Getty Images

UPDATE: Development on a remake of "Logan's Run" has slowed to a crawl, and now it looks like lead actor Ryan Gosling has dropped the project.

Justin Kroll of Variety tweeted, "Rough news for those LOGAN'S RUN fans, I can confirm Ryan Gosling is no longer attached to the project."

With no lead, and no fewer than four directors adopting (and ditching) the movie, we have to wonder if the "Run" is coming to a permanent halt.

-----------------------------------------

Hollywood's been dying to get the already-prolific Ryan Gosling in the seat of a major studio tentpole, most recently as the lead of the DC Comics adaptation of Green Lantern, but the young actor has stuck mainly to indie films.

Now the time has come, according to Deadline. Warner Bros. is pairing Gosling with "Driver" (an upcoming car chase flick) director Nicolas Winding Refn for a revamp of the 1976 sci-fi film "Logan's Run."

The studio behind "Harry Potter" and the Batman franchise has spent nearly a decade courting directors to helm the remake, which centers on Logan 5, a law enforcer of sorts who goes on the run from his society's mandatory death law.

Names like Bryan Singer and Carl Erik Rinsch (the commercial director originally slated for the "Alien" prequel) were all attached, eventually departing the project. Now, with a director, star and a supposedly fantastic script from writer Alex Garland ("Sunshine," "Never Let Me Go") the movie may finally star its race to the big screen.

Gosling has made a career of playing it straight and gripping audiences with emotion (see his raw performance in "Blue Valentine," or heck, "The Notebook," for recent evidence) and Refn has been making the low-budget equivalent to summer movies since he started. With a pitch perfect team and enthusiastic studio, this could be the big budget sci-fi epic with a brain movie-going audiences wish would grace their screens more often.

Originally published February 10, 2011.

Getty Images

Angela Sarafyan is on top of her game and playing the field. In the last couple of years, the young Armenian-American actress has dipped her toe in TV (costarring with Colin Hanks on the short-lived Fox series "The Good Guys") and big-budget tentpoles (she's Tia in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2"). She's currently filming James Gray's "Low Life," in which she plays Marion Cotillard's sister.

In the new indie "American Animal," Sarafyan is Angela, a friend of Jimmy's (writer-director Matt D'Elia) who, along with Jimmy's roommate and her friend (also named Angela), becomes sucked into a madcap world of pop culture and personal torture. It's part comedy, part drama and like nothing you'd expect.

Sarafyan talked to us at last year's SXSW about the innovative process of working on "American Animal," along with details on why shooting a "Twilight" movie isn't that different then a tiny, micro-budget indie.

How did you become involved with "American Animal"? Matt D'Elia says you were his first choice for the role.
What happened was that my manager sent me the script, and I read the first 10-15 pages and immediately called him back and said, "I really want to meet this director." The way he wrote the script reminded me of "Waiting for Godot" ... I never read a script that was written in this way before. You don't know where it's going, what's going to happen, even with very simple things happening at the beginning of the film.

We arranged a meeting with Matt and spent several hours just talking and talking and talking, and I had read the script by then and was very excited to be part of his process. The way he wanted to work on it gave a lot of freedom to actors. It was exciting.

American Moving Pictures

The film bounces from funny to horrifying to sad, oftentimes in only a matter of minutes. Were you able to picture the finished project before you started?
I had no idea what it was going to look like, besides the philosophy and what was written on the page, which was fascinating. I didn’t know what he was going to do, how he was going to shoot it. I knew he wanted to shoot it in one place and that it was about the relationships. Based on conversations about "Carnal Knowledge" [Mike Nichols' 1971 film] and how these characters intertwine -- that's what I knew.

Throughout the filmmaking though, it was incredible. I told Matt, it was as if reality and the filmmaking process became one. It's a very strange thing and can be a luxury for actors to be able to do that. Some of our relationships were very much like the script. We were influenced by certain traits of the script; Matt and I really would get into fights and arguments --

Oh no!
[laughs] It was unpredictable. But a lot of fun, because it's based on reality. But that was so much responsibility. I could see how much work and focus it took Matt ... I just remember not being able to process how he was doing all of it. If he would scream at me I would just scream right back. It was fun. It was a good challenge in testing my own sanity and my own views on life.

Are there influences or inspirations that sent you down this career path, and more specifically, ones that made "American Animal" a film you wanted to make?
God, I love John Cassavetes. Throughout my acting career and continuing to be an actor and grow, I think there have been so many outstanding actresses, and I hope I can live up to the things they created and continue that on. I think Gina Rowlands is an amazing actress. [I've seen] her in a lot of Cassavetes' films like "Opening Night" and "A Woman Under the Influence." The list could go on and on. And I love Meryl Streep in the "Deer Hunter." I don't know, I could make an endless list, even actors, like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Anna Magnani -- so many out there.

Summit

How different is the experience of shooting a big, Hollywood movie like "Twilight" as opposed to a smaller film like "American Animal?" I imagine they must be two ends of the spectrum.
It's funny you say that because it was quite the opposite from what I expected. It's a very big, big film and you'd think it would be filled with pressure and ... it's not at all like that. It's very intimate. Easy to do, somehow. The people I work with are so helpful, kind and welcoming. It's been fun to go to work with those kind of people, especially under very extraordinary circumstances.

It doesn't feel as big as you'd think, which has been good for me as an actor. I get to play around and create things and have fun in the moment. We're only one part of it as actors, because the special effects and visual effects all come in [after] ... It'll be a huge surprise at the end, [laughs] I don’t know what it will look like!

Originally published on March 8, 2011.

Getty Images

UPDATE: Bradley Cooper confirmed to The Huffington Post that indeed he will be playing Lucifer in an adaptation of "Paradise Lost."

------------

"Paradise Lost" was kind of like the "Lord of the Rings" of its time. Written in 1674 by English wordsmith John Milton, the lengthy poem tells the tale of an epic war in Heaven, fought between the archangel Michael and Lucifer that led to the eventual fall of Adam and Eve.

Wait, did someone say "epic war?" Someone call Hollywood!

Too late -- Legendary Pictures is moving steadily on a cinematic adaptation of "Paradise Lost," enlisting "I, Robot" and "Knowing" director Alex Proyas to helm the film and, according to Variety, Bradley Cooper is in early talks to play the fallen angel, Lucifer. Since hitting it big with last year's "The Hangover," Cooper has been in high demand, starring in a range of pictures from "Valentine's Day" to "A-Team" to "Limitless" to a sequel to his summer comedy hit. The man is everywhere and, now, he's going to Heaven.

The movie is planned as an all-out action fantasy with an emphasis on aerial warfare. If last year's "Legion" didn't fill your hunger for winged angels swooping around the skies beating the living crap out of each other, "Paradise Lost" sounds more than ready to provide.

The film was originally written by Byron Willinger and Philip de Blasi, but was recently polished by Lawrence Kasdan, the screenwriter for a few little movies called "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Maybe you've heard of them.

The charismatic Cooper is a good fit for the devilish anti-hero of "Paradise Lost," and should put this religious action movie on the fast track to completion. That is, as long as all hell doesn't break loose beforehand.

(Originally published on May 5, 2011, at 10: 25 a.m. ET)

Sony

Model-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker was one of the many beautiful ladies in contention for the role of "Not Megan Fox" in this weekend's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," but failed to nab the part. That's OK -- her career seems to be going just fine without giant robots punching each other while she runs away in terror.

Decker co-starred in Adam Sandler's rom-com "Just Go with It," has the summer tentpole "Battleship" next year -- and now she's got one on the way. Lionsgate has just announced that Decker is joining the ensemble comedy "What to Expect When You're Expecing."

The movie takes the best-selling pregnancy guide and spins it into a "Valentine's Day"-esque comedy which will feature Decker, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez as three halves of four couples ready to pop a few kids out.

In the film, Decker will play Skyler, a chipper woman married to a much older man. Of course, she's pregnant, but the twist is she's having not one, but two babies. Since when can people have two babies at once?! That's insane!

"What to Expect When You're Expecting" will be directed by Kirk Jones ("Waking Ned Devine," "Nanny McPhee") and begins shooting this summer for a May 11, 2012 release. With this and "Battleship," it sounds like movie-going audiences will be getting their own pair of Brooklyn Decker twins next year.

Universal

Box office prognosticators were worried about "Bridesmaids" before it landed in theaters this summer. Would people pay to see a female-driven comedy in theaters? Now that the movie is two months in to its theatrical run, the answer is clear: Hell yes.

Based on its current path of success, "Bridesmaids" will be raking in enough cash that, by Wednesday, the movie will surpass "Knocked Up" as the highest-grossing movie in mega-producer Judd Apatow's career. That's big news for a movie that few thought could make back its budget back in May.

Apatow is the brains behind successful comedies like "The 40 Year Old Virgin," ($109.4 million), "Knocked Up" ($148.8 million), "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (148.2 million) and "Superbad," (121.4 million) but it'll be "Bridesmaids" that walks down the aisle on top. Currently, the Paul Feig-directed Kristen Wiig vehicle has grossed $148.1 million and, unless "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" crushes it under its robotic foot, should sail past the "Knocked Up's" cumulative total this week.

But that's not all: The Hollywood Reporter also notes that by Sunday or Monday, "Bridesmaids" will knock "Sex and the City," the 2008 big screen adaptation of HBO's classic show, off its perch as the number one R-rated female comedy of all time. Take that, Carrie Bradshaw.

What's most impressive is that "Bridesmaids" found success in an unconventional way -- or rather, one Hollywood has little faith in these days. Starting off small, "Bridesmaids" played in less than 2,000 theaters and grossed only $26 million its opening weekend. But through word of mouth, the movie kept on chugging and one of the few original movies this summer has turned out to be one of the biggest successes.

Apparently being really, really funny gets people in seats. Who woulda thunk?

Optimum Releasing

A movie like "Saw" can shock you with its unimaginable acts of violence. "Paranormal Activity" will have you jumping out of your seat as a shadowy figure zips from out of the shadows. But some movies unearth terror from a deeper place, one filled with paranoia and dread.

From the looks of the first teaser trailer, that's exactly what to expect from "Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy."

Based on a novel by John Le Carre ("The Constant Gardener"), "Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy" is an espionage thriller set during the 1970s/Cold War era, and, as the trailer that debuted on The Guardian reveals, one that will pit some of the best actors in the biz against each other. Last year's Best Actor winner Colin Firth leads a pack of A-Listers, including Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, along with Mark Strong ("Kick Ass," "Green Lantern"), Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's "Sherlock"), Toby Jones ("The Hunger Games") and more. There's a strong sense that not everyone's going to make it to the end.

"Tinker, Tailor" is the English debut of Swedish director Tomas Alfredson, whose previous film was the highly-acclaimed adaptation of "Let the Right One In." His follow up appears on par with that film, with every frame looking classically composed and calculated to send shivers down the spine. Simply put, there's a mole in the British secret service and the trailer gives each actor their moment in the sun to look guilty as all hell. Creeeeepy.

"Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy" draws a great deal from the aesthetic and feel of '70s-era filmmaking, but in present day feels completely fresh. Check out the trailer for yourself and watch for this one when it hits theaters Nov. 18.

Summit

With "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" only a few months away, the combined powers of Team Edward and Team Jacob are still demolishing the competition in awards shows and this year's Teen Choice Awards appear to be no different.

