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Chronicles of Riddick' sequel casts Broadway star Nolan Funk

The Chronicles of Riddick's untitled sequel has cast Broadway actor Nolan Funk.

The 25-year-old Canadian star will join returning actors Vin Diesel and Karl Urban on the project, which is rumoured to bear the subtitle Dead Man Stalking, reports Variety.

Jordi Molla previously signed up to portray the movie's villain Santana, while Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff will play Nordic mercenary Dahl.

Funk's role in the third Riddick film is yet to be announced. He is best known for playing Conrad Birdie in the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie, and has appeared in numerous television and film projects of late.

Chronicles of Riddick's second sequel resumed production in December last year after budget issues stopped it in its tracks. Diesel previously revealed that it will be R-rated.

The film is expected to be released in 2013.

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Javier Bardem pulls out of 'Despicable Me' sequel

Javier Bardem has dropped out of Despicable Me 2.

The No Country For Old Men actor was in line to play the movie's villain before negotiations with Universal Studios broke down, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bardem was in talks to portray a character named El Macho, who has a son called Machito. Reasons for his departure from the project have not been disclosed.

Despicable Me was released in 2010, starring Steve Carell, Russell Brand and Jason Segel, all of whom are expected to reprise their roles for the follow-up.

Bardem is currently filming the next James Bond movie Skyfall. The actor is playing the main antagonist in the film, which opens in theatres in October.

Despicable Me 2, directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, is slated for July 3, 2013.

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Russell Brand joins 'The Hauntrepreneur'

Russell Brand will star in The Hauntrepreneur.

The Arthur and Hop actor will lead the cast of Paramount Pictures' supernatural children's tale, reports Variety.

The film centres on a family who hire an 'hauntrepreneur' to build a haunted house for them in their new neighbourhood.

Con Air and High Fidelity screenwriter Scott Rosenberg sold his original script for the movie to Paramount last year. The studio has not yet commented on the casting.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller (Vigilandia) will produce through their company Platinum Dunes.

Brand is due to star in the upcoming Adam Shankman musical Rock of Ages alongside Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta Jones, Mary J Blige and Alec Baldwin.

He was previously linked to the similarly-themed movie Rentaghost, which currently has Ben Stiller attached in the starring role.

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The Saint' returns to the big screen

The Saint is due to return to the big screen.

RKO Pictures has commissioned Eagle Eye writer Travis Wright to produce a new script based on the long-running franchise, reports Variety.

The best known portrayal of the character was by Roger Moore in the 1960s television series.

The Saint was also adapted into the 1997 Phillip Noyce-directed movie starring Val Kilmer.

The franchise features Simon Templar, a Robin Hood-like figure who punishes corrupt politicians and businessmen.

The original TV series aired on ITV between 1962 and 1969. It was followed in the late '70s by a short-lived sequel Return of the Saint, starring Ian Ogilvy as Templar.

The character first debuted in Leslie Charteris's novel Enter the Tiger, which spawned a long-running series of books.

RKO owns the rights to several films based on The Saint, including 1938's The Saint in New York and its follow-ups.

Travis has previously been reported to be working on the long-awaited Blade Runner 2

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Terminator 5' to be given R-rating

Terminator 5 will be given an R-rating, according to series rights holder Megan Ellison.

Ellison, whose studio Annapurna Pictures beat Lionsgate to the licence, confirmed the certificate when addressing fan questions on Twitter.

"We can't really tell you guys anything about Terminator BUT it will be an R-rated film as God and James Cameron intended," she wrote in response to a query from TheTerminatorFans.com.

Terminator 5 is rumoured to be a series reboot in the vein of JJ Abrams's Star Trek. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to be involved in the project in some capacity.

Justin Lin was previously announced as the film's director, but scheduling conflicts have since cast the appointment in doubt. Lin is currently working on Fast and Furious 6, as well as Summit's Highlander reboot.

Terminator 5 is expected to be released in 2014.

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Captain America 2' to shoot this year, 'Iron Man 3' starts early

Captain America 2 is reported to begin shooting in 2012, with Iron Man 3's start date brought forward.

A Nick Fury film has also been revealed to be following the next Captain America outing

Iron Man 3 will start shooting on May 4, weeks ahead of its previously published late May start date, and before the release of Joss Whedon's Avengers, reports ComicBook.com.

