Weekend Box Office: March 18-20

Courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

1.  Limitless - $19 million

2.  Rango - $15.3 million

3.  Battle Los Angeles - $14.6 million

4.  The Lincoln Lawyer - $13.4 million

5.  Paul - $13.1 million

6.  Red Riding Hood - $7.2 million

7.  The Adjustment Bureau - $5.9 million

8.  Mars Needs Moms - $5.3 million

9.  Beastly - $3.2 million

10.  Hall Pass - $2.6 million

Bradley Cooper's Limitless won the battle for first place on yet another another relatively weak weekend at the box office.  The action-thriller, which cost about $27 million to make, easily took the top spot with $19 million.  The rest of the weekend's new releases, however, couldn't make their way past holdovers Rango, which held on to second place with $15.3 million, and Battle Los Angeles, which despite a steep 59% drop still claimed third place with $14.6 million.

Matthew McConaughey's The Lincoln Lawyer, which sold discounted tickets through Groupon earlier this week, finished in fourth place with $13.4 million.  Paul, the latest alien-themed film to enter the box office race, rounds out the top five with $13.1 million.

The rest of the top ten remains less impressive.  Mars Needs Moms actually had the smallest drop from last week.  Unfortunately, it barely made any money last weekend, so that didn't really help much.  Red Riding Hood's dreams of catching on with the Twilight crowd are pretty much dead, as its grosses dropped nearly by half from last weekend. 

Next week sees the releases of Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch, and for the kids, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.

Confirmed: José Padilha Directing 'RoboCop' Remake

Earlier this month it was reported that José Padilha (Elite Squad films) was in negotiations with MGM to direct the remake of Paul Verhoeven's 1987 classic, RoboCop, with Josh Zetumer (Quantum of Solace) writing the screenplay.

This weekend, in an interview with Motion TV Online, Padilha himself confirmed not only has his deal been closed to direct the film, but that it has been closed for a quite some time (you can watch the interview in subtitles at the 3:20 mark using the player below or read his answers in the text posted below the video):

Q: How are the RoboCop negotiations?
Joe Padilha: It is about doing a new movie , and we're working on it at the moment, and the negotiations are closed already.

Q: It is already closed?
Padilha: It has been a while!

Q: Really? We received that news only on March 1st, but it seems like you've been talking about it for some time, is that correct?
Padilha: Yes, we're already working on the screenplay and everything...

Q: This is something that can work out really well or... I mean, because there's a lot of expectations around this, how are your expectations?
Padilha: I have no concerns about it. I only work on movies when it feels right, when I add something of my own way of portraying things. I make movies for myself and I don't feel nervous, I have no problem with expectations, and if the movie is going to work or not. I just look forward to keep its integrity and directing it the best way I can, all the rest doesn't concern me.

Q: MGM was looking for a globally appealing director. Why do you think they chose you?
Padilha: I don't know. I think they saw my movies and felt there was something there that could bring to the present day this controversial, yet different, violent movie which is RoboCop without misrepresenting it.

Q: So when can we expect RoboCop to come out?
Padilha: It's a project I'm developing from the very beginning together with Josh Zetumer, which is the screenwriter, and there's no deadline really. When the screenplay turns out good enough, then we will start shooting.

I'm really intrigued by this choice.  I watched the trailer for Padilha's Elite Squad and loved the gritty, realistic tone of the film.  If he uses this same style for the remake then it will definitely be something completely different than the original.

As for casting, I would love to see Michael C. Hall play the title role.  He's brilliant on Dexter, and this character would be right up his alley.  Hopefully he gets looked at.

Joseph Gordon-levitt Is Alberto Falcone in TDKR!

 

It has just been made official by Variety, Joseph Gordon-Levitt will play Alberto Falcone in The Dark Knight Rises. Alberto is of course the son of Carmine Falcone who appeared in Batman Begins. The ironic thing is called Levitt's role months ago on our Crashing Hollywood Podcast. Now if turns out that Marion Cottilard is confirmed for Talia Al Ghul I'll be two for two.

I think this and the probable casting of Cottilard as Taliah is what Gary Oldman had been referring to when he said that everything tied right back into Batman Begins and brought the story full circle. I think it was actually pretty damn obvious though, considering Nolan had said nothing aside from "well this film will bring our story full circle"whenever he was asked about it.

The logical guess at that point would be the heirs to the Falcone crime family and The League of Shadows. Also being thrown into the mix now as we already know is both Catwoman and Bane. I would expect Bane to play a role similar to what Ras Al Ghul had intended for Bruce in Begins, he'll be leading the League of Shadows back to Gotham, only this time with Talia at his side. As for Catwoman she could either be someone similar to the copy cat vigilantes in The Dark Knight, or she'll be tied to Falcone in some way and be tied to Wayne in another. All really just speculation on my part, but being that I nailed Levitt's and presumably Cottilard's roles already I'd be willing to guess I'm not too far off.