The nominees are out for the late summer celebration of movies, TV and music, with "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" leading the wolf pack with 12 nominations including, Choice Fantasy Movie Actor (for both Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson), Choice Fantasy Actress for Kristen Stewart and Choice Fantasy Movie.

Other 2010 holdovers nabbing noms include "Scott Pilgrim," "Easy A," and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1."

But don't count 2011's blockbusters out of the running. Representing this year are "Fast Five," which saw most of the cast including Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson score nominations, along with "X-Men: First Class," "Bridesmaids," "Super 8," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Water for Elephants," which might be signal that Pattinson has leverage with the fans outside of just the "Twilight" franchise.

The 2011 Teen Choice Awards air August 7 on Fox and you can browse the full list of nominations below (and find the TV and music noms on the show's official site).

Choice Movie: Action
"Fast Five"
"Faster"
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
"The Tourist"
"Unstoppable"

Choice Movie Actor: Action
Michael Cera, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
Johnny Depp, "The Tourist"
Vin Diesel, "Fast Five"
Dwayne Johnson, "Fast Five"
Paul Walker, "Fast Five"

Choice Movie Actress: Action
Jordana Brewster, "Fast Five"
Rosario Dawson, "Unstoppable"
Carla Gugino, "Faster"
Angelina Jolie, "The Tourist"
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"

Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
"Super 8"
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
"X-Men: First Class"

Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Johnny Depp, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Taylor Lautner, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Robert Pattinson, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Daniel Radcliffe, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Ryan Reynolds, "Green Lantern"

Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Penelope Cruz, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Elle Fanning, "Super 8"
Blake Lively, "Green Lantern"
Kristen Stewart, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Emma Watson, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Choice Movie: Drama
"Black Swan"
"Limitless"
"The Roommate"
"Soul Surfer"
"Water for Elephants"

Choice Movie Actor: Drama
Bradley Cooper, "Limitless"
Jesse Eisenberg, "The Social Network"
Cam Gigandet, "The Roommate"
Shia LaBeouf, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"
Robert Pattinson, "Water for Elephants"

Choice Movie Actress: Drama
Minka Kelly, "The Roommate"
Leighton Meester, "Country Strong"
Natalie Portman, "Black Swan"
AnnaSophia Robb, "Soul Surfer"
Reese Witherspoon, "Water for Elephants"

Choice Movie: Romantic Comedy
"Easy A"
"Just Go With It"
"Life As We Know It"
"No Strings Attached"
"Something Borrowed"

Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy
Penn Badgley, "Easy A"
Josh Duhamel, "Life As We Know It"
John Krasinski, "Something Borrowed"
Ashton Kutcher, "No Strings Attached"
Adam Sandler, "Just Go With It"

Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy
Jennifer Aniston, "Just Go With It"
Ginnifer Goodwin, "Something Borrowed"
Natalie Portman, "No Strings Attached"
Emma Roberts, "The Art of Getting By"
Emma Stone, "Easy A"

Choice Movie: Comedy
"Bad Teacher"
"Bridesmaids"
"Due Date"
"Little Fockers"
"The Other Guys"

Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
Russell Brand, "Arthur"
Will Ferrell, "The Other Guys"
Zach Galifianakis, "Due Date" / "The Hangover Part II"
Ed Helms, "The Hangover Part II"
Justin Timberlake, "Bad Teacher"

Choice Movie Actress: Comedy
Cameron Diaz, "Bad Teacher"
Anna Faris, "Take Me Home Tonight"
Eva Mendes, "The Other Guys"
Maya Rudolph, "Bridesmaids"
Kristen Wiig, "Bridesmaids"

Choice Movie: Horror
"Let Me In"
"Paranormal Activity 2"
"Piranha 3D: The Sequel"
"Saw 3D: The Final Chapter"
"Scream 4"

Choice Animated Movie: Voice
Jack Black, "Kung Fu Panda 2"
Johnny Depp, "Rango"
Anne Hathaway, "Rio"
Zachary Levi, "Tangled"
Justin Timberlake, "Yogi Bear"

Choice Movie: Chemistry
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, "The Other Guys"
Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper, "The Hangover Part II"
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, "Just Go With It"
The ""Super 8"" Crew, "Super 8"
The First Class, "X-Men: First Class"

Choice Movie: Liplock
Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer, "Beastly"
Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman,"Black Swan"
Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"

Choice Movie: Hissy Fit The Alien, "Super 8"
Ed Helms, "The Hangover Part II"
Robert Downey Jr., "Due Date"
Mark Wahlberg, "The Other Guys"
Kristin Wiig, "Bridesmaids"

Choice Movie: Villain
Kevin Bacon, "X-Men: First Class"
Tom Felton, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Bryce Dallas Howard, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Ian McShane, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Leighton Meester, "The Roommate"

Choice Movie: Male Scene Stealer
Riley Griffiths, "Super 8"
Andrew Garfield, "The Social Network"
Ken Jeong, "The Hangover Part II"
Kellan Lutz, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Justin Timberlake, "The Social Network"

Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer
Ashley Greene, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Mila Kunis, "Black Swan"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Alyson Michalka, "The Roommate" / "Easy A"
Crystal the Monkey, "The Hangover Part II"

Getty Images

Alice Cooper is no stranger to the macabre: his shows have incorporated guillotines, fake blood, lives snakes, massive amounts of eyeliner and the occasional tearing of a chicken limb to limb. He's a character, as well as a musician.

So it makes perfect sense that Tim Burton would consider Cooper for a cameo role in his upcoming vampire drama "Dark Shadows," which Bloody Disgusting picked up on after the rock star was seen performing with Johnny Depp at the 100 Club in London this past weekend. Cooper's official website revealed that Depp was in town shooting the film and hinted that Cooper may be involved as well.

Aside from his stage theatrics, Cooper has also appeared in several films, including John Carpenter's "Prince of Darkness," "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." OK, maybe that last one doesn't fit, but Cooper's inclusion in these movies should give you a clue as to his acting abilities. He comes with his own costume and make-up!

"Dark Shadows" is based on the '60s TV show of the same name and stars Depp, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz and Jackie Earle Haley. The movie is currently slated for May 11, 2012.

Dreamworks

The last movie Steven Spielberg directed was "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," a film that continues to leave a sour taste with fans even four years later. Well, get ready for a swig and spit -- 2011 is a shaping up to be a large pour of Spielberg-brand mouth wash.

After his CG-driven action/adventure flick "Tintin" debuts on Christmas, Spielberg nuts will be treated to another film by the legendary director: "War Horse."

The film, based on a children's novel by Michael Morpurgo, tells the epic tale of a boy and his equine companion, who find themselves separated amidst the vicious landscape of World War I. The film follows the horse as he journeys through battles, inspiring the people with whom he crosses (gallops?) paths while the world is torn apart by war.

The trailer is reminiscent of a Spielberg we haven't seen in ages, losing the shiny sparkle of movies like "Munich," "War of the Worlds," "Minority Report" and "A.I" and opting for a crisp realism in the vein of "Empire of the Sun" or "Amistad." Along with music by go-to maestro John Williams, the trailer for "War Horse" is majestic the way you'd hope (and expect) a Spielberg movie would be, with sweeping shots of English hills and gleeful horse riding doing most of the talking.

Spielberg's back and, without stuffing it down our throats, "War Horse" already feels like one of the year's top Oscar contenders. The movie stars Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, relative newcomer Jeremy Irvine as the horse's boy, Albert, and hits theaters Dec. 28.

Check out the trailer below.

Epic Pictures Group

Darren Lynn Bousman has the power to make anything creepy. "Repo! The Genetic Opera" made musicals creepy. His upcoming "Mother's Day" made a touching holiday creepy. And now, with "11-11-11," he appears to have made a single number creepy. Counting just became 11 times more difficult.

The first full trailer for the movie has popped up online (via Ropes of Silicon) and takes a wild departure from Bousman's previous, murderous efforts. Gone are the elaborate "Saw" traps and slasher knives -- "11-11-11" is dripping in supernatural symbology and devilish evil.

The movie follows an American author, suffering from the deaths of his wife and child, who travels to Spain to see off his dying father. Along the way, he reconnects with his estranged, priest brother who helps him uncover a horrific, otherworldly connection to the number 11.

The Count never mentioned any of this on Sesame Street.

"11-11-11" looks chock full of haunting imagery (fire! gargoyles! old people!) and thanks to Bousman making it outside of the studio system, shouldn't have a problem being as twisted and jaw-dropping as it promises.

The movie has yet to find an American distributor, but apparently is still aiming for its intended (and logical) release date: November 11, 2011.

Getty Images

With his 2007 film "Gone Baby Gone," Ben Affleck reminded the movie-going public why he won an Oscar for "Good Will Hunting" all those many years ago. His performance didn't snag him gold -- it was the writing. Writing and directing "Gone Baby Gone" was Affleck flipping the bird to people who poo-pooed him for "Armageddon" and "Gigli" and a way for the star to get his hands dirty behind the camera. A reinvention.

But really, who expected Affleck to completely shake off the acting bug?

Affleck gave himself a meaty part in his 2010 follow-up flick "The Town" and now, according to Variety, he'll return as director/actor for "Argo," a dramedy centering on the 1979 rescue of six U.S. diplomats held hostage in Iran's American embassy. The movie is based on an April 2007 Wired article adapted for the screen by Chris Terrio ("Heights"), a script that made the coveted Black List in 2010.

Affleck's casting of himself follows up two veteran actors joining the cast: Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who will play two Hollywood types recruited by the government to stage a fake film shot in Iran, as a cover up to the real mission. Affleck's exact role is unknown, but imagining him as either a CIA operative or a Hollywood maven doesn't seem too difficult.

"Argo" is moving quickly into production and should hit theaters sometime in 2012.

Disney

With Jason Segel and Amy Adams joining Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and the rest of the gang for this Thanksgiving's "The Muppets," it's a given that the movie will bring the funny -- but what about the music?

Bret McKenzie of "Flight of the Conchords" is going to have big shoes to fill, as the new songs he's penned for the film will stand along a legacy of catchy "Muppet" tunes from the past. Not helping his near-impossible task is the announcement of “Muppets: The Green Album,” a disc of 12 cover songs The Playlist reports will hit shelves Aug. 23.

The record features 12 Muppet classics reinterpreted by modern musicians sure to inject the songs with a rockin' umph.  While it's the strange voices of the original Muppets that gave the tunes their original, whimsical feel, the new album sports enough talent to help get us sufficiently pumped for the new flick. Nothing like a tickling of the funny bone courtesy of Muppet-loving, rock stars.

Here's the full line-up:

1. OK Go, “Muppet Show Theme”
2. Weezer and Paramore’s Hayley Williams, “Rainbow Connection”
3. The Fray, “Mahna Mahna”
4. Alkaline Trio, “Moving Right Along”
5. My Morning Jacket, “Our World”
6. Amy Lee, “Halfway Down the Stairs”
7. Sondre Lerche, “Mr. Bassman”
8. The Airborne Toxic Event, “Wishing Song”
9. Atreyu’s Brandon Saller and Good Charlotte’s Billy Martin, “Night Life”
10. Andrew Bird, “Bein’ Green”
11. Matt Nathanson, “I Hope That Something Better Comes Along”
12. Rachael Yamagata, “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday”

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros Studios' "Green Lantern" underperformed over its second weekend, only grossing $18.4 million here at home, for a total of $89.3 million. In summer blockbuster numbers, that's mediocre.

