Showing posts with label Colin Firth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colin Firth. Show all posts

P&P NewsBits: Casting Updates for 'One Shot' and 'Flight' films, Jena Malone cast in 'Hatfields and McCoys,' and more!

Posted by Le on Friday, September 23, 2011

Here's this week's quick news round up of various TV and film news (including casting calls, a film synopsis, trailers, release dates, festival news, etc.) of the following P&P actors (Rosamund Pike, Kelly Reilly, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan and P&P 95's Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle), all in one post!

Here are a few TV and Film casting news updates... 

As previously posted here, Rosamund Pike landed the female lead role opposite Tom Cruise in One Shot!

Kelly Reilly was in negotiations for the lead female role in Robert Zemeckis Flight opposite Denzel Washington.



First, let's get to Rosamund Pike's One Shot...

Richard Jenkins Will Take 'One Shot' With Tom Cruise
(via The Playlist)
Variety reports that Jenkins has joined the upcoming “One Shot.” Based on the best-selling book by Lee Child (one of many in the series), and set to be directed and written by Christopher McQuarrie,the story finds ex-military man and drifter Jack Reacher (Cruise) drawninto the case of a military sniper accused of five murders anddiscovers a twisty cover-up along the way. Rosamund Pike is onboard as Helen Rodin, the attorney who defends the accused man andJenkins will play her father Alex Rodin, the District Attorney in townwho is prosecuting the case. David Oyelowo rounds out the current cast, playing a homicide detective in charge of investigating the killings.UPDATE: Alexia Fast Joins Tom Cruise's 'One Shot' (Exclusive) (via Hollywood Reporter)

  
Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood Join Robert Zemeckis’ FLIGHT; Kelly Reilly Confirmed as Female Lead
(via Collider)
Director Robert Zemeckis is filling out the cast for his return to live-action. Denzel Washington is set as the lead in Flight,where he will play an a pilot who is heralded as a hero after safelylanding a damaged plane. His newfound hero status comes under scrutinyas an investigation is launched to determine whether or not he wasdrunk while flying. Now Movieholereports that Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood have joined the cast. Noword on what their roles entail. The report also confirms that KellyReilly (Sherlock Holmes), who was in negotiations to take on the female lead, is officially onboard as a drug addict who befriends Washington’s character. Filming on the project is set to get underway next month in Atlanta. 

Jena Malone latest to join 'Hatfields and McCoys' (via CN's The Marquee Blog)
The History Channel’s upcoming project “TheHatfields and McCoys” is sounding better all the time. Jena Malone hassigned on to the star-studded miniseries about America’s biggest familyfeud, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Malone (“Bastard Out of Carolina,” “Stepmom,” “Into the Wild”) willplay Nancy McCoy, a conniving cousin who exacts revenge on theHatfields for murdering her father.

Kevin Costner (Anse Hatfield) and Bill Paxton (Randall McCoy) lead the cast as the heads of the clashing clans. Tom Berenger, Powers Boothe and Lindsay Pulsipher have also joined the cast.

Kevin Reynolds (“Red Dawn,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “RobinHood: Prince of Thieves”) is on board to direct the dramaticminiseries, which will shoot in Romania.

The project will air next year to coincide with the 150thanniversary of the bloody Hatfield and McCoy battle, which attractedinternational headlines.

Carey Mulligan changes gear in Drive (via BBC)
Nicolas Winding Refn'snew film Drive has brutal killings, nerve-jangling car chases andbone-breaking violence. So why did fresh-faced Carey Mulligan beg forpart in it?
"I'm in a film with guns - which is rare!" says Carey Mulligan of her role in the Danish director's crime thriller.
"Iwanted to do something that would be a bit of a stretch," adds the starof An Education and Never Let Me Go, "like playing a mother, andexploring a different genre."

Drive is now showing in theaters near you and at #3 (with $11M+) in its first weekend of release. 

In other P&P/Austen Actors' related news...

Blake Lively Offered Lead Role in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES?


Out of the 12 shorts shown, Steve with Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) and Keira Knightly (Pride and Prejudice)was one of the highlights. The story follows a middle-age man, whoregularly visits his neighbors for very odd reasons with surprisingtwists. This event was held as part of the Oscar qualifying process,which requires three consecutive days (Tuesday-Thursday) of paidscreenings at least twice a day in a Los Angeles County theater.

Jennifer Ehle: A Gifted Man's Leading Lady (via The Daily Beast)

Many viewers will forever associate Jennifer Ehle with her career-making role as Elizabeth Bennet in the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice, the sumptuous adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. But the 41-year old actress, the daughter of the actress Rosemary Harris and the writer John Ehleand now a mother of two, has been producing a steady body of work forboth the stage and film, since she first donned a curly black wig toplay Austen’s outspoken romantic heroine back in 1995. On Broadway, shewon a Tony award in 2000 for The Real Thing and another in 2007 for The Coast of Utopia.

The Daily Beast sat down with Ehle, and in these excerpts we discussed A Gifted Man, why she left Game of Thrones, attachment parenting, why she’s never recognized on the street, and ghost sex. Read her full interview here!

