The Hobbit Going 3D With New RED Digital Cameras

As 2010 comes to close, we'll all reflect on the year-in-news. Arguably the #1 news-item was the insanity over the development, and in most cases, non-development, of The Hobbit. No need of repeating what's gone down in the past year (That's another article for another day), but needless to say, it's been a ride keeping track of the production.

It's moot now as the two-film adaptation is genuinely happening with its director (Peter Jackson), cast (headlined by Martin Freeman as Bilbo), location (that union non-sense with New Zealand got swept away) and start-date (February 2011) lined up.

We knew the flicks were being filming in 3D, and now word has trickled out, Jackson has bought up to thirty of the new RED Epic digital cameras for the format.  Check out the official RED homepage for the press release on the matter.

You guys know me and my "Fuck 3D!" stance. You also know by this point, I'm at least willing to go along with any production willing to go through the length process of shooting in the format instead of slapping it on in post-production.

Update - James Franco & Anne Hathaway: Oscar Hosts!

UPDATE: It's officially official. James Franco and Anne Hathaway will in fact host, as confirmed by Oscar telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer via press release:

"James Franco and Anne Hathaway personify the next generation of Hollywood icons -- fresh, exciting and multi-talented. We hope to create an Oscar broadcast that will both showcase their incredible talents and entertain the world on February 27. We are completely thrilled that James and Anne will be joining forces with our brilliant creative team to do just that."

Indeed, it's an interesting duo. Bring it on.

If this goes down, consider it a new chronicle in the ever-changing, and fascinating, career-choices of James Franco. Can't imagine another actor to go from three Spider-Man films to a stint on TV soap General Hospital and back to films with recent fare 127 Hours and, the forthcoming Caesar: Rise of the Apes and Your Highness in 2011.

"TOLDJA" says the actor, who'll no doubt be nominated for his turn in Danny Boyle's acclaimed drama, has been offered the opportunity to host the 83^rd annual Academy Awards ceremony. But he wouldn't be flying solo. He'd co-host next to the more traditional, but just as inspired, Anne Hathaway. Interesting to note, both were reportedly up for Ridley Scott's still-in-the-pipeline Alien prequels.

According to their moles, it appears that both have accepted the offers.

Not certain this duo will spike the ratings like they're hoping. As talented as both are, neither are going to have a Hugh Jackman pull with the general public. But, it can't any worse than nose-dive hosting gigs of ceremonies past like Ellen DeGeneres or last year with the Alec Baldwin/Steve Martin pairing.

Obvious Confirmed - Jeremy Renner Taking Over Mission: Impossible Franchise

Quality being another matter, I imagine audiences will flock for *clears throat* Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol about as much as they did for the J.J. Abrams-helmed third installment. That is to say it'll substantially under-perform, and, for the eighteenth time or so, everyone will question Tom Cruise's bankability as if it's never been picked apart before. Unless, of course, he's not in the film too terribly much.

Speaking to MTV Movies Blog, co-star Jeremy Renner confirmed what everyone assumed, and told otherwise by the key principles involved. Tom Cruise is being shown the EXIT door from any further M:I flicks with the Hurt Locker star expected to fill that void:

"It's a franchise to potentially take over. I can't predict the future and what they want, but that's certainly the idea."

We've seen those set pictures of Cruise's Ethan Hunt in action. I'm wondering if the plan is to off him in the first act and hand things over to Renner's as-yet-named agent or will Hunt walk into the sunset at the end in one piece? If so, then that's a retread of the last one. So if I'm placing money on this, and I'm not...yet, I'd say Mr. Hunt meets his demise early on.

Another Superman Origin Story, Eh?

Let's just push aside that Zac Efron rumor. We all know it's more full of shit than my nephew's Huggies. So I'm not even gonna link the fucking thing.

On the other hand, Feature Film Auditions (via What's Playing) has what appears to be the plot for Zack Snyder's Superman reboot and the sides being given the various fresh-faced no-names up for the Man of Steel. Yep, we're getting the origin story once more. As if we didn't already have enough of it from Richard Donner's '78 classic or more recently on Smallville (or as I call it "Superman: Cock-block"):

"Clark Kent is a freelance reporter in his early 20’s, traveling all around the world covering various news stories. However, Kent is forced to fly back into action to attain a fleeing assassin instead of covering an ethnic conflict between the Ghuri and Turaaba clans in West Africa. Upon his return to form, Kent returns to Smallville to learn more about his origins and become the hero he was born to be."

This also contradicts statements made by Snyder stating this incarnation wouldn't be based off any comics. The above description screams Birthright – the 2003 Mark Waid-written comic reboot on the character, myth, etc.

Oh, and Anne Hathaway is up for Lois Lane as we all expected – she reportedly met with producer Nolan for his Dark Knight Rises, but everyone assumed he also went ahead and talked about Superman while they were there.  A solid choice if picked – age-appropriate, determined and talented. Quite the looker too.

Lindsay Lohan Dropped From Inferno; Malin Akerman Takes Over

There goes her comeback.

