FilmDistrict And The new sony Partner On Evil Dead Remake

Culver City, CA (November 30, 2011) The new sony Pictures Worldwide Purchases (SPWA) and FilmDistrict have joined with Ghost House Pictures on the worldwide dealexcluding U.K. and France for The new sony Pictures to distribute the remake of Evil Dead. The announcement is made by Steven Bersch, SPWA Leader, and Peter Schlessel, Boss of FilmDistrict. Lia Buman, FilmDistricts EVP of Purchases, will oversee the project. Original creating partners Take advantage of Tapert, Bruce Campbell (who also starred within the original franchise) and Mike Raimi will produce. Ghost House Pictures partners Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane will executive produce. Nicole Brown and J.R. Youthful will oversee the work for Ghost House. Take advantage of Tapert mentioned, For 3 decades, Mike, Bruce and I've been searching for the best home where we're able to return the deadites towards the giant screen. Amy Pascal and Shaun Blake at The new sony and Peter Schlessel at FilmDistrict will always be incredible partners who share our adoration for great storytelling in addition to our obsession for frightening the pants from the audience. Together, we're searching toward terrorizing another generation. Added Schlessel, I've been area of the extended Ghost House family for any very long time. Its fantastic to carry on the connection once we bring this classic horror film to a different generation of fans. The new sony Pictures includes a fantastic history working together with both Ghost House and Film District and that we couldnt become more excited to carry on cooperating around the contemporary adaptation of Evil Dead, stated Shaun Blake, Chairman of The new sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. Mike and Take advantage of come with an remarkable vision and that we cant wait to talk about this film with audiences in many areas around the world. Fede Alvarez, who'll direct the film, authored the script with Rodo Sayagues. Academy Top rated film writer Diablo Cody did revisions around the draft. Ghost House, FilmDistrict and SPWA are devoted to reviving the franchise and also have the film around the steps for success towards a 2012 production start. Frequently copied, never equaled. Evil Dead was the horror movie that began everything. Now, after 3 decades, Raimi and also the original designers are passing the reins of the beloved classic to Alvarez. Within this retelling, five buddies hole up in a remote cabin where they uncover a magazine from the Dead. A demonic pressure is unleashed having each until just one remains to battle for survival.

George Clooney and Michelle Williams To Be Honored at the Palm Springs Film Festival

Disney's The Muppets appear to be anything but washed up.our editor recommends'The Muppets': White House Hosting Screening for Military Families (Exclusive)Martin Scorsese Calls Filming 'Hugo' in 3D 'An Enjoyable Headache'The Muppets: Film ReviewHugo: Film ReviewArthur Christmas: Film Review PHOTOS: 'The Muppets' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals According to box office tracking, the family film holds a safe lead over the other two new Thanksgiving films, Sony and Aardman's Arthur Christmas and Paramount's Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese. All three films open nationwide on Wednesday, hoping to feast on Thanksgiving holiday traffic. The Muppets, starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams opposite the iconic puppets, is headed for a $40 million or better five day debut. Holdover The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn--Part 1 could win the Thanksgiving box office overall, but Muppets should be able to claim a victorious start for Disney, which made the film for a modest $45 million. VIDEO: Jason Segel, Amy Adams Talk Muppet Purists, Script Tricks and Being 'Too Ambitious' Disney bought the rights to The Muppets in 2004, and returning the puppets to fame has been a priority for Walt Disney Studios chairman Rich Ross, who wants to create a new generation of fans. The studio's marketing division has enlisted the entire Disney empire in plugging the film, as well as arranging a White House screening of the movie for military families on Tuesday that Segel hosted. Arthur Christmas is projected to open in the mid to high teens for the five days. Sony is hopeful that the 3D film will be a slow burn and have strong legs throughout December because of its Christmas theme, and points out it doesn't have the brand recognition that Muppets enjoys since its an original property. Arthur Christmas, which answers the question of how Santa Claus delivers toys all over the world in one night, has already grossed north of $10 in four markets overseas, the bullk of which was earned in the U.K., home of Aardman.This weekend, it continues to roll out overseas, including in Japan, France, Korea and New Zealand. THR COVER STORY: The Dreams of Martin Scorsese It's unclear where Warner Bros. holdover Happy Feet Two will land over the Thanksgiving holiday after opening to a disappointing $21.2 million last weekend. Hugo is Scorsese's first family film, as well as his first 3D title. Produced by Graham King and distributed by Paramount, Hugo--which cost north of $100 million to produce--is expected to open in the low teens for the five days. Paramount has decided to go with a slow roll out, and will only open Hugo in some 1,200 theaters, compared to more than 3,000 locations for Muppets and Arthur Christmas. That's because Hugo is expected to play a bit older than a regular family film, as well as appeal to a more sophisticated audience. By scaling back Hugo's initial footprint, Paramount hopes to ride the wave of good reviews and awards attention as December gets underway, much as it did last year with True Grit, which was released over Christmas, and became a box office success. Hugo isn't alone in sporting rave reviews--in an unusual Thanksgiving twist, The Muppets and Arthur Christmas also are criticial darlings (Muppetsboasted a 100 percent fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com as of Thursday afternoon). The specialty box office also sees several high-profile debuts. On Wednesday, the Weinstein Co. opens Michelle Williams starrer My Week with Marilyn in 123 theaters in 12 markets before expanding into an additional 61 markets on Friday, bringing the film's total theater count to 224. The smaller roll out on Wednesday is designed to give the film some breathing room from Fox Searchlight's The Descendants, which expands into a total of 400 theaters on Thanksgiving eve. Also on Wednesday, Sony Pictures Classics launches David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method, starring Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen, in four theaters in NY and Los Angeles. Friday brings the NY-Los Angeles debut of the critically acclaimed French silent film The Artist, which the Weinstein Co. opens in four theaters in those two cities. Related Topics Box Office The Muppets Hugo

