Jason Bourne Didn’t Get the Memo

That report from two weeks back painting a friendly picture between Universal and Matt Damon might not be entirely on point.

In an interview with Parade, the actor is asked for his two-cents on the Jason Bourne-absent fourth installment The Bourne Legacy. He didn't off like a happy camper.

"I found out they're making another when somebody saw it on the Internet. Nobody bothered to call me. I'm not in it, but even so, they'll work Bourne into the title I guess. Universal just wants to call everything the Bourne something. So I guess they are trying to make another franchise and as they say, 'It isn't over until it's over.'"

To be fair to the studio and filmmakers, Damon painted himself in a corner with his public "I won't return without Paul Greengrass" declaration. Plus, maybe he's full of crap and was fully aware of Universal and writer/director Tony Gilroy’s plans. Hey, actors lie.

Lucasfilm Strapped for Cash - Indiana Jones Headed to 3D

Most of us are above wasting away our time bashing George Lucas and proclaiming how he's lost his ever-flipping mind. But when you look at his actions with properties once held the highest of esteems and making even the hard-core fans sigh and go, "Really George?" then it’s understandable.

Hot off the announcement of both Star Wars trilogies being theatrically rereleased and post-converted to 3D (because they haven't rung out every penny left in fans' pockets), Blue Sky Disney says Lucasfilm is planning to do the same for the four Indiana Jones films.

This should be expected of Lucas at this point. My only disappointment is Steven Spielberg signing off on this. Doesn't any move like this require his approval or something?

Don't get me wrong, Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of my all-time favorites, and as a kid, I wanted to grow up to be Indy - still do. I'd love nothing more than to see Raiders on the big screen. But slapping the 3D gimmick on a near-perfect film is turn-off.

Spider-Man Reboot Looking for its J. Jonah Jameson

If they thought finding Andrew Garfield for the Spider-Man redo was a bitch, I'd imagine finding a new J. Jonah Jameson, in the eyes of many fans, will be an almost-impossible task to pull off. J.K. Simmons' portrayal was one of those rare cases where a character stepped out of the comic-book panels and came to life. But it has to be done especially with the December start of filming looming.

Among the reported dozen or so actors in contention as the cigar-eating, Daily Bugle editor (via What's Playing) are Mad Men star John Slattery, who in a "Six Degrees of Stan Lee" connection, just played Tony Stark's deceased 70s era papa in Iron Man 2. Also name-dropped is Sam Elliott, who trumps Slattery in the bad Marvel movies department having appeared in Ang Lee's Hulk misfire and Ghost Rider.

Having an easier time imagining Elliott (A friend of mine thinks of him as the sexiest thing on two legs – curious to see her reaction were he to be cast) than Slattery. Although truthfully neither fully gel in my mind as Jonah. I'd be shocked as all Hell if it happened, but Hugh Laurie gets my vote and my buddy/Movie Moan partner-in-crime Phil wants James Woods, also a strong choice.

Then again, they could always throw caution to the wind and just rehire Simmons.

Search Begins for Batman 3 Female Lead

In typical Nolan-fashion, only the keyest of key players know the full dynamics of his latest production – in this case, Batman 3.

Movie Hole reports Nolan is meeting this week with candidates for what is always the most thankless role of any comic-tentpole: the female lead.

Said actresses are going in blind with nary a clue of what role they're up for. Maybe Nolan is going to use Catwoman as often speculated or another love-interest for Bruce Wayne or someone else entirely?

Things are so air-tight on Camp Nolan's end not even Clint's WB moles are entirely certain what he has cooking upstairs for the third Batman installment. I'm sure visions of hundreds of millions of dollars are dancing in their head instead when it hits in July 2012.

Mark Wahlberg Hearts Crap

Was The Other Guys a fluke? Ever since his Oscar-nominated turn in The Departed, Mark Wahlberg has done nothing but crap. I thought one had to actually win the damn award before any curses set in.

Pajiba reported two weeks back Wahlberg was eyeing the lead in Seth MacFarlane's live-action directorial debut, Ted. Of course, it's amusing to see the same item "exclusively" reported yesterday afternoon (via "TOLDJA") that Wahlberg is onboard without giving Pajiba their props. Shocking.