But fans of the film have reason to rejoice: the WB is ready to give the franchise another go.

The studio is readying a sequel to the superhero, sci-fi flick, despite poor box office standings, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The movie, which cost $200 million, debuted after a hefty serving of comic book movies, including "Thor" and "X-Men: First Class," and couldn't build the momentum of either of those films. Still, WB wants a bigger return on their investment and sequel talk may be the answer.

With the "Harry Potter" franchise preparing to serve up its final installment, the movie studio is clamoring for another solid property and "Green Lantern" was supposed to be the answer. Moving forward on a sequel to an underperforming film may sound illogical, but it's strategy. On one hand, it boosts the profile of the current move in theaters. On the other, the WB can now make "Green Lantern 2" on the cheap -- they already spent the money developing the costly effects for the first movie. Even in the face of financial failure, "GL2" stands to do solid business.

Whether we'll ever see a sequel to "Lantern" is anyone's guess, but in this day and age, a franchise is a coveted building block -- and one that can bring in serious green.

Getty Images

Director Christopher Nolan packed "Batman Begins" chock full of A-List actors, so it's no surprise that his latest producing project, the Zack Snyder-directed, Superman reboot "Man of Steel," is following suit.

Along with the recently-announced Russell Crowe, the movie sports Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Amy Adams, Julia Ormond, Michael Shannon and Henry Cavill as Superman. Now, according to Hollywood Reporter, the epic superhero film is adding another familiar face: Christopher Meloni.

Meloni starred on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" for 12 seasons before recently hanging it up, but with his inclusion in "Man of Steel," he's showing no signs of slowing. The actor's role in the film is unknown, although the folks at Vulture speculate that Meloni's hinting at a recent theater gala suggest he could be playing "a general." In Superman lore, Lois Lane's father Sam was a top military boss -- could the character play a pivotal role in the film?

While Meloni's stint on "SVU" gives him the clout to play a rough, tough attitude to play an army general, he's also a seasoned comedic, with stints in "Wet Hot American Summer" and TV shows like "Wonder Showzen." Needless to say, don't count Meloni out for roles like the sharp witted Daily Planet editor Perry White or the nefarious mastermind Lex Luthor.

Meloni spilled the beans that he'll film "Man of Steel" towards the end of August, with his parts shooting in Chicago, Vancouver and Edwards Air Force Base. That military general part is starting to make more and more sense...

"Man of Steel" is currently set for release in Dec. 2012.

Getty Images

"Lord of the Rings" may have turned him into a movie star, but at the end of the day, Viggo Mortensen is an actor, or better yet, a chameleon. His intense, committed and often unrecognizable performances have put him in the top tier of talent working today -- so when a project with his name on it rolls around, the movie deservedly jumps to the top of must-see lists.

Mortensen will next take on David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method," but LA Times already has news on his follow up. Teaming up with Hossein Amini, screenwriter of the upcoming "Snow White and the Huntsman" and Ryan Gosling action drama "Drive," Moretensen will help shepherd an adaptation of the novel "The Two Faces of January," a thriller set in Greece.

Based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith (author of "The Talented Mr. Ripley"), the story concerns a con artist and his wife who meet a stranger during their vacation in Athens. After murdering a Greek police officer, the trio goes on the run, evading authorities as they attempt to flee the country. The right mix of "Ripley"'s mystery injected with a dose of action -- a fitting mix for the brainy star.

Which male lead Mortensen would tackle is unknown, but the actor and writer are currently gathering money to shoot the movie (with Amini in the director's chair) sometime this year.

Getty Images

Teaming up with an A-List producer or director for your very first starring role is not a bad way to start an acting career. Just ask Joel Courtney, the lead kid in J.J. Abrams' "Super 8," who's currently in the beginning stages of racking up every male tween role from here to the end of the Mississippi.

This is known as the "Hailee Steinfeld Effect."

Courtney will ride the success of the sci-fi coming of age tale into one of the most well-known youngster roles in history: Tom Sawyer. The actor will star in writer/director Jo Kastner's new adaptation of "Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn," reports Variety, which is gearing up to shoot this August.

The mischievous character is a creation of legendary American author Mark Twain and appeared in a handful of novels. Which stories Kastner's new movie will cover is unknown, but expect plenty of steamboats, white picket fences and Southern drawl.

The article also reveals that Courtney is in negotiations to join the supernatural thriller "The Healer." In the film, the young actor will play a disgruntled teen who joins his father on a camping trip on to have a run-in with otherworldly forces.

Courtney gained a lot of leverage from his role in "Super 8" and we expect "Tom Sawyer" and "The Healer" to be only the beginning of his lengthy career. So, seriously -- what movie can he do with Hailee Steinfeld?

Sony

Few models-turned-actresses are worth their weight in gold... and not simply because you wouldn't receive that much gold in the first place. They may be pretty to look at, but oftentimes they don't hold a candle to a professional actress.

Cameron Diaz is a rare exception, transcending her conventional good looks to star in movies that span the spectrum of genres. Goofy comedies, hard dramas, animated fairy tales and the bizarre arthouse fare -- there are few projects Diaz can't pull off.

Her latest is the raunchy comedy "Bad Teacher," which once again shows off the actress' innate talents for making us laugh. In honor of her diverse career, here are nine moments that continue to stand out.

9. 'The Mask' (1994)

New Line

Diaz was only 21 when she nabbed the role of Tina in the "The Mask" -- easily one of Jim Carrey's most manic performances to date (he was playing a live-action cartoon, to be fair).

So how does a newbie actress stand out against a man who can stretch, bend and twirl any which way at the speed of light? Simple: Let him take her for the ride. Or in the case of this one scene, the dance.

8. 'Knight and Day' (2010)

Black out once, shame on you. Black out twice, shame on the spy who continually knocks you out because he thinks you'll be safer that way.

In "Knight and Day," Diaz's June wakes up from her drugged-out state for a third time to find herself bikini-clad on a tropical beach. This would be great...if it didn't involve hiding out from assailants while running around with manic agent Tom Cruise. Easy to see why the fists start flying.

7. 'The Sweetest Thing' (2002)

Diaz teamed up with two other funny ladies, Christina Applegate and Selma Blair, for the raunchy, often fantastical, rom-com "The Sweetest Thing" and there are moments in the movie that would make even Judd Apatow go wide-eyed. In one sequence, Diaz, Applegate and Blair take the "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene to a new level, with a song-and-dance number inspired by their fake reactions during sex. Weird, shocking and hilarious.

6. 'Being John Malkovich' (1999)

Universal

Cameron Diaz in "Being John Malkovich" may be the most un-Cameron Diaz she'll ever be: frizzy hair, frumpy clothing and a demeanor to boot. By de-glamorizing herself, Diaz makes her first transformation into the actor John Malkovich one to remember. Stepping through a small doorway in a half-sized office, Diaz's character Lotte inhabits the thespian's body, allowing her to live out transgender dreams.

The scene is one of Diaz's best, because you completely forget that you're watching Cameron Diaz.

5. 'Bad Teacher' (2011)

You know what they say: If you've got it, flaunt it -- and that's exactly what Diaz does in "Bad Teacher."

Maybe the scene doesn't take the finest acting skills, but if you want to prove you're the hottest teacher in the world, then scrubbing down cars in a bathing suit doesn't hurt. Needless to say, she proves it. Big time.

4. 'My Best Friend's Wedding' (1997)

Feeling sympathetic for a gorgeous blonde who's desperately in love with the man of her dreams may not sound easy, but when Julia Roberts spends most of a movie backstabbing said blonde in order to steal her husband, it's perfectly reasonable.

Cameron Diaz projects all our agitation towards America's sweetheart when she lashes out at Roberts' character in "My Best Friend's Wedding." Fulfilling, until Diaz decides to be the better woman and hug it out. Until next time, Julia Roberts...

3. 'Charlie's Angels' (2000)

Natalie's one dream is to show off her moves on "Soul Train," the classic R&B dance show. When she finally gets the chance, she gives it all she's got. All she's got, unfortunately, is the corniest dance of all time.

In-between the action scenes of McG's fem-powered blockbuster, Diaz's tall, blonde Angel gets down with her bad self. The scene helps make sense of why she would fall for Luke Wilson. They're both awkward as hell.

2. 'Shrek' (2001)

Dreamworks

Diaz gets the animated treatment courtesy of "Shrek" -- but Fiona isn't your run-of-the-mill cartoon princess. She frolics around the forest singing to birds, but one cacophonous, off-key note blows her avian friend into a cloud of feathers.

Fitting that Fiona is a twisted version of a fairy tale damsel, while her live-action counterpart defies stereotype time and time again.

1. 'There's Something About Mary' (1998)

Proof that Diaz is bolder than 99 percent of the actresses working today, her infamous scene from "There's Something About Mary" is one that will stand out in movie history as one of the sickest, funniest things ever committed to film. She doesn't even have to do too much -- after grabbing some... residual... off of Ben Stiller's ear and swiping back her hair, Diaz simply dives into conversation. She doesn't know the awful truth. We do. It's glorious.

Warner Bros.

Last week, "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling revealed a brand new website for her wizarding franchise, "Pottermore," a page shrouded in secrecy with promises of a future revelation. We had a few guesses as to what could be up her robe sleeve, but all guesses were exactly that. Pure speculation.

Until now.

This morning, a recorded message from Rowling popped up online (along with a press conference across the Atlantic) announcing the true nature of "Pottermore:" a hub for all things Potter, old and new. Rowling explained in a whimsical introduction video that the site, "will be the place for fans of any age can share, participate in and rediscover the stories" and that it will feature "the same story with a few crucial additions -- the most important is you."

Rowling stresses that "Pottermore" will be something of a collaboration between her and her fanbase and promises that she'll be on hand to delve further into the world of "Potter" with "additional information [she's] been hoarding for years." At the press conference, Rowling revealed she's written over 18,000 additional words that build on characters and experiences from the books, which she'll share with her rabid fans through "Pottermore."

But this isn't simply a "Harry Potter" wiki page -- beyond being a compendium and forum for all things Hogwarts, Rowling also promises interactive games based on moments in the books. "Pottermore" users will be able to answer the Sorting Hat's questions to find their proper house or head to Ollivanders to pick a wand from over 33,000 combinations. For those who can't trek to Florida for the Wizarding World theme park, "Pottermore" is the next best thing.

Slipped subtly in was one last major announcement: the debut of "Harry Potter" e-books. "Pottermore" will be the hub for both new audio books and the first ever e-versions of the "Potter" series -- a move long-anticipated by fans.

Registration for "Pottermore" begins on July 31 (for an October launch) but Rowling announced that the site will launch "an online challenge" later this summer that will allow the first one million registered users through the gate early. Always a good idea to start racking up those house team points early.

Whatever "Pottermore" sounds like on paper, it's the beginning of something innovative and unprecedented, the continuation of a franchise through the online medium. The site may not offer a brand spankin' new 800-page book to run home and read under the covers of your bed on a rainy day, but it does give eternal life to the series and open up the possibilities...to anything.

Finally, the world inches closer to a Neville Longbottom spin-off.

Check out J.K. Rowling's announcement below.

Warner Bros.

