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Rogen, Bateman join Pegg's 'Paul'

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's alien comedy Paul has added five new actors to its cast.

Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Jane Lynch have all boarded the Universal/Working Title project, reports Variety.

Hot Fuzz duo Pegg and Frost, who wrote the script for Paul, will star as two sci-fi geeks who encounter an alien near Area 51 while on a road trip across the US. Rogen will voice the eponymous extraterrestrial.

Greg Mottola (Superbad) will direct the movie, which is scheduled to go into production next month.


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Dustin Hoffman joins 'Barney's Version'

Dustin Hoffman will star opposite Paul Giamatti in indie drama Barney's Version, according to Variety.

Hoffman will play a reckless cop and father-of-two who is named as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of his friend. The film is based on Mordecai Richler's final novel.

Veteran TV director Richard J. Lewis (CSI) will helm the project from a script by Michael Konyves.

Hoffman can next be seen in romantic drama Last Chance Harvey, released in the UK on June 5.


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Stiller beats Hanks at UK box office

Ben Stiller comedy Night At The Museum 2 has gone straight to number one at the UK box office.

The sequel knocks Tom Hanks's Angels & Demons into second place, while Star Trek slips to number three. X-Men Origins: Wolverine holds its place at four, in front of CG-animated fantasy Coraline at five.

Elsewhere, UK horror film Tormented, starring Alex Pettyfer and Skins's April Pearson, enters the chart at number eight.

The UK box office top ten:

1. (-) Night At The Museum 2 - £4,160,496

2. (1) Angels & Demons - £2,453,169

3. (2) Star Trek - £1,645,238

4. (4) X-Men Origins: Wolverine - £459,405

5. (3) Coraline - £458,178

6. (5) Hannah Montana: The Movie - £413,218

7. (6) Fighting - £299,196

8. (-) Tormented - £284,757

9. (7) Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past - £162,926

10. (8) State Of Play - £88,895


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Renny Harlin discusses new 'Cliffhanger'

Having steered high-octane action flicks Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger and Deep Blue Sea, Finnish director Renny Harlin ranks as one of the top-grossing filmmakers of all time. With news recently surfacing that a 'reboot' of his biggest box office smash Cliffhanger is in the works, we asked the 12 Rounds director how he feels about the idea and how the original almost led to a date with 007.

What do you think of the news that they're going to reboot Cliffhanger?
"It's interesting, I talked to the producers at StudioCanal and I don't know if I'll be involved in any way or not. It wasn't that long ago that the movie was made - 16 years ago - so it's interesting that they're already remaking it."

Why do you think it's happening so soon?
"I guess the reason is that it's such a well-known title and I'm curious how they'll remake it. Will it be one man against these villains or a group of climbers? Will they be younger people? Is it a completely new story? It's an interesting challenge because Cliffhanger was done just before digital filmmaking [became popular]. We did pretty much everything for real in that movie and now you can create anything, an avalanche
or snow storms - it can be all digital."

Did the producers mention Sylvester Stallone coming back?
"They didn't strongly suggest this way or that way. Would he do a cameo in it maybe or something like that? That comes to mind but I really don't know."

What was your reaction to the Ace Ventura sequel parodying Cliffhanger's opening with a raccoon?
"I think that is one of the greatest honours when your movie reaches that kind of pop culture status, that somebody will parody it and people will actually know what they're parodying. So I thought it was a great honour and I thought it was hysterically funny and really great."

Is it true that after Cliffhanger's success you turned down GoldenEye?
"To be completely honest I don't even remember which one that was, but there was a time right after Cliffhanger that I was offered a Bond movie that I turned down. At that point, the problem was that it wasn't about rebooting the franchise - it was about continuing it. It was with an actor that I didn't feel was viable anymore as Bond. I felt like it was just more of the same. While I was a fan of the franchise, it didn't feel at the time that I could do something new with it."