'Dark Dark evening Rises' Plot Particulars, 'Conan' Audition Tape Revealed

"The Dark Dark evening Increases" stood a monumental day yesterday, with Christopher Nolan finally revealing some very surprising plot particulars about his third and final Batman movie. Have a look at everything he required to say here, but continue but be cautious: there be spoilers ahead. In other "Dark Dark evening" news, we spoken with Gary Oldman about his return to Gotham City. See what he required to say inside the video below. Convey more comic movie news past the jump! Cavill Loves Superman's "Red-colored-colored Boy" In the new interview, "Guy of Steel" actor Henry Cavill states Mark Millar's "Red-colored-colored Boy" is among his favorite tales featuring the big blue boy scout: "It absolutely was essential to my character research, too. If you have two polar opposite viewpoints of the character, you will observe just what the authors consider the key baseline trend. I obtained to find out might start to see the other ways he'd are suffering from that was very useful in my opinion.In . Stars Testing For "Akira" A completely new quantity of stars emerged for your role of Tetsuo in "Akira." This list includes D.J. Cotrona, Logan Marshal Eco-friendly, Toby Kebbell, Rami Malek, Michael Pitt, Richard Madden, Paul Dano and Alden Ehrenreich. Who's your pick to see the telekinetic mind-freak? Jason Momoa's "Conan" Audition If you ever preferred to see how Khal Drogo transformed themselves to the Cimmerian warrior Conan, your research has ended: our exclusive clip within the "Conan" Blu-ray will greater than suit your curiosity. Notice below! Reveal everything you consider current day comic movie news inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

'The Dark Knight Rises' Empire Magazine Cover: See Batman and Bane, Again

What better way to start a slow Monday before Thanksgiving than with some casting news about some knighted British icons. Variety reports that Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dame Judi Dench will co-star in 'Italian Shoes' for director Sir Kenneth Branagh. Where's Sir Ben Kinglsey when you need him? Based on the novel by Swedish author Henning Mankell, 'Shoes' focuses on a retired doctor (Hopkins) "forced to confront his past mistakes when he's reunited with an old flame (Dench)." Branagh, who said the film is "tailor-made" for the pair of acting titans, hopes to start filming in 2012 or 2013, depending on the stars's busy schedules. He previously directed Hopkins in 'Thor,' and co-stars with Dench in 'My Week With Marilyn,' out this week. [via Variety] [Photo: FilmMagic] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The Walking Dead's Laurie Holden: Andrea Greatly Admires Shane