With the editing of movie trailers quickly becoming an art in its own right, its only fair that the brains behind the stylish ads be rewarded for their efforts.

Enter: The Golden Trailer Awards.

This year marks the 12th round for the awards and, telling from the recently released nominees, should be spotlighting some of our favorite flicks from 2010 and 2011.

Following in the footsteps of past winners like "Sherlock Holmes," "The Dark Knight," "A Serious Man" and "The Wrestler," are 2010 highlights like "Inception," "The King's Speech," "The Social Network," "127 Hours," and "Sucker Punch," while 2011 entires include "Super 8," "Battle: Los Angeles," "Tree of Life," and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

Check out the full list of nominees below, which also includes categories for posters and TV spots. The 12th Annual Golden Trailer Award winners will be announced on June 29.

Best Action
Inception “Control”, Warner Bros., BLT:AV
Sucker Punch “Trailer”, Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures, Mojo
The Town “This Side”, Warner Bros., Wild Card
Unstoppable “Domestic Trailer”, 20th Century Fox, Ignition Creative

Best Animation/Family
Cars 2 “Spies Are Us”, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, mOcean
Gnomeo & Juliet, Walt Disney Studios, The Ant Farm
Hop “Battle For Easter”, 20th Century Fox, Cimarron Entertainment
Rango “Teaser”, Paramount Pictures, The Ant Farm

Best Comedy
Bad Teacher “Hot For Teacher”, Columbia, Seismic Productions
The Hangover Part II “Trailer #3”, Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures, BLT:AV
The Other Guys “Return to Glory”, Columbia, Seismic Productions
Paul “Trailer”, Universal/Working Title, Workshop Creative

Best Documentary
Catfish, Universal Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates
Life in a Day “Best Day Ever Trailer, Scott Free/National Geographic, Empire Design
Running America, Nehst, Mighty Pictures
The Tillman Story “Trailer 1”, The Weinstein Company/ A&E Indie Films, Zealot Productions Inc.

Best Drama
127 Hours, Fox Searchlight/Pathe, Motive
Hereafter “Connection”, Warner Bros., Wild Card
The King's Speech, The Weinstein Company, AV Squad
The Social Network “Domestic Trailer #2”, Sony Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates

Best Horror
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark “Whisper”, Miramax, Buddha Jones
The Last Exorcism, Lionsgate, Mojo
Let Me In “More”, Overture/Hammer/Relativity Films, Buddha Jones
The Rite “Proof”, New Line Cinema, Aspect Ratio

Best Independent
It's Kind of a Funny Story, Focus Features, Big Science Film, Inc
Martha Marcy May Marlene “Can't Wait”, Fox Searchlight, Acme Trailer Company
Tree of Life, Fox Searchlight, Mark Woollen & Associates
Winter's Bone, Roadside Attractions, AV Squad

Best Music
Battle: Los Angeles “Prepare”, Columbia/Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Card
Rabbit Hole “Trailer 1A”, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Social Network “Trailer 2”, Sony Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates
Sucker Punch “Trailer”, Warner Bros., Mojo

Best Romance
Beginners, Focus Features, Mark Woollen & Associates
Blue Valentine “Trailer 1”, The Weinstein Company, Zealot Productions Inc
Love and Other Drugs “Match Trailer”, 20th Century Fox, Empire Design
Something Borrowed “Best Things”, Alcon Entertainment/Warner Bros., Trailer Park

Best Thriller
Black Swan, Fox Searchlight, Mark Woollen & Associates
Buried “Trailer 1A”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Super 8, Paramount Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates
Unknown “Puzzle”, Warner Bros., AV Squad

Best Video Game Trailer
Crysis 2 “Launch Trailer”, Electronic Arts, Hammer Creative
End of Nations “Backstory Trailer”, The Ant Farm, Trion Worlds
Prototype 2 “Maker”, Radical Entertainment, Buddha Jones
Starcraft II “Prepare”, Blizzard Entertainment, Mojo

The Don LaFontaine Award for Best Voice Over
Biutiful “Intl Trailer”, Focus Features International, Mark Woollen & Associates
Born To Be Wild “Evolution”, Warner Bros. Pictures, Mob Scene Creative + Productions
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc Sec “UK Trailer”, Optimum Releasing, The Editpool
Tangled “Flynn's Story”, Walt Disney Studios, mOcean

Golden Fleece
Burlesque “Make A Star”, Screen Gems, Seismic Productions
Faster “Int'l Trailer B”, Sony Pictures Releasing, Tao Creative
Stone “Trailer”, Overture Films, In Sync Advertising
The Tourist “Domestic Trailer”, Columbia, Create Advertising Group

Most Original Trailer
Battle: Los Angeles “Prepare”, Columbia/Fox Searchlight, Wild Card
Buried “Trailer 1A”, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Social Network “Domestic Trailer #2”, Sony Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates
Tree of Life, Fox Searchlight, Mark Woollen & Associates

Summer 2011 Blockbuster Trailer
Cowboys & Aliens “Domestic Trailer”, Universal Pictures/Paramount Pictures, Ignition Creative
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 “Jack”, Walt Disney Pictures, Create Advertising Group
Super 8, Paramount Pictures, Mark Woollen & Associates
Transformers: Dark of the Moon “Alien Secret”, Paramount Pictures, Wild Card

Trashiest Trailer
F “UK Trailer”, Optimum Releasing, The Editpool
Hobo With A Shotgun “Red Band”, Magnet, AV Squad
Machete “Machete Int'l Trailer B”, Sony Pictures Releasing Int'l, Tao Creative
Piranha 3D “Waiting”, Dimension Films, Buddha Jones

********

Technical Categories

Best Motion/Title Graphics
Anonymous “Teaser”, Columbia Pictures, Vibe Creative,Inc.
I Love You Phillip Morris “Guess Who's Coming – Green Band”, Roadside Attractions, Trailer Park
Saw 3D “Witness”, Lionsgate, Buddha Jones
The Wrecking Crew “Official Trailer”, Lunch Box Entertainment, Evolver Creative Inc.

Best Sound Editing
Battle: Los Angeles “Domestic Trailer: Secret”, Columbia Pictures, Ignition Creative
I Saw the Devil “Red Band”, Magnet, AV Squad
The Mechanic “Clear Message”, CBS Films, Trailer Park
Transformers: Dark of the Moon “Alien Secret”, Paramount Pictures, Wild Card

Best Trailer – Non Movie
Jersey Boys “4 Friends Trailer”, Create Advertising Group
The Oregon Trail, Half Day Today!

********

Foreign Trailer Categories

Best Foreign Action Trailer
22 Bullets “German Trailer”, Europa Corp/Central Film/Wild Bunch, Trailerhaus
Carlos “German Trailer”, Warner Bros. Pictures, Trailerhaus
Centurion, Magnolia Pictures, Kinetic Trailers
Valhalla Rising “Theatrical Trailer”, IFC Films, Kinetic Trailers

Best Foreign Comedy Trailer
Potiche “Trailer 1”, Music Box Films, Zealot Productions Inc
Soul Kitchen “Soul Kitchen”, IFC Films, Big Science Film, Inc
Submarine “Trailer 1”, The Weinstein Company, Zealot Productions Inc
Wild Target, Vue Entertainment/Free Style Releasing, Create Advertising Group

Best Foreign Drama Trailer
Empire of Silver, Neo Classics Films, Big Science Film, Inc.
The King's Speech “Trailer 1”, Momentum Pictures, Zealot Productions Inc
Life, Above All “Theatrical Trailer”, Sony Pictures Classics, Kinetic Trailers
Oranges and Sunshine “Trailer 1”, Icon Films, Zealot Productions Inc

Best Foreign Horror/Thriller Trailer
F “UK Trailer”, Optimum Releasing, The Editpool
I Saw the Devil “Red Band”, Magnet, AV Squad
REC2 “Red Band”, Magnet, AV Squad
Silent House “Theatrical Trailer”, IFC Films, Kinetic Trailers

Best Foreign Romance Trailer
Empire of Silver, NeoClassics Films, Big Science Film, Inc
Goethe! “Main Trailer”, Warner Bros. Germany, Fleischmann Trailer
Rosebud “Cinema Trailer”, Monolith Films, Trailer and More
Tequila, Quality Films, Fix Comunicacion

Most Original Foreign Trailer
Drei “Main Trailer”, X Verleih, Fleischmann Trailer
REC2 “Red Band”, Magnet, AV Squad
Rubber “Greenband Trailer 1”, Magnolia Pictures, Zealot Productions Inc
Wasted on the Young “Teaser”, Paramount, The Solid State

********

TV Spots

Best Action TV Spot
Fast Five “Fast Women”, Universal Pictures, AV Squad
I Am Number Four “Not Alone-Male”, DreamWorks/Disney,Trailer Park
Sucker Punch “Punch It”, Warner Bros., mOcean
The Town “Alarm Review”, Warner Bros., Motive

Best Animation/Family TV Spot
HOP “Carrot Quiz”, Nickelodeon, Mojo
Megamind “Vote for Mega”, DreamWorks, Buddha Jones
Rango “Behind the Scenes” Paramount Pictures, The Ant Farm
Toy Story 3 “Biggest Ever/Clothes”, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, mOcean

Best Comedy TV Spot
Bridesmaids “Celebrate :60”, Universal Pictures, Workshop Creative
The Green Hornet “Paradise”, Columbia Pictures, Vibe Creative, Inc.
The Other Guys “Work Together”, Columbia Pictures, Seismic Productions
Paul “Dessert”, Universal Pictures, The Ant Farm

Best Drama TV Spot
Black Swan “Masterpiece”, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Create Advertising Group
The Fighter “Train”, Paramount Pictures, AV Squad
The Lincoln Lawyer “Personal”, Lionsgate, Mojo
The Town “The Crew Review”, Warner Bros., Motive

Best Foreign TV Spot
The Disappearance of Alice Creed “15 Sec”, Icon, The Solid State
Gainsbourg “Journey 30”, Optimum Releasing,The Editpool
The King's Speech “Few Words”, Momentum Pictures, Create Advertising Group
Never Let Me Go “Everlasting”, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Create Advertising Group

Best Graphics in a TV Spot
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 “Everything Review”, Warner Bros., Mojo
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole “Awesome Review”, Warner Bros.,Mojo
Salt “Big Event Review”, Columbia Pictures, Vibe Creative,Inc
Sucker Punch “Explosive Review”, Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures, Trailer Park

Best Horror TV Spot
The Last Exorcism “Trailer Cutdown”, Lionsgate, Mojo
Priest “Reach Out”, Screen Gems, Vibe Creative, Inc.
The Rite “Believe”, New Line Cinema, AV Squad
The Rite “Images”, New Line Cinema, Buddha Jones

Best Independent TV Spot
Blue Valentine “Mesmerizing”, The Weinstein Company, Zealot Productions Inc
Buried “Help (DVD)" 30, Lionsgate, The Editpool
Jane Eyre “TV Spot – Escape”, Focus Features, Kinetic Trailers
The Kids Are All Right “We're All The Same”, Focus Features, Seismic Productions

Best Music TV Spot
Blue Valentine “Honeycomb 20 (DVD [FREE Stock Trend Analysis])”, The Weinstein Company, The Editpool
The Expendables “Attitude”, Lionsgate, Fishbowl
For Colored Girls “I Know Who I Am”, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Green Hornet “Paradise”, Columbia Pictures, Vibe Creative, Inc.