Captain America 2 has also been revealed to begin shooting before the end of the year.

"They're planning [to go into production for] Captain America 2 for the end of this year, because Marvel does one film at a time," Neal McDonough, who will reprise his role as Dum Dum Dugan in the sequel, told IMDB.

"So they're going to do Thor 2 and as soon as Thor has wrapped, they'll do [Captain America] 2."

McDonough also revealed plans for a Nick Fury film to follow Captain America 2.

"Hopefully right after that, we'll jump into Nick Fury, because that's the one I'm looking forward to more than anything," he said.

Samuel L Jackson has played super-spy Fury in all of Marvel Studios' recent movies.

It was revealed earlier this week that development of a Doctor Strange movie is moving ahead following the completion of its screenplay.

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Guy Ritchie 'signs for Sherlock Holmes 3, wants to film in Hollywood

Guy Ritchie has reportedly signed on to direct a third Sherlock Holmes movie.

The 43-year-old is believed to be continuing his work on the detective franchise, which stars Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, apparently opting to base the next instalment in Hollywood.

Industry insiders say that the move will be well received by Downey Jr, who is based in the US and will become a father for the second time in 2012 following the arrival of his first child with wife Susan.

"Guy has loved making the movies and he gets on really well with all the cast," a source told The Sun. "But Robert's had to spend large parts of the year in the UK filming so will probably welcome the move back home.

"He loves the UK, and London in particular but having home comforts close by is such a big bonus."

Warner Bros pushed forward with a third Sherlock Holmes movie last October by hiring Iron Man 3 writer Drew Pearce to work on a screenplay.

The second entry in the franchise Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows hit cinemas last month.

Ritchie is currently working on a big-screen adaptation of The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

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Taylor Kitsch: 'X-Men Gambit return needs to be dark'

Taylor Kitsch has said that there are currently no plans for him to reprise his role as Gambit in the new X-Men movies.

The Friday Night Lights star portrayed the card-throwing Cajun in Hugh Jackman's 2009 prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

However, he admitted that he doesn't think the character will be back now that the franchise has been rebooted.

On the prospect of playing the Marvel superhero again, Kitsch said: "I'd love to do it again, but we're going to do it right and we're going to do it dark."

Kitsch can next be seen starring in Disney's sci-fi epic John Carter and naval blockbuster Battleship. He finishes 2012 in the ensemble cast of Oliver Stone's Savages with Blake Lively, Uma Thurman and John Travolta.

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Rio' sequel rumoured for 2014

Rio is to receive a sequel in 2014, reports suggest.

Sergio Mendes, who scored an Oscar nomination for his contribution to the original film's soundtrack, told PA that 20th Century Fox is planning a follow-up to the CGI animation with director Carlos Saldanha on board.

"Fox has been talking about [it] and it looks like it's going to happen. We're going to have a meeting I think next week and Carlos is coming to town to tell us the story, and it looks like it's a go," he said.

Fox added via email that the "success of the first film was the start of a franchise", though the studio is yet to officially announce a sequel or set up any deals.

Rio, featuring the voice talents of Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, was released in theatres in April last year. The film follows the adventures of two talking macaw parrots in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

It has been rumoured that the sequel will be released to coincide with the 2014 World Cup, which is being held in Brazil.

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Mary Louise Parker replaces Demi Moore in 'Lovelace

Mary Louise Parker has signed on to appear in Lovelace.

The Weeds star will take over the role of Gloria Steinem following Demi Moore's exit from the porn biopic, reports US Weekly.

Moore dropped out of the project last week following her hospitalisation on Monday (January 23).

She had originally been added to the cast earlier this month alongside Eric Roberts and former OC star Adam Brody.

Lovelace stars Amanda Seyfried, with an ensemble cast including James Franco, Juno Temple, Sharon Stone, Hank Azaria and Peter Sarsgaard.

It is currently in production and is scheduled for release later this year.

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Iron Man 3' villain speculation mounts

Speculation has emerged that Namor may be the villain of the Iron Man 3 movie.

Rumours began after filming was scheduled to take place at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina. The studios are known for their special-effects water tank, ideal for filming underwater scenes featuring the King of Atlantis

According to ComicBook.com, it is also thought that the Robert Downey Jr-starring film may be based on the classic Iron Man story 'Demon in a Bottle', which features the Sub-Mariner heavily.