Jon Bernthal and Laurie Holden Andrea has advanced considerably within the grief-stricken lady who lost her sister inside the first season in the Walking Dead. The lone survivor of her family, Andrea (Laurie Holden) provides her mourning period to alter in to a gun-transporting survivor, in addition to most likely probably the most badass women on Dead - even though it arrived the price of nearly losing Daryl. The Walking Dead Boss: Shane's living on given time -- but hasn't worn-out his welcome yet "Andrea was finally given a gun, and am excited to convince the crowd, also to herself, that she's an resource, and he or she blew it on this kind of massive level and hates herself with this,Inch Holden states of Andrea mistaking Daryl (Norman Reedus) for just about any master and nearly coming his mind off. "You will notice over the following handful of episodes they really evolves into more a sum-headed person. She really triumphs over plenty of her issues of grief and petulant behavior. She emerges a lot more effective." Shane (Jon Bernthal) occupies the charge of making Andrea in to a soldier, of sorts, though his techniques may initially prove dangerous. "Shane and Andrea are in several ways cut within the same cloth. He's an alpha male and she's an alpha female. She admires him greatly. He shows her everything she knows too as with the arrival episodes, he gives her plenty of tough love, which she doesn't appreciate plus it can get somewhat nasty, however in the conclusion throughout your day, it's the best factor on her behalf because she emerges more effective because of it." Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman: Lori's surprising solutions are where it starts Though Shane and Andrea become closer through this training period, she won't be privy aside of Shane that begins to emerge with others round the farm. "Inside the approaching episodes, he unveils an adverse side to numerous figures, but it's a thing that he keeps very private and not a thing that Andrea is ever uncovered to. She only sees the strong virile alpha male Shane, she doesn't start to see the gloomy. If she did, she wouldn't buddy-buddy tabs on him." Since Andrea finds grounds to reside in, she'll finally forgive Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn), who essentially forced her to go away the CDC before it skyrocketed inside the Season 1 finale. "They're on the right course finally," Holden states. "As time passes, she's been healing and he or she sees the question as well as the goodness from the guy, and he or she enables go of people petty choice. She knows this guy truly does love her creating a large sacrifice." The Walking Dead: Can the kids exist along with your family at Hershel's farm? Though Andrea may have finally found her footing, the crowd will face the potential for losing the farm just like a stronghold as details in regards to the zombie-affected barn will definitely emerged. "It's a moral dilemma," Holden states. "Hershel [Scott Wilson] has allowed those to stick to his property and that he does not believe that the ramblers are, really, dead people. He's an entirely different attitude that none people could interact with whatsoever. It's a real problem. Can they tolerate it and continue to cope with it to enable them to save this just like a rut? Or can you challenge your host and overtake the farm? You will notice over the following handful of episodes that things get rather heated over this subject." With only two episodes left just before the Walking Dead continues hiatus until 2012, the heat will acquire a "boiling" reason behind the midseason finale, Holden states. "It's rather tragic. It's The Walking Dead, it's gotta be tragic!" The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8 on AMC.

'Ender's Game' Eyes 'Hugo' Star Asa Butterfield

"Ender's Game" is finally near to finding its Ender. "Hugo" star Asa Butterfield continues to be offered the role from the title character within the approaching adaptation of Orson Scott Card's classic sci-fi novel, Deadline reviews. I suppose it just takes as being a 14-year-old that has already headlined a Martin Scorcese film to convince studio executives that you are an actress to balance a possible franchise on! Butterfield may be the first -- and many important -- actor to become triggered board the project, though more casting bulletins are most likely soon to follow along with. The film, which is directed by "X-Males Roots: Wolverine" helmer Gavin Hood, continues to be at the begining of pre-production stages. Ender is really a youthful boy drawn on to become listed on a military training course soon. He rapidly performs exceptionally well underneath the tutelage of his peers and turns into a leader in fighting against an alien species that formerly assaulted Earth. Although not all is really as it seems, also it works out that there's a lot more on the line than simply who wins or manages to lose within the military's training games. The script for "Ender's Game" was initially compiled by Card but was rewritten by Hood after which by "Star Trek" dynamic duo Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. Summit Entertainment is creating the flick, and it'll likely start filming at the begining of 2012. Summit's intention will probably turn "Ender's Game" right into a franchise when the first film is effective. In the event that's the situation, filming will probably need to occur for "Ender's Game," "Speaker from the Dead," "Xenocide" and "Kids of your brainInch within the next couple of years to avoid Butterfield from aging an excessive amount of. Do you consider Butterfield can make a great Ender Wiggin? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

'Being Flynn' Trailer: Robert P Niro Heads to 'Suck City'

