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Robert Downey Jr eyes 'Wizard Of Oz'

Robert Downey Jr is eyeing the lead role in Disney's Wizard Of Oz prequel, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The Joe Roth-produced project is also targetting Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road) and Adam Shankman (Hairspray) for the director's chair and may begin production as early as next spring.

Mitchell Kapner adapted the Oz project, titled The Great Powerful, from the book series by L. Frank Baum. The wizard in the revamped version is expected to be darker than the MGM musical character as played by Frank Morgan.

Downey Jr can next be seen in Iron Man 2, hitting cinemas on April 30.

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'Avatar 2' to explore Pandora's ocean

James Cameron has revealed that the Avatar sequel will explore Pandora's ocean.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Cameron confirmed that he plans to expand the scope of the alien world and set much of Avatar 2 underwater.

"Part of my focus in the second film is in creating a different environment - a different setting within Pandora," he said. "And I'm going to be focusing on the ocean on Pandora, which will be equally rich and diverse and crazy and imaginative, but it just won't be a rain forest. I'm not saying we won't see what we've already seen; we'll see more of that as well."

Cameron has previously explored the depths of the ocean in The Abyss and Titanic, and more recently in his documentaries Expedition: Bismarck, Ghosts Of The Abyss and Aliens Of The Deep.

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Nolan unsure about 3D 'Batman' sequel

Christopher Nolan's cinematographer Wally Pfister has revealed that the filmmaker has yet to decide about making the next Batman in 3D.

Pfister told Cinematical that Incredibles director Brad Bird has been trying to convince him to make Nolan's Dark Knight sequel in the IMAX format.

"Brad Bird was [saying], 'You've got to shoot the whole thing in IMAX!' I was like, 'Yeah, I've talked to Chris about that.' I know one thing about the film that Chris is adamant about is that he wants to shoot on film. He doesn't want to shoot on video, and I'm the same way."

Pfister added that he believes 3D could be "a fad" and may not be relevant by the time cameras roll on the next Batman.

"Lord knows that the 3D fad might pass by the time that summer comes around," he said.

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'Lost' star Kim for 'Deathgames'

Lost star Daniel Dae Kim has signed for a role in upcoming action thriller Deathgames.

The 41-year-old joins Kellan Lutz and Samuel L. Jackson in the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

First-time director Jonah Loop is helming Deathgames.

The story centres on a young man (Lutz) who is forced to compete against other men in a modern gladiator arena after being kidnapped by a sadistic villain (Jackson).

Kim has landed the role of a fellow gladiator prisoner who is also a master of kendo, or samurai-style sword fighting.

Production is to begin next month in Louisiana.

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Smith, Jones 'confirmed for Men In Black 3'

Men In Black director Barry Sonnenfeld has confirmed Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones's involvement in the new sequel.

Sonnenfeld reportedly told Showbiz 411 that, despite rumours of Smith's departure, the actor has signed on to return alongside Jones.

The filmmaker added that the movie will also be made in 3D and could be the big blockbuster release for May 2011's Memorial Day weekend.

The first two Men In Black movies, which starred Smith and Jones as covert agents monitoring aliens on Earth, grossed a combined $1bn at the worldwide box office.

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Damon, Knightley for 'Tender Is The Night'?

Matt Damon and Keira Knightley have reportedly received offers to star in a remake of Tender is the Night.

Twentieth Century Fox is developing the movie, based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, reports Pajiba.

Screenwriter David Nicchols is said to have adapted the book for the screen.

The French Riviera-set story follows the psychological disintegration of a young married couple.

Damon has been offered the role of the husband, Dick, a wealthy doctor. Knightley would play the wife, Nicole.

A director has not been attached to the project.

Jason Robards and Jennifer Jones starred in the 1962 film version of Tender is the Night.

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Jackson praises 'Captain America' casting

Samuel L. Jackson has said that Chris Evans is the "right guy" to play Captain America.

Speaking to MTV, Jackson, who portrays Nick Fury in the Marvel movies, praised the casting of Evans for The First Avenger: Captain America.

"[Evans is the] right guy," Jackson said.

He added: "They seem to be making great steps in the right direction to make all these films happen in the right way. So I'm looking forward to going to London and meeting Captain America."

