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Jamie Bell boards 'The Retreat'

Jamie Bell has reportedly signed to star in upcoming thriller The Retreat.

Bell, who was previously on the shortlist to star as Peter Parker in Sony's upcoming Spider-Man reboot, joins Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton in the film.

The Retreat centres on a married couple (Murphy and Newton) who run across a biohazard-suited soldier while on vacation on a remote island. The soldier warns them about an airborne virus that has killed everyone on the mainland.

Newcomer Carl Tibbetts is directing the picture for Magnet Films.

Production is scheduled to begin in September in Wales.

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Josh Brolin for 'Young Adult'?

Josh Brolin has reportedly opened talks to star in Young Adult, the new movie from Juno pair Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody.

According to Showbiz 411, the Oscar nominee is circling the male lead in the dramedy starring Charlize Theron.

The film centres on an author of young adult novels (Theron) who moves back to her hometown following a divorce and begins to stalk her high school boyfriend, now married with a family.

Brolin is also appearing in the upcoming Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.

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Cameron 'wants underwater Avatar sequel'

James Cameron has said that he wants to capture his sequel to Avatar underwater.

The second instalment will centre on the exploration of the oceans of Pandora, which the director described as "equally rich and diverse and crazy and imaginative" as the first film's setting.

"I think what we should do there is - because we'll have to have characters that are in and under the water - is that we should actually capture them underwater," he told MTV News.

"It's not the same as going diving, but I like to keep my diving, which I do for pleasure, separate from work."

He added: "Diving for shooting a movie is work. Diving for exploration is a gas. I like to keep my peas and carrots separate."

Cameron recently suggested that he may film the franchise's second and third films back to back

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Affleck replaces Bale in Terrence Malick film

Ben Affleck and Rachel Weisz have signed up to star in Terrence Malick's untitled romantic drama.

The Oscar-winning duo will join the previously announced Javier Bardem, Rachel McAdams and Olga Kurylenko in the cast. Affleck is expected to step into the role vacated by Christian Bale, reports TheWrap.

Director Malick, a reclusive filmmaker who has directed just five features in a career spanning more than 35 years, is behind the '70s classics Badlands and Days Of Heaven. His new project, The Tree Of Life, stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

Affleck can next be seen in crime drama The Town, his directorial follow-up to Gone Baby Gone, while Weisz will appear opposite Daniel Craig in Dream House next year.

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Warner Bros plans 'Bugs Bunny' movie

Looney Tunes character Bugs Bunny will be revived by Warner Bros for a new live-action/CG movie.

According to Deadline, the studio has enlisted Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum to bring the famed animated rabbit back to cinemas.

The character last appeared on the big screen in Brendan Fraser's 2003 movie Looney Tunes: Back In Action. Prior to that, the Looney Tunes group were in 1996's Space Jam, which featured NBA star Michael Jordan and Bill Murray.

Bugs Bunny was created in 1940 by Tex Avery and voiced by Mel Blanc, who also provided vocals for Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig.

Warner Bros has recently produced three Looney Tunes short films to play in front of their features Cats And Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore, Legend Of The Guardians and Yogi Bear.

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Ryan Reynolds leads race for 'Safe House'

Ryan Reynolds is leading the race to star opposite Denzel Washington in Safe House.

The Universal thriller, to be directed by Snabba cash helmer Daniel Espinosa, has also attracted interest from Tom Hardy, Zac Efron, James McAvoy, Sam Worthington and Shia LaBeouf, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, Reynolds is said to be the favoured choice and an offer is expected to go out to the actor soon.

The script, penned by Us Weekly editor David Guggenheim, centres on a CIA agent attempting to transport a deadly prisoner (Washington) to a new safe house after his first comes under attack.

Reynolds will appear in thriller Buried this October before headlining superhero project Green Lantern next summer.

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Daniel Craig: 'I won't give up on Bond'

Daniel Craig has said that he is still willing to make more James Bond movies despite the financial problems that have forced studio MGM to pull the plug on the spy's 23rd outing.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, the 42-year-old admitted that his future as the British secret agent is "out of my hands", but said that he is "ready and willing" to return to the role if asked.

Discussing the financial problems surrounding franchise rights holders MGM, Craig said: "Unless MGM can sort themselves out, we can't make a movie. It's hard to talk about things that aren't happening.

"There will be more to say when things are happening. I'm really keen to get going, it's as simple as that. And I'm hoping that, in a while, we will."

Craig, who played Bond in Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, added of his 007 tenure: "I felt as if we were just getting going and that we'd get the chance to make a couple more.

"I'd like fulfill the circle with the story. But, yes, there is nothing really to say until whoever gets that house [at MGM] in order. There's no chance of getting it made until those things are taken care of."

Spyglass Entertainment is currently in talks to take over MGM, which has been crippled by a $4 billion debt.

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan for 'The Courier'

Jeffrey Dean Morgan has signed to star in upcoming action thriller The Courier.

According to Deadline, the Watchmen actor is also attached to executive produce the project.