Best Romance TV Spot
Blue Valentine “Mesmerizing”, The Weinstein Company, Zealot Productions Inc
Killers “Love-G”, Lionsgate, Mojo
Life As We Know It “The Love”, Warner Bros.,Trailer Park
Something Borrowed “Best Things”, Warner Bros./Alcon Entertainment, Trailer Park

Best Summer Blockbuster 2011 TV Spot
Fast Five “Superbowl”, Universal Pictures, AV Squad
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 “Superbowl Captain”, Walt Disney Pictures, Create Advertising Group
Thor “Myth”, Paramount Pictures, AV Squad
Transformers: Dark of the Moon “Dark”, Paramount Pictures, Ignition Creative

Best Thriller TV Spot
Black Swan “Pressure”, Fox Searchlight, Mark Woollen & Associates
Hanna “Unknown”, Focus Features, AV Squad
Limitless “Movie in a Minute”, Relativity, Motive
The Next Three Days “Getting Out”, Lionsgate, Mojo

Best Video Game TV Spot
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep “Beginning”, Square Enix, mOcean
Mortal Kombat (Mortal Kombat 30” TV Post 9), Warner Bros. Interactive, The Creative Partnership
Shift 2 Unleashed “Trailer”, Electronic Arts
Starcraft II “Glory Revised”, Blizzard Entertainment, Mojo

Best Voice Over TV Spot
Cyrus “Shower”, Fox Searchlight, Motive
The Expendables “Testosterone Review”, Lionsgate, Fishbowl
The Last Exorcism “Devil 10”, Optimum Releasing, The Editpool
Madea's Big Happy Family “Prescripture”, Lionsgate, Ignition

Most Original TV Spot
The Disappearance of Alice Creed “15 sec”, Icon, The Solid State
Limitless “Movie in a Minute”, Relativity, Motive
Madea's Big Happy Family “Prescripture”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Megamind “Mega Rap”, DreamWorks, Buddha Jones

********

Poster Categories

Best Action Poster
Cowboys & Aliens “Teaser One Sheet”, Universal, Ignition
The Mechanic “One Sheet”, CBS Films, Ignition
The Next Three Days “McQueen” Poster, Lionsgate, Ignition
Sucker Punch “One-sheet Retro Babydoll”, Warner Bros., Ignition

Best Animation/Family Poster
Alpha and Omega “Log Ride Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Legend of the Guardians “One Sheet”, Warner Bros., Mojo
Madea's Big Happy Family “Brady Bunch Poster”, Lionsgate, Kustom Creative
Rio “Teaser 2Sheet Finish V4”, 20th Century Fox International, The Refinery

Best Comedy Poster
Madea's Big Happy Family “Black Swan Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Madea's Big Happy Family “God Mother Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Super “One Sheet”, IFC Films, Mojo
Your Highness “Your Highness”, Universal Pictures, Cold Open

Best Documentary Poster
Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer, Magnolia Pictures, Cold Open
Freakonomics “Final Art 1sheet”, Magnolia Pictures, The Refinery
Making the Boys, First Run Features, Greenlight Creative
The Tall Man “Poster”, Blackfella Films,The Solid State

Best Drama Poster
127 Hours “One Sheet”, Fox Searchlight, Ignition
For Colored Girls “Tears Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Inception “Bus Shelter (Paris)”, Warner Bros., Ignition
Rabbit Hole “Tire Swing Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition

Best Horror Poster
The Last Exorcism “Back Bend Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Last Exorcism “Wall Demon Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Let Me In “One Sheet”, Overture Films, Ignition
My Soul to Take, Universal Pictures, Cold Open

Best Independent Poster
127 Hours “One Sheet”, Fox Searchlight, Ignition
Buried “Coffin Poster” Lionsgate, Ignition
Madea's Big Happy Family “Godmother Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Rabbit Hole “Tire Swing Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition

Best Foreign/International Poster
I Am Love, Metrodome Distribution, allcity media
Red Riding Hood (One Sheet), Warner Bros., Ignition
The Tourist (One Sheet), Studio Canal, Ignition
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (One-Sheet), Sony Pictures Classics, Ignition

Best Romance Poster
Ceremony (One Sheet), Magnolia Pictures, Ignition
I Love You Phillip Morris (One Sheet), Roadside Attractions, Ignition
One Day (One Sheet), Focus Features, Mojo
Rabbit Hole (Panels Poster), Lionsgate, Ignition

Best Summer 2011 Blockbuster Poster
Captain America: The First Avenger “Domestic Teaser”, Paramount Pictures, BLT & Associates, Inc
Cowboys & Aliens “Teaser One-sheet”, Universal Pictures, Ignition
Fast Five “Fast Five”, Universal Pictures, Cold Open
Super 8 “Final One Sheet”, Paramount Pictures, BLT & Associates,Inc.

Best Teaser Poster
Buried “Coffin Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Catfish “Catfish”, Universal Pictures,Cold Open
Madea's Big Happy Family “One Sheet”, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Mechanic “One Sheet”, CBS Films, Ignition

Best Thriller Poster
Buried “Vertigo Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Inception “Bus Shelter “Folding City”, Warner Bros., Ignition
The Next Three Days “Map Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Source Code “One Sheet”, Summit Entertainment, Ignition

Best Video Game Poster
Def Jam Rap Star “Rapstar One Sheet”, 4mm Games, The Refinery
Fight Night Champion “One-sheet”, EA Sports, Ignition

Best Wildposts
Priest “Priest 004”, Screen Gems, The Refinery
The Roommate “Wild Posting”, Sony Screen Gems, Ignition
Sucker Punch “Character Banners”, Warner Bros., Mojo
Super “Wild Postings”, IFC Films, Mojo

Most Original Poster
Buried “Coffin” Poster, Lionsgate, Ignition
The Expendables “International Poster”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Inception “Mosaic Character” Posters, Warner Bros., Ignition
The Mechanic “One Sheet”, CBS Films, Ignition

Trashiest Poster
Kaboom, IFC, Mojo
Orgasm Inc., First Run Features, Greenlight Creative

Best Standee for Feature Film
The Expendables “Standee”, Lionsgate, Ignition
Hanna “Standee”, Focus Features, Ignition
Inception “In Theater Totems”, Warner Bros., Ignition
Sucker Punch “Standee”, Warner Bros., Ignition

Getty Images

UPDATE: Deadline confirms that Elba's deal is done and he will be playing the lead role in del Toro's "Pacific Rim."

-------------

In the future of Guillermo del Toro's new movie "Pacific Rim," citizens of the planet Earth operate robots to ward off giant, Godzilla-like monsters. Depending on if the casting rumors are true, the humans may not need to waste their time with robots -- ll it'll take is badass glare from one man in particular.

Former "Wire" actor Idris Elba is said to be circling a lead role in "Pacific Rim," according to The Wrap, where the actor would co-star with with "Sons of Anarchy" star Charlie Hunnam. It's hard to think of two better people to help save humanity.

But the deal's not done yet.

Elba is in high demand these, recently wrapping the "Ghost Rider" sequel "Spirit of Vengeance" and the pseudo-"Alien" prequel "Prometheus" for legendary director Ridley Scott. He's also one of the top contenders for the lead role in Quentin Tarantino's new film "Django Unchained," a film that might take priority over "Pacific Rim." The decision is tough: oppressive, white slave-owners or enormous creatures hellbent on destroying the world -- which is more fun to punch in the face?

News of Elba's next film should be on its way soon, but whichever project he chooses, we can rest assured that we'll be seeing plenty of one of our favorite actors in the future.

(Originally published on June 6, 2011, at 9:51 a.m. ET)

Getty Images

Hand to the action stars of the '80s: they certainly haven't let age get them down. Bruce Willis is still churning out explosive blockbusters, Stallone has his "Expendables," Robert Rodriguez finds ways to sustain Steven Segal's career and Arnold Schwarzenegger...well, he was inches away from a comeback.

Audiences can't get enough of their old school heroes.

So it's with open arms that we herald the return of Jean-Claude Van Damme, who returns to the world of contrived-plotlines-in-the-name-of-butt-kicking for the new movie "Six Bullets." The $10 million movie will be directed by direct-to-DVD maven Ernie Barbarash, reports Variety, and will star Van Damme as "an ex-mercenary kidnapping expert hired by a martial arts fighter whose daughter has gone missing."

Sure, that sounds fine. The article fails to mention if Van Damme will be dropping into a split in order to punch a bad guy in the balls, but for now, it's safe to assume that anything is possible.

The martial art movie star recently spoofed his own life for the meta action movie "JCVD," a film closer in nature to Fellini's "8 1/2" than Newt Arnold's "Bloodsport." Easily the best film Van Damme's ever made, "JCVD" saw the actor pouring emotion and pleaing with the powers that be to let him escape his action star past. Seemingly authentic, the role doesn't seem to have affected his willingness to jump back into the ring for another round of low-budget, karate mayhem. Oh well.

"Six Bullets" starts shooting in Europe and North America this August, so keep an eye out for JCVD's return sometime in 2012.

In the meantime, check out JCVD's Greatest Moments.

Sony

Back in the 1970s, David Cronenberg solidified himself as a master of horror, specifically of the venereal variety. While his taste for fantastical, bodily mutilation seems to have subsided in recent years, his work has always contained a hefty helping of impassioned creepiness.

But his latest, "A Dangerous Method," appears to pull no punches -- the first trailer has debuted on Empire and cranks that off-kilter sexuality up to eleven.

The movie stars Michael Fassbender and Viggo Mortensen (now a three-time Cronenberg vet, previously starring in "The History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises") as the famed psychiatrists Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud (respectively), who find themselves in a bitter feud over a beautiful female patient. Keira Knightley plays Sabina Spielrein, who began as Jung's patient until the two fell in love. Freud catches his former student in the web of deceit and exploits him for his own gain. The threesome's entangled relationships form the core drama of "A Dangerous Method."

The movie is based on the play "The Talking Cure," by Academy Award-winning writer Christopher Hampton, which in itself is based on the non-ficiton book "A Most Dangerous Method." If that doesn't sound particularly rousing wait until you see the trailer. The short spot is chock full scenes that pop, with Fassbender, Mortensen and Knightley doing what they do best: acting the hell out of their parts.

"A Dangerous Method" will premiere at this year's Venice Film Festival and make its way into theaters sometime before the end of the year -- ready to sweep up a few Oscars, for sure.

Getty Images

In the future, film historians will look back to the year 2011 and talk of the great "Snow White" war, when two studio titans engaged in race to see who could deliver the first big budget adaptation of a public domain fantasy story. An epic tale.

Unfortunately, for those of us living in 2011, the whole mess is starting to be downright confusing.

The latest news from the battlefield gives a glimmer of hope to one of the "Snow White" projects: "Deadwood" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" actor Ian McShane has signed on to "Snow White and the Huntsman" as a dwarf, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

McShane will play Caeser, leader of Snow White's pint-size pals, alongside Kristen Stewart as the aforementioned fair maiden and Chris Hemsworth, as the man who trains Snow White to kick ass. Remember that part of the story?