Speaking of JE, Tonight (and every Friday nights at 8/7C) watch Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice 1995's Elizabeth Bennet) on the series premiere of A Gifted Man on CBS!

Colin Firth claims to have 'no memory' of winning best actor Oscar
(via Metro)

Firth said it was 'completely extraordinary' that he could notremember receiving the statuette, but added: 'I think when major thingshappen to us, whether good or bad, there's a slight shock.
'It has a slightly numbing effect.'
 Colin Firth, Helen Fielding Confirm Bridget Jones 3 (via Lez Get Real)
Can lightning strike a third time? Colin Firth has let it slip thatthere will be a Bridget Jones 3. So far, there has been no confirmationas to whether or not Hugh Grant, who was in the first and secondmovies, will be back for the third, but Firth has had something of aninsider’s knowledge about the direction of the script.

Talking to Marie Claire, the Oscar winner did indicate that theentire cast will be returning saying that “It does become a bit of afamily at the time, it’ll be like one of those rather fraught familyreunions at Christmas.”
More aboutP&P NewsBits: Casting Updates for 'One Shot' and 'Flight' films, Jena Malone cast in 'Hatfields and McCoys,' and more!

P&P NewsBits: Keira Knightley to attend TIFF 2011, 'Neverland' gets Syfy premiere date, 'The Pillars of the Earth' coming to Reelz Channel, and more!

Posted by Le on Friday, September 2, 2011

Here's this week's quick news round up of various film news (including casting calls, a film synopsis, trailers, release dates, festival news, etc.) of the following P&P actors (, , Donald Sutherland, , Colin Firth, and P&P director Joe Wright), all in one post!

Again, let's start with...

Keira Keira Knightley To Promote “A Dangerous Method” at TIFF 2011
Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen have been confirmed to attend the 36th Toronto International Film Festial (TIFF) which runs through September 8th – 18th. They will both be promoting “A Dangerous Method”. [via Hollywood Reporter]

Also, Apple's iTunes Movie Trailers has the exclusive new U.S. official trailer for A Dangerous Method, which you can watch either on iTune's website or below...

More KK (and others) film news after the cut...



Speaking of A Dangerous Method, here's an early Venice ‘11 Review: Cronenberg’s ‘A Dangerous Method’ An Insightful Look At Sexuality & The Mind (via The Playlist)
 
Syfy Announces “Neverland” Premiere Date
The four-hour movie Neverland, starring Keira Knightley as the voice of Tinker Bell, will premiere on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 4 and 5 at 9/8c each night. [via TV Guide]


Keira Lends Support to Truth Aid at The Box
Keira Knightley and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman will host a glittering star-studded dinner at The Box London in aid of human-rights charity Truth Aid – a worthy cause that creates awareness on gender-based violence in Ethiopia. [source: Harper's Bazaar]

Olivia Williams: Keira will be a great Anna
Olivia Williams has described her Anna Karenina co-star Keira Knightley as a "phenomenal actress". The pair will appear together in the upcoming adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel which is directed by British filmmaker Joe Wright and which will star Aaron Johnson and Jude Law. Olivia said Keira would have no problem taking on the challenging title role.

She added: "In some films you're on your own but in a Joe Wright film you're not on your own, it's a genuinely collaborative event and I think that she's a phenomenal actress with or without this incredible ensemble behind her." [via The Press Association]


The Pillars of the Earth Miniseries Coming to ReelzChannel
The Emmy-nominated The Pillars of the Earth will air on ReelzChannel starting Sunday, December 4. Based on Ken Follet's best selling novel, the nine-part miniseries is a sweeping epic set in 12th-century England that features stellar performances from Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Donald Sutherland.
Follet's sensuous story — set against a backdrop of war, religious strife, and power struggles — was an Oprah Book Club selection and has sold nearly 19 million copies worldwide. Three-time DGA award-winner Sergio Mimica-Gezzan directed the miniseries. Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell, Sam Clafin, and Eddie Redmayne also star.

Pillars is getting the old-school miniseries treatment, with episodes airing on consecutive days. ReelzChannel is Dish 299, DirecTV 238, and available on your cable system.
Episodes 1 and 2 on Sunday, December 4
Episode 1 at 8PM ET and at 8PM PT
Episode 2 at 9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Encore episodes 1 and 2 on Monday, December 5
Episode 1 at 8PM ET and at 8PM PT
Episode 2 at 9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episode 3 on Tuesday, December 6
8PM ET and at 8PM PT
9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episode 4 on Wednesday, December 7
8PM ET and at 8PM PT
9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episode 5 on Thursday, December 8
8PM ET and at 8PM PT
9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episode 6 on Friday, December 9
8PM ET and at 8PM PT
9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episode 7 on Saturday, December 10
8PM ET and at 8PM PT
9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Episodes 8 and 9 on Sunday, December 11
Episode 8 at 8PM ET and at 8PM PT
Episode 9 at 9PM ET and at 9PM PT
Encore episodes 8 and 9 on Monday, December 12
Episode 8 at 8PM ET and at 8PM PT
Episode 9 at 9PM ET and at 9PM PT
[source: Reelz Channel]

Speaking of Donald Sutherland, the teaser trailer for his upcoming film,
The Hunger Games was shown at the recent MTV Music Awards. You can watch the Video: Hunger Games Official Teaser Trailer. Donald Sutherland's not featured on the teaser though....