The comedy (from the sounds of it in the same league as MacFarlane's money-printing garbage Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show and whatever else he concocts for Fox) concerns a grown man’s Teddy Bear coming to life and fucking up his personal and professional life, mixed together with the typical MacFarlane-brand of humor. That is to say across-the-board stereotypes, tasteless gags and more political grandstanding – because there's nothing his frat-boy fanbase wants to see more than MacFarlane standing on a soapbox and proclaiming how conservatives and independents are fucktards. I can hardly contain myself seeing an actor pissing away his talents for crap like this.

Hey, maybe The Fighter will be good?

Character Posters From "Little Fockers"

A birthday party for the twins gives Greg an opportunity to redeem himself after he takes a job that raises the suspicions of his overbearing father-in-law, Jack (Robert De Niro), in this installment of the hit comedy series. Greg (Ben Stiller) and Pam (Teri Polo) have been together for ten years, and now they're the proud parents of two adorable twins. But money is tight, and in order to keep his family afloat, devoted nurse Greg takes a second job working for a drug company. But that development doesn't sit well with Jack, whose previous suspicions regarding his hapless son-in-law soon come back in full force after learning of this development. With the twins' birthday fast approaching, the proud parents invite the entire clan over to celebrate in style, including Kevin (Owen Wilson), who still carries a torch for his pretty ex Pam. As the festivities get under way, Greg takes every opportunity available to prove to Jack that he's fully capable of providing for his family. Now Greg has one last chance to prove that he's trustworthy. Should he fail, the circle of trust will be broken for good.

God (or J.J. Abrams) Listened: No Khan in Star Trek 2

Short version: Thank. God!

Long version: As much as fandom drooled over the prospects, they really don't want to see Khan tackled in Star Trek 2. Its way too soon into this rebooted franchise and there are so many directions Team Abrams can head to just settle on the safest route possible because "that's what fans want."

Hey, fans initially balked when the plot of J.J. Abrams' 2009 Trek reboot leaked and how they intended to restart the universe while adhering to continuity. It sounded hokey, and honestly, stupid. But damn, did it work spectacularly.

Badass Digest reports the genetically engineered tyrant won't be making an appearance in the untitled Trek follow-up for June 2012. Neither are Abrams and producers/screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci centering on "a traditional 'villain'" adding:

"It's definitely a character that will make fans of TOS excited. Think along the lines of Harry Mudd or Trelane or Gary Mitchell or the Talosians or the Horta. Actually it's one of those that I named."

Of those characters, I'm only aware of the Talosians – was never religiously involved with any of the series, but I did watch the two-parter The Menagerie. Them I could see being trouble for Chris Pine's Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto's Spock and the rest of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

I'm sure some won't be pleased with this development. But the man in glasses and K&O should be able to do whatever they so please with Trek 2 and we should just nod and say, "Thank you, Sir. May I have another?" because they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt.

Robert Downey Jr. Co-Starring in Gravity Looking Doubtful

Like The Hobbit, the single sure thing about Gravity is suddenly in great doubt. Although the reasoning is free from any dickhead actors' unions causing trouble for everyone else.

Robert Downey Jr. may have to back out of the 3D space-set thriller thanks to several scheduling conflicts (read: The Avengers), according to "TOLDJA." Production has been delayed several times as Warner Brothers and director Alfonso Cuaron looked for an actress bankable enough to justify the complex production's hefty budget.

Angelina Jolie turned them down until her face turned red and an attempt to commit a post-Black Swan Natalie Portman proved fruitless. It wasn't until Sandra Bullock (fresh off an Oscar and rejuvenated box-office clout) agreed to headline that things were finally turning around.

WB is downplaying Downey's probable exit (of course, they are) and stating their intent to sorting out a new suitable schedule to retain his services (again, of course, they are).

Yes, it's blue-balls to the production. But, as widely known for some time, the make or break of Gravity will be on Bullock's shoulders and not Downey's – his role is that of supporting, and by process of elimination would suggest he doesn't last too terribly into the film. It sucks to lose Downey, but this by no means suggests the project is fucked. Hell, I'm glad things are finally commencing on it.

