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'Bond', 'Hobbit' studio MGM faces bankruptcy?

Hollywood studio MGM reportedly needs $170 million to get through to the end of the year.

The company requires a $20 million short-term cash injection to cover overhead and $150 million to start shooting on Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro's The Hobbit.

The news emerged from a heated MGM conference call, in which bondholders became "loud and very upset", reports Deadline Hollywood.

"The implication was that it's teetering on bankruptcy," a source told the website.

The conference call was made to ask creditors to forgo interest payments on MGM's $3.5 billion debt until next February, freeing up cash that the studio can spend on putting movies into production.

MGM fears that bankruptcy will mean losing the rights to the James Bond franchise, which it regained control of from Sony after the latter's two-film deal expired with the release of Quantum Of Solace. MGM executives are reportedly concerned that the studio will not be able to support itself without the 007 films.

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50 Cent 'inspired by Danny Dyer'

50 Cent has revealed that he was convinced to sign up for new film Dead Man Running after hearing that it featured Danny Dyer.

The rapper plays a loan shark in the upcoming crime thriller who threatens an ex-con (Dyer) to pay back a £100,000 debt in 24 hours.

"What made me secure about going into the project was I'd watched those other actors like Danny," he told BBC Newsbeat.

"I watched Layer Cake, I watched UK films while I was travelling. I knew I would be in a secure space surrounded by this sort of cast."

Dead Man Running reaches UK cinemas on October 30.

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Hudgens "bored" of schoolgirl roles

Vanessa Hudgens has reportedly claimed that she is "bored" of playing a schoolgirl.

The High School Musical actress revealed that she is afraid of being typecast and is looking for opportunities to play a radically different character.

"People think of me as the High School Musical girl," she told Allure. "There's nothing wrong with that. My character was a great role model, but I get so bored doing the same thing. I want to grow like everybody else."

Hudgens's next part is in action movie Sucker Punch, in which she portrays a girl in a mental institute. Producer Zack Snyder recently suggested that fans of the star will be stunned by her transformation, saying: "You’re going to see her shooting machine guns, fighting, beating the s**t out of people."

Sucker Punch is scheduled for release in 2011.

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Bateman: 'Extract' role similar to 'Arrested'

Jason Bateman has admitted that his role in forthcoming movie Extract resembles the character that he played in Arrested Development.

The actor portrays the part of Joel in director Mike Judge's new comedy, following his three-year stint as Michael Bluth in the now-deceased US sitcom.

He told Rolling Stone: "[Extract] has me playing pretty much the same type of character [as Arrested Development] in that I'm the straight man - the joke guy, the protagonist. I like doing that."

Bateman also spoke about the long-awaited Arrested film, which is scheduled for release sometime next year. "Mitch Hurwitz is writing it, he's halfway through it," the Juno star added.

Extract is in US cinemas now. A UK release date is yet to be announced.

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Gervais praises "fun" cameos in 'Lying'

Ricky Gervais has claimed that his directorial debut The Invention Of Lying felt like a "day off" for its star-studded cast.

The comedian's new movie is set in an alternative reality where his Mark Bellison character is the first person to tell a lie. The film's actors include Tina Fey, Jeffrey Tambor and Christopher Guest, as well as Edward Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman in cameo roles.

Gervais told The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien: "Ed Norton [is] this crazed traffic cop who's got a strange perversion... I think it's like a day off for them, it's just fun for them. It is the comedy cast of the decade, it's incredible.

"I still know how lucky I am that these people want to work with me, maybe cause they like The Office or Extras or something."

Originally titled This Side Of The Truth, Gervais also co-wrote the script with Matthew Robinson.

He added: "It's more com than rom. It's a high-concept film set in a world where the human race hasn't evolved a gene for lying and so everyone says exactly what's on their minds."

The Invention Of Lying is released in UK and US cinemas on October 2.

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Vaughn: 'Retreat' is different rom-com'

Couples Retreat star Vince Vaughn has said that the forthcoming movie differs from other rom-coms.

The Break-Up actor, who reunited with Swingers writer Jon Favreau to pen the project, claimed that its focus on couples rather than a set relationship is what makes it unique.

Vaughn told The Jay Leno Show: "I've always done some writing on the movies that I've done, though this was the first time I took credit for it. But Jon Favreau wrote the first draft, it was an idea that I had. This I thought was fun because it is about couples, not just about a relationship.

"It's about the girl, the group you hang out with and all that dynamic... The expression 'Happily in marriage', which I think can exist together, that's sort of the point of the movie."

The film, about four couples who go on vacation together, is set on the tropical island of Bora Bora. "I think the line that Favreau wrote in the movie is, 'This place looks like a screensaver', which is true. The place is beautiful," Vaughn added.