"Snow White and the Huntsman" has a lot of traction to make up for -- it's set to open in theaters on June 1, 2012, while its competitor "Snow White," opens March 16, 2012 -- but solid casting like McShane is a good start. Whether they'll employ the same camera trickery used in "Lord of the Rings" to drop McShane down a few shoulder lengths or cut him down with CG magic, one thing is for sure -- Caeser won't be a quiet dwarf. He might be tiny, but McShane can pack quite the punch.

Getty Images

Legendary director Woody Allen is flying high with his critically-acclaimed "Midnight in Paris" doing bang up business in the current art house scene, but he's never been one to slow down. He already has a new film gearing up to shoot, with a cast to impress. Eat your heart out, "New Year's Eve."

Allen's always had a knack for casting the best in the biz (specifically, adorable leading ladies) and his next, "The Bop Decameron," is no exception.

Set to roll this July in Rome the movie will star the previously rumored Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Alec Baldwin and Penelope Cruz, as well as "Arthur" star Greta Gerwig, Alison Pill of "Scott Pilgrim" and Oscar-winning Italian savant Roberto Benigni.

If that wasn't enough, Allen himself will step back in front of the screen for the film, his first acting role since 2006's "Scoop."

Little is known about the project, but the title hints at a connection to "The Decameron," a series of 100 novellas written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 1300s. The stories tackle love in all its incarnations -- a subject matter that Allen has dabbled with over his lengthy career and one he could expand on with a solid ensemble cast.

"Bop Decameron" will wrap later this year, so look out for it early in 2012.

View Gallery »

Lionsgate

Anyone who thinks a modern reboot of "Conan the Barbarian" is going to be a watered-down, money-grubbing shell of its former self is in for a serious awakening. An awakening filled with the screams of a bulky warrior's sliced and diced victims, to be exact.

The official red band trailer for the remake popped up at IGN and gives a taste for the true mayhem in store. Like an Iron Maiden album cover come to life, director Marcus Nispel's ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Friday the 13th" remakes) vision of the legendary character is chock full of fantastical landscapes, gritty battles and splatters of blood flying in every direction.

The movie looks cheesy as all hell, but when you watch it explode across the screen like a Jackson Pollock nightmare, it's hard to imagine it any other way.

The movie features "Stargate Atlantis" star Jason Momoa as the titular barbarian, who battles his way through countless soldiers to take on a pissed off witch named Marique (Rose McGowan) and seek revenge against Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang), a warlord who slaughtered his family. Helping him out is the always-badass Ron Perlman ("Sons of Anarchy") and beautiful love interest Rachel Nichols ("Star Trek," "G.I. Joe"). The plot may sound familiar, but one gets the sense from the red band trailer that it's all an excuse to paint with blood.

"Conan the Barbarian" -- not for the squeamish.

Warning: The trailer is NSFW for massive amounts of gore and teeny, weeny bit of nudity, but check it out if you can take it.

Getty Images

Director Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim" is shaping up to be one classic monster movie. He's got his rugged leading man in Charlie Hunnam ("Sons of Anarchy"), a badass, beast butt-kicker in Idris Elba ("The Wire," "Thor") and now, he has the perfect dose of comic relief.

Charlie Day of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and the upcoming "Horrible Bosses" has signed on to the creature feature, according to Variety, where he'll play the very vague role of "professor." Either Day is stepping up his intelligence game from the dim-witted "Sunny" character Charlie to a bookish elite or he's playing one of those teachers with wacky end-of-the-world theories no one believes. Since monsters are involved, we're thinking the latter.

After his R-Rated sci-fi/fantasy movie "At the Mountains of Madness," Del Toro quickly scrambled to put together a rebound project, choosing the intended tentpole "Pacific Rim" to put into motion. Details on the project are vague, other than it involves human's rising up against a slew of enormous beasts that threaten to wipe us out. Finally, a reason to stop watchign "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" rereuns.

There's no set date for "Pacific Rim," although production is intended to start this fall. After "Horrible Bosses" opens July 8, Day's schedule looks all clear -- plenty of time to duke it out with a few overgrown monsters.

Getty Images

No one will deny: the power of "Twilight" is strong. The franchise possesses the uncanny ability to turn relatively unknown young actors into the next big thing. First it was Robert Pattinson, then it was Taylor Lautner, but now a new face is on the rise: Xavier Samuels.

Samuels was last seen on the hunt in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," as the bloodthirsty vampire Riley, and now he's spinning that time in the limelight into bigger and flashier roles.

The budding Australian star has just signed on for "Drift," reports Variety, co-starring in the surfing drama with another It-Guy from down under, Sam Worthington. The two will play a pair of brothers in the '70s who open a surf-wear shop and turn it into the biggest thing since sliced bread. The movie will be heavy on the surfing while stringing the picture along with the dynamic between the two leads.

While he spent most of his time in "Eclipse" looking hungry and fighting off the Cullen clan, "Drift" should give Samuels a juicier role to sink his teeth into. The indie is set to shoot this summer with an intended delivery date of sometime in 2012, but when we'll see the movie in the United States is up in the air.

Before he catches a few gnarly waves in "Drift," Samuels will appear in director Roland Emmerich's Victorian-era mystery "Anonymous." Even when it come to surfing, it won't hurt Samuels to have brushed up on his Shakespeare.

Columbia Pictures

Brad Pitt is nearing 50 and in his lengthy career, he's played some larger than life characters. The fierce Greek warrior Achilles, a secret agent husband in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," a man who ages backwards in "Benjamin Button" and Death himself in "Meet Joe Black."

Now, in his new movie, Pitt is stretching himself, by tackling a character that's out of his norm: some dude.

Pitt plays Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane in "Moneyball" and the first trailer, which premiered on Entertainment Tonight before arriving on Yahoo! Movies, reveals Beane to be a down-to-earth Joe Schmoe. A pretty normal guy, except for the fact that he's taking on Major League Baseball, one of the largest athletic franchises on the planet. No biggie. Remember -- it's Brad Pitt!

The story centers on Pitt's Beane as he assembles a low-cost team, diverting from the classic ways GMs pick players. Aiding him in his revolution is Jonah Hill as Beane's assistant manager, Philip Seymour Hoffman as the A's manager Art Howe and a slew of other familiar faces.

The movie has had a long evolution to the final product, first being written by Oscar-winner Steven Zalilian ("Schindler's List") when Steven Soderbergh (the "Ocean's" movies) was in the directors seat, then rewritten by Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network") when Bennett Miller ("Capote") stepped in to helm the film. Lots of cooks in the kitchen, but thankfully the end product looks balanced in both comedy and drama (and how could it not with Pitt and Hill in the leads?).

"Moneyball" is set to hit theaters Sept. 23.

Getty Images

A big name star never hurts a Hollywood blockbuster. That's why Warner Bros paid legendary actor Marlon Brando $3.7 million and a percentage of profits earned to appear in 1979's "Superman: The Movie" for approximately ten minutes. Not a bad gig.

The studio will follow in their own footsteps with another move of inspired (and quite possibly, box office-driven) "Superman" casting: according to Variety, Russell Crowe has joined the rebooted "Man of Steel" as the famed superhero's father, Jor-El.

While Crowe may not make the same profitable deal as Brando, he will be co-starring with a cast chock full of names that hope to give a little face recognition and street cred to the relatively unknown star, Henry Cavill. The Oscar-winning actor joins Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon in the movie, produced by Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight") and directed by Zack Snyder ("300," "Watchmen").

The extent of Crowe's role in the movie is unknown. In the original film, Jor-El (Brando) didn't cross paths with any of his co-stars, sending his son Kal-El aka Superman to Earth before his planet Krypton's destruction -- all within the opening scenes. Although his face appeared in a hall of crystals, guiding Superman with his everlasting wisdom (because that's how comic books work), Brando got off easy. Whether Crowe will have equally minimal work or if Jor-El will play a more integral role in the revamped origin story is, at this moment, one of the film's biggest secrets.

"Man of Steel" is currently shooting and ready to jump tall buildings in a single bound in December 2012.

Academy Awards

When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organization behind the annual Oscar ceremony) shifted their Best Picture system to include an additional five nominees, industry players, filmmakers and movie-goers were sent into a tizzy. The single curveball changed the entire dynamic of Oscar marketing and prognosticating -- and a mere two years later, the Academy is once again implementing dramatic changes.

Everyone remain calm!

A vote with the board on Tuesday night resulted in a new procedure for choosing Best Picture nominees, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Instead of selecting the 10 movies with the highest tallies, the Academy will now only select films who score a five percent of first place votes. This means, in a given year, anywhere between five to 10 Best Pictures could be nominated.

"In studying the data, what stood out was that Academy members had regularly shown a strong admiration for more than five movies," said Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis. "A best picture nomination should be an indication of extraordinary merit. If there are only eight pictures that truly earn that honor in a given year, we shouldn't feel an obligation to round out the number."

The move has its pros and cons. On one hand, opening up the Best Picture to a full 10 films gave a chance for off-beat sci-fi flicks like "District 9" or little indies that could like "Winter's Bone" to stand up against the major contenders with big studio money behind them. Now, those movies may not receive their proper due. On the other hand, being more selective brings particular esteem to those that due receive the nod, something critics of the 10 picture system have been complaining about since the beginning.

One thing's for sure: this isn't going to help anybody win their Oscar pool next year.

Getty Images

Actress Natalie Portman turned her little baby bump into a sizable publicity bump during the media rounds for her 2010 hit "Black Swan" -- and now the move has finally delivered.

A baby, that is.

News broke last night that Portman gave birth to a baby boy, her first child with fiance/choreographer Benjamin Millepied. No word if the kid's name will stack up to other Hollywood tikes' oddball names (Apple, Suri and Pilot Inspektor come to mind...), but knowing the grounded, reserved and highly intellectual Portman -- she studied at Harvard after all -- expect her to keep it classy.

Portman's private life has always been just that, allowing her work to do the talking. But last year's "Black Swan" Oscar-buzz, which lead to her eventual Best Actress win, kept her pregnancy in the limelight, for better or worse. When the news broke last night, social media went a-flutter, with well-wishers taking to the 'net to blast out hashtagged celebratory messages to the new starlet mother. There's no greater gift than a "congrats" from Lindsay Lohan, after all.

Portman has had a jam-packed 2011, with "Black Swan" garnering high praise and big box office, along with other roles in "The Other Woman," "No Strings Attached," "Your Highness" and "Thor." Whether she'll jump into a new film or not is yet to be seen -- the role of "Mom" may take precedent!

Getty Images

While there's no word if director Derek Cianfrance next movie will feature even half as much making out as his debut film "Blue Valentine," it does show promise with its above average quantity of beautiful people. Because we know how much beautiful people love to make beautiful kissies.

"The Place Beyond the Pines" has already signed up chiseled leading men Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper in the respective lead roles of stunt-driver-turned-bank-robber and cop-turned-politician who doesn't like stunt-driver-turned-bank-robbers -- and now it has set of equally stunning female co-stars.

Eva Mendes and Greta Gerwig will also star in "Pines," according to Deadline, as the wives of the dueling badasses.

Whether they'll muster up their own little catfight is anyone's guess (but everyone's hope).

Recently Mendes has been stepping up her game in the range department, breaking out of the arm candy mold in movies like "Training Day" for beefed parts in   "The Bad Lieutenant," "The Other Guys" and "Last Night." Gerwig is an indie starlett on the rise, recently appearing with Russell Brand in "Arthur" and preparing to shoot the low-budget rom-com "Lola Versus" this summer. Both ladies carry their own dramatic weaponry and should easily hold their own against the two gentlemen of "Pines."