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'Twilight' star to play murderous musician

Twilight star Jackson Rathbone has reportedly landed the role of imprisoned musician Varg Vikernes in upcoming biopic Lords Of Chaos.

The actor, who stars as Jasper Hale in the vampire franchise, will play the Norwegian death metal singer who was convicted of stabbing a rival musician in 1993 and burned down a series of churches.

Speaking to Blabbermouth, producer Stuart Pollok said that the movie would be a psychological teen horror, adding: "It is a fascinating topic, a great visual world to depict, and a fun portrayal of Norway."

Japanese director Sion Sono will helm the project, marking his English-language feature debut. The film is based on the book by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind.

Vikernes, who is now eligible for parole following a 16-year sentence, previously described the book as "a pool of mud", saying: "This book serves only one single purpose and that is to create a myth around my name and to mystify me."

Lords Of Chaos is scheduled to begin filming in mid-September.

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Will Ferrell confirms 'Anchorman 2'

Will Ferrell has confirmed that there will be a sequel to Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy, according to reports.

The actor revealed that the team behind the 2004 comedy about a 1970s newscaster will soon meet to discuss the follow-up, claims STV.

He said: "Yeah we're trying to figure out when and how we should do that. In fact, I think next week we're going to meet with all the guys and see if we can actually pull this off."

The Saturday Night Live alumnus said that he hopes to get orginal co-stars Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd involved in the project.

He added: "Because especially with Steve and Paul, they're in different places with their careers it's a lot harder to get us all together."

Ferrell, 41, wrote the screenplay for the first film and also starred as the titular Anchorman. His latest movie Land Of The Lost opens in US cinemas on June 5 and in the UK the following month.


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'Pirates Of The Caribbean' RPG in works

Disney Interactive Studios has confirmed the development of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Armada Of The Damned, an action-RPG based on the hit film franchise.

Disney-owned developer Propaganda Games is reportedly hard at work on project. Set several years before the events of the blockbuster films, players will take on the role of a pirate with a massive open world to explore.

Embarking on land and sea adventures, players will battle rival pirates and mythical creatures, with supernatural elements influencing the course of the game.

"Armada Of The Damned is a dynamic action role-playing game that captures all of the franchise's excitement, unpredictability and action while delving into narrative elements never before explored within this unique universe," said Propaganda Games vice president Dan Tudge.

"Our team’s collective experience with industry-leading RPGs and action titles provides a strong foundation for us to create and build a compelling action role-playing title."

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Armada Of The Damned will be released next autumn for the PC, with other platforms to be confirmed.


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Tom Cruise agrees to 'Wichita'

Tom Cruise is close to committing to star in 20th Century Fox action comedy Wichita.

According to Variety, the 46-year-old has been circling the project since the start of the year and has approved Scott Frank's latest draft of the script.

Cameron Diaz will also star in the film, to be directed by Walk The Line helmer James Mangold.

The story will revolve around a spy romancing a woman who has had terrible luck with men. Cruise and Diaz previously worked together on 2001's Vanilla Sky.

Wichita is expected to open in cinemas next summer.


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Scotts, Rinsch to revive 'Alien'?

20th Century Fox will reportedly revive its Alien franchise with original director Ridley Scott overseeing the project.

According to website Bloody Disgusting, Scott, his brother Tony and Michael Costigan are on board to produce the new version. Carl Rinsch, a commercials and music video director who has worked for Scott Free Productions, will helm the movie.

No plot details have been revealed, but Fox co-chariman Tom Rothman revealed last month that Ridley Scott was "toying with the idea" of a prequel.

The Alien series, which established Sigourney Weaver as an A-list star, started in 1979. It spawned three sequels and two Alien Vs. Predator crossover films and has pulled in more than $850 million at the worldwide box office.


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Bale: 'McG wants to reinvent himself'

Christian Bale has said that McG took on Terminator Salvation to reinvent himself as a director as well as revitalise the film franchise.