The 61-year-old will next reprise the role of Fury in Iron Man 2, opening May 7.

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Jackson disappointed by 'Thor' confusion

Samuel L. Jackson has said that he is disappointed that Marvel did not offer him a cameo in Thor.

Speaking to IESB, Jackson stated that he was convinced that his Marvel movie character Nick Fury would make an appearance in the upcoming superhero picture.

"I thought I was [in Thor]. They said I was in the trades, and I was like, 'Oh, I've got a job!'" the 61-year-old said.

"And then, I called my agent and she said, 'Nah, you're not in it. They misprinted'. I was like, 'Well s**t, they need to pay me just 'cause they put my name in it'."

Jackson will next play Fury in Iron Man 2, opening in US cinemas May 7.

He is also expected to reprise the role in The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.

Thor arrives in US cinemas on May 6, 2011.

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'Friday The 13th' sequel "not happening"

Friday The 13th producer Brad Fuller has said that a sequel to the horror remake is "not happening".

Writing on his Twitter page, Fuller confirmed that a follow-up to last year's Jason Voorhees revival isn't going to be made.

"It is dead - not happening," he said, later adding to Bloody Disgusting that "right now there is no movement".

Platinum Dunes and Warner Bros had previously dated Friday The 13th Part 2 for release in August this year.

Friday The 13th debuted to an impressive $40 million opening weekend last year in the US and grossed $91 million worldwide.

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Nicholson offered 'LASt VEGAS' comedy

Jack Nicholson has been offered the lead role in new comedy LASt VEGAS.

The Dan Fogelman-scripted movie, which will be produced by CBS Films, has been described as Grumpy Old Men meets The Hangover.

According to Vulture, the story centres on four friends from the '50s who reunite in Vegas to marry off lifelong bachelor Billy (Nicholson). Problems arise in the group when Billy and widower Paddy fall for the same lounge singer.

Nicholson has not appeared on screen since 2008's The Bucket List, but he has a role in James L. Brooks's upcoming movie How Do You Know opposite Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon.

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Teresa Palmer cast in 'I Am Number Four'

Teresa Palmer has been cast in teen sci-fi action movie I Am Number Four, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The Australian actress will play one of nine aliens who escape their war-ravaged home planet and take shelter on Earth. Palmer is playing Number Six, while Beastly's Alex Pettyfer is the titular Number Four.

District 9's Sharlto Copley was last week confirmed for the project, taking on the role of Four's mentor.

D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye) will direct the film for DreamWorks with Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay serving as producers.

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Dwayne Johnson joins 'Protection'

Dwayne Johnson has reportedly signed to star in upcoming thriller Protection.

The Tooth Fairy star is replacing Clive Owen in the lead role, reports The Wrap.

Simon West was originally attached to direct with Paul Walker in the lead role. Patrick Alessandrin has now signed to direct.

The action film centeres on an agent protecting the daughter of a Mexican judge who is targeted by the mob.

Johnson will next be seen in action comedy The Other Guys, opening August 8.

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Marvel plots low-budget series of films

Marvel is planning to produce a series of low-cost movies based on some of its lesser-known characters, reports CHUD.

The studio is eyeing movie adaptations of the Dr. Strange, Ka-Zur, Luke Cage, Dazzler and Power Pack properties and is meeting with writers and directors to develop them for the big screen.

Budgets of $20-40 million (£13-26 million) are being touted for each movie, a sharp contrast to the nine-figure tags of the Spider-Man and Iron Man movies.

Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright is currently working on a film version of one of Marvel's second-tier characters, Ant-Man.

The next Marvel film, Iron Man 2, opens later this month. Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers are also due out in the next two years.

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Stallone: 'Bruce, Arnold were fantastic'

Sylvester Stallone has compared acting alongside fellow film stars Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger to boxing.

Willis and Schwarzenegger share a scene with the Rocky actor in the upcoming action film The Expendables.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Stallone said that the three actors go "nose-to-nose" in the movie.

“Bruce and Arnold just got it. It's so funny because you get there and it's like, we've all seen each other socially, but this is different. It's like meeting a fellow athlete in the ring," the 63-year-old explained.