Iron Man 2 contained various easter eggs which are thought to relate to Atlantis, as well as introducing Justin Hammer, another key player in 'Demon in a Bottle'.

Reports of a giant sea creature called Leviathan appearing in Joss Whedon's Avengers movie have also led to speculation that Atlantis and Namor may also be involved in that film.

The start date for shooting on Iron Man 3 was recently brought forward to May 4, with Captain America 2 planned to begin filming before the end of the year.

Other villains that have been rumoured to feature in Iron Man 3 are The Mandarin and The Ghost.

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Matthew Vaughn returns to direct 'X-Men: First Class' sequel

Matthew Vaughn has signed on to return as the director for the sequel to last summer's hit X-Men: First Class.

Vaughn will reunite with Bryan Singer, who will continue to serve as producer for the sequel, reports Deadline.

In November, Simon Kinberg signed on as a writer for the sequel.

Kinberg was a writer and producer on X-Men: The Last Stand, the third and final instalment of the original X-Men trilogy.

James McAvoy previously spoke of his enthusiasm at reprising his role as Charles Xavier in future X-Men films.

McAvoy explained: "Ideally you have a story arc that lasts three movies and at the end of the third it leaves you ready for the story in X-Men 1. It would be nice to explore things in two more films. In this one, Magneto has gone through his major metamorphosis; he kind of found himself.

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Justin Timberlake for Clint Eastwood's 'Trouble with the Curve'?

Justin Timberlake is reportedly in talks to star in Clint Eastwood's Trouble with the Curve.

The film, which marks Clint Eastwood's return to acting, centers on an elderly baseball scout who travels to Atlanta, Georgia in order to screen a potential new player.

Variety reports that Timberlake will take on the role of Johnny Flanagan, a former New York Yankees player who now finds new talent alongside Eastwood's character.

The role would also serve as a potential love interest for Amy Adams, who will play Eastwood's daughter in the film.

Trouble with the Curve marks Eastwood's long-time assistant director Robert Lorenz's full directing debut.

It was reported earlier this month that Trouble with the Curve will add Scooby-Doo star Matthew Lillard to its cast in an unknown part.

Timberlake is also thought to be considering playing Sir Elton John in a biopic about the musician's life.

John has said that Timberlake is top of his wish list for the project "because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of 'Rocket Man' and he was superb".

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Shia LaBeouf joins 'The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman

Shia LaBeouf will star in The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman.

Commercials director Fredrik Bond is now attached to helm the movie, reports Variety.

The film centres around Charlie Countryman, an ordinary man who happens to fall for Gabi, the lover of crime boss Nigel.

Countryman finds himself put through a gauntlet of grueling ordeals and beatings in order to charm the girl and keep her safe.

Craig J Flores of co-producers Voltage Productions said in a statement: "After our fantastic experience collaborating with Shia on The Company You Keep, I jumped at the idea of working with him again on Charlie Countryman.

"The spark in this amazing script - mixed with Shia's pure talent and Fredrik's masterful ability to create an elevated love story we just can't get enough of - will redefine pulp romance."

LaBeouf was rumoured to be attached to the film after its initial announcement in 2010.

Later, Zac Efron was said to be replacing him, with Dante Ariola also formerly attached to direct.

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Joss Whedon denies Spider-Man cameo in 'Avengers'

Joss Whedon has denied rumours that Spider-Man will cameo in The Avengers.

The director quashed the speculation during a live Q&A on Twitter.

There is no Spider-Man cameo," Whedon said.

"But the Avengers do turn off the dark," he added, in reference to the Broadway Spider-Man musical.

The rumours were sparked by Logan's Run star Jenny Agutter, who has her own cameo in The Avengers.

She has said of her role: "I'm sworn to secrecy. I wasn't allowed a script until I got there, and when I did, I felt like a complete child being on big sets and a huge parking lot full of Winnebagos."

The Avengers arrives in cinemas on April 27 in the UK and on May 4 in the US, while The Amazing Spider-Man reboot - starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone - will debut on July 3.

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Kate Hudson to become action star in thriller 'Everly

Kate Hudson has been cast as the lead role in the upcoming Everly.

Directed by Joe Lynch, Everly focuses on a woman who has to ward off assassins hired by her mob boss ex, writes The Hollywood Reporter.

