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James Franco closes deal for 'Oz'

James Franco has closed a deal to play the title role in the forthcoming Oz: The Great and Powerful.

According to Deadline, the Disney project will reunite Franco with Spider-Man director Sam Raimi.

The film is billed as a prequel to the original L. Frank Baum novel that inspired the 1939 Oscar-winning feature The Wizard of Oz.

Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire scripted the prequel, produced by Joe Roth.

Production is expected to begin in July after Franco wraps shooting on director Noah Baumbach's While We're Young.

Mila Kunis has reportedly begun talks to star alongside Franco in the movie.

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Paramount Drafts Jon M. Chu For 'G.I. Joe 2

I'm told that Paramount Pictures has chosen Jon M. Chu to direct G.I. Joe 2, the sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Chu just made the studio a pile of dough with Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. The competition came down to Chu and Gary Gray, with Unknown helmer Jaume Collet-Serra also meeting with studio brass. Production will begin in the fall. Chu is repped by WME and Principato Young. I'm told they are working out his deal, but that he's been told he is the choice. Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing. The next task will be to figure out which cast members are returning. I've heard the studio is starting with Channing Tatum, and trying to work out a deal for him to reprise.

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Jimmi Simpson boards 'Vampire Hunter

Jimmi Simpson has boarded the cast of the forthcoming movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

The actor joins Ben Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie and Mary Elisabeth Winstead in the horror project, reports Variety.

Tim Burton and Jim Lemley are producing the film, based on Seth Grahame-Smith's best-selling novel of the same name.

Night Watch and Wanted helmer Timur Bekmatebov has signed to direct the 3D project.

Simpson, who will play "Lincoln's right hand man", has appeared in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Date Night and Psych.

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Fassbender reveals his 'Prometheus' role

Michael Fassbender has seemingly confirmed that he will be playing an android character in Ridley Scott's upcoming science fiction epic Prometheus.

The actor, next appearing as Magneto in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class, made the revelation while discussing how Prometheus will tie in with the Alien franchise.

"Alien fans will recognise things in it," Fassbender admitted to Coming Soon. "It's not ignoring Alien, there's still a link to that world.

"But it's a different story," the actor continued. "It's definitely connected though."

Fassbender then responded to the recent speculation that he will play an android similar to the Bishop character from Aliens and Alien 3.

"I don't know what I can say," Fassbender added, before reportedly nodding. "I don't want to get into trouble."

Prometheus is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 8, 2012.

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Mortensen may play Zod in 'Superman

Warner Bros are reportedly keen to have Viggo Mortensen play the lead villain in their upcoming reboot of the Superman film franchise.

The Hollywood Reporter has claimed that Mortensen is currently "a person of interest" for the company to take on the role of General Zod.

While Zod has yet to be confirmed as the film's main villain, earlier this month it was revealed that director Zack Snyder was currently auditioning actresses for the part of Ursa, traditionally Zod's right-hand woman.

Mortensen's involvement with Snyder's new Superman depends on whether or not he is cast as the lead in Universal's fantasy epic Snow White And The Huntsman.

Terrance Stamp originally played the part of General Zod in the 1980 film Superman II, while both Michael Rosenbaum and Callum Blue have portrayed the character in the series Smallville.

The tentatively-titled Superman: The Man Of Steel is expected to be released in December 2012.

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New 'Clash Of The Titans' to be "gritty

Director Jonathan Liebesman has claimed that his Clash Of The Titans sequel will be much darker and more "gritty" than the 2010 film.

Liebesman, who will helm the film following Louis Letterier's decision not to return for the sequel, is perhaps best known for his horror prequel Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.

"It's going to be a much more natural gritty, grounded fantasy movie," Liebesman explained to Coming Soon. "Just think Gladiator with lots of creatures.

"I'm excited," the director added. "It's a good opportunity to do something awesome with some great actors in a great genre."

Actors currently signed on to return for the sequel include Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Gemma Arterton and Ralph Fiennes, along with newcomer Tony Kebell.

The tentatively-titled Wrath Of The Titans is currently scheduled for release on March 23, 2012

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It better be gritty as that first one was a big let down

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Mara, Williams cast in 'Blackbird

Kate Mara is the latest actress to be cast in the recently retitled fugitive film Blackbird.

Previously called Kin, the film follows a brother and sister, played by Eric Bana and Olivia Wilde, who are on the run from the law and encounter a boxer, played by Sons of Anarchy regular Charlie Hunnam.

Variety reports Entourage star Mara and former Everwood star Treat Williams have signed on to play a father and daughter, whose story intersects with the film's main plot.

Also cast in Blackbird is country singer Kris Kristofferson and Sissy Spacek.

Stefan Ruzowitzky will direct the film from a script by Zach Dean.

Blackbird is due to begin filming in March.