Lindsay Lohan's been dropped from the Linda Lovelace-biopic Inferno. Depending on whom you believe it was LiLo's call or the filmmakers. I seriously doubt it was the former as just how badly she needs this to resuscitate her DOA career. The latter claim it was impossible to get her insured, and that's 99.9999% likely what ultimately happened.

But the filmmakers have already found their Lovelace in the form of Malin Akerman. I'm in the minority view on her Watchmen performance – thought she was perfectly fine. Will she be good here? I'm willing to go with it.

If this launches her career past playing supporting roles in crap like Couples Retreat or The Heartbreak Kid, it'll be especially odd to see those promo pics of Lohan as Lovelace and thinking, "What if...?"

Ghostbusters 3 Searching For New Recruits

I'm dead, aren't I? Or am I still alive and, in fact, Hell froze over?

Confirming that Production Weekly tweet a few weeks back, casting is underway for Ghostbusters 3 according to Feature Film Auditions.

Casting the new leads (It's going to be the "passing the torch" story we'd all heard for ages) will take space in Los Angeles and Chicago, the latter where production will occur.

The old gang will be back. Yes, Bill Murray too, kids! But no Rick Moranis - *frowny face* Interestingly in regards to the "next generation," Anna Faris is listed next to the returning players. While What's Playing did some digging, and although no confirmation on the Scary Movie actress, word is Bill Hader and Will Forte are being batted about for it as well. All three of whom I could imagine wearing proton-packs and running around next to CG ghosts.

Were it not for 21 Jump Street, I'd have bet some nice shiny coins Jonah Hill would have joined rank too.

Batman Thinks The Dark Knight Rises Title Is Fake!?!

This sounds like Christian Bale's subtle li'l way of saying, "It sounds stupid!"

When asked of his thoughts on the third Batman movie's title, Bale (as per Screen Junkies) is none too sure it's legit:

"Until Chris tells me, I don't know."

Since Nolan himself officially revealed The Dark Knight Rises as the title, it's safe to say it's for real.

Truthfully, it's a non-news item, but there's actually a point to this. If Bale is (supposedly) none-too-sure of the title, new addition Tom Hardy isn't exactly aware who he's playing and, according to Michael Caine, the script won't arrive at their doorstep until January, how would anyone outside the key players know what is going on when Nolan is well-known for his secrecy?

I'm referring to the rampant Hugo Strange rumors and the more MovieWeb recent remarks by Teresa Palmer where she (again, supposedly) revealed Talia al Ghul played a part in the threequel.

Matthew Goode: The Man of Steel(?)

When I think of serious Kal-Els/Clark Kents contenders for Zack Snyder's Superman: The Man of Steel, actors like Armie Hammer and Scott Porter pop in mind. Not so much, Matthew Goode.

Movie Newz claims the Snyder alum, having played Ozymandias in Watchmen, is the frontrunner to play a heavily CG enhanced Man of Steel for the 2012 reboot.

The latter reminds me of those Rupert Evans as Superman rumors during the Justice League: Mortal casting. Goode also, by his own admission, read for Bilbo Baggins. So a guy who could have been The Hobbit is supposed up for Superman?

The former has been floating around for years - carted around the Warner Brothers offices – long before they turned to Christopher Nolan and David Goyer. It appears the WB executives finally got that idea off the ground for Green Lantern, and notice how everyone just loves how that all CG suit looks?

Can’t say I buy either of these claims.

Obligatory Michael Caine/Batman 3 Statement #5123456224

Oh Lord, Michael Caine is talking about The Dark Knight Rises. Yet again.

OK, so it sounds like he's not A) blowing smoke up the interviewer's ass and/or B) has no idea what he's talking about and rattling on. No, actually this sounds legit – probably because it's info we've all guesstimated/assumed as time has rolled along on the third Batman movie.

Long story short, he told Empire:

"Emma [Thomas], the producer, said we'd get the script in January. Christopher said: 'Script in January, shoot in May, finish in November.'"

Basically this seemingly confirms our suspicions both The Dark Knight Rises and Superman: The Man of Steel (both scheduled for 2012 releases) will be filming concurrently. So don't expect to see much of Christopher Nolan on the Superman set – probably a drop-by visit, and I'd guarantee there'll be a picture taken (and posted everywhere online next year) of Nolan, Zack Snyder and whomever is the new Supes in costumes on set.

In the meantime, enjoy this most humorous Caine-off as you wait for both comic tentpoles to begin lensing.

Bill the Butcher Freed the Slaves

WOW.

In a great surprise not only is Lincoln going to be Steven Spielberg's next directorial go-around after all, but they've secured their honest Abe: Daniel Day-Lewis. Dare I say is that an upgrade from Liam Neeson, who would have done good work, or what? That's some brilliant casting!

All of us were under the planned biopic on the 16^th U.S. President had fallen the wayside after Neeson (who'd be attached to play the title role for years) dropped out. Spielberg's schedules was also pretty full with his current post-production work on Tintin and Warhorse (both hitting next Christmas stateside) and his plans to direct Robopocalypse in early 2012.

Production will commence next fall for a reported fourth-quarter 2012 release date. Translation: Christmas 2012 in time for awards consideration.