Steve Carell Leaving "The Office"?

Say it ain't so, Michael Scott!

During an interview promoting his hit comedy Date Night, Steve Carell told BBC Radio that he may be leaving The Office once his contract ends next year. 

Here is the transcript of that portion of the interview, courtesy of OfficeTally.com:

BBC Radio:  How long will you stay with the The Office for?  How many more series?  How long does your contract run?

Carell:  Contract through next season.

BBC Radio:  And will you stay after that?

Carell:  I don't think so.  I think that will probably be my last year.

Carell's contract ends after what will be The Office's seventh season.  But this is the first time he's ever mentioned actually leaving the show.

NBC has not yet commented on the interview, and it's possible this could all just be the start of a long contract negotiation to keep him with the series.  Then again, his movie track record has been good enough to justify his moving on from Dunder Mifflin for good, especially after seven seasons. 

Then the question becomes...can The Office survive without Steve Carell?  

New Splice trailer

I am not particularly squeamish but this makes my skin crawl, the trailer comes off like a cross between Alien and Species, hopefully the film itself has more in common with the former.

It will be interesting to see if this plays as just a straight up horror film or it it tries for some sort of moral message, and if it goes for the latter can it achieve it subtly or will it be with the usual sledge hammer methods these types of film tend to employ.

"Splice" Opens on June 4th and you can check out the trailer below.

Scre4m teaser poster

No sooner has /Film debuted one new poster and they are back with another, this time for Scream 4, and no that sadly is not a typo in the article title.

New Inception Poster!

/Film has gotten their hands on a new poster for the highly anticipated new movie from Christopher Nolan. The film boasts an all star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ellen Page and Ken Watanabe. It is described as an action thriller set inside the mind and as a sci fi heist film, which is fitting since the new posters gives me a vibe of Heat (Michael Mann hesit thriller)

It's Going to be a Super Holiday Season!

Hopefully the Mayan’s were just a bunch of quacks that were so concerned about their predictions of earth’s destruction that they failed to see themselves falling into extinction. And in doing so, they missed the real event that was going to happen in December in the year 2012. A good Superman film will hit theaters…which to a lot of us, may in fact signify the end of the world.

That’s right folks. Sources from inside WB have told our friends over at IESB.net that things are swiftly moving ahead with The Man of Steel, and the projected date of release is going to be Christmas 2012.  

This news, although expected, is somewhat of a surprise considering the fact that its always been the plan at DC Entertainment to release the still untitled Batman 3 before The Man of Steel. In fact, as we've reported before, the writing team of David S. Goyer and Jonah Nolan were working out problems with the Batman script, when Goyer pitched his idea of a Superman film to Christopher Nolan. This is not to say that the plans have changed, but I think its a little odd that we hear about this release date before any news on Batman. Either way, this is good news, because we not only know now that they're swiftly moving along with Superman, but that, with a release date less than two years down the road, we're going to be getting more detailed news soon. Casting maybe. Do you guys remember the fiasco that was the casting of Superman Returns? Now, with this film shaping up to be a much more anticipated rendition with the involvement of Chris Nolan, I'd expect for the internet to be ablaze with every fanboy's wish list of hopefuls. 

Word is, though, that those same fans are going to have even more reason to wring out their super hero under-roos. Even as I'm writing this, IESB is breaking with news that the aforementioned films (Batman and Superman for those of you ADD sufferers) will be compiled with Ryan Reynold's upcoming Green Lantern flick, much in the same style that Marvel has created their cinematic universe for The Avengers movie. However, WB is doing it with a slight twist.

If you'll remember, Chris Nolan made mention awhile back about the only way he knew to approach Superman was to use the same formula that he had for Batman, meaning that each characters would exist as the only super hero in their world. Well, it seems he's sticking to that notion to a certain extent. Where Marvel has neatly woven their films together, sources say WB is, just as strategically, using a chronological time line for their films. Think of it as a comic series. (Because that's exactly how they're treating it) Batman Begins is actually being referred to as "Action Comics No.1". That puts The Dark Knight as "Action Comics No.2" and Green Lantern will be the third issue. Ironically, Superman, or The Man of Steel, will be No.4 instead of 1. Confused yet? You're not alone. How do they tie them together to form the JLA? I don't know yet, but there are rumors that there may be some references within Green Lantern toward  Gotham City if not directly toward Batman. And remember, in the time that the Green Lantern film takes place, Superman doesn't yet exist. However, there is a young man by the name of Clark Kent living in Smallville Kansas. No, not THAT Smallville. Please, don't get me started.

So, we have to assume, that using this time line formula, that the Superman film would have to be a year one story, since, due to the court rulings, WB can't touch the Superman origin again. Oh man, I think my eyes are going crossed.