CW Goes Full Season With "Nikita", "Hellcats", And "One Tree Hill"

The CW Network gave full season, back nine episode orders to both of its freshman hits “Hellcats” and “Nikita,” as well as “One Tree Hill,” now in its eighth season, it was announced today by Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, The CW.

“This fall, The CW made several strategic scheduling moves, including adding two of the most buzzed-about new series, ‘Hellcats’ and ‘Nikita,’ to our line-up, and we’re thrilled that they’ve paid off for us,” said Ostroff. “By giving our two freshman series and proven performer ‘One Tree Hill’ full orders, we’ll be able to continue our success and momentum throughout the rest of the season.”

Of The CW’s new shows receiving back nine episode orders, first-year drama “Hellcats,” starring Aly Michalka and Ashley Tisdale, has proven itself by scoring the best retention of any show to follow veteran reality hit “America’s Next Top Model.” Since its premiere, “Hellcats” has dramatically improved The CW’s Wednesday 9-10pm time period by 80% in women 18-34 (1.8/5), 100% in adults 18-34 (1.2/4) and 126% in total viewers (2.5mil). With breakout star Maggie Q, “Nikita” has become the second most-watched show on The CW (3.6mil), paired with the network’s most watched series “The Vampire Diaries.”

“Hellcats” is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Tom Welling Productions, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Murphy (“Desperate Housewives,” “Reefer Madness”), Tom Welling (“Smallville”) and Allan Arkush (“Heroes,” “Crossing Jordan”).

“Nikita” is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Craig Silverstein (“Bones,” “K-Ville”), David Levinson (“The Commish”), Danny Cannon (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Chuck”), McG (“Supernatural,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.,” “Charlie’s Angels”), and Peter Johnson (“Supernatural,” “Chuck”).

“One Tree Hill” was created by Mark Schwahn and is executive produced by Schwahn, Joe Davola, Greg Prange, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. “One Tree Hill” is produced by Mastermind Laboratories and Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Weekend Box Office: October 22-24

Courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

1.  Paranormal Activity 2 - $41.5 million

2.  Jackass 3D - $21.6 million

3.  Red - $15 million

4.  Hereafter - $12 million

5.  The Social Network - $7.3 million

6.  Secretariat - $6.9 million

7.  Life as We Know It - $6.1 million

8.  Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole - $3.1 million

9.  The Town - $2.7 million

10.  Easy A - $1.7 million

 So...Paranormal Activity 3, anyone?  Let's just assume now that it's in the works because Paranormal Activity 2 blasted past expectations this weekend, opening with $41.5 million.  That surpasses the original film's $21 million opening from last year and it now becomes the highest 3-day opening for a horror movie ever.  True, it made half of that opening gross on Friday with just over $20 million (it dropped 35% on Saturday), which means it's incredibly frontloaded, but with an estimated budget of about $3 million, this is a monster hit for Paramount.

Despite a steep 57% drop from last weekend, Paramount should still be happy with business for Jackass 3D, which earned another $21.6 million to bring its total gross up to $87 million (which is the highest for the entire Jackass franchise), and should pass the $100 million fairly easily.  It was also a good second weekend for Red, which dropped only 31% to earn another $15 million.  The action comedy has now grossed $43 million.

This weekend's other new release, Clint Eastwood's Hereafter, had an okay opening of $12 million.  It should hold up for the next few weekends, especially amongst older audiences, but it did receive a "C" Cinemascore rating, which is not a good sign.  David Fincher's The Social Network is slowing down a bit, landing in fifth place with $7.3 million. 

The rest of the top ten are holdovers from previous weeks, nothing unexpected going on there.  Secretariat seems to be going for a photo finish with Life as We Know It, with both films right around the $37 million mark. 

Halloween next week brings the alleged final entry in the Saw franchise, which is hoping not to repeat last year's embarassing shellacking it took at the hands of Paranormal Activity.  And it shouldn't have a problem, since Paranormal 2 will most likely take a dive next weekend.  Stay turned.