Bashing Robert P Niro's recent choice of roles is a touch carried out out at this time around, nevertheless the actor is doing his defenders no favors by starring in films like 'Killer Elite' and 'New Year's Eve.' However, may be the occasions of 'Fockers'-related insults be over? Once the first trailer for 'Being Flynn' is any suggestion, then ... maybe! The completely new film from director Paul Weitz stars P Niro since the estranged father from the youthful author (Paul Dano) who incurs his father at various destitute animal animal shelters around Boston. When had the experience too, but 'Being Flynn' doesn't, possibly you consider this project in the original title: 'Another Bullshit Evening in Suck City.' Good memoir by Nick Flynn (the role Dano plays), 'Being Flynn' has existed development since 2007 when Fox acquired the film rights. Directed by Paul Weitz -- an Oscar nominee for top Modified Script for 'About a Boy,' together with the man who directed P Niro in 'Little Fockers' -- 'Being Flynn' is scheduled striking theaters in the year. Could Weitz -- the man who helmed among P Niro's low points -- profit the two-time Oscar champion return to glory? Watch below and choose by yourself. 'Being Flynn' will hit theaters in Spring 2012. Mind onto Apple to consider the HD trailer. [via Apple] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

PTC to NBC: Don't Hire Howard Stern for 'America's Got Talent'

The Oldsters Television Council (PTC) is promoting NBC not to "abandon and offend its family audience" by using Howard Stern becoming an America's Got Talent judge.our editor recommendsHoward Stern in Predicts Join NBC's 'America's Got Talent'Piers Morgan Set to go away NBC's 'America's Got Talent'Howard Stern Defends Brett Ratner, Jams Hollywood As 'Loony' (Video) Piers Morgan, 'America's Got Talent' Co-Stars Tweet Farewell Wishes Mutual AdmirationRelated Subjects•Howard Stern Stern is at talks while using network to switch Piers Morgan, who introduced his departure the other day. PTC leader Tim Winter mentioned in the statement Monday, "Once the gossips are factual that NBC thinks about the problem about adding radio shock-jock Howard Stern for the America's Got Talent idol idol judges table, the finish result will be the alienation of numerous families, by using it the alienation of 100s of numerous advertising dollars." PHOTOS: Howard Stern With time Saying the move "smacks of desperation with the once-proud peacock network," Winter ongoing, "Any short-term buzz from Stern's shock value can result in a long-term decline as families abandon the show for further appropriate programming." Taken, the tv watchdog group lobbied against NBC's Playboy Club, getting in touch with its people while others to get hold of local NBC affiliate entrepreneurs, and asking entrepreneurs when the Playboy brand lines up utilizing their corporate image. When the show was canceled in March., the PTC mentioned, "We're pleased that NBC won' more be airing a training course so naturally connected having a pornographic brand that denigrates and sexualizes women." PHOTOS: PTC versus. TV: 10 Tv Series Controversies According to sources, Stern can be a large fan in the talent competition which is wanting to take part in the show. He'd share knowing duties with Sharon Osbourne and relative newcomer Howie Mandel,who replacedDavid Hasselhoffin 2010. Related Subjects Howard Stern NBC PTC America's Got Talent

BSkyB exec backs James Murdoch

LONDON -- The deputy chairman of U.K. paybox BSkyB, Nick Ferguson, threw his weight behind the satcaster's beleaguered chairman, James Murdoch, on Friday.Ferguson said that Murdoch had done a "first class job" at the feevee, adding that BSkyB's independent directors have given Murdoch their unanimous backing ahead of an expected vote on his future at BSkyB at the annual meeting on Nov. 29.His public letter was published the day after Murdoch was questioned by a British committee of pols for the second time in four months in connection with the phone-hacking scandal at a News Intl. paper during his tenure as topper of News Corp.'s British publishing arm. Ferguson said the phone-hacking scandal at the now defunct Sunday tabloid, the News of the World, had not had a negative impact on BSkyB -- even though it scuppered New Corp.'s $14 billion bid to buy the 61% of BSkyB it did not already own."We have seen no effect on sales, customers or suppliers over the last five months," Ferguson wrote. "We have seen no effect on the share price. Finally, we have seen no negative effect internally."Ferguson said that he and his fellow independent directors had always been impressed by Murdoch's work at BSkyB, which he ran before father Rupert promoted him to a bigger role that included responsibility for News Intl."We have known James for some eight years, and during that time he has always acted with integrity in the eyes of both the board and the senior management. If this was to change, clearly the independent directors would re-evaluate the position," Ferguson said.At his second appearance before pols on Thursday, Murdoch again insisted he was not told that phone hacking was widespread when he approved a payment of 725,000 ($1.1 billion) in 2008 to U.K. soccer official Gordon Taylor, whose phone was hacked.As recently as late 2010, News Intl. blamed the practice on a single rogue reporter.But former News Intl. lawyer Tom Crone said that Murdoch's latest evidence was "disingenuous"; he claimed he had told Murdoch of the extent of the practice three years ago.Meanwhile U.K. media commentator Roy Greenslade, writing in the Guardian, the British paper that broke the phone-hacking story, said: "What kind of company boss is it that fails to show any curiosity about a massive payment in controversial circumstances? A deceitful one or an incompetent one?" Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The Eat Sheet: Wolfgang Puck Dishes on His New Restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air (Q&A)