Then, on top of that, where does Flash and Wonder Woman come into play? Rumblings have been in play for awhile about those two characters getting the treatment, too. So, would they be addressed before the JLA film, or perhaps developed later and then introduced to the team in a JLA sequel? Only time will tell. But, this is exciting stuff to hear. Now, on with the casting, damn it!

Box Office Predictions April 30 - May 2

 

Opening this weekend is the mediocre looking "Furry Vengeance", which I'm not expecting to do much, and the highly anticipated remake "A Nightmare On Elm Street" which should easily open at the number one spot. Expected to remain at least close to the top for another weekend is "How to Train Your Dragon", likely coming in second this week.

Also check back later tonight or early tomorrow for my official review of "Nightmare On Elm Street"

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (New Line/WB) - $40.3 million

2. How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks Animation/Paramount) - $12.5 million

3. Furry Vengeance (Summit) - $7 million

4. Date Night (20th Century Fox) - $6.5 million

5. The Back-Up Plan (CBS Films) - $6 million

6. Clash of the Titans (Warner Bros.) - $4.5 million

7. Kick-Ass (Lionsgate) - $4.4 million

8. The Losers (Warner Bros.) - $4.3 million

9. Death at a Funeral (Sony/Screen Gems) - $4.2 million

10. Oceans (Disney) - $4 million 

Check back to TMT this Sunday for the studio estimates, then again on Monday for the actual numbers, and see how I did.

IMAX & WB Reach Agreement On Hobbit, Superman, Batman & More

IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and Warner Bros. Pictures, a unit of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX), announced today that they have completed an agreement to release up to 20 Warner Bros. films in IMAX's format over the course of the next three and a half years (from 2010 through 2013). The agreement strategically aligns Warner Bros.' tent-pole business with the increasing worldwide popularity of The IMAX Experience(R) in both 2D and IMAX(R) 3D, providing the studio with an added distribution platform that consistently delivers strong box office returns. The agreement underscores the excitement around the studio's future films which are anticipated to be among the best Hollywood event titles slated for release in the coming years.

Under the agreement, Warner Bros. movies that will be released in IMAX are: Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole 3D (September 24, 2010); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (3D) (November 19, 2010); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (3D) (July 15, 2011); Happy Feet 2 (3D) (November 18, 2011); and The Hobbit (December 2013). Warner Bros. and IMAX also plan to release an additional 15 films over the course of 2011, 2012 and 2013, including Gravity, Dark Shadows, Fury Road, Batman 3, and Superman.

"Our track record with IMAX has been incredible, and incorporating 3D into this collaborative effort will serve as the ultimate experience for our audiences," said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are extraordinarily proud of our forthcoming slate and eager to offer these films to audiences in the most premium of movie-going experiences."

"We're thrilled to join with IMAX in bringing global audiences new and exciting experiences through the 3D IMAX format," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We have a tremendously powerful slate of quality tentpole films, and as IMAX theaters continue to expand internationally, more and more audiences will have the opportunity to experience our films using this exciting format."

"Warner Bros. is and has been an important strategic partner for IMAX. The success of our partnership to date is a result of our integrated approach to marketing and release strategies, and we believe this formula will lead to more box office success in the future," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. "Our digital theatre system has accelerated the growth of our theatre network and provides us with significant flexibility in the release and programming schedule in our theatres. This important announcement provides increased visibility into our future film slate, enabling existing and potential exhibitors to better know what's 'coming soon' in their IMAX(R) theatres."

"IMAX has a deep appreciation for Warner Bros.' approach to the film business; they consistently work with the industry's most talented filmmakers, produce and release blockbuster films that captivate global audiences and make going to the movies a fun, powerful and inspiring experience," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We are confident that continuing to team with Warner Bros. to distribute market, promote and showcase their 'all-star' titles in IMAX will delight movie-goers around the world and achieve box office and critical success that will benefit our two companies and our exhibitor partners."

Since June 2003, Warner Bros. Pictures has released 25 titles in IMAX's format, 10 of which featured IMAX 3D, including several live action pictures that were partially converted into 3D with IMAX's proprietary 2D-to-3D conversion technology. Warner Bros. films have generated approximately $565 million in box office revenues at IMAX theatres around the world. Each Hollywood title was digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience using IMAX's proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. Also included in the tally are the studio's four original IMAX 3D co-productions, "NASCAR 3D" (2003), "Deep Sea 3D" (2008), "Under the Sea 3D" (2009) and "Hubble 3D," in select IMAX theatres now.

