth Olsen were all under consideration for Anastasia. All passed due to lack of interest, scheduling conflicts and/or other reasons.

Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer, Newcomer Erik Odom and Henry Cavill have also been linked to play Christian. Arrow star Stephen Amell had a meeting about the role.

You'll recall that director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) and actor Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) shot test scene recounting when the ingenue Anastasia Steele loses her virginity to Grey in Van Sant's bid for the gig.

"True Blood" co-star Luke Grimes will play Elliot, Christian's adopted brother. Elliot is described as a tall, muscular 30-something with curly blond hair and blue eyes. He ends up in a romance with Anastasia's best friend (part has yet to be cast). Jennifer Ehle will play Carla the mother of female lead Anastasia

Sam Taylor-Johnson, best known for directing the 2009 film Nowhere Boy and being married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson directs the film after a lengthy search.

The novel is the first in a planned trilogy. James has sold 31 million e-book and print copies in English-language markets worldwide, in the U.S. alone she has sold over 20 million copies in e-book and print.

Kelly Marcel wrote the initial adapted screenplay. She previously worked on "Terra Nova" and penned the upcoming "Saving Mr. Banks". Oscar-nominated screenwriter Patrick Marber was tasked with the job of give performing a script rewrite and adding some extra character bits. The Wolverine writer Mark Bomback will do a quick polish of the script

"Moneyball" and "The Social Network" producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti won a bidding war to produce the film version of "Shades"

Cameras were scheduled to roll on the film adaptation at North Shore Studios in Vancouver on November 5th--Instead things will get going on December 2 2013.The decision may now affect the planned released date of the film of August 1, 2014.

Bill Murray Is Bad Guy In "B.O.O"

Bill Murray has joined the voice cast of the animated comedy B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations says Variety.

“B.O.O. (Bureau of Otherworldly Operations) is the super classified agency you’ve never heard of and certainly never seen. Dedicated to protecting humans from evil hauntings, the agents of B.O.O. have a secret weapon: They are ghosts themselves! When newbie agents Jackson Moss (Seth Rogen) and his odd-ball partner Watts (Melissa McCarthy) uncover a plot to destroy B.O.O. by the agency’s Most Wanted Haunter, they must use every trick in their arsenal to defeat his powerful ghost army and save Earth from a ghostly fate.”

Jennifer Coolidge will voice Carol Sue, a bubbly transitions-relations officer and Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer will play the tough as nails Senior B.O.O. officer, Captain Book.

Murray will voice the villainous ghost, Addison

Rashida Jones and Matt Bomer are also part of the cast.

Anthony Leondis (Igor) is directing from a script based on his idea and written by Tom Wheeler (Puss In Boots).

The film is being produced by Maryann Garger while Life Of Pi’s Gil Netter is set to exec produce the June 5, 2015 release.

van Houten Gets "Incarnate" Role

The Hollywood Reporter says that Carice van Houten has joined the thriller Incarnate.

In the film Aaron Eckhart will play an unconventional exorcist who can tap into the subconscious of the possessed. He soon meets his match when a nine-year-old boy is possessed by a demon from his past.

Van Houten will play the boy’s mother.

Catalina Sandino Moreno has replaced Rosario Dawson who jumped out of the project due to scheduling issues.

Brad Peyton directs from a script by Ronnie Christensen.

Jason Blum is producing the film.

Production begins in November in Los Angeles.

"Carrie" isn't the only Stephen King novel getting a second big screen adaptation it would seem.
Filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo ("28 Weeks Later," "Intruders") is returning to the horror genre as he is set to direct the remake of "Pet Sematary" at Paramount Pictures.
The original 1983 novel follows a family who move to a small Maine town along a highway often used by high-speed trucks. Nearby lies a pet cemetery and further beyond that an ancient indian burial ground which can resurrect the dead, but those who come back aren't quite right.
When their toddler son is killed in an auto accident, the grieving father uses that power - but at the cost of several lives and his own sanity. The book was previously adapted into a quite successful film in 1989 starring Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby and Fred Gwynne.
Matt Greenberg and David Kajganich wrote the script while Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Steven Schneider are producing.
Source: Variety

Channing Tatum Eyes "Bad Romance" & Evel Knievel Biopic

Channing Tatum is in talks to star in and produce Bad Romance says THR.

