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Andrew Stanton has confirmed that Pixar's first live-action film John Carter Of Mars is moving forward.

The WALL-E director told Sci Fi Wire that he has already begun his search for a cast.

"[I'm] deep into it," he said. "I'm on my next draft of it. We're in preproduction art-wise, and we're starting to talk to actors. So it's full bore."

Discussing the move from fully 3-D animated movies to live-action, Stanton added: "I think that's the only way. I mean, there are so many creatures and characters that half of it's going to be CG whether you want it to be [or not], just to realise some of these images that are in the book. But it will feel real. The whole thing will feel very, very believable."

John Carter Of Mars is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs science fiction book A Princess Of Mars. Published in novel form in 1917 and regarded as a pulp classic, it focuses on Civil War veteran John Carter who finds himself transported to Mars.

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Amy Winehouse has reportedly been offered her first movie role.

The 'Back To Black' singer would play the part of a music teacher at a problem school, according to The Sun.

"The movie is a bit like Michelle Pfeiffer's film Dangerous Minds. Playing a music teacher will allow Amy to use her singing skills," revealed an insider.

However, the star has reportedly been warned that she has to continue cleaning up her act if she wants the part.

"She needs to improve her health and state of mind, or the opportunity will be withdrawn...It’s hoped the offer will be an incentive for her," said the source.

The 25-year-old has been offered an acting coach from the Royal Academy of Music Theatre Department in London to help her prepare for her screen debut.

The Tudors actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers is apparently being considered to co-star in the Universal project.

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Jackie Chan is in talks to star in Columbia's remake of The Karate Kid, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Rush Hour actor is being lined up to play martial arts expert Mr Miyagi in the reworking of the 1984 movie.

The film will be loosely based on the original plot, which followed a young boy learning to stand up to a group of bullies with the help of Mr Miyagi.

Jaden Smith, the son of actor Will, was previously confirmed to play the boy.

The Pink Panther 2 director Harold Zwart will helm the Chris Murphy-scripted project, with Will Smith producing.

Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita starred in the 1984 film, which spawned three sequels.

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Vanessa Hudgens has not auditioned for a role in New Moon, according to her representative.

Earlier reports suggested that the High School Musical 3 star had read for the role of werewolf Leah Clearwater in the forthcoming Twilight sequel.

However, a representative for the actress has dismissed the speculation.

"I don't know anything about the audition. As far as I know, it's just a rumour."

New Moon is expected to begin filming in Vancouver in March.

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Chris Pine has cleared up reports that J.J. Abrams's forthcoming Star Trek will feature a steamy sex scene.

The actor, who plays Captain Kirk, sparked the speculation last year when he said that the movie had been "sexed up for a new generation".

He also predicted that a scene in which co-star Zoe Saldana (Lt Nyota Uhura) takes her shirt off would "become famous".

However, the 28-year-old has clarified his comments to E! News, insisting that they have been taken out of proportion.

"It is a different Star Trek, but there's no crazy sex scene," he said. "There may be some bare midriffs, but you know it's been a long time since the bikini was invented, so I don't think we're going to ruffle any feathers."

Star Trek will open in the UK in May.

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Seann William Scott's latest comedy vehicle Role Models has claimed the UK box office top spot.

Golden Globe winner Slumdog Millionaire settles for second, while Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson's comedy Bride Wars debuts at three.

Daniel Craig's war drama Defiance enters at four and last week's number one Yes Man, slips to fifth.

The top ten in full:

1. (-) Role Models - £2,330,145
2. (-) Slumdog Millionaire - £1,827,457
3. (-) Bride Wars - £1,717,894
4. (-) Defiance - £1,198,425
5. (5) Yes Man - £1,036,683
6. (2) Bedtime Stories - £815,996
7. (4) Australia - £811,555
8. (3) Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - £777,164
9. (5) Twilight - £770,359
10. (7) The Reader - £578,784

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20,000 Leagues Under The Sea director McG has revealed that he wants Will Smith to star as Captain Nemo in his Disney remake.

Speaking to Latino Review, the Terminator Salvation director said: "I'm trying to get Will Smith to do it, been trying to get a hold of him. I've been wanting to work with him for a long time already. That guy's great."

Based on Jules Verne's classic 1870 novel, the movie will focus on sea commander Captain Nemo as he builds his submarine, the Nautilus.

"The character Nemo in this film is more about obsession. He is obsessed and people tend to forget that when you become so obsessed you end up being the villain," McG added.

20,000 Leagues was previously adapted for film in 1954 by Disney, with Kirk Douglas and James Mason leading the cast.

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Kevin Bacon has admitted that he turns off the TV whenever one of his own movies is shown.

The actor, who can next be seen in Ron Howard drama Frost/Nixon, claimed that he has never made his teenage children watch his work or discussed cinema with them.