Lynch has apparently come up with the concept to shoot the film in just one room when production begins in May.

Everly will be produced by Crime Scene Pictures and Anonymous Content.

Crime scene partners Adam Ripp and Rob Paris said: "When we heard that Kate wanted to make the transition into an action star, we knew we had found our Everly. The physicality and intensity of this role will be transformative for her."

The Something Borrowed actress became a mother for the second time back in June after giving birth to a baby boy named Bingham 'Bing' Hawn.

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Al Pacino for animated film debut in Steve Carell's 'Despicable Me 2'

Al Pacino has been cast to voice a character in the upcoming Despicable Me 2.

Pacino's character is said to be a nemesis to the lead character Gru (Steve Carell) in the animated sequel, reports Deadline.

The news comes after Javier Bardem dropped out of the sequel in January. He was in talks to play a villain.

It is not yet clear if Pacino is replacing Bardem in Despicable Me 2 since Pacino's role is being kept secret.

Despicable Me was released in 2010 and told the story of the villainous Gru, who uses three orphan girls as pawns for his plan to defeat a new villain, Vector (Jason Segel).

Carell and Segel will return to reprise their characters.

Despicable Me 2 is set to open in theatres on July 3, 2013.

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Short Circuit' remake lands writer Matt Lieberman

The Short Circuit remake has appointed Matt Lieberman as screenwriter.

Dimension Films announced that the scribe will work closely with director Tim Hill to reimagine the 1986 cult classic.

"Dimension has had great success with the Spy Kids family series which grossed over $500 million worldwide," said Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.

"We are looking for Short Circuit to be our next family franchise and are excited to be working with Matt Lieberman and Tim Hill, who has had great international success with Hop and Alvin and the Chipmunks."

The original Short Circuit told the story of a military research robot called Number 5, who becomes sentient and goes on the run.

It was produced by David Foster, who will oversee the development of the remake along with Ryan E. Heppe, John Hyde and Brian Manis.

Short Circuit is scheduled for release in summer 2013.

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Harrison Ford in talks for Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner' follow-up

Harrison Ford has reportedly entered talks to appear in Ridley Scott's new Blade Runner project.

The actor has apparently been approached to reprise his role as Rick Deckard for the follow-up to Scott's 1982 sci-fi.

Discussions are in "very early stages", according to Twitch Film, but Ford's potential recruitment appears to have debunked suggestions that no original castmembers will be returning.

The move also adds credence to reports that Scott wants the film to be a direct sequel to Blade Runner, rather than a reboot or prequel.

Producer Andrew Kosove claimed last August that Ford will not be invited back for the picture.

"In no way do I speak for Ridley Scott," he said. "But if you're asking me will this movie have anything to do with Harrison Ford, the answer is no.

"This is a total reinvention. In my mind that means doing everything fresh, including casting."

Alcon Entertainment confirmed that more details about the new Blade Runner, including confirmation of its screenwriter, will be announced by the end of Feburary.

Scott is currently working on Alien-inspired movie Prometheus, which features the likes of Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron.

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Eli Roth, Selena Gomez to star in earthquake thriller 'Aftershock

Eli Roth and Selena Gomez will star in earthquake thriller Aftershock.

The low-budget project, which Hostel director Roth co-wrote with Nicolas Lopez and Guillermo Amoedo, centres on a devastating natural disaster that hits Chile. The quake strikes an island that houses an insane asylum, causing the inmates to break free.

The movie will follow on from The Last Exorcism and be released under the 'Eli Roth Presents' banner.

Lopez will direct Aftershock with Roth in the lead role, and his past collaborators Ariel Levy, Nicolas Martinez and Lorenza Izzo among the supporting cast. Music star Gomez, who starred in the recent Monte Carlo, signed up for a cameo role after visiting Chile for a concert.

Roth told Deadline that he has been a fan of Lopez's films since his 2004 debut Promedio Rojo.

"This collaboration marks the beginning of what we call Chilewood, making genre films for the global market using all the resources Chile has to offer," Roth said.

"We are making a smart elevated disaster genre movie with superb production value, something really big. The film's going to be very scary, very intense, and very real."

The Weinstein Company and Relativity Media are reportedly in talks with Aftershock's producers about securing distribution in the US.

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