Paradise Now helmer Hany Abu-Assad is directing the Arclight Films picture from a script by 3:10 to Yuma scribes Derek Haas and Michael Brandt.

Morgan will star as a courier who is hired to deliver a briefcase to a mysterious "underworld figure". He is hunted down by corrupt lawmen and crime bosses along the way.

Filming is scheduled to begin in September in New Orleans.

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Anne Hathaway to star in 'Lola Versus'?

Anne Hathaway is reportedly in talks over featuring in upcoming romantic comedy Lola Versus.

The Wrap reports that the Devil Wears Prada actress is "negotiating to star" in the film.

Producer Michael London said: "The project is still at the packaging stage and nothing has been firmed on either the talent or the distribution front."

The script for Lola Versus was written by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones.

Oscar-winning Hathaway is currently filming for One Day, an adaptation of the novel by David Nicholl.

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Stallone: 'I'm done with dramas'

Sylvester Stallone has revealed that he will never star in a dramatic film again.

The 64-year-old actor, who wrote and directed the action movie The Expendables, has insisted that he has passed his "prime" for acting in dramas and claimed that audiences wouldn't be interested in seeing him in more cerebral roles.

Speaking to The Guardian, he said: "I've done my 'mind movies' and I don't think people are very interested in seeing me do that any more. I think I'm past my prime in doing dramatic films; it would feel almost like a pathetic cry out to be recognised as a serious dramaturge."

The Expendables is currently playing in US cinemas and is released in the UK on August 19.

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Seth Rogen: 'I prefer Marvel to DC'

Seth Rogen, star of the upcoming comic book adaptation of The Green Hornet, has revealed that he prefers Marvel to DC when it comes to reading comics.

Bleeding Cool reports that he told the Los Angeles Times that he is a big Marvel Comics fan, preferring characters like The Punisher and Deadpool.

"I like Marvel, I've kind of given up on DC at this point," he explained.

However, he has also criticised the recent portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which saw the famously talkative character's mouth sewn up towards the end of the film.

"We'll take a character known for his wisecracks and saying funny stuff and we'll just lose that entire aspect of him!" Rogen continued.

Ryan Reynolds, who played Deadpool in the 2009 film, has also previously criticised the portrayal of the character, and has confirmed that if a spin-off film is released, it will be more in line with the comic book version of Deadpool.

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Lundgren: 'Stallone is more thoughtful'

Dolph Lundgren has insisted that Sylvester Stallone has become "more thoughtful".

Lundgren, who co-stars in the Stallone-helmed action movie The Expendables, has revealed that the director has learned to take his time with the cast and crew, Contactmusic reports.

He said: "How has Sylvester changed? I think as a director he's a little more thoughtful I'd say, a little more mellow maybe. So he kind of talks to the actors a little more about their scenes and their performances. I thought that was kind of nice, at least for me. He really took his time and I think that really helped in the picture, too."

Lundgren recently revealed that he turned down the chance to star in the original Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movies.

The Expendables is currently playing in US cinemas and is released in the UK on Thursday

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Jason Flemyng joins 'X-Men: First Class'

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels star Jason Flemyng has confirmed that he has landed a role in upcoming superhero prequel X-Men: First Class.

The 41-year-old actor revealed that he was awarded the part of teleporting creature Azazel by the film's director Matthew Vaughn, having appeared in all of his previous movies, including recent box office hits Kick-Ass and Stardust.

Flemyng revealed to Empire: "Matthew showed me my costume just the other day. Now I swore I’d never be in heavy make-up again, but this role is going to involve it. But at least they said, 'Don’t worry, we’ll add the tail in post [production]'."

Other confirmed cast members for X Men: First Class include James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult and Kevin Bacon. The long-awaited film is due to be released in June 2011.

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Rose Byrne for 'X-Men: First Class'

Rose Byrne is in talks to join the cast of superhero prequel X-Men: First Class, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The Damages actress will play Moira MacTaggert, a scientist who is the love interest for James McAvoy's mutant telepath Charles Xavier. The character appeared briefly in X-Men: The Last Stand and was portrayed by Olivia Williams.

X-Men: First Class will begin production in London at the end of this month with Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn at the helm.

Michael Fassbender, Alice Eve, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult are all among the cast for the comic book movie, which explores the early years of the X-Men.

Byrne recently appeared in Get Him To The Greek opposite Russell Brand and has also starred in 28 Weeks Later and Troy.

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Cameron: 'I warned del Toro about Hobbit'

James Cameron has revealed that he advised Guillermo del Toro not to direct The Hobbit because of Peter Jackson's strong links to the franchise.

Del Toro spent several years in New Zealand working on the fantasy prequels, only to drop out earlier this year. Lord Of The Rings director Jackson is now the frontrunner to helm the J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations.

Cameron, who is working with del Toro on At The Mountains Of Madness, told The Herald Sun: "I was telling [Guillermo] for a long time to get out of that thing because there is only room for one captain on the ship.