Hollywood's favorite chef, Wolfgang Puck, has been handed the food-and-beverage keys to one of its most storied luxury lodgings: The grand Hotel Bel-Air, which just reopened following an extensive two-year renovation and facelift by the Dorchester Collection, the same company that runs The Beverly Hills Hotel.our editor recommendsThe Eat Sheet: Where La La Anthony Hangs With Kim Kardashian and P. Diddy in ManhattanTHE EAT SHEET: Randy Jackson to Appear at Inaugural Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival The top toque's signature restaurant,Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air, is an indoor-outdoor redoubt off the lobby doling out entrees like braised Wagyu cheeks with smoked onion marmalade and apple horseradish. The space bears rotating artwork from blue-chip L.A. gallery Ace (acrylic pieces by Gary Lang are currently on view) and a clean-lined but not stark modernized decor by A-list NY designer David Rockwell. The Hollywood Reportertalks to Puck about the Hotel Bel-Air's new menu, fresh look-and why, even with 20 fine-dining restaurants currently in his business basket, he's still not yet sated. The Hollywood Reporter: You've already got Cut at the Beverly Wilshire and WP24 at the Ritz-Carlton downtown. What's your plan for the Hotel Bel-Air? Wolfgang Puck: Well, it's an iconic property -- not only in Southern California but in the world; everybody knows about it -- so the food is going to really have to fit into the location: Spanish and Italian influences, typical California fresh-from-the-farm and from the market to the table. THR: Peter Guber famously ordered room service at his adjacent home for decades. Will you continue the tradition? Puck: Yeah, for sure! I will run up myself so I can get some exercise. THR: Some longtime Hotel Bel-Air regulars have voiced concern that the redo may have gone a bit too modern. Puck: You know, people come in -- from Larry King to some other neighbors -- and they love the bar and think the outside [foliage] just has to grow in a little bit more. It really feels comfortable. People always resists change; I love change. I think it was time to modernize it. A club can get too old, from the Friars Club to Chasen's -- you know, they had clubbiness but no customers [toward the end]. THR: What's your next big focus? Puck: We are going to redo Spago. The sixteenth of January we are going to be 30 years old. Can you believe that? We've survived longer than a lot of restaurants. THR: Waldo Fernandez, who designed Soho House's West Hollywood outpost, is said to have gotten the gig. Puck: He did a great job with Trumps [in 1980 on Melrose]. It was the first really chic restaurant, all very modern-looking. I fell in love with it. I'm happy to be working with him. THR: You seem to constantly be in forward motion, expanding your empire. Why not just take it easy after all of these years? Puck: I just talked to my sister and she said, "Why don't you retire already?" So I told her, "For me, the biggest excitement -- next to sex -- is probably opening restaurants." Related Topics Wolfgang Puck Peter Guber Dining David Rockwell Waldo Fernandez

'Wheels' reels 'em in

Philip Burke practices his aim. Anson Mount, right, cleans up for AMC's Charlie Collier. Common performs at the "Hell on Wheels" after-party. The cast and creators of AMC's upcoming Western series "Hell on Wheels" looked dapper at Thursday's Regal L.A. Live preem, a far cry from their muddy filming experience in Calgary, Alberta. "Nobody ever said filming a Western is a clean business," said Anson Mount, who plays the lead. "I can show you the rings in my bathtub to prove it." But the production had its pluses. "It provided us a great time when we were off work," Common said. "To be together, have cool places to go to, it felt like college." At the Union Station Harvey House after-party, exec producer Jeremy Gold said he's crossing his fingers that the creation of brothers Joe and Tony Gayton will have a second season. And so was Phil Burke, whose character has yet to wield firearms. "I need to talk to people about that," Burke said. "If the showbiz gods are willing, season two, I'll get some guns and perhaps a horse, maybe two horses. In fact, I think I can ride in tandem on two horses." - Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com