Couples Retreat is out in the UK on October 16 and in the US on October 9.

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Cyrus confirmed for 'Sex And The City 2'

Miley Cyrus will appear in the Sex And The City sequel, reports say.

Recent rumours claimed that Cyrus would be in the film, but her representative denied the speculation.

However, Gossip Cop reports that in the current script, Cyrus will appear in one scene with Kim Cattrall.

Cyrus, who will be seen wearing the same dress as Cattrall, does not currently have any lines.

The Hannah Montana star was initially unavailable for the film because of her touring schedule, but sources have now said that both sides are working to arrange the appearance.

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Charlize Theron 'eyeing Catwoman role'

Charlize Theron has revealed that she would be thrilled to play Catwoman in the follow-up to The Dark Knight.

The Burning Plain actress, who is rumoured to be in the running to star in the upcoming Batman sequel, has praised director Christopher Nolan as a "genius" and has said that she would not pass on the opportunity to portray Catwoman, reports STV.

Theron said: "It's news to me, but that's kick-ass news. I like that... I think that what has happened to that franchise is amazing, and director Chris Nolan is a genius. So I would be an idiot to not consider that."

If Theron were offered the role, the 34-year-old Oscar winner would follow in the footsteps of Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry, who have both worn the leather cat-suit on the silver screen.

Warner Bros has insisted that no casting decisions have been made and have denied reports that 23-year-old actress Megan Fox was offered the role of Catwoman.

Other actresses rumoured to be attached to the role are Angelina Jolie and Rachel Weisz.

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Tyler: 'Friends' movie is definitely on'

A Friends star has claimed that a movie version of the hit sitcom is in the works.

James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in the series, told the News of the World that Friends: The Movie is "definitely on".

"I still keep in touch with a lot of the cast and they say that they are really keen," he added.

The programme's creators David Crane and Marta Kauffmann have reportedly agreed to write and produce the film, which will be shown in cinemas in 2011.

"The cast haven't set the world alight since the show finished," a source said. "But this film could relight some of their careers in a big way.

"Everyone knew the story had to be right and well-written. Getting the creators on board was a massive step forward for the production.

"The show did lose its shine in the last few seasons, but with the actors all in their forties it would be a real interest to see how their characters have developed."

Tyler added: "The one thing I can tell you is I am definitely on board to do the film. I really loved my time on the show and I am looking forward to meeting up with the old gang again.

"I just hope we can do justice to the show in a film."

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Jamie Foxx 'struggled to learn the cello'

Jamie Foxx reportedly had difficulty learning how to play the cello for his movie The Soloist.

The Hollywood actor struggled to play the instrument until he realised he could impress women with his knowledge, reports Female First.

Foxx was requested to acquire the skill for his role in the film as homeless schizophrenic musician Nathaniel Ayers.

Director Joe Wright said: "He learnt how to play the cello and he practised for six months.

"He was not fully committed for the first few weeks and then he discovered that girls quite like it when fellas play classical musical instruments and that upped his game."

The Soloist, starring Foxx and Robert Downey Jr, is currently in cinemas in the UK.

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'Friends' stars 'dismiss movie rumours'

Reports that a movie version of Friends is being developed have been refuted by three of the show's ex-stars.

James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in the series, recently claimed that the programme is to be made into a feature film.

However, representatives for former castmembers Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow have moved to dismiss the speculation, says Gossip Cop.

Each issued statements saying: "We are not aware of any plans for a Friends movie."

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DiCaprio attached to 'Deep Blue Goodbye'

Leonardo DiCaprio will star as Travis McGee in The Deep Blue Goodbye, an adaptation of John D. MacDonald's novel series.

McGee, a Florida bachelor living on a houseboat, tracks down property and money for his clients and pockets half their value in return. Deep Blue Goodbye is the first of 21 books in MacDonald's series and sees the character search for hidden treasure buried by a World War II soldier.

Dana Stevens adapted the crime story for the screen, which Peter Chernin, DiCaprio (through his Appian Way firm) and Jennifer Davisson Killoran will produce for 20th Century Fox, says Variety.

Fox believes the series of McGee books can be turned into a film franchise.

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'Terminator' rights to go up for auction

Terminator producers Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek are selling their rights to the science fiction franchise.

According to the Los Angeles Times, companies owned by the pair are bankrupt and FTI Capital Advisors have been hired to "evaluate strategic alternatives".

The duo's Halcyon Holding Group's most valuable asset is the Terminator series rights, which they purchased in 2007 for around $25 million.

"We're going to be contacting a variety of studios and independent companies," said FTI senior managing director Kevin Shultz. "We think the values are considerably in excess of the purchase price."