"Instinctively I knew that Peter [Jackson] was going to take over and do the movie. Guillermo, to his credit, didn't listen to me and wanted to do continue and had some great designs - and I have seen all the designs."

Avatar director Cameron added that he felt Jackson was the best choice to helm the two Hobbit movies.

"Of course [Guillermo] would have done a spectacular job, but don't we want to see Peter do it? He should do it and Guillermo should do his thing. That's what I told both of them - you should just stay in your corners," he said.

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Lundgren 'not a fan of modern action films'

Dolph Lundgren has admitted that he is not a fan of the direction action movies have taken.

Speaking to Digital Spy, the Rocky IV and Universal Solider star suggested that Hollywood has gone "overboard" with superhero adaptations and visual effects-driven blockbusters.

He said: "It's evolved in a direction which is somewhat entertaining but I'm not a big fan of too much - everybody's an action hero. It's gone a little overboard. Everybody's wearing a suit, everybody has super powers."

Lundgren, who reunites with Sylvester Stallone on this week's The Expendables, explained that modern action heroes are not as impressive in the flesh as those from the '80s.

"In the old days, if you showed up in person people were looking up to the actor, not just their character," he said. "Arnold in real life, Sly in real life, maybe me. It was, 'Okay, the guy was for real'. Now it's not like that anymore. Maybe there's a little demand for that now - people feel like, 'Okay, let's see some real guys'.

"Maybe we'll go back and you'll find more of those people. [Jason] Statham is a bit like that - he's got charisma in real life which is unusual. I hope it goes back that way."

Asked if he will be back for a possible Expendables 2, Lundgren replied: "I don't know. I know Stallone likes franchises so maybe he will do it that way and maybe he will find another enemy who can be annihilated!"

On the prospect of action icons Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal joining the follow-up, he replied: "There's a certain risk that they will be brought on - they belong in the group and people will miss them."

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Edie Falco 'would love Sopranos movie'

Edie Falco has revealed that she would love a Sopranos movie to be made.

Rumours about a film version of The Sopranos began in 2008 but Falco admitted that she does not expect the project to be made.

"Frankly, I think it's not going to materialise," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "But stranger things have happened."

Falco, who played Carmela, added that she would sign up immediately if a Sopranos film did get produced.

"I would definitely be interested in being involved," she said. "I'm pretty good at rolling with the punches. I would be fine if it never happened, but I would also love to go back there and see all the people I love again. Who knows? I'm not the one making the decisions and I would jump at the chance to participate."

Falco is currently working on the Showtime series Nurse Jackie, which will return for a third season next year.

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Jolie, Clooney to play Monroe, Sinatra?

Angelina Jolie and George Clooney will reportedly play Hollywood legends Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.

According to The Times, author Andrew O'Hagan has claimed that the duo will lead the big screen adaptation of his novel The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe.

The book is narrated by Maf - short for Mafia - the Maltese terrier dog that Sinatra gave to Monroe. It recounts her trips to meet President John F. Kennedy and a journey to Mexico to settle her divorce from playwright Arthur Miller. Monroe grew close to the animal and Maf remained with her until the actress died in 1962.

Scarlett Johansson and Michelle Williams have been linked to Monroe roles in recent times, while Naomi Watts will play the screen icon in an upcoming movie from Andrew Dominik.

O'Hagan, a former film critic for The Telegraph and Evening Standard, previously said that Mad Men's Christina Hendricks would be his choice to play Monroe in a film version of his novel.

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Cumberbatch cast in 'Tinker, Tailor'

Benedict Cumberbatch has joined the cast of British spy drama Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy.

The Sherlock star revealed to The Sunday Times Magazine that he will play MI6 agent Peter Guillam in the remake from Let The Right One In director Tomas Alfredson.

Tinker, Taylor is based on John le Carré's spy novel and was previously adapted for a 1979 TV series with Michael Jayston in the Guillam role and Sir Alec Guinness as his mentor George Smiley.

Gary Oldman is expected to play Smiley in the new version, while Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth and David Thewlis have all held talks about starring in the movie.

Cumberbatch, who counts Atonement and Four Lions among his big screen credits, is also due to star in Steven Spielberg's upcoming War Horse.

Discussing the differences between his two forthcoming film roles, Cumberbatch said: "War Horse is a thrill, and an incredible CV filler, and Spielberg is amazing... but to me [Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy] is... such a grown-up role."

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Kristen Bell cast in ballet comedy

Actress Kristen Bell has been cast in the upcoming indie comedy Dance of the Mirlitons.

The film will centre on a young, overweight ballerina and her fame-hungry mother (Bell) who will do anything it takes to become a star.

The film's producer Daniel Dubiecki told Reuters that Bell's casting will hopefully bring the film to the attention of a wider audience.

"Kristen's combination of comedic timing and authenticity will bring this character to the next level, and give this crossover appeal," said Dubiecki.

Dance of the Mirlitons's producers are currently looking to discover an unknown actress for the role of the young ballerina.

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