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Depp still keen to make 'The Ginger Man

Johnny Depp has admitted that there are still a number of dream projects he wants to be a part of, despite already having appeared in nearly 50 films over the course of his career so far.

Depp said that he has one or two pet projects he wants to get off the ground before even considering retiring from acting, including an adaptation of J.P. Donleavy's novel The Ginger Man.

"There's certain books that I've been in love with for years that I'd love to bring to life, things like Tom Robbins's Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates. That's a great, great book," Depp explained to Fox News.

"We're in the works now to put The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy up, get that on its feet, so that's a very exciting possibility."

A film adaptation of the novel has been rumoured in Hollywood for more than ten years, and Depp himself has expressed interest in the project from as far back as 2006.

The Ginger Man follows the racy adventures of a young student called Sebastian Dangerfield, an American living in Dublin with his family while studying law.

The novel was extremely controversial upon its release in 1947, and was banned in both the Republic of Ireland and the US because of its obscene content.

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Sony gives 'Total Recall' remake a date

Sony has announced an official release date for its upcoming remake of the science fiction classic Total Recall.

Underworld director Len Wiseman has taken on the project, which will star Colin Farrell in the part played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original 1990 film.

The script for Total Recall is based on famed science fiction author Philip K. Dick's short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale. Wiseman's remake will feature an updated script from Equilibrium writer Kurt Wimmer.

Total Recall is due in cinemas next summer on August 3, 2012.

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Pegg: 'Star Trek 2 script is amazing

Simon Pegg has revealed that a script for the long-awaited sequel to J.J. Abrams's 2009 Star Trek reboot is finally doing the rounds.

Abrams himself had said only a month ago that there was still no firm script for the project, leading fans of the franchise to doubt whether the film would make its proposed 2012 release date. However, a Twitter message from Pegg suggested that progress has been made.

"Word on the bridge is the new script is AMAZEBALLS and I cannot wait!" Pegg tweeted earlier today.

Pegg portrayed the U.S.S Enterprise's chief engineer Scotty in the popular 2009 reboot, opposite the likes of Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban.

While details about the proposed sequel are few and far between, it is known that the main cast members are all signed up, and that Abrams will serve as producer on the film.

Star Trek 2 is currently scheduled to be released on June 29, 2012.

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Eckhart: 'Battle: LA is like Dark Knight'

Aaron Eckhart has revealed that his new alien invasion movie Battle: Los Angeles has the same feel as Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight.

Eckhart spoke out about the film at the Los Angeles press junket, stating that the film strives to capture a sense of realism.

"The goal was: this is a war movie, a documentary style war movie - with aliens in it," he said.

Eckhart went on to say that Battle: Los Angeles tries to use as little green screen as possible, filming instead in real locations.

"It's the same thing with The Dark Knight," he said. "You know Chris [Nolan] uses green screen, but the movie doesn't rely on green screen, so you always get that feeling from Chris that this movie is real, and that's why it adds that depth and texture. I think that it's the same thing with this film."

Battle: Los Angeles opens in theatres on March 11.

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I highly doubt this is like The Dark Knight

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Cage: 'Ghost Rider 2 is more supernatural

Nicolas Cage has revealed that the sequel to Ghost Rider will be more supernatural than its predecessor.

Cage spoke to Screen Crave at the press day for Drive Angry 3D, where he took the opportunity to discuss the progress on Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, speaking specifically about working with directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.

"It's really fresh and original. Mark is like a stuntman, camera operator, director all rolled into one," said Cage. "He's literally risking his life to get shots. On rollerblades, on bungee cords, he's even patented the rollerblading stuff because no-one else in the business is doing that.

"And then Brian Taylor is just a walking encyclopedia about movies. We've had great conversations about all kinds of films."

Cage continued by stating that the Ghost Rider sequel will focus on the more supernatural elements of the character.

"It's not going to be like any other comic book movie you've seen," said Cage. "We keep stressing that Ghost Rider is the most supernatural superhero of all and that's going to really come out in this movie."

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance opens in theatres on February 17, 2012.

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Farrelly: 'Dumb & Dumber' sequel possible

Filmmaker Bobby Farrelly has said that a sequel to Dumb & Dumber could happen.

Farrelly co-directed the hit 1994 comedy with brother Peter. The film starred Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as dim-witted buffoons Harry and Lloyd.

Speaking to Moviehole, Farrelly explained that he hopes to come up with an idea for a sequel if Carrey and Daniels are willing to return.

"[Dumb & Dumber] has run a bunch of times on TV in the states, and kids will come up and they'll be able to quote lines from that - lines that I've long forgotten. If we could get those two guys back together, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, that might be a worthwhile sequel - and that ball is in motion," Farrelly said.

He added: "We're starting to think about what those two dimwits would be doing 20 years later in life, and hopefully we'll be able to come up with something worthy of a sequel."

The prequel Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd was released in 2003 and starred different actors in the lead roles.