"To be honest I never watch my old movies," Bang Showbiz quotes him as saying. "If they come on television I will flick off. I've no idea whether my son has watched Apollo 13. We never talk about films. I'm pretty sure they've never seen Footloose."

Bacon revealed that he and wife Kyra Sedgwick have tried to give their children as grounded an upbringing as possible.

"Their idea of us is as parents, not film actors," he said. "The idea of them watching us pretend to be other people is not that attractive. We're the people who tell them to clear up their room, who make pancakes on a Sunday."

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Producers Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters have begun developing a Steve McQueen biopic, reports Variety.

Cerenzie and Peters have acquired the rights to Marshall Terrill's biography of the actor Steve McQueen: Portrait Of An American Rebel. The film will focus on McQueen's movie career rather than his pre-fame life. McQueen's widow Barbara Minty is also involved with the project.

McQueen's classic films include The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Bullitt and The Thomas Crown Affair. He married three times, most famously to his Getaway co-star Ali McGraw, and died from lung cancer aged 50.

They are currently hunting for a studio and director for the project.

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Michael Cera is still considering appearing in the forthcoming Arrested Development movie, according to his co-star Jason Bateman.

Earlier reports had suggested that the Superbad star was holding out on the film version of the US sitcom, despite all of the other main cast members having signed on.

However, Bateman, who played his on-screen dad, has insisted that the actor has not completely ruled out a return.

"I know he's thinking about it," he told E! News. "You'd have to get [Michael] on the phone to get his answer about whether he's going to come back and do it or not. He's certainly not said that he won't do it.

"I think Michael is clearly the guy that has come out of Arrested Development with a very big plate, so I think he's trying to really give some responsible thought to what makes sense for him to do with his career.

"The guy is 20 years old and I'm sure he doesn't want to screw up this opportunity."

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Samuel L. Jackson has hinted that he might not be returning as army hero Nick Fury for the sequel to Iron Man.

The actor made a much-celebrated cameo appearance at the end of the first movie, however, he told the LA Times that negotiations for the follow-up had broken down.

"I saw [Iron Man director] Jon Favreau at the Scream Awards and we had a conversation. He said, 'hope things are working out for you because we're writing stuff for you'. Then all of a sudden last week I talked to my agents and manager and things aren't really working that well," he revealed.

"There was a huge kind of negotiation that broke down. I don't know. Maybe I won't be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won't be in it.

"There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world so [they're saying to me], 'We're not making that deal.'"

A representative from Marvel Comics said that the company did not comment on "active negotiations".

Jackson was asked to appear in Iron Man after his appearance and personality were used as the basis for the Ultimate Marvel comic version of Nick Fury.

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Disney has picked up the rights to an untitled supernatural comedy, according to Variety.

The movie was reportedly pitched by Yours, Mine And Ours writers Ron Burch and David Kidd, who developed the idea with Bedtime Stories' Matt Lopez.

Lopez will executive produce the project alongside Bedtime's Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gigbot.

No details about the plot or possible casting have been announced yet.

Lopez is also responsible for upcoming Disney comedies The Sorcerer's Apprentice, starring Nicolas Cage, and Race To Witch Mountain.

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Jonathan Ross will return to host this year's BAFTAs.

The TV star, who was suspended without pay for three months for his involvement in the Manuelgate scandal, will present the film awards ceremony two weeks after his ban is lifted.

Writing on his Twitter page, Ross invited suggestions for an unlikely word he can use while hosting, saying: "Thanks for BAFTA suggestions. Will whittle them down to a top three then slip one in."

Coverage of the BAFTAs kicks off on February 8 with a BBC Three broadcast, presented by Claudia Winkleman, showing stars arrive on the red carpet. The first part of the event will be screened on BBC Two with the final hour airing on BBC One.

"I've witnessed the stars, the screaming and the fashion at the BAFTA film awards before, and I will do my utmost to bring this rare and intense atmosphere, so much an essential part of the overall night, to everyone at home, with a lot of mascara on," said Winkleman.

The BAFTAs will take place at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.

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Paramount has begun development on an upcoming techno-thriller called Daemon, claims The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie focuses on dying game designer Matthew Sobol, who creates a computer program to fight mankind after he is gone.

The story will reportedly examine the battle between man and machine as the computer program wreaks havoc across the world.

Men In Black's Walter Parkes and Laurie McDonald will produce.

The movie is based on the novel by Daniel Suarez, which was originally self-published but is scheduled for re-release later this month.

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Johnny Depp's next film will be the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation The Rum Diary, according to The Bad And The Ugly.

The Rum Diary focuses on struggling writer Paul Kemp (Depp) as he becomes involved in a complicated love triangle at the run-down newspaper in Puerto Rico where he has just been employed. Kemp is based on the late gonzo writer Thompson's experiences as a 22-year-old.