Deathly Hallows Part 2 Behind-The-Scenes Footage

Finally, a decent-quality version of the new footage from Harry Potter and Deathy Hallows Part 2 that has been airing on ABC Family this weekend has surfaced online.  Along with the new footage, the cast and crew discuss the plot and emotional drama that surrounds the final film:

ABC Family has also been showing clips from the upcoming DVD release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, which arrives in stores on April 15.  The DVD/blu-ray extras we've seen so far included footage of the final day of shooting, behind-the-scenes of the Harry/Hermione dance scene, and a closer look at certain plotlines from the books that they've had to race through in the films, like the origins of the Maurauder's Map.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 opens in theaters on July 15.

Pirates 4 Comes to Disneyland

Anyone who wants a sneak peak at Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides should start planning a trip to Disneyland.  Disney Parks Blog is reporting that guests of the happiest place on earth will be able to view an exclusive extended sequence from the latest Pirates film in all of its 3D glory on weekend nights starting on March 25, and on weeknights from April 15 through May 1. 

What...no Pirates 4 love for Disney World in Florida?  Sure, their version of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride isn't as good as the one in California (the one in Disneyland drops twice!), but I can't help feeling that they've been shafted somehow.

Meanwhile, all signs point to the premiere of On Stranger Tides being held at Disneyland on May 7.  The previous films have all had their premieres held inside the theme park, and fans at the Disney podcast site DISUnplugged have noted that the Disneyland schedule shows that the park will be closing at 5pm that day.  So yeah, that certainly sounds like a Pirates premiere is happening then.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will open in theaters on May 20th.  You can check out the latest behind-the-scenes feature here:

First 'Scream 4' TV Spot

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courteney Cox), who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney’s appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.

Joseph Gordon Levitt has been confirmed for TDKR

As expected Warner Bros and Nolan were able to come to an agreement with Joseph Gordon Levitt's people in inking a deal for the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises. The news was pretty damn obvious, I mean considering it was either this or another menacing turn as cobra commander in GI Joe 2.

In all seriousness though I'm hoping the next bit of obvious news to come is the deal being made with Marion Cottilard, and then hopefully just maybe they can finally get around to telling us who they're playing. I mean Cotillard as Talia Al Ghul seems all but certain, however speculation as to Levitt's role has ranged from down right ridiculous (The Joker or Robin) to laughable (The Riddler), and even slightly intriguing... (Dead Shot). Regardless we'll know soon enough, and really at this point all I can say is, 2012 couldn't come soon enough!

Breaking: Superman Will Probably Punch Someone In the Face!

Almost six years ago when I walked out of the theater after Superman Returns I felt ripped off as shit. Not because the movie was awful or Brandon Routh didn't do a good job as Supes, but because Superman the strongest being on earth just had his ass whipped by Kevin Spacey and in retaliation he flew off with an island. Now I don't know about you, but I prefer my Superman to be fucking some shit up. I think he should have dropped that island on kevin Spacey and then attempted to shove a building up his ass, just because he's fucking Superman and that's how he rolls! Seriously though, I think we can all agree Superman is most entertaining and awesome when he gets the chance to be physical.

Well it looks like we're in luck when it comes to Zack Snyder's reboot, The Man Of Steel. I'm sure it was already pretty damn obvious the man behind 300 and Watchmen wasn't about to sign on for a Superman movie where he didn't get to kick some asses, but just for shits n' giggles the good folks over at Collider felt the need to reassure the fans by asking the man himself, Zack Snyder. What did he have to say when asked whether or not Superman would punch someone in the face, head on over to Collider and check out the the awesome and hilarious video where Snyder gives a little insight.

Kevin Costner is Jonathan Kent!

Everyone seems to be claiming exclusive on this one, so we're just going to run with the fact that the rumors were in fact true. Kevin Costner will be playing Jonathan Kent in Zack Snyder's Superman. Regarding Costner’s addition to the cast, Snyder had this to say:

"Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman. Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time."

This adds a second OSCAR winning/nominated actor to the cast along with Diane Lane. This should be a welcomed addition as Costner appeared to have the support of fans when the rumors started floating. Nolan, Snyder and his crew seem to be aiming high in their choices. Personally I'm glad to see they are casting actors who convey a mix of both classic and modern parts of their characters. It's no stretch for Costner to play a midwestern farmer. It's not hard to imagine him as Jonathan at all. Here's hoping this trend continues. 

New Deathly Hallows Image

ABC Family's latest Harry Potter Weekend officially kicked off tonight with an extended cut of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  It seems like they run one of these Potter-a-thons at least once a month, but what has this one keeping Muggles everywhere glued to their TVs is the promise of new footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, which opens in theaters on July 15.

Well, the first new footage aired about an hour ago, and it looked fantastic.  It's definitely going to be one hell of a finale.  While it's not officially online yet, you can see a taped-from-the-tv version here.  In the meantime, ABC Family's official website has posted the new photo above from the film. 

On a side note, it apparently came as news to Regis Philbin that there is still one more Harry Potter movie left, as Daniel Radcliffe explained to him when he appeared on the show this morning.  Oh well.  At least Regis didn't call him "Harry," like he did the last time Radcliffe was on the show.

There should be more Deathly Hallows goodies as the weekend continues, so stay tuned for more updates.