Details on the plot are unknown--but 50/50 and Warm Bodies helmer Jonathan Levine will call action using his own script.

Reid Carolin will also produce the film with Tatum

Tatum will also star in and produce a Untitled Biopic about '70s daredevil Evel Knievel. Carolin is writing the screenplay with author Stuart Barker's 2008 book "Life of Evel" as its source material.
 Mike DeLuca Dana Brunetti and Carolin are also producing the pic.

Star Wars: Is There A Disturbance In The Force Over Ep VII?

Is trouble brewing for J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: Episode VII"?

Last week we learned that Oscar winner Michael Arndt ("Toy Story 3," "Little Miss Sunshine") vacated his job scripting the next film--Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan will now take over the script for the film....Now, insiders tell THR reports that that said script isn't even close to being ready.

Thus, producer Kathleen Kennedy and much of the film's production team have asked for the film's release to be pushed back until 2016. However, studio suit and CEO Robert A. Iger is "adamant" that 'Episode VII' must open in 2015.

Abrams is "more in sync" with Iger's directive to hit that 2015 release no matter what, leaving no margin for error or setback.

The script is said to include Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo in their later years. No official word yet if Mark Hamill could be tempted to return as Luke Skywalker but he is interested... Carrie Fisher had all but confirmed that she would be back in the role of Princess Leia--but then her rep told CNN that she 'was joking' . At first Harrison Ford was interested...but had since walked that back--Now his deal to appear as Han Solo is not only done but seemingly goes beyond Ep VII

Franchise creator George Lucas told Bloomberg Businessweek that he begun talks with original stars to have them return to for its new films -- before he had even begun the process of the ultimately $2 billion deal between Disney/Lucasfilm. It's been said that Lucas' actually spent about a year planning the franchise's future  before handing the reigns of Lucasfilm over to Disney.

Fellow Original cast mates Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels say that they are keen on returning to that "galaxy far, far, away". Earlier in July actor Ray Park said that he would be interested in playing Darth Maul again as well. Back in May LR said that "The Tudors" and future Dracula TV series star Jonathan Rhys Meyers was having his "name thrown around a lot" in connection with the movie. The actor says the talk is not true. David Oyelowo has seemingly been tagged for a role, while Michael B. Jordan reportedly met with Abrams personally about the film. Sullivan Stapleton and Daniel Day Lewis were hovering around the film as well

It's rumored that Ewan McGregor will return as the Force Ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi McGregor played the Jedi Master in The Prequel Trilogy while Alec Guinness portrayed the Force Ghost version of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Original Trilogy. The Force Ghost is much the same way that actor Ian McDiarmid  could return as Emperor Palpatine. The character met his end in the final reel of "Return of the Jedi"...

It was rumored recently that Alex Pettyfer ("Magic Mike," "I Am Number Four) likely auditioned for the role of Luke Skywalker’s son. Rachel Hurd-Wood reportedly went in for an audition to play the daughter of Princess Leia in the sequel. Latino Review claims they "got it confirmed via representation and other solid sources". Noise that Sherlock and "Star Trek Into Darkness" star Benedict Cumberbatch was poised to reunite with JJ were squashed but persit nonetheless. Saoirse Ronan is in there too. She even confirmed to Sky News that she auditioned for the film, but added "so has everyone". Former "Spartacus" star Liam McIntyre has reportedly read for the part of a Jedi role, while Ksenia Solo ("Black Swan") is apparently in contention for the role of Leia and Han Solo's daughter

Zac Efron and Ryan Gosling were rumored to be in the running for the eagerly awaited next film with Gosling in particular is also being talked about for the role of Luke Skywalker's son. Leonardo DiCaprio is said to have passed on an offer to appear. Pretty wild...