Depp portrayed Thompson in Terry Gilliam's Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.

Director Bruce Robinson (Withnail & I) has begun searching for the female lead, Chenault, who Kemp becomes infatuated with.

The Rum Diary is scheduled to begin production in March 2009.

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Kristin Chenoweth has revealed that the cast of cancelled dramedy Pushing Daisies are eager to return for a movie.

Chenoweth told TV Guide that creator Bryan Fuller, who has previously voiced his desire to continue the show in comic book and movie form, is committed to making a film with the original stars.

"I'm sure that Bryan Fuller wouldn't do it without the six main characters," she said.

The actress added that there are several guest stars she would like to see reprise their roles for a big screen spinoff.

"Paul Reubens was a big part of it - we have certain guest stars that are standouts that we'd want back," she commented. "But he (Fuller) has such a great idea for [a movie]. We all want to."

Pushing Daisies, which starred Lee Pace and Anna Friel, revolved around a pie-maker with the power to bring the dead back to life.

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James Caan has reportedly sued a Hollywood production company, alleging that it backed out of a deal for him to star in a forthcoming film.

The Godfather actor accused Fish Weir Filmworks and writer/director Daniel Adams of failing to honour a commitment for him to play the lead role in The Lightkeepers.

Caan is suing for breach of contract on the basis that he was promised $2 million (£1.3 million) to shoot the movie last August, reports TMZ.

The lawsuit reportedly states: "[They] thought they could pull one over on James Caan and get away with it. They were dead wrong. Caan is not one to be hustled or cheated by Hollywood players and he's calling their bluff."

The Las Vegas star is thought to be seeking damages and legal fees on the grounds that he turned down other work to concentrate on the scrapped movie.

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Noel Clarke has admitted that he was "very surprised" to see his directorial debut Adulthood out-perform several summer blockbusters.

The actor, who has been nominated for an Orange Rising Star Award at this year's BAFTAs, told DS that he was shocked to see Adulthood out-gross The Incredible Hulk on its opening night in the UK.

He said: "Yeah, we did [beat The Incredible Hulk]! Adulthood knocked off The Incredible Hulk, Indiana Jones and Sex And The City on the night it came out.

"On Saturday morning when the guy from [distributor] Pathé went to have a look at it in his dressing gown he had to refresh his page four times because he couldn't believe that they were top of the box office.

Clarke insisted that he didn't want to assume that the sequel would be a success, adding: "I was very surprised, you can never assume or be complacent about these things. Nobody steps up to make a rubbish film, everyone thinks it's going to be great. You just have to do your work, that's what we did. The swell of support we had for the film was fantastic and hopefully I'll get that swell of support again."

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Emily Blunt is reportedly close to being cast in the forthcoming Iron Man sequel.

According to Variety, the actress has been tipped to star as The Black Widow, a Soviet superspy who wears a skin-tight black suit enhanced by high-tech weaponry.

The Marvel Comics character first appeared as a villain, hired to seduce Tony Stark and kill his alter-ego, Iron Man.

Filming for Iron Man 2 is scheduled to begin later this year, with a slated summer 2010 release date.

Original cast members Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow have been confirmed to return, while Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke are in negotiations to play the movie's main villains.

Blunt previously appeared in The Devil Wears Prada and Charlie Wilson's War.

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Slumdog Millionaire and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button have picked up 11 nominations each at the 2009 Orange British Academy Film Awards.

Slumdog, a rags-to-riches tale of an Indian boy taking part in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, received BAFTA nods in the categories best film, outstanding British film and best director for Danny Boyle, along with acting recognition for newcomers Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.

David Fincher's Benjamin Button made the shortlist for best film, best director and best leading actor for Brad Pitt, who secured a best supporting actor nomination for Burn After Reading. Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker in last summer's The Dark Knight is also in the running for best supporting actor.

Speaking to Digital Spy at the announcement, BAFTA Chairman David Parfitt said: "I'm really pleased. It's a good spread of nominations and that's always good to see. The nervousness for me is about sweeps for different films, in best film you see a nice breakdown between the British films and the international films."

Parfitt added that Slumdog and Benjamin Button's 11 nods each is akin to "a David and Goliath story".

Other films with a strong presence are Frost/Nixon with six nods, The Reader with five, and In Bruges, Milk and Revolutionary Road with four each.

Kate Winslet's performances in The Reader and Revolutionary Road secured her two nominations for best actress, where she will face competition from Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Meryl Streep (Doubt) and Kristin Scott Thomas (I've Loved You So Long).

Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), Sean Penn (Milk) and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) join Pitt and Patel in the best actor category.

The BAFTAs take place on February 8 at London's Royal Opera House.