[Tanchu]

DISNEY AND PIXAR

Old news but one that's worth repeating. Disney had announced the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios for a whopping $7.4 billion.

Reports about the possible acquisition began to surface online recently and the news seemed to solidify after Disney's board met Monday and approved an offer for the creators of CG-animated hits like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.. The Pixar board reportedly met today (Tuesday) and approved the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pixar topper Steve Jobs will become a major player at the House of Mouse. Our own Ken Plume speculates that this might lead to an even bigger industry shocker... He says, "As this will make Jobs the largest shareholder in Disney, I would look for an announcement in the very near future that Apple is merging with Disney."

Jobs will take a seat on Disney's board and other Pixar people will fill important roles... Ed Catmull, Pixar's president, will serve as president of the new Pixar and Disney animation studios. And John Lasseter, Pixar's head creative, will become "chief creative officer" for the studio. Lasseter will report directly to Disney's CEO Bob Iger. And in what could be considered a really cool perk, he'll also assist with the design of new attractions for Disney theme parks around the world.

The relationship between the two companies had warmed in recent months since Iger replaced Eisner at Disney, and rumors of a new distribution agreement have persisted. It was only recently that talk of a full-on acquisition surfaced.

This afternoon, Roy E. Disney issued the following statement regarding the Walt Disney Company: "Animation has always been the heart and soul of the Walt Disney Company and it is wonderful to see Bob Iger and the company embrace that heritage by bringing the outstanding animation talent of the Pixar team back into the fold. This clearly solidifies the Walt Disney Company's position as the dominant leader in motion picture animation and we applaud and support Bob Iger's vision."

IRON MAN

After a quiet spell following the movie's departure from New Line Cinema and return to the hands of Marvel Entertainment, the rumor mill finally had something to offer this week on Iron Man's long-awaited big-screen debut. First, The IESB heard a rumor that I, Robot and Dark City helmer Alex Proyas was in the running to direct the Armored Avenger's movie.

The site could not confirm the rumor but they did hear from producer Don Murphy, who was developing the project during its tenure at New Line. "I do not believe this is accurate but then anything is possible," Murphy advised IESB.

IESB also reports an unconfirmed rumor via a scooper that claims Crash actor Ryan Philippe was an actor who had met with New Line about the lead role back when it was still involved with the project.

Despite rumors of Proyas being under consideration to direct, MTV spoke with helmer Nick Cassavetes who was attached but not signed for Iron Man when it was at New Line. Cassavetes insists he's still involved, saying that he's already in pre-production.

"[It will be] more mechanical than high-tech — that's the way to go on that," Cassavetes said, adding that Tony Stark's armored costume will be more than a "flying tin can." Cassavetes added, "Marvel is working things out right now."

Given its new arrangement with Paramount, that studio seems the likeliest candidate to distribute any eventual Iron Man film.

SPIDERMAN 3

According to The Hollywood Reporter, actress Theresa Russell has joined the ensemble cast of Columbia's Spider-Man 3. THR says Russell will portray "Mrs. Marko, the wife of Flint Marko, aka the Sandman (Thomas Haden Church). Plot details from Alvin Sargent's screenplay are scarce, though it is known that the villainous couple has a daughter."

Spider-Man 3 begins filming this month. In addition to Russell and Church, the cast includes Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Bryce Dallas Howard and Topher Grace.

Russell is best known for her femme fatale turn in Black Widow. Her other credits include Kafka, Wild Things, Whore and HBO's Empire Falls.

X-MEN 3: LAST STAND

The XVerse has been advised by 20th Century Fox that X-Men 3 has now been officially titled X-Men: The Last Stand. There had been rumors of that new title for awhile.

"X-Men: The Last Stand, is currently being cleared for usage. The title also appeared in a review of 2006 films by USA Today, lending further support to the notion," reports The XVerse.

In related news, The Comics Continuum reports that the novelization of X3, adapted by X-Men comics scribe Chris Claremont, will be released by Del Rey on May 16.

The novel's official plot synopsis claims that in X3, "with the help of new recruits The Beast and Angel, (the X-Men) must face evolution itself in the form of their former teammate, Jean Grey! Possessed with the cosmic power of the Dark Phoenix, the resurrected Jean Grey has become a danger to herself, her mutant comrades, and the entire planet! To stave off this imminent threat to humanity, a potential cure is discovered and processed to treat -- and ultimately eliminate -- genetic mutations, once and for all! Now, as the battle lines are drawn, the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, must contend with both Jean Grey's world-consuming powers, as well as the malevolent Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organized under Xavier's former ally, Magneto!"