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Smith 'to star in modern take on Job'

The writers behind The Fighter have revealed that Will Smith will play a modern day Job in their next movie.

Paul Tamasy, one half of the screenwriting duo behind The Fighter, spoke to Movie B.S. about the pair's next project, stating that they recently sold a script to Sony Pictures and Smith's production company Overbrook Entertainment.

"We sold a project to Sony with Overbrook and Will Smith. It's a modern version of the story of Job," said Tamasy.

Tamasy continued: "[Smith] will be playing 'Joe.' The movie's called Joe. It's about a man [who is living] the American dream. He's got the nice house, white picket fence, great kids, great wife, nice cars.

"God and the devil get together every thousand years to bet on a man's life, and the fate of the world is at stake."

Smith can be seen next in Men in Black III, which is scheduled for release on May 25, 2012

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Liam Neeson: 'No plans for A-Team sequel

Liam Neeson has revealed that there aren't any plans to make a sequel to The A-Team.

The Unknown star, who portrayed John 'Hannibal' Smith in the action movie, told Den Of Geek that he would like the opportunity to reunite with co-stars Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson.

"There's nothing planned at the minute, but the studios certainly aren't saying no. I personally would love to get on the horse again, you know? With Bradley and Sharlto and Rampage - we all would. But with the studios and the studio system it's a question of dollars and cents."

The A-Team underperformed at the box office, grossing $170 million on a budget north of $100 million. Neeson blamed the movie's financial failure on the timing of its release last summer.

"I thought it was a really good movie, you know? And thought it would've done much, much better at the box office in America, but the studio released it the day after the World Cup started, and I think that probably affected the overall performance of the film."

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I would love for a second A-Team movie.

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Zellweger 'agrees to Bridget Jones 3

Renee Zellweger is reportedly set to confirm that she will reprise the role of Bridget Jones for a third film.

However, the actress is said to have told producers that she will only do the role if she can keep her current weight, according to The Sun.

The tabloid claims that the opening scene of the film will show Bridget stepping smugly onto some scales in order to show the audience that she is no longer curvy.

A source told the publication: "Renee had no reservations about saying yes once she found out she wouldn't have to get fat.

"She hated having to do that in the last two films."

Colin Firth has already said that he is keen to sign up after taking on a heavyweight leading role in the Oscar-winningThe King's Speech.

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Breslin 'wants Bieber for Zombieland 2

Abigail Breslin has admitted that she would like to see Justin Bieber make an appearance in Zombieland 2.

The Oscar-nominated Little Miss Sunshine actress, who met the teen popstar when he gatecrashed a recent Rango press conference, told DS that a "zombiefied" Bieber would make for an interesting cameo in the follow-up.

"That was just a really fun, hysterical scene," Breslin said of Bill Murray's surprise appearance in the original Zombieland. "They would have to get something really, really unexpected [to top it]... Maybe Justin Bieber zombiefied!"

The 14-year-old confessed that she hasn't yet heard if the planned Zombieland sequel is moving forward.

"I don't really know what's going on with it at the moment but if it came around I'd love to play Little Rock again," she said.

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Mark Wahlberg 'working on Fighter 2

Mark Wahlberg has revealed that he us working on a sequel to The Fighter.

Speaking to Extra on the Academy Awards red carpet, Wahlberg said that he hopes to make a follow-up revolving around boxer Micky Ward's trilogy of fights with fierce rival Arturo Gatti.

"Now we're going to talk about doing number two," he said. "We're going to do the Ward/Gatti trilogy and make it real."

Wahlberg's co-stars Christian Bale and Melissa Leo scooped the 'Supporting Actor' and 'Supporting Actress' accolades at Sunday's Oscars ceremony.

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Texas Chainsaw' helmer to direct 'Djinn

Tobe Hooper has reportedly confirmed that he will direct a horror film about genies set in Abu Dhabi.

Djinn will see a young Emirati couple return home from the US to their new home which is built on the haunted site of an old fishing village.

The director of the classic slasher Texas Chainsaw Massacre said: "The horror genre speaks an international language, and I am so pleased to be involved in a project with Imagenation Abu Dhabi that will transcend cultures and borders.

"Simply put, this movie will scare everyone, no matter where you live or what you believe in!"

The script has been written by David Tully, who wrote the Danish slasher flick Room 205.

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Percy Jackson' sequel hires writers

Ed Wood writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have been hired to pen the sequel to Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief.

The follow-up to last year's fantasy epic will be based on The Sea Of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordan's series, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The plot will centre around Percy Jackson's quest to find the mythical Golden Fleece and free a friend captured in the eponymous sea.

Logan Lerman and several of the original leading cast members are expected to return for Sea Of Monsters, but director Chris Columbus will only be involved in a producing capacity.

Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief grossed $226 million at the worldwide box office for 20th Century Fox on a budget of $95 million.

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