"Oh, OK, everyone knows how to work the camera and what angles work for them. It was just fantastic. They're such pros. Because it's probably never going to happen again."

The Expendables, also co-starring Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, mixed martial arts champion Randy Couture and Terry Crews, opens August 13 in US cinemas.

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Favreau keeps DJ AM 'Iron Man 2' cameo

Late turntable artist Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, will appear in the upcoming Iron Man 2.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Goldstein shot his cameo for the Marvel movie last spring, months before he passed away of an accidental overdose in August.

"We tried to make it respectful," director Jon Favreau said about the cameo. "And for people who know him, they'll get a kick out of it and for people who don't, it will sort of slide by without much notice."

The film will feature a short scene with Goldstein spinning and scratching records at one of Tony Stark's house parties. Tony (Robert Downey Jr) apparently addresses Goldstein and says: "Adam, I need a fat beat."

Favreau also revealed that his film will be dedicated to Goldstein.

"I was just a fan of his, just an admirer of his work, and it was supposed to be a one-day bit," the helmer said.

He added: "But Robert took a real shine to him, as we all did. His energy was amazing, he was such an inspiring guy and there was a lot of depth to him and this positive energy. He ended up staying on with us for about a week and it was just great."

Iron Man 2 opens May 7 in US cinemas.

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Oldman, Christie join 'Red Riding Hood'

Gary Oldman, Julie Christie and Max Irons have signed up for Warner Bros's Red Reding Hood, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Amanda Seyfried and Shiloh Fernandez are already among the cast for Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke's reimagining of the Brothers Grimm tale.

Oldman will play Father Soloman, a man who is hunting down the werewolf; Christie is the grandmother of Seyfried's character; and Irons, the son of actor Jeremy, is playing Seyfried's fiance.

Leonardo DiCaprio is producing Red Riding Hood through his Appian Way firm.

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Helen Mirren joins the cast of 'Arthur'

Helen Mirren has joined the cast of the upcoming film Arthur.

The Queen actress will star alongside Russell Brand in the Warner Bros remake of the 1981 comedy.

Mirren will play the title character's nanny in the role that earned John Gielgud an Academy Award for 'Best Supporting Actor' in the original, which starred Dudley Moore.

Peter Baynham has penned the screenplay for the film which follows a wealthy playboy who must face important questions about love and money.

Arthur is set to begin filming in New York in July.

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Kathy Bates, Michael Sheen for 'Paris'

Kathy Bates and Michael Sheen have joined the cast of Woody Allen's latest film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the two will star in Midnight in Paris alongside Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard and Rachel McAdams.

The romantic comedy is about a family travelling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.

Paris is part of a three-picture financing deal between Allen's Gravier Productions and Mediapro, the Spain-based company that also funded Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

The partnership will also finance Allen's next release.

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Neil Marshall making 'Professionals' movie

Neil Marshall has revealed that he is planning to make a film based on the classic British TV series The Professionals.

The Centurion director told Empire that his feature will bring the '70s show, about cops William Bodie (Lewis Collins) and Ray Doyle (Martin Shaw) and their exploits for CI5, into the present day.

"It's going to be a hard-hitting action movie," he said. "I always loved the show. It has one of the greatest theme tunes ever and a really great central premise. I just thought, 'This is going to make a great movie'."

He continued: "They deal with anti-terrorism, assassinations, political intrigue. The slogan, or kind of the tagline for the film, is 'Fight fire with fire' and that was their whole thing... Primarily it's going to be an exciting movie, but there's an inherent political angle on the story."

Marshall likened his Professionals film to American movies Lethal Weapon and Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid.

Marsall is also working on horror project Burst 3D with Sam Raimi.

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Myers: 'Austin Powers 4 is on track'

Mike Myers has revealed that a fourth Austin Powers movie is "on track".

Speaking to MTV, the spy spoof's star and creator disclosed that he and director Jay Roach are planning a new trilogy of films based around the villainous Dr Evil.

"It's hard to keep a Stanley Cup team together and I'm very happy how insanely well it's gone. Then it gets hard to get everybody all together," he said.

The Austin Powers series launched in 1997 and spawned two sequels, The Spy Who Shagged Me and Goldmember. Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Beyoncé, Michael Caine and Seth Green appeared in the comedy movies.

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