JURASSIC PARK 4

Despite Spielberg's enthusiasm and other preparation in progress, the next Jurassic Park remains on the backburner. Frank Marshall, who is producing the dinosaur flick, has other major projects on the go as well, and those will be taking priority for the next few years.

Marshall explained his schedule during an interview with iFMagazine:

"[Jurassic Park IV] is kind of off the radar. We've got [The Bourne Ultimatum] here [he indicates at the top of the table he's sitting behind], we've got [Indiana Jones 4] here, [indicates a little further back] and we have Jurassic back here [far back - almost at the edge of table]. Steven's obviously been pretty busy the last year, so we haven't focused on that yet. But we will."

Indiana Jones 4 is still not a sure thing, of course. If no announcement on that is made within the next few months, the new Jurassic Park could take its place on Spielberg's and Marshall's schedules. Stay tuned for the latest!

CASINO ROYALE

According to British tabloid The Sun, Zambian-born actress Thandie Newton has been cast as Bond girl Vesper Lynd in the forthcoming Casino Royale. She is perhaps best known to fanboys as Tom Cruise's love interest in Mission: Impossible 2 (opposite one-time Bond contender Dougray Scott).

Newton, 33, recently starred in Paul Haggis' drama Crash, for which she is nominated for a BAFTA award. Haggis, it should be noted, has rewritten the script for Casino Royale.

Newton's other credits include The Chronicles of Riddick, The Truth About Charlie (opposite another rumored Royale cast member, Simon Abkarian) and Interview with the Vampire.

Earlier reports had pegged Troy's Rose Byrne as the winner of the role. But The Daily Mail first reported on Jan. 17th that Newton snagged the part because the new 007, Daniel Craig, was "impressed" with her screen test.

MIAMI VICE

Zap2It spoke with Oscar winner Jamie Foxx who talked a little bit about his upcoming release, the big-screen version of Miami Vice. Writer-director Michael Mann's project was plagued by negative news reports throughout its extended production about diva behavior on the part of both Foxx, who plays Ricardo Tubbs, and Colin Farrell, who portrays Tubbs' partner Sonny Crockett.

Foxx, though, came to Farrell's defense when the latter recently entered rehab and now lauds his co-star's ladykilling ways. "Colin don't even have to mack, man, literally. ... I mean, from old ladies on down to 21, 22, he got it all. And it works for him, too, because it really works for the character that he's playing."

"To be honest with you, Colin Farrell is definitely a professional," Foxx said. "He was on the set on time all the time. You know the thing, he was with his family a lot and a lot of people don't get to see that side, because he's a good-looking woman magnet -- and all of that is true, when women see him, they get to panting and everything like that -- but we got the job done, man. Myself, Michael Mann and Colin, we got up in there and did what we were supposed to do as far as making the movie. It was a little tough because hurricanes and things were down there, but it's gonna be hot."

ALIEN VS. PREDATOR 2

The follow-up to Alien vs. Predator is moving on to the next stage. The IESB.net website has learned from Fox honcho Tom Rothman that the studio now has a script in hand for the next Alien-Predator invasion.

"They just got the script in...we are making that movie, it's gonna be kick-ass," declared Rothman. "We're hoping for [an] August of 2007 release. That's what we hope."

Our readers may recall that last spring, Rothman also confirmed some AVP-2 story details, saying that the sequel would involve Aliens and Predators actually invading human civilization, instead of the bloodshed being confined to a remote Antarctic temple or a distant space freighter.

There's still no word on whether or not Paul W.S. Anderson, writer and director of the first AVP, is involved. He currently has a number of other projects on his plate, including Deathrace 3000, Castlevania, and Resident Evil: Afterlife.

BATMAN BEGINS 2

For the last several months, British actor Paul Bettany (Master & Commander, The Da Vinci Code) has been rumored to be in the running to portray The Joker in the next Batman movie. During the junket for his next release, Firewall, Bettany was asked about the Bat-buzz.

"Yeah, I heard nothing about it except through people saying 'Are you in the Batman sequel? Am I?' No one's called me," Bettany said, according to Latino Review.