The actor told ShortList that after meeting McG, he liked his idea of focusing on the birth of John Connor as the Resistance leader in the movie.

Bale said: "He had a strong desire to make a very different movie from anything that had been done before - I think to prove that to himself and others, he has a lot of fight in him.

"I mean, a guy who keeps on calling himself McG must have a lot of fight in him, you know? Not only did he want to reinvent the mythology, but he also wanted to reinvent himself."

Bale added that Arnold Schwarzenegger was "very excited with a healthy amount of scepticism" about the movie when the pair discussed it.

McG recently confirmed that he will not make another Charlie's Angels film and will instead focus on science fiction projects.


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Crawford 'to undergo Footloose training'

Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford will reportedly undergo an intensive training regime in preparation for his part in Footloose.

The actor, who plays Nate Archibald in the CW drama, landed the lead role of Ren McCormack in the Paramount reboot after original choice Zac Efron dropped out.

"He really sizzles. He has musicality. We need to work with him on music and dance. There are some big shoes to fill. But he has it in him," director Kenny Ortega is quoted as telling Us Weekly.

The 1984 original starred Kevin Bacon as a youth who arrives in a town where dancing is forbidden. Production on the remake is scheduled to start in March 2010.

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Hill: '21 Jump Street will be rated R'

Jonah Hill has revealed details for his film remake of US TV show 21 Jump Street.

The Superbad actor is writing and producing the update of the 1980’s series that starred Johnny Depp.

Hill admitted that he would like to do the project as an R-rated action comedy, MTV reports.

"It’s not strictly comedic...We’re doing a full on action movie, blowing s**t up. [Sony] were gonna let me make my kind of movie - an R-rated, insane, Bad-Boys-meets-John Hughes-type movie.

"And I told them the second they don’t, I’m not gonna be involved anymore."

The original television programme focused on youthful-looking police officers who worked undercover in high schools. It ran for five seasons on the Fox network.

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Sutherland to present at MTV Movie Awards

MTV has announced that Kiefer Sutherland will be among the celebrities presenting at this year's Movie Awards.

The 24 star will be joined in the hosting duties by Star Trek actor Chris Pine and Sacha Baron Cohen as Brüno.

LeAnn Rimes, Ed Helms, Anna Faris and Justin Bartha are also lined up to present awards.

The ceremony is being hosted by Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg, while Eminem and Kings Of Leon are among the musical performers scheduled to appear.

The full list of nominees was announced earlier this month.


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Ryder: 'Heathers' sequel is happening

Winona Ryder has revealed that a sequel to her 1988 black comedy Heathers is "in the works".

Speaking to Empire, the actress confirmed that despite original screenwriter Dan Waters and director Michael Lehman's refusal to comment on the subject, plans are being made for a follow-up.

"Whatever you hear, there is a sequel in the works. I swear to God," Ryder said. "But for some reason Dan and Michael don't want to talk about it. I've been wanting to do a sequel forever."

Heathers centres on Veronica, a high-schooler who is part of a clique headed by three girls named Heather. Veronica soon finds herself led astray from the group by Christian Slater's rebellious new student J.D.

Ryder added that a storyline has been decided on for the new Heathers, which will see Slater "come back as a kind of Obi-Wan character".

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Ryder wanted to be like Brando in 'Trek'

Winona Ryder has revealed that she took a small role in J.J. Abrams's Star Trek after being inspired by acting legend Marlon Brando's cameo in the first Superman movie.

Ryder plays Spock's mother in this summer's action blockbuster, while Brando made a fleeting appearance as the Man of Steel's father in the 1978 film.

She told Empire: "I really don't have much more than a cameo [in Star Trek]. I was king of thinking I'd be like Marlon Brando in Superman. Not that I'd ever compare myself to Brando!"

The 38-year-old confessed that she didn't "know anything about the movie" when making it because Abrams refused to let her see the script.