The movie starts shooting next month, so while an end of the year awards kick would ideal, we may not see "The Place Beyond the Pines" until 2012. With a cast like this, it should be worth the wait.

Getty Images

Even with every high school graduate having read it in high school, a big budget, 3-D version of "The Great Gatsby" isn't an easy sell -- the combo period setting, social allegory and lots of walking and talking doesn't scream blockbuster.

But never underestimate visual stylist and theatrical mastermind Baz Luhrmann, who continues to pile on top-notch cast members for his literary adaptation. His most recent recruit, according to Hollywood Reporter, is Jason Clarke, a familiar face for anyone who caught the short but sweet "Brotherhood" or "Chicago Code."

While Clarke's had a lengthy career, "Gatsby" marks the first time he's hobnobbed with A-List contemporaries, like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and rising star Joel Edgerton. In the film, Clarke is set to play the lynchpin role of George Wilson, the car mechanic whose wife becomes entangled in Tom Buchanan's (Edgerton) charisma and bravado. For the three people who only have vague memories of the SparkNotes, let's just say it doesn't end so well for either man.

"The Great Gatsby" is expected to roll cameras this year, with a planned release of late 2012, but before then, Clarke will pop up in the crime thriller "The Fields" with Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Sam Worthington, along with "The Wettest County in the World" starring Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Gary Oldman. Maybe he's not joining the A-Listers as much as he's become one!

Getty Images

UPDATE: Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong indeed will be playing the pivotal role of St. Jimmy in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, "American Idiot," THR reports. He occassionally guest-starred in the part on stage.

--------------

Can you still be "punk" if you're concept album launched a Broadway musical and is being adapted by the guy who wrote "Milk" into a feature film? Probably not -- but that isn't a concern for Green Day, the rock band that formed in the '80s and has evolved into a full-on media empire since.

Welcome to paradise, indeed.

Green Day's recent foray into the musical theater world, "American Idiot," has been picked up by Universal for the cinematic treatment, according to Deadline.

At the wheels of the project are Dustin Lance Black, creator of "Big Love" and Oscar-winner for his "Milk" screenplay, and original stage director Michael Mayer, who won a Tony for his work on "Spring Awakening" and directed the films "A Home at the End of the World" and "Flicka." The team looks to transfer the storyline and songs from the musical to their feature adaptation, much of which originally appeared on Green Day's 2004 album of the same name.

Universal is high on the movie musical business at the moment: in the wake of their "Mamma Mia!" success, the studio recently signed "King's Speech" director Tom Hooper to film a version of "Les Miserables" and a big screen version of the "Wizard of Oz" spin "Wicked" is waiting in the wings. On the flip side, Universal recently canned their adaptation of "In the Heights," a musical centering on a New York City Dominican-American neighborhood to be directed by "High School Musical"/"Newsies" director Kenny Ortega. Sure thing? Guess not.

That leaves the choice to bring "American Idiot" in an odd place. While the musical generated serious cash during its run ($34 million for 421 performances), producers for the show, which closes on Broadway on April 24, are unsure if it will make back its budget.

Whether a movie version of "American Idiot" moves forward could ultimately depend on the casting of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong as the drug dealer character St. Jimmy. Having a "face" in the cast could draw fans -- every time Armstrong performed briefly joined the stage version's cast, ticket sales went through the roof -- making the investment less risky for the studio. Unlike "Les Mis" or "Wicked," "American Idiot" lacks the widespread appeal and legacy of those shows, making "Hey, it's the Green Day musical!" the prime selling point for the film.

Universal will have to make a big decision in the upcoming months as it decides to take the leap with "American Idiot," but to them we say: just do it. Thinking first isn't punk.

(Originally published at 11 a.m. ET on April 13, 2011).

Getty Images

If you're currently watching AMC's freshman crime drama "The Killing," then you know that co-star Joel Kinnaman is the most badass thing to happen to television since Jack Bauer electrocuted a terrorist using the inside of a lamp. As Detective Holder, Kinnman flaunts his Timothy Olyphant-esque looks while busting the baddest guys in Seattle, rarely playing by the rules.

Now, he's ready to show his sweeter side.

Kinnaman has been tapped to star alongside Greta Gerwig ("Arthur") in a new romantic comedy titled "Lola Versus."

The movie follows a string of major roles for the actor, with "The Killing" being picked up for a second season as well as parts in the upcoming action movie "The Darkest Hour" and David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

"Lola Versus" focuses on Gerwig's character, who, according to Hollywood Reporter, finds herself broken up with only a few weeks before her wedding and forced to once again face singledom. Kinnaman plays the tattoo artist fiancee that breaks her heart, while "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "The Future" actor Hamish Linklater plays the new guy crushing on her.

Stomping around in rom-com territory may seem like an odd choice for Kinnaman, but he has a particular sense of humor that shines on "The Killing" that may be perfect for the off-kilter indie attitude of the film. Backer Fox Searchlight has a history with straying for the norm with their comedies -- think "Juno" and the upcoming "The Art of Getting By" -- and Kinnaman's casting makes "Lola Versus" one to keep on the radar.

Getty Images

Jeremy Renner is on a mission: to scoop up every adrenaline-pumping role in Hollywood. So far, it's going quite well.

The actor recently announced (via Variety) that his newly formed production company The Combine would be producing "Slingshot," a movie that would see Renner starring as Bill Caswell, a real life racer who took third in the World-Rally Championships in Mexico with a $500 BMW he bought on Craigslist. Fast cars and an inspirational tale? Gold for Renner.

After breaking out in "The Hurt Locker," Renner quickly found himself in demand. Since his Oscar-nominated performance, he joined Marvel's "Thor" and "The Avengers" as Hawkeye, became the heir to the "Mission: Impossible" throne in "Ghost Protocol," teamed up with Will Ferrell's production company for "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," and found himself attached to everything from "Ice Age 4," the next installment of "Bourne" and a Steve McQueen biopic.

He's not riding the wave of success -- the wave is riding him!

Last year, auto-centric site Jalopnik took a fascinating look into the life of Caswell, who went from unemployed fan to racing star in a matter of months. His story is a meaty one and should combine all the things that make Renner a real star, both his penchant for action his raw acting talent.

You'd start smelling Oscar if he wasn't moving at 100mph.

No word on where this fits in Renner's packed schedule, but since its a passion project being developed by his own team, it's sure to take form sooner rather than later.

Check out this clip of Bill Caswell rocking his infamous, low-tech ride:

Getty Images

Maverick behavior isn't booking an exclusive "60 Minutes" interview or running a PBS special or even booking a film starring you in a handful of festivals. If you're a real maverick, you come out of nowhere with a documentary on your life and put that son of a gun in theaters. Stat.

We only found out a few weeks ago that Sarah Palin had a film chronicling her life in the works, but now Hollywood Reporter confirms that the movie will be out on the big screen July 15 exclusively in AMC theaters.

The movie entitled "The Undefeated" was directed by Palin-approved filmmaker Stephen K. Bannon and is the only doc sanctioned by Palin, a puff piece including interviews from notable Conservatives and supporters of the 2008 Vice Presidential candidate. One thing the movie won't include are interviews with Palin herself, with Bannon opting for audio passages from her memoir "Going Rogue."

Bannon told RealClearPolitics.com that the film "is a call to action for a campaign like 1976: Reagan vs. the establishment. Let's have a good old-fashioned brouhaha."

The cities where the film will screen are being left to demanding public. Fans can head to "The Undefeated" movie site to cast their vote on where the doc will screen.

The first trailer for the film has appeared online, which you can check out below before Palin marches into theaters in July.



Ten/Four Pictures

It was recently announced that Colin Hanks would join the murderous cable hit "Dexter" for its sixth season, but few people realize Hanks has already dabbled in murder. Of blondes, specifically.

The new trailer for the oddball comedy "Lucky" showcases Hanks' darkest side -- which ends up resulting in a little bloodshed. His character Ben starts off down in the dumps, but after winning the lottery, everything he's been looking for falls on to his lap. He's made million, won the girl of his dreams (an obnoxious receptionist played by Ari Graynor) and, most importantly, found a way to indulge in his favorite past time: murder.

"Lucky" looks like a weird little cookie -- why does Ben murder people? why do his victims all look like his money-grubbing wife? why is she helping him murder blonde bombshells? -- but the combo of the trailer's bizarre tone and Hanks' usual, charismatic demeanor keep it on its toes. Those looking for a "Dexter" movie may have found the next best thing.

The movie was directed by Gil Cates Jr., son of the executive producer of the Oscars and cousin of the forever-hot Phoebe Cates, which certainly gives him cred in our books (although I'm sur his episode of "Joey" was good too). Along with Hanks and Graynor, "Lucky" co-stars Ann-Margret (Oscar-nominated for "Tommy"), Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development") and Mimi Rogers ("Austin Powers").

Check out the trailer below or on Yahoo in HD.

Getty Images

There is no costume too crazy for British funnyman Sacha Baron Cohen. He donned a ridiculous mustache for "Borat," the shortest shorts on the planet for "Bruno" and now he's headed back to the facial hair for his latest, "The Dictator."

The first image of Cohen (see below) as the titular warlord as surfaced over at Huffington Post and makes the character look like a military version of Weird Al Yankovic in the "Amish Paradise" video. In the movie, the actor plays a Saddam Hussein-like leader who finds himself replaced by a goat herder and looking for life-changing experiences in New York City.

Back in early May, it was announced that Anna Faris will appear alongside Cohen, presumably with far less beard action than her co-star. Faris plays the dictator's love interest, an organic food store owner who helps him discover the finer things in life (that don't involve oppressing the citizens of his country).

"The Dictator" is slated for May 11, 2012 and if it's in tune with Cohen's previous work, should be nothing less than hilarious and controversial. The movie is loosely based on a book penned by Hussein himself and while Cohen's adaptation is expected to be heavy on the satire, the movie should ruffle a few feathers (and beards) when it pops into theaters.

Getty Images

If all the boyish, good-looking gentlemen in Hollywood join forces for one movie, will the world collapse under itself?

That's the current fear as actor Matt Damon lets it slip that "Office" star John Krasinski may be joining him for his unannounced directorial debut.

Damon hinted to Vulture at the American Institute for Stuttering's 5th Annual Benefit Gala that he hopes to be stepping behind the camera sometime in the early part of next year and that Krasinski would be teaming up wit him for the the film.

Damon was rumored in early May to be circling "Father Daughter Time," a film in which a father and daughter embark on a three-state crime spree. It was assumed that Damon would star as the father as well as direct the film, but with the name-dropping of Krasinski at the Gala, the "Bourne Identity" star may be eying up another lead.

Krasinski is no stranger to making the leap to the director's chair -- besides starring in "The Office," "Something Borrowed" and the indie comedy "Away We Go," the actor has also tackled his own film, the little seen David Foster Wallace adaptation "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men." Knowing how first-time filmmaking can go, Krasinski might be the perfect asset for budding director Damon.

Damon mentioned that he's circling a number of projects at the moment, but "Father Daughter Time" heating up, it could be a movie on the horizons.

Insert "Jim Face" here.