Earlier bankruptcy court filings have the rights pegged at a $60 million valuation based on the box office performance of Terminator Salvation and its forthcoming DVD and Blu-ray release.

Anderson has claimed that Sony Pictures expressed an interest in purchasing Terminator outright, but the studio has declined to comment.

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'House' star Wilde joins 'Next Three Days'

House actress Olivia Wilde will star in Russell Crowe thriller The Next Three Days.

Wilde has been cast as a young mother who befriends Crowe's character, a teacher who attempts to free his wife (Elizabeth Banks) from prison after she is found guilty of a crime she didn't commit.

Jonathan Tucker has also been tapped for a role, that of a street thug running a meth lab, says The Hollywood Reporter.

A remake of the Diane Kruger French-language film Anything For Her, production begins on the Paul Haggis-directed thriller this week in Pittsburgh.

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Disney 'won't replace Depp in Pirates 4'

Johnny Depp will not be replaced in the fourth instalment of the Pirates Of Caribbean franchise, according to a studio spokesperson.

Rumours had surfaced that the role of Captain Jack Sparrow could be recast after Depp admitted to losing some enthusiasm for the project following the departure of Dick Cook from Disney.

He had hinted to the Los Angeles Times that he only accepted the fourth movie offer because of his friendship with Cook.

However, a representative for Disney has told Radar Online that the speculation is "completely unfounded" and that the role will not be recast.

The fourth instalment, tentatively titled Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is scheduled for release in 2011.

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Reynolds 'did own sword work in Wolverine'

Helmer Gavin Hood has revealed that Ryan Reynolds performed his own sword work in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The filmmaker, who directed the actor in the mutant superhero spinoff, said that Reynolds took his role as the sword-wielding Deadpool seriously after early attempts were less than stellar.

He told MTV: "His early efforts were somewhat suspect, so we were quite worried, because those swords were twirling and I thought he was going to cut his arms off. In a matter of weeks he was spinning those swords like a pro."

He added: "[Reynolds spent] the Christmas and New Year's break with the stunt co-ordinators, because in that scene with the swordplay I think there's only one shot where we used the stuntman.

"You have to do a heck of a lot of work to work on that swordplay in a very compressed period of time."

It was recently announced that Reynolds is to reprise the part for a Deadpool film.

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Jessica Alba in negotiations to join 'Little Fockers'

Jessica Alba is bringing new life to the Meet the Parents trilogy as one of the first new cast members to join the third film in the franchise. The actress is in negotiations to join Little Fockers in a role the studio will only describe as one that “shakes up the relationships between the characters.” She will star alongside Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner and Owen Wilson. Paul Weitz is directing the movie with Jay Roach and Jane Rosenthal producing. John Hamburg (I Love You, Man)  rewrote the original script by Larry Stuckey.

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'John Carter' adds Purefoy, Strong

James Purefoy and Mark Strong have joined the cast of Disney/Pixar's John Carter Of Mars.

The pair join Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Thomas Haden Church, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Morton, Dominic West, and Polly Walker in the science fiction fantasy film, to be directed by WALL-E's Andrew Stanton.

Purefoy will play Xavarian captain Kantos Kan, while Strong has been cast as the god-like ruler of the Thems Matai Shang, says The Hollywood Reporter.

John Carter Of Mars is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs's science fiction pulp series. It follows a a Civil War veteran who is transported to Mars and becomes involved in a war between the planet's people.

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Conrad's 'LA Candy' heading to big screen

The Hills star Lauren Conrad's bestseller LA Candy will become a movie, reports Variety.

Candy is inspired by Conrad's experiences on the popular MTV series. It involves 19-year-old Jane Roberts arriving in Hollywood and finding fame as a reality TV star. Conrad is plotting two more books in the Roberts series.

Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (Twilight) are on board to produce the feature through their Temple Hill company, while Conrad will serve as an executive producer.

Bowen said: "Lauren, who became an icon in that reality show world, came to us with a structure of how to tell the story in an interesting fashion that was separate and apart from the book.

"We loved her take. Her book is an honest portrayal of what it must be like to set out to be normal, then sign on to become famous and eventually realise, wow, this isn't at all what I'd planned for myself."

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Thurman to star in comedy 'Ceremony'

Uma Thurman has signed up to star in Max Winkler's romantic comedy Ceremony, reports Variety.

Thurman will play an older woman who attracts the affections of a young man (Michael Angarano) shortly before her wedding day.

Juno and Thank You For Smoking director Jason Reitman will executive produce with Dan Dubiecki.

Winkler, who recently worked on The Adventurer's Handbook with Jonah Hill, will helm the project from his own script. Shooting is scheduled to begin next month.

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