"Because of the huge Trekkie culture I wasn't given a script," she said. "I'd get picked up in the morning and have no idea where I was going. Even doing Alien, those films don't have anything like the kind of fans that Star Trek does."


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Favreau, Rourke discuss 'Iron Man 2'

Jon Favreau has hinted that Iron Man 2 will see hero Tony Stark struggling to cope with his responsibilities.

The director recently confirmed that production on the superhero sequel starring Robert Downey Jr. was at the halfway stage.

Speaking to Empire, he said: "Tony's expected to be a role model and I don't think he's ready to be one. He's under a great deal of pressure and when you're under pressure, I think you find outlets for that.

"That's one of the tensions of the film - it's one thing to say you're Iron Man, and another thing to actually become Iron Man."

He went on to tease that Stark's friend Jim Rhodes would be "stepping up in this film", adding: "Let me put it this way - Tony's not the only person with technology in the film."

Meanwhile, star Mickey Rourke has admitted that he is "having the time of my life" playing new villain Whiplash.

He explained: "It's been really brutal because my Iron Man suit weighs 23 lb. It's sort of a half-suit, with half my skin showing, with lots of Russian tattoos, because [Whiplash is just] out of a Russian-zone prison."


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Felton has 'mixed feelings about Potter end'

Harry Potter star Tom Felton has admitted that he has mixed feelings about filming the final instalment in the magical franchise.

The actor, who plays Potter's arch-nemesis Draco Malfoy, told PA that he was both "sad" and "excited" about saying goodbye to the character in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

"I think we're all a little bit anxious about it being the last one but at the same time very excited to see what's going to come for all of us," he explained.

The 21-year-old added that he had auditioned for the roles of both Harry and Ron Weasley before landing the part of Draco.

"I had my hair dyed brown, ginger and then blond and finally they got it right," he said. "[Director] Chris Columbus was very keen to use me in the film but didn't quite know where to place me so to speak, so I am glad he found a place.

"I don't know what he saw in me as an 11-year-old, I can't see how I could be evil, but I am very glad he gave me the part of Draco, definitely."

The sixth movie in the series, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, is released in the US on July 15 and the UK on July 17.

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Angelina Jolie injured on 'Salt' set

Angelina Jolie has been injured on the set of her upcoming thriller Salt, according to reports.

The actress suffered "minor injuries" while shooting an action sequence on Long Island, New York for the film, says Access Hollywood.

"As a precautionary measure she was taken to the hospital and examined," a studio representative said.

It was also confirmed that Jolie returned to the set to continue filming after visiting the hospital.

Liev Schreiber stars alongside Jolie in the movie, which is being directed by Phillip Noyce.

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'Up' easily rises to the top of Friday box office

It's official: Pixar scores another hit. Up, the studio's 10th animated feature, grossed an impressive $21.4 million on its first day in theaters. Buoyed by positive reviews -- and pricier 3-D tickets -- the result is Pixar's second-highest opening day gross ever, exceeded only by the $23.2 million Wall-E earned last year. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian took in an estimated $7.5 million for a second place Friday finish. The other new film of the weekend, Sam Raimi's well-reviewed horror flick Drag Me to Hell, grossed an estimated $6.4 million, landing it in third pace. The film that seems likely to be in the most trouble is Terminator Salvation, which fell an estimated 66% compared to last Friday's tally. The film's total gross after nine days stands at an estimated $79.6 million, more than $10 million less than Terminator 3's gross after the same number of days in the theater. Star Trek rounded out the top five with an additional $3.6 million, crossing the $200 million mark in only 23 days. Check back here on Sunday for the complete weekend figures in EW's Box Office Report.

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Portman confirmed to star in 'Your Highness'

Natalie Portman has been confirmed to star in Your Highness.

Portman will play a warrior princess opposite James Franco and Danny McBride in the Universal Pictures medieval comedy, reports Variety.

Pineapple Express director David Gordon Green helms the project, while McBride and Ben Best penned the script.

Production on the film begins in July in Ireland.


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