"I thought (Batman Begins) was an extraordinary well made film so I would be open to fraud negotiations. ... I simply haven't a clue because it also depends when these things happen. They have to fall evenly for me know."

But would Bettany want the role if offered? "All work interests me. I'm absolutely open to everything."

OMEN: 666

For the last several months, British actor Paul Bettany (Master & Commander, The Da Vinci Code) has been rumored to be in the running to portray The Joker in the next Batman movie. During the junket for his next release, Firewall, Bettany was asked about the Bat-buzz.

"Yeah, I heard nothing about it except through people saying 'Are you in the Batman sequel? Am I?' No one's called me," Bettany said, according to Latino Review.

"I thought (Batman Begins) was an extraordinary well made film so I would be open to fraud negotiations. ... I simply haven't a clue because it also depends when these things happen. They have to fall evenly for me know."

But would Bettany want the role if offered? "All work interests me. I'm absolutely open to everything."

MARVEL

Lionsgate has dipped into the Marvel catalog again, and the result, if all goes to plan, could be a feature film entitled The Marvel Collection.

Here's what we know so far: The Marvel Collection would feature four cutting-edge animated films, combining standard animation with CGI-enhancements, taking the animation beyond standard TV fare. A 3-D presentation isn't out of the question, as Lionsgate has acquired the rights from Marvel to develop movies in the 3-D format.

So who gets the call from the Marvel catalog? Word has it that the four films will star at least five Marvel characters. They are: The Hulk, The Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Iron Man and Captain America.

Lionsgate also owns rights for feature adaptations of Iron Fist and Black Widow. There is, however, no word as to whether those two characters will appear in The Marvel Collection.

10,000 BC

Roland Emmerich's prehistoric epic 10,000 B.C. may have been low priority at Sony, but Warner Bros. has snatched up the in-turnaround project and put it on the fast track. The studio hopes to have it set as a blockbuster release for Summer 2007, reveals Variety.

Emmerich, the man behind Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and Stargate, is reportedly set to start shooting the big-budget picture in late April in South Africa. Emmerich is producing the project through Centropolis with partner Michael Wimer.

The trade explains that Sony's packed '07 release slate just couldn't suitably accommodate B.C. and that they had contemplated shifting it to 2008. That didn't sit well with the filmmakers and the project was placed in turnaround.

All that's known about the film is that it centers around a young mammoth hunter who goes on a journey through uncharted territory to secure the future of his dying tribe and save the one he loves. The story is reportedly based an idea that Emmerich envisioned a decade ago.

FANBOYS

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars), Jay Baruchel (Million Dollar Baby), Chris Marquette (Joan of Arcadia) and Sam Huntington (the new Jimmy Olsen in Superman Returns) are in "final negotiations to play Star Wars geeks in "Fanboys," a comedic drama that Kevin Spacey's Trigger Street is producing for the Weinstein Co."

The project will be directed by Kyle Newman from a script by Adam F. Goldberg and Ernest Cline. THR says the plot follows four Star Wars fanboys "from the Midwest who drive across the country to honor the wish of their dying friend: to see the yet-unreleased Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace in its most optimal setting, George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch."

Filming is slated to commence Feb. 22 in New Mexico.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN

Disney has confirmed that pre-production has commenced on the second installment in The Chronicles of Narnia film franchise. Prince Caspian, based on the second tale in C.S. Lewis' classic fantasy series, is tentatively set for a 2007 release courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

Chronologically, in "Narnia time," Caspian is the fourth overall. The story takes the four Pevensie children back to Narnia, summoned by Queen Susan's horn centuries after Narnia was freed from the White Witch's spell. Narnia is now under the rule of the neighboring Telmarines, and the Pevensies can help Caspian, rightful heir to the throne, lead a revolt for Narnian independence.

Director Andrew Adamson is expected to return for the sequel, as are the young actors that portrayed the Pevensie kids in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Production will begin later this year, and the studio expects to release the film around Christmas, 2007. Adamson said he was looking forward to working with the same production team, whom he called a family, and the four children again.

It's not certain yet where the new film will be shot. The Irish Independent reports that Ireland could be one location, as movie scouts have been inspecting various locations around the country, as well as places in Britain.

According to the most recent estimates The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has grossed nearly $635 million worldwide since it hit the big screen in December.

GRIND

There's fresh news in today's Variety on Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodrgiuez's forthcoming big-screen double feature, Grind (that is apparently what they're calling it now... it had been previously known as Grindhouse or Grind House, so we'll just see how it turns out).