Getty Images

The last step for most prestige movies is the Oscars -- and last year's "The Fighter" was nominated for seven of them, including a win for co-star Christian Bale. Not a bad way to leave a fight.

Except, Mark Wahlberg's not ready to leave the ring.

Last weekend at Spike's Guy's Choice Awards, Wahlberg, director David O. Russell and Micky Ward's brother and trainer Dicky Eklund took the stage to accept the Golden Antlers for "Guy Movie of the Year" where Wahlberg confirmed news of a sequel.

While thanking the troops, the actor confirmed that the brains behind "The Fighter" had purposely left out Ward's famous fights with Arturo Gatti for the intended sequel that they would indeed be serving up.

Wahlberg went on to say, "We're not going to do 'Fighter 4', '5,' '6,' '7' and '8,' but we are going to do we are going to do '2.' We are going to do the Ward/Gatti trilogy."

This solidifies rumors that Wahlberg was teasing in March, but where "The Fighter 2" stands in terms of actual production is unclear. Whether O. Russell, Bale and the rest of the cast would return is up in the air, but with Wahlberg's enthusiasm -- and his expertise in getting his projects made -- a sequel to the Oscar-winning movie is definitely on the horizon.

Get ready for Round 2 by watching Wahlberg's Guys Choice Awards speech -- and watch the awards show on Friday night, June 10, at 9 p.m. ET on Spike.

Getty Images

For Judd Apatow, directing is just the fun little thing he does between masterminding the modern age of cinematic comedy.

"This Is Forty," the fourth film by the successful writer/director/producer, will arrive on the tails of his previous flicks "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" and "Funny People," along with producing efforts like "Anchorman," "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and the recent hit "Bridesmaids."

Quite a resume.

The new movie is a spin-off of the Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann characters from "Knocked Up," following the couple as they move into the golden age of life. Apatow is reaching far and wide for the perfect cast, signing Megan Fox and comic legend Albert Brooks to the picture -- and now The Playlist reports that Chris O'Dowd, Lena Dunham, Charlyne Yi and Wyatt Russell have also joined the movie.

While not all familiar faces, the slew of new talent has enough street cred to deliver to notch comedy on par with what we expect from Rudd and Mann. O'Dowd is known overseas for his work on the British comedy "The IT Crowd," but made a big splash as the cop in "Bridesmaids." Dunham has an HBO show in the works with Apatow after successfully launching herself into stardom with the indie hit "Tiny Furniture." Yi appeared in "Knocked Up" and her own film "Paper Heart" -- she'll once again play Seth Rogen's stoner friend Jodi (although Rogen is not set to appear in the film).

The big unknown is Russell, son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, whose previous credits are limited. According to the report, Russell will play a hockey player in the film -- someone to go toe to toe with Rudd, perhaps?

With a cast assembled of players familiar with Apatow's signature style of heartfelt comedy, "This Is Forty" should be another entry that delivers the poignant laughs. The movie shoots this summer and is already slated for a December 21, 2012 release.

Getty Images

The Bond girl: 007's true sparring partner.

Unlike most blockbuster franchises, where we eagerly await the announcement of which villain and actor have signed on to face off against our favorite heroes, Bond is all about the romantic interest. Many famous, gorgeous faces have accompanied James Bond on his spy missions -- Eva Green, Gemma Arterton and Olga Kurylenko in recent years -- and now the long-awaited "Bond 23" may finally have its leading lady.

Naomie Harris, who previously starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Ninja Assassin," has been confirmed by Entertainment Weekly has having met producers for possible Bond girl consideration. The site is quick to note that no deals have been struck, but after six months of swirling rumors, including the possible addition of Rachel Weisz to the cast, this is the first concrete info we've heard on the film.

"Bond 23" is the third movie in the reboot that began with "Casino Royale" and is already slated for a Nov. 12, 2012 release. After being muddled by production company MGM's financial troubles, the movie is now on its way to production, with "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition" director Sam Mendes steering the ship.

Bond girls have generally been starlets on the verge of breakout and Harris fits the description perfectly. She beautiful, she can kick ass (see: "Ninja Assassin") and she's been rumored other big franchises within the past year. Earlier this year she was rumored to join Ron Howard's "Dark Tower" alongside another rumored "Bond 23" castmate: Javier Bardem.

Perhaps everyone's coming down from the tower for a rousing game of spy tag.

Getty Images

Some people are born with all the good genes. It's not fair!

The stunning Olivia Munn has proven in the last few years that, besides looking good and knowing a lot about video games, she also has some serious comedic chops.

Her next foray into making us chuckle is a new pregnancy comedy (yes, that's a genre) called "The Babymakers," a team up with comedy troop Broken Lizard ("Super Troopers," "Club Dread").

Munn's no stranger to the comedy world, recently joining "The Daily Show" has a correspondent and co-starring on the short-lived "Perfect Couples" and upcoming Aaron Sorkin HBO dramedy "More As the Story Develops."

Somehow, she's also found time to write the bestselling book "Suck It, Wonder Woman!: The Misadventures of a Hollywood Geek" and land parts in "Iron Man 2," "Date Night" and the Sarah Jessica Parker rom-com "I Don't Know How She Does It."

No surprise if "Olivia Munn" turns out to be eight different robots who eventually take over the world. Remember, we called it.

Now Munn joins the gentlemen behind "Beerfest" and actor Paul Schneider ("Water for Elephants," "Parks and Recreation") as the female lead and wife of Schneider's character, according to Variety. The couple finds themselves unable to conceive a child, forcing Schneider to rob a sperm bank and steal the sample he donated years ago. To make a baby.

The movie will be directed by Broken Lizard regular Jay Chandrasekhar, the man behind many of our favorite "Arrested Development," "Chuck" and "Community" episodes. The rest of the comedy troop is expected to co-star in the film, with Kevin Heffernen playing Schneider's best friend and Chandresekhar himself playing an Estonian thief.

Munn is going to a handful of testosterone to combat in "Babymakers," but as a woman who made a career touting the pleasures of the geek underworld, that shouldn't be a problem. Believe it or not, she stands out quite well in a crowd of shlubby dudes.

The indie comedy is expected to shoot this summer, so look out for "The Babymakers" sometime next year.

Radar

While the road to a third installment of the "Chronicles of Riddick" has been long and bumpy, you have to hand it to the driving forces behind the series. They're not a quiet bunch.

Over the past year, Riddick himself, Vin Diesel, has taken to the Facebook airwaves to broadcast his thoughts on the upcoming sequel and hint at what to expect from the film. As recently as last week, Diesel was facing a major life crisis when it came to pushing the third film "Riddick" into production: would he sacrifice his paycheck to get this passion project made? The sci-fi trilogy rested on his shoulders.

Now, writer/director David Twohy has spoken up on his blog, stating, "The hurdles seem to be dropping.  The final turn is being rounded.  The finish line (actually a starting line) seems closer than ever."

Perhaps Diesel will be hitting the breadlines after all.

Twohy continued dishing with some encouraging words for fans:

"Yeah, I had some good face-time with Vin in NYC.  We talked at length about where we go from here – about how to travel to all the places in the "Riddick" universe that needed traveling to – and we think we know have the Master Map.  We’ll keep it tucked tightly in our breast pocket for now, but it’s enough to say that, if we can pull it all off, you’ll have spent a good 15 years with us."

Twohy also included his own "Riddick" concept art, which he created for Diesel to showcase the look and feel of the new film. If all goes as planned, Riddick should probably equip himself with an umbrella.

With the success of "Fast Five," Diesel is once again in high demand, but he carry enough to weight to get a blockbuster franchise like "Riddick" back up and running again? Neither "Pitch Black" nor "Chronicles of Riddick" were major financial success, but raked in enough that sequels were always possibilities. If both Diesel and Twohy are as jazzed as it sounds to bring back the anti-hero to the big screen, we may just get that third film after all.

Rival

The trailer for "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of  A Tribe Called Quest" calls upon some of the biggest names in modern rap to pay respect to the legendary hip-hop group. Pharrell, Common, Ludacris and more agree: without Tribe, they wouldn't be doing what they do today.

Artists Phife Dawg , Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White formed A Tribe Called Quest back in the '80s where they produced a handful of classic, musically-innovative records before nearly vanishing in 1998. Actor Michael Rapaport ("True Romance," "Boston Public") has a special place in his heart for the group -- he attended their last show in New York that same year. Ever since, he's wondered how the prolific quartet suddenly disappeared from the music scene.

The actor wove his curiosity into a documentary, tracking down the members of the group and digging into their personal histories, discovering how their lyrical and percussive magic came about and what eventually lead to its demise. The film was a big hit at both Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals, glowing reviews describing it as a raw portrait of its subjects. Back before its premiere, Rapaport was even quoted saying he had trouble getting the guys in the same room with one another, a telling fact of Tribe's current climate.

Check out the trailer for the documentary that hits theaters in July, or head to Yahoo to see it in HD.

Getty Images

Since his flight as The Man of Steel ended prematurely after "Superman Returns" failed to gain a sequel, Brandon Routh has started popping up everywhere, always with a few larger than life powers in his back pocket. He's played a paranormal detective in "Dylan Dog," a vegan evil-doer in "Scott Pilgrim" and a super spy on NBC's "Chuck" -- but now he's set to come down to Earth a bit.

Routh has signed on to play a coach in the sports movie "Crooked Arrows," which, according to Variety, will see a team of ragtag team of Native American lacrosse players take on the local prep schools. Think "Mighty Ducks," with Routh subbing for Emilio Estevez and a hard plot of turf instead of the ice rink.

The film will be directed by Steve Rash, the man behind "The Buddy Holly Story" and the Patrick Dempsey '80s rom-com "Can't Buy Me Love." Written by Todd Baird, the movie focuses on Routh's coach character, the "entrepreneurial son" of a Native American tribal chairman. OK, so it sounds exactly like "Mighty Ducks," but since when is that a bad thing?

The production team and Routh were in Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend scouting the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four for potential recruits for the make believe team. The goal is to find actors who are adept in the game of lacrosse, rooting the film in reality. The sports-centric approach has already lured sponsors like Reebok to invest in the film.

Routh certainly has the potential to do some great work in smaller dramedy, a world we haven't seen him play in since rising to super-heroic fame. Who knows if he has lacrosse skills, but if he aims for the heart he shouldn't have too much of a problem making this one a winner.

Summit

The summer is officially upon us and you know what that means: It's a time for weddings. Or in the case of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1," the most epic wedding ever.

This Sunday's MTV Movie Awards is set to debut the first clip from the highly anticipated next installment of the "Twilight Saga," and MTV decided to amp the anticipation up to 11 by releasing a tease of this weekend's footage. Set to the grandiose vocals of a belting choir, the short snippet gives us our first look at Bella and Edward's big moment. If you thought people were going nuts over the Royal Wedding, wait until this full clip its the net.

Making matters even more squee-worthy, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are all confirmed to attend Sunday night to introduce the clip. 

The spot has it all: a scenic, wooded altar, Bella walking down the aisle, Edward defying all odds and cracking a smile and a glimpse of the bling-to-end-all-blings wedding ring. Worries that fresh director Bill Condon ("Dreamgirls") may take the franchise in some radical new direction have been quelled -- "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" keeps the action in the Forks we know and love.

"Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" hits theaters Nov. 18 and the full clip will air this Sunday, June 5 on MTV. Check out the tease below!

View Gallery »