Kasdan ("The Empire Strikes Back," "Raiders of the Lost Ark") and Simon Kinberg ("Sherlock Holmes," "X-Men: Days of Future Past") have reportedly closed deals to pen the final two installments of the new "Star Wars" trilogy. Kasdan and Kinberg are also indeed developing stand alone/origin  Star Wars features.

The series MVP composer John Williams is set to score Episode VII, Episode VIII and Episode IX.

Kasdan and Kinberg would also join the projects as producers with Kennedy.

Production is reportedly set to start on Tuesday January 21st 2014 in London for Episode VII.

Phillippe & Lefevre Try To "Reclaim" Their Child

Ryan Phillippe and Rachelle Lefevre have joined the cast of the true tale inspired thriller Reclaim says Deadline.

The story sees an American couple (Phillippe and Lefevre) who head to Puerto Rico to finalize the adoption of their new seven-year-old daughter, a Haitian orphan named Nina. Taking time to explore the coast to bond as a new family, the husband clashes with an intimidating local (John Cusack), soon after Nina disappears from her bed during the night.

Jacki Weaver plays the owner of the international adoption agency and Luis Guzmán (We're the Millers) is the local police chief who gets involved in the case.

Alan White ("Erskineville Kings") helms from a script by Luke Davies and Carmine Gaeta.

Fredrik Malmberg, Silvio Muraglia, Brian Etting and Josh Etting are producing.

Production  is underway on location in Puerto Rico

The Sins Of Zombie's Halloween

If you read my review of Rob Zombie's 2007 remake of the 1978 classic Halloween--you know that I loathe nearly everything about the film...Hard to believe then that I think Zombie's Halloween II was even worse!!!

I digress....The folks over at CinemaSins slice and dice the first film in their own unique way...



Happy Halloween folks--Be safe--and don't forget to save me some Twizzlers and peanut M&Ms--And watch a few horror flicks....

Evil Dead Plans Are Alive And Well....

There has a lot of mixed signals sent over the past 24 hours over the status of the The Evil Dead franchise--among them there are questions as to what it means for "Army of Darkness 2" that Sam Raimi is hoping to direct.

Yesterday, a report emerged quoting the reboot's co-writer Rodo Sayagues saying those plans to bring together the different films of The Evil Dead franchise were all but...well..erm dead.

Fede Alvarez the director responsible for the release of the of the 2013 "Evil Dead" remake/reboot  has now responded, telling Bloody Disgusting that the quote had been mistranslated:

"Rodo meant we’re not actually making Evil Dead 2 right now because the priority is Sam [Raimi's] Army of Darkness 2. But the plan of making a sequel to our Evil Dead is very much alive."

Caruso Up For "Disappointments"

D.J. Caruso will direct the supernatural thriller "The Disappointments Room" says Heat Vision.

Kate Beckinsale has an offer out to play a mother who moves her family to a colonial mansion in the country. She begins to lose her sanity as she learns of the home's bloody past and sees visions of a dead girl.

"Prison Break" actor turned "Stoker" scribe Wentworth Miller wrote the scriptm

Geyer Kosinski will produce the film.

Spike Lee Eyed For "Spinning Gold" With JT

THR says that Spike Lee is in talks to direct the biopic about iconic 1970s music entrepreneur Neil Bogart called "Spinning Gold".

Bogart (played by Justin Timberlake) launched the careers of some of the eras greatest like Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight, KISS, Donna Summer and The Village People.

He died young at the age of 39, in 1982.

Bogart’s son Timothy Scott Bogart developed the script with Timberlake and wrote the screenplay.

Timberlake, Mark Damon, Laurence Mark, Bogart and Gary A. Randall (Saving Grace will produce.

Production kicks off early next year.

Avengers 2: Aaron Taylor-Johnson Locked As Quicksilver

The Wrap reports that after months as the frontrunner it's now official, "Kick-Ass 2" star Aaron Taylor-Johnson will play Quicksilver in writer/director Joss Whedon's superhero team up sequel "The Avengers: Age of Ultron".

The chatter has been confirmed in the Wall Street Journal that "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and "Silent House" star Elizabeth Olsen is indeed playing the role of Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. Scarlet Witch-sister to Quicksilver.