You Might Want to Stick Around After Iron Man 2

I remember, when Iron Man came out, I was given the heads up by one of my associates to stay through the credits for an additional scene. As we all know now, that was the first scene in the launch of the ever growing campaign of The Avengers movie, in which Nick Fury meets with Tony Stark for the first time.

They did it again at the end of The Incredible Hulk, using Stark as the contact for S.H.I.E.L.D. when he approached General Ross. So, with two other Marvel features being filmed (three if you count the Avengers being shot back to back with Captain America) it only makes sense that they would do it again with Iron Man 2. And so they have.

LATINO REVIEW.com reports that there is in deed a lead in to one of the next films.

WARNING: The following contains spoilers….Oh, you’re still there? I knew you would be.

Apparently, in the film, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson makes mention of something he has to take care of in New Mexico. Nick Fury, perhaps in the scene with Iron Man sitting in the giant doughnut, also alludes to something in the southwest that he can’t dicuss.

So, at the end of the film, again, after the credits, a black car drives through the desert. We know its in New Mexico due to the 8RE 2Z1 New Mexico tag. Agent Coulson emerges from within the car and approaches an enormous crater, which has trucks driving around a hole within the crater itself. Coulson clicks on his cell and…well, it gets a little fuzzy here due to sound quality, but it appears he says “Sir, we’ve found him.” He could have also said “Thor, we’ve found him”, but the next shot is of Thor’s hammer lodged in the ground in the middle of the crater. So, it would make sense to me, that they were looking for Thor. You know, unless the Hulk stole Thor’s hammer. 

"clash of the titans 2" in 2012

It looks like the Titans remake will be getting the sequel treatment, why, I don't know. The remake itself was very "meh", but Warner Bros seems to be intent on continuing the franchise anyways as per IESB.

Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures are gearing up for a follow-up. Greg Berlanti (screenwriter/producer on Green Lantern and potential director for The Flash) is working on the story.

Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Gemma Arterton and Ralph Fiennes are all expected to return. The same can't be said for Louie Leterrier who won't return to direct. He will serve as an executive producer. Thank god, if we are getting a follow up a new director couldn't hurt.

WB/Legendary are aiming to have the Titans sequel in theatres by Spring 2012.

If they plan to have the sequel released in 3D as well, hopefully they'll decide to shoot in 3D this time, as opposed to the shitty job they did of post converting the current remake.

Bill Murray Talks 'ghostbusters 3'

For the last couple years Sony has been talking about a "Ghostbuster 3" movie being made. Supposedly the only thing holding the production back was Bill Murray. Sony hired two of the writers from "the office" to pen the script, and got Ivan Reitman along with the entire original cast to agree to coming back, that is all except for Bill Murray.

Then in March, Murray, who had long been balking at doing a third movie, appeared on "The David Letterman Show" and claimed that the thought of a third movie is his "nightmare" and is just "crazy talk." 

At the press day for Aaron Schneider's Get Low, ComingSoon asked about the statements Murray made on the Letterman show to which we got an equally enigmatic answer:

"You know, it’s really the studio starts this stuff," he told us. "They start saying 'Ghostbusters.' They want to do (it) and it’s really the world of sequels and bringing these things back again, and then some wiseacre said, 'Hey, we got a couple of new writers who are gonna write something.' And I thought, 'Oh, well, maybe there’ll be some writers' and there was always this joke, sort of a half-true, half-joke thing like, 'Well, I’ll do it if you kill me off in the first reel.' That was my joke, you know? So supposedly someone was writing a script where I actually got killed in the first reel and became a ghost, which I thought, 'Well, that’s kind of clever anyway.' But then these guys that were supposedly the writers that were going to do it, they wrote a film that came out and people saw the film* and went … 'We’re not going to do it after all, are we?' So it’s just a kind of a dreamy thing. They want to create a new generation of Ghostbusters, you know? They’d just like us to pass the torch."

When asked to clarify whether making the movie really would be a "nightmare," Bill Murray told us this, "Well, it’s true, but we made a great movie and then we made another one, you know? So we went to the well twice and it’s almost impossible to do the second movie as well. Only horror movies get better as they go along because they have more money to spend for more crazy effects. I actually thought the other day--it’s just become so irritating--but I actually heard people like, young people that really [heard] of the movie when they were kids and I thought, 'You know, maybe I should just do it. Maybe it’d be fun to do.' Because the guys are funny and I miss [Rick] Moranis and Annie [Potts] and Danny. Those people are some people that were really, you know, I miss them. I think that’s really a big part of it."

I personally want to see this movie get made. There have been rumors of the Apatow gang taking over the franchise from the original cast, this could work, or they could just put an end the trilogy that we havne't seen or heard from in 21 years, just bring back the original cast for one more, and then you can re-boot it, remake it, or whatever you want hollywood.