The Weinstein Company flick will have both helmers directing a 60-minute horror tale. The trade adds that production is set to start in the coming weeks, with Rodriguez already preparing to lens his portion in Austin.

Rodriguez's segment will be called Planet Terror – 's a zombie flick – and Tarantino's is a slasher film called Death Proof. Both will be shot in the style of '70s exploitation films that have heavily influenced both directors.

As has been reported, the film will feature fake trailers created by the two directors that will run in the middle of the films as intermission. Variety adds that Tarantino's latest idea is a trailer for a sexploitation movie titled Cowgirls in Sweden. Other obvious possibilities are a preview for a blaxploitation flick or a martial arts film.

Casting on Grind is expected to be announced soon. It's tentatively set for a September 22 release.

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

After an extensive casting search for someone to fill the role of Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Warner Bros. has released an image of the young girl, 14-year-old Evanna Lynch, who was recently chosen to play Harry Potter's strange new friend in the next film. You can see the image below.

In other casting news, CBBC Newsround reports that the role of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Umbridge will be played by Imelda Staunton, who can now be seen on the big screen in Nanny McPhee. And Helen McCrory (The Count of Monte Cristo) will play Voldemort follower Bellatrix Lestrange. Mrs. Figg, a neighbor of the Dursley's with a mysterious connection to the wizarding world, will be portrayed by actress Kathryn Hunter.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is filming now under the direction of acclaimed British TV helmer David Yates (State of Play, The Way We Live Now). Writer Michael Goldberg (Where the Wild Things Are, Peter Pan) is temporarily replacing perennial Potter scribe Steve Kloves in the script department – it was announced earlier this week that Kloves would return to his screenwriting duties for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

880

Director James Cameron has confirmed to Business Week that the new film he is working on is indeed the mysterious Project 880. Cameron describes it only as "completely crazy, balls-out sci-fi" so far.

But he did reveal some highly unusual plans for the film. He intends for it to be a unique interactive experience, and will be preceeded by the opening of a massively multiplayer online RPG — a video game in which thousands of Internet-connected players simultaneously interact, compete, and cooperate.

In fact, it seems like a reversal of the usual movie-based-game formula. With Project 880 (or Avatar, as it might be called), players will experience the story's events and characters before seeing the film at the theater.

"So much of literary sci-fi is about creating worlds that are rich and detailed and make sense at a social level," explains Cameron. "We'll create a world for people, and then later present a narrative in that world."

"You are exploring the interaction of technology and the human imagination, and you play it out in a highly competitive, fast-paced interaction."

Is Cameron trying to create a revolutionary new synthesis of the game and movie genres? Or is his aim something more down-to-earth — money? After all, the online RPG's current big title, World of Warcraft, has earned its makers about $300 million in game sales and subscriptions — and that number goes up steadily every month.

Yet, as Business Week cannily notes, video games are a real hit-or-miss business. The cost of producing them approaches the cost of making movies, and a flop could end up with few or no buyers. For every EverQuest and World of Warcraft, there are many expensive failures.

It's also not clear yet whom Cameron will turn to for development of the Project 880 game. The development of a stable product and a highly-detailed online world takes years and demands the skills of the game industry's brightest programmers and artists.

Nevertheless, it's a fascinating project. Hopefully, Cameron's Project 880 won't keep us in suspense for too many more years.

THE MIRROR

According to British tabloid The Mirror, there's a new Alfred Hitchcock movie in the works. Actually, a movie about Hitch, the filmmaker dubbed the Master of Suspense.

The report claims U.K. comic Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Shaun of the Dead) has "has signed to appear in the as yet untitled production on Hitchcock's early life in the East End of London. He will be joined by Hollywood star Ewan McGregor when shooting begins later this year."

No word yet on who McGregor will play, who is writing or directing or even what the title of the production is.

[Joker666]

TANCHU
The Omen news seems alot like the Batman news..

[Matt Robot]

Wow, lots of great news. Thanks for doing this. I'm especially excited for Grind. A Rodriguez zombie flick? Wow.

[rayb]

With the way Harry Potter movies have been going, I'm surprised they even bothered introduce Luna as a character in the book. I'll be interested to see who they pick for some of the Order of the Phoenix too... OotP is a tough book because it introduces so many new characters, but it really sets the groundwork for the last couple books.

--Ray