While the sequel DOES NOT follow the Age of Ultron comics storyline--in which the big bad Ultron was created by Hank Pym who becomes Ant-Man. James Spader will both voice Ultron, and he'll have to do some kind of motion-capture as well--This news puts to rest the most popular theory suggesting that Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr,) robot butler J.A.R.V.I.S. (voiced by Paul Bettany) operating system from the Iron Man Films would turn into the villain.

Marvel vets RDJ, Chris Evans Chris Hemsworth Scarlett Johansson Samuel L. Jackson Jeremy Renner Mark Ruffalo, Clark Gregg and Cobie Smulders who are all expected back

Production on the 'Avengers' sequel is slated to begin in March to meet a release date of May 1, 2015.

American Horror Story favorite Evan Peters plays a different incarnation of the speedy superhero in Bryan Singer's "X-Men: Days of Future Past"--now in post-production--that film hits screens May 23rd 2014.
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The First Peek For The Amazing Spider-Man 2 With Hobbit 2

The first trailer for director Marc Webb 's "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will premiere attached to 3-D prints of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" in theaters on December 13, 2013.

 

Webb took to Twitter to announce the but did so in a fairly clever way - spelling it out in Dwarven runes:

Andrew Garfield will return as Peter Parker and Emma Stone is gonna reprise her role as Gwen Stacy. Do these set pics confirm that the classic story The Night Gwen Stacy Died is part of the film? For the record Stone endorsed the idea last August when The Amazing Spider-Man was still in theaters...

Dane DeHaan ("Chronicle") has won the role of Harry Osborn Osborn of course is Peter Parker's best friend and eventual enemy who was played by James Franco previously. Jamie Foxx will be playing bad guy Electro. Paul Giamatti plays the villain, the Rhino Chris Cooper has been cast as Norman Osborn--who eventually becomes Spidey's number one foe--The Green Goblin--The character was played previously by Willem Dafoe Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), plays Norman's girlfriend in the film. Former Office star B.J. Novak has an unspecified role in the film. While there was speculation that actress Sarah Gadon ("Cosmopolis," "A Dangerous Method") was going to be the new Mary Jane Watson, given the fact that Shailene Woodley's performance as the character had been cut.  As it turns out though Gadon DOES appear in "Amazing 2" after all as an entirely different character. She is  actually playing an android cop.

Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinkner wrote the script based on a previous draft by James Vanderbilt.

Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach will produce.

The new film is now in post-production to meet its May 2nd 2014 release date.

Both The Amazing Spider-Man 3 and The Amazing Spider-Man 4 already have release dates--The writers of Amazing 2 are also set to return for the 3rd film

Daniel Radcliffe Going For The "Gold"

Deadline reports that Daniel Radcliffe is attached to play British politician and former Olympic athlete Sebastian Coe in the biopic "Gold".

The film will focus on the obsessive Coe and his rivalry with Steve Ovett. Coe was a quiet loner driven to the brink by his ambitious father. Ovett was an effortless and natural athlete fighting to prove himself in an elitist world.

James Watkins ("Eden Lake," "The Woman in Black") directs the film using a script by Simon Beaufoy and Will Davies.

Joanna Anderson, Vicky Licorish and Kevin Loader will produce.

Production will begin next year

5 Minute Peek For Captain America 2 With Thor 2 3-D Prints

Sure the first trailer for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" hit last week--but Disney will attach a five-minute preview of the 'Captain' sequel will be attached only to US 3-D prints of "Thor: The Dark World" next Friday.

Suit Dave Hollis:

"After Marvel's The Avengers, the Marvel films are more interwoven than ever, and this pairing is the perfect complement to both of the new movies.Thor: The Dark World is going to be an exceptional theater-going experience, and this sneak peek will really rev fans up for the return of not only the Mighty Avenger but the First Avenger as well."

The story follows the acclaimed comic storyline The Winter Soldier by author Ed Brubaker, who along with artist Steve Epting, in which Captain America's (Chris Evans) sidekick Bucky (Sebastian Stan) is resurrected as a brainwashed super-assassin known as the Winter Solider. The tale also follows that Peggy's (played by Hayley Atwell in Captain America: The First Avenger) niece Sharon (Revenge star Emily VanCamp) meets Cap.

Anthony Mackie is poised to play Harlem crime fighter Falcon. Cobie Smulders will reprise her role of Maria Hill. She joins her boss in The Avengers co-star Samuel L. Jackson  and Scarlett Johansson. for the film. Frank Grillo ("The Grey," "Warrior") will play the villain Crossbones in the sequel. Toby Jones, has confirmed to Hey U Guys that he will reprise the role of the villain Armin Zola. Maximiliano Hernández said via Twitter that he will reprise his "Avengers" role of Agent Jasper Sitwell in the sequel. Robert Redford (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) has entered talks for a senior leadership role in S.H.I.E.L.D. UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre will play villain Batroc the Leaper, an infamous mercenary in the Cap mythology.

Joe Russo and Anthony Russo are directing the sequel, using a script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

The sequel will hit theaters April 4, 2014.

Singer On The Recent "X-Men: Days of Future Past" Trailer

Yesterday's trailer debut for Bryan Singer's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" afforded the director to give Empire a shot-for-shot breakdown of the peek- explaining many of the shots which in turn got him offering up details about the film plot.

The latest sequel is based on a -2 issue story arc in the 'X-Men' comics published in 1981. Kinberg (Sherlock Holmes) is on board to pen the screenplay which will include New Mutants. Magneto and his relationship with Charles X. Xavier will be front and center as well.

Singer penned the treatment and produced 'First Class' which was directed by Matthew Vaughn. Now, their roles will be completely reversed for this sequel with Singer helming the film while Vaughn wrote the treatment and will produce with Lauren Shuler Donner and writer Simon Kinberg

Most of “X-Men: First Class” cast will reprise their roles, including James McAvoy (Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Magneto) Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), and Nicholas Hoult (Beast). Lucas Till (Alex “Havoc” Summers) Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert) recently confirmed that she is NOT in this film...

The original trilogy stars Sir Ian McKellen Sir Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman are poised to return again as well. Ellen Page (Kitty Pride) and Shawn Ashmore (Iceman) Anna Paquin (Rogue) Halle Berry (Storm). It seems Alan Cumming.(Nightcrawler) will not return. James Marsden has confirmed that he will NOT return as Cyclops,

The teams will join forces to battle the Sentinels--mutant-hunting robots--created by Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage).

Daniel Cudmore is returning as Colossus American Horror Story favorite Evan Peters plays the speedy Quicksilver. BooBoo Stewart is also in the film--character as yet unknown. Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has joined the film--as Blink, a mutant with the power of teleportation. Aussie soap "Home and Away" actor Josh Helman -- once rumored to be playing a young Cyclops -- will portray Bill Stryker. In X2: X-Men United Brian Cox played him and in X-Men Origins: Wolverine Danny Huston took over. French actor Omar Sy plays Bishop and Adan Canto also star.

Now on to those deets...

Wolverine has streaks of grey hair in the future: "The grey in the hair is something I took from X-Men Days Of Future Past, it’s a look in the comic. I liked it, even though he hasn’t really aged physically it’s something that shows how tough things have gotten in the future, and brought that out in him and given him a little more world-weariness."

Storm showing up: "She’s one of the last surviving X-Men in this post-apocalyptic world. She’s part of that with Wolverine and Charles and Magneto; they’re some of the last folk standing from the original X-Men. They’re at the spearhead of this mission, this last chance at saving the world. This is their only hope, their mission into time. Can you actually go back and affect time? Can you go back and change things or will time correct itself? Will history fight you back and is your destiny pre-determined or can you change it?"

Magneto teams up with the X-Men because: "They’re on the run. There’s no organisation. It’s all been shattered. Most of them have been hunted down. Most of them are dead."

The four new mutants in the future scenes: "They’re not really fresh recruits. They’re more refugees that are living day to day in this hideously ruined world. They don’t have much hope in the future. They’re on the run and they join forces with the remaining X-Men to try to do this one last attempt at fixing the world."

Young Magneto's use of non-powered weapons: "There’s a line in the movie, ‘He’s always had a way with guns’. That’s how he crippled Xavier, and he’s such a powerful mutant but in this particular moment he’s holding a gun and I like that. He’s a product of the Second World War and he knows how to use a gun as much as he does his powers."

Young Xavier trying to access Logan's mind: "He’s trying to access something deep in his mind. That’s what the line’s about, 'You’re going to need to do for me what I once did for you'. In X-Men 1, Logan was a lost, lonely person and Charles helped him find himself. Now the tables are turned and Logan is coming into the world from the future to find a man who’s at the end of his rope in the past."

On Fassbender's performance: "Fassbender knew that he would be, well, not sharing the frame with Ian McKellen, but sharing the movie with Ian McKellen. So where on First Class he tried to be as different as possible from McKellen, because that was a very different character, he now knows as an actor he’d have to bring his performance slightly closer to Ian’s because he’s heading in that direction."

Since most of the action takes place in 1973, before events in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Wolverine will have bone claws: "He doesn’t have his metal yet in 1973".

The scene bringing together young and older Xavier: "It’s an abstract scene, without giving away its origin and how it happens. It’s a trippy scene, it has a bit of '70s style in it and the entire scene involved a lot of interesting practical photography using mirrors and other things. It was fun to shoot, and it was great to get the two actors together."

Be sure to read the entire Empire post for additional info.

Post-production on the sequel continues "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" hits screens May 23rd 2014.

Mann And Hinshaw Involved In An "Accident 3D"

Project X's Thomas Mann and Chronicle's Ashley Hinshaw are attached to star in the true tale inspired "Accident 3D" says Deadline.

The film follows four teenagers stuck at the bottom of a ravine after they crash a car they stole. They soon find themselves in the crosshairs of the car’s psychotic owner who will stop at nothing to retrieve the car's valuable contents.

Commercials and music video helmer Dan Tondowski will make his narrative directing debut here

Ryan Haidarian and Guillaume Benski will produce the film.

The project will make the rounds at the 2013 American Film Market event in LA

Tom Hardy Is "The Outsider"

Worldview Entertainment will finance and produce the Japanese crime thriller "The Outsider" says Screen.

The script by Andrew Baldwin follows a POW (Tom Hardy) in Osaka during World War II who stays on after the war. He works his way through the rituals and hardships to become the rare outsider who gains membership in the Yakuza crime unit.

Baldwin penned the script from an idea by John Linson.

John Linson, Art Linson, Christopher Woodrow, Molly Conners, Bill Block are producing.

Production begins early next year in Japan.

The project was previously setup by Joel Silver.

The project will make the rounds at the 2013 American Film Market event in LA

Dustin Hoffman Leads "Boychoir"

Variety reports that Dustin Hoffman Kathy Bates and Alfred Molina are set to star in The Red Violin director François Girard's drama Boychoir.

The action follows a choirmaster (Hoffman) and his relationship with a troubled 11-year old who is sent to the school.

Bates and Molina play the headmistress and a teacher, respectively. The role of the boy has not yet been cast.

The original screenplay was written by Source Code scribe Ben Ripley

Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring will produce.

Eric Brenner, Ripley and Michael A. Simpson will executive produce the pic

Sofia Boutella Goes Bad In Vaughn's "Secret Service"

French-Algerian actress Sofia Boutella is set to join "The Secret Service" for Fox says Deadline.

Created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons--the comic book follows a seasoned Secret Service agent (Colin Firth) who takes a younger agent  (Taron Egerton) under his wing as they investigate the murder of every resident of a small town and a mysterious secret involving Mount Everest.

Michael Caine has also joined the cast in the role of the head of the Secret Service. Samuel L. Jackson will play the villain. Boutela plays the female villain.

Matthew Vaughn will call action from an adapted script he wrote with Jane Goldman. The director had considered Emma Watson and Bella Heathcote for the part but chose Sophie Cookson ("Moonfleet") who is a fresh face

Currently in production, Boutella will shoot her scenes in London until late January.

Mega Evil Dead Movie D.O.A.

It looks like those plans to bring together the different films of The Evil Dead franchise were scrapped.

Fede Alvarez the director responsible for the release of the of the 2013 "Evil Dead" remake/reboot back in April began indicating that a script for a sequel was on the way.

He later also talked about an overall plan for the franchise which would see a sequel to the reboot, "Army of Darkness," and then a film that would unite the two takes on the material.

Now, Alvarez and his co-writer Rodo Sayagues appear to have left the project. Sayagues tells Gorosito.TV (via STYD):

"Look, I am sorry to tell you this but that movie won’t happen. Evil Dead 2 is not going to happen, at least not with us involved. We left that project many months ago because we preferred to put our energies on other things. I don’t know if the producers still have intentions of making it. But what I can tell you is that we are not part of that project."

Alvarez and Sayagues are making the sci-fi film "Machina" instead

Wayne Kramer Charts "Caught Stealing"

Wayne Kramer ("The Cooler," "Running Scared") will direct "Caught Stealing" says Screen. Stefan Ruzowitzky ("Deadfall," "The Counterfeiters") had been circling the big chair but never sat down.

Based on author Charlie Huston's novel, the first in the Hank Thompson trilogy, follows a former baseball prospect (Patrick Wilson) who become a bartender living a ho hum life He soon finds himself caught up in a bloody treasure hunt through New York City.

Alec Baldwin co-stars.

David Hayter wrote adapted the script.

Wilson, Marcus Chait, and James Carpinello will produce the film.

The project will make the rounds at the 2013 American Film Market event in LA

Frank Grillo, Others Head To "Jekyll Island"

Variety reports that Frank Grillo, Dianna Agron John Leguizamo, Minnie Driver, Ed Westwick and Maggie Q have all joined the thriller "A Conspiracy on Jekyll Island"

In the film Grillo plays an ex-Wall Street employee whom the Secretary of the Treasury calls upon to thwart a cyber attack that threatens to derail the American economy. With the help of his wife, he recruits his rag tag team of misfits, and prepares to save the world from total financial implosion.

Aram Rappaport's calling action using a script he wrote

Hilary Shor ("The Butler," "The Paperboy") will produce.

Production is slated to begin next month.

Xavier Dolan Sings "The Elephant Song"

Global News has it that 24-year-old filmmaker and actor Xavier Dolan will join will join the thriller "The Elephant Song".

The story follows a psychiatrist investigating the disappearance of his colleague. He questions a disturbed patient (Dolan) and finds himself caught in a complex mind game.

Bruce Greenwood, Carrie-Anne Moss and Catherine Keener co-star

Charles Binamé calls action on this adaptation of the Nicolas Billon play of the same name.

Filming will begin shortly in Montreal.

Dolan will do this picture before he starts directing his next film "Mommy".

Depp Visits "London Fields"

THR reports that Johnny Depp has filmed a cameo for the black comedy murder mystery adaptation "London Fields".

Based on British author Martin Amis' book, the story follows an hypnotic and clairvoyant femme fatale (Amber Heard) in London's underworld who sets a plan in motion to fulfill the prophecy of her own murder. Her web entangles a terminally ill writer (Billy Bob Thornton), a street hustler (Jim Sturgess) and an unhappily married banker (Theo James). The writer convinces her to let him document her manipulations in a book.

Jaimie Alexander ("Thor") plays a character named 'Hope'.

Depp has reportedly already shot his appearance, filming when he had down time for his commitments to Rob Marshall's "Into the Woods" and David Koepp's "Mortdecai".

Mathew Cullen's calling action using an adapted script by Amis and Roberta Hanley.

"Elizabeth" and "The Four Feathers" director Shekhar Kapur, Michael Winterbottom and David Cronenberg have been previously attached to call action.

Chris Hanley, Jordan Gertner and Geyer Kosinski will produce the film.

 Production got underway last month in London ahead of a late 2014 release.

Coster-Waldau Leads Bier's "A Second Chance"

"Game of Thrones" star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has joined the cast of Susanne Bier ("In A Better World") new Danish film "A Second Chance" says THR.

Plot details are being hushed for now, save that it deals with a tragedy and shows just how far decent human beings are willing to go in the name of 'justice'.

Bier and her long-time writing partner Anders Thomas Jensen are at it again for this film.

Sisse Graum Jørgensen will produce the film.

The project will make the rounds at the 2013 American Film Market event in LA

Crooner Toby Sebastian Lands Role In "Barely Lethal"

THR reports that singer/actor Toby Sebastian is set to join the action comedy thriller "Barely Lethal"

The story centers on a girl named Megan (Hailee Steinfeld), who is raised at a boarding school that trains young assassins. When she relocates to another town and attends a regular high school, she realizes that the pressures of everyday teenage life is just as hard to deal with.

Sebastian will play Cash Fenton, the lead singer in a local band who becomes a love interest for Steinfeld's character.

Sophie Turner will play an undercover agent who also enrolls to help capture the teen. Jessica Alba will play Victoria Knox, a villain who pursues Megan. Samuel L. Jackson also stars

Kyle Newman (Fanboys) is directing from a screenplay by John D'Arco.

Brett Ratner, John Cheng and Sukee Chew will produce the pic.

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie: Bomback Works On Script

Variety reports that The Wolverine writer Mark Bomback will do a quick polish of the script for the film adaptation of the erotic E L James book "Fifty Shades of Grey".

Kelly Marcel wrote the initial adapted screenplay. She previously worked on "Terra Nova" and penned the upcoming "Saving Mr. Banks". Oscar-nominated screenwriter Patrick Marber was tasked with the job of give performing a script rewrite and adding some extra character bits.

The sexually-explicit story follows 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey (British actor Jamie Dornan--who was welcomed by the author) and 22-year-old virgin college student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson TV's Ben and Kate and The Social Network"), who develop a relationship steeped in bondage, S&M, domination and submission.

Dornan won the male lead after the sudden exit of Sons of Anarchy and Pacific Rim star Charlie Hunnam--who seemingly backed out for a number of reasons--causing this production delay

Dornan and Tony Award-nominated actor Billy Magnussen were screen tested at the same time.

The likes of Scott Eastwood ("Texas Chainsaw 3D," "Fury") Alexander Skarsgård  Montreal-born François Arnaud  Theo James Luke Bracey and Christian Cooke had also been attached to take over the coveted role after Hunam's exit.

The news of the initial lead casting led to a strong fan backlash, Several actors were sought for the film and passed. Ryan Gosling  was one such Christian Grey option. Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Alicia Vikander, Imogen Poots and Elizabeth Olsen were all under consideration for Anastasia. All passed due to lack of interest, scheduling conflicts and/or other reasons.

Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer, Newcomer Erik Odom and Henry Cavill have also been linked to play Christian. Arrow star Stephen Amell had a meeting about the role.

You'll recall that director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) and actor Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) shot test scene recounting when the ingenue Anastasia Steele loses her virginity to Grey in Van Sant's bid for the gig.

"True Blood" co-star Luke Grimes will play Elliot, Christian's adopted brother. Elliot is described as a tall, muscular 30-something with curly blond hair and blue eyes. He ends up in a romance with Anastasia's best friend (part has yet to be cast). Jennifer Ehle will play Carla the mother of female lead Anastasia

Sam Taylor-Johnson, best known for directing the 2009 film Nowhere Boy and being married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson directs the film after a lengthy search.

The novel is the first in a planned trilogy. James has sold 31 million e-book and print copies in English-language markets worldwide, in the U.S. alone she has sold over 20 million copies in e-book and print.

"Moneyball" and "The Social Network" producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti won a bidding war to produce the film version of "Shades"

Cameras were scheduled to roll on the film adaptation at North Shore Studios in Vancouver on November 5th--Instead things will get going on December 2 2013.The decision may now affect the planned released date of the film of August 1, 2014.