Speaking of Matthew Macfadyen...
Watch the following:

    Dame Judi Dench makes a `significant` donation towards famine relief efforts in Africa


    Actress Dame Judi Dench has made a 'significant' donation towards the famine relief efforts in Africa.

    The actress is supporting ShelterBox's campaign to send aid to the people suffering from the famine in countries such as Somalia and Ethiopia. [via Critics and Monsters]

    Also...Judi Dench Backing Cancer Awareness Campaign


    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Quad Poster
    A brand new international quad poster has been released for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, which will be released in U.K. theaters on September 16, and in North American theaters on November 18. Take a look at this British poster below which features Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, and Colin Firth. [via MovieWeb]

    TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY Kicked Back to December 9th
    Over the weekend, Deadline‘s Pete Hammond reported that Focus Features wants to give Tomas Alfredson’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy a serious awards season push.  That’s not the tragic part.  The tragic part is that they’re moving the film back from November 18th to December 9th in order to do so.  [via Collider]

    Oldman to cast Firth in new film?
    Gary Oldman has revealed plans to return behind the camera, directing Colin Firth in a new project. [via Press Association]

    'Bridget Jones's Diary' Will Have Third Chapter
    Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that the long-gestating third "Bridget Jones's Diary" movie is finally a go. No further details regarding the Working Title Films production—including whether stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth or Hugh Grant will return—were available. [via MTV's Hollywood Crush]

    Venice film festival: British stars descend on city
    The biggest contingent of British stars for years, including Colin Firth, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley and Jude Law will spearhead the British presence as the world's oldest film festival gets under way. [via UK's The Telegraph]
     
    And last, but not least, check out these interesting articles about Joe Wright...
    Portrait of the artist: Joe Wright, film director [via UK's The Guardian] and  My Secret Life: Joe Wright, film director, 39 [via The Independent]
    More aboutP&P NewsBits: Keira Knightley to attend TIFF 2011, 'Neverland' gets Syfy premiere date, 'The Pillars of the Earth' coming to Reelz Channel, and more!

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy character posters featuring Colin Firth

    Posted by Le on Wednesday, August 17, 2011


    Two more character posters including Colin Firth in coded treatment (which co-star Gary Oldman has already gotten with the previous character poster, which you can view to your left via Empire. has just been released from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy film starring an ensemble cast that include recent Oscar winner Firth, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ciaran Hinds.

    Here’s the official synopsis for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy:
    Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government – which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets.
    Check out Colin's character poster from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy film below...



    (source: Collider


    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy opens in U.S. theaters November 18th!
    More aboutTinker Tailor Soldier Spy character posters featuring Colin Firth

    Videos: Watch director Rupert Friend promotes his short film 'Steve' starring Colin Firth and Keira Knightley

    Posted by Le on Friday, August 12, 2011

    Rupert Friend just promoted the short film he directed titled starring , Keira Knightley, and on Rhode Island's local news ABC6 last night as it was screened in Rhode Island International Film Festival (one of the many festivals it screened/premiered to since last year).


    UPDATED 8/18/11: Rupert Friend honored a Crystal Image Award for his work on 'Steve' Congrats RF!
    Also, check out 2 new Steve stills feat. Keira Knightley here!

    Rupert
    chatted about the short film, Oscar Winner , and his desire to do a feature film as a director. The interview also featured a few clips from the short film.

    Check it out and watch RF's new interview with some screen captures below...





    (source: ABC6)
     
    Steve clips screen captures
    featuring Keira Knightley, Tom Mison, and Colin Firth
     
    Also, check out and watch


    Rupert Friend on ABC6 screen captures
    More aboutVideos: Watch director Rupert Friend promotes his short film 'Steve' starring Colin Firth and Keira Knightley

    A Dangerous Method, Shame, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to debut and compete at 2011 Venice Film Festival

    Posted by Le on Tuesday, July 26, 2011


    Updated 7/28/11: Full Line-Up Announced for 2011 Venice Film Festival (via Collider)

    The line-up for the 2011 Venice Film Festival has just been announced or rather revealed (via Variety and Collider). The official full line-up will be announced this Thursday. Three of the films premiering and competing at the festival are: Keira Knightley's new film, A Dangerous Method (with Michael Fassbender and Viggo Mortensen), Carey Mulligan's other new film, Shame (with Michael Fassbender), and one of Colin Firth's new films, .    

    The 68th Venice Film Fest runs Aug. 31-Sept. 10

    In competition...



    A Dangerous Method 

    Cast: Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen

    Synopsis: Seduced by the challenge of an impossible case, the driven Dr. Jung (Michael Fassbender) takes the unbalanced yet beautiful Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) as his patient in A DANGEROUS METHOD. Jung’s weapon is the method of his master, the renowned Sigmund Freud. Both men fall under Sabina’s spell.

    Shame  

    Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie

    Synopsis:
    A drama centered on 30-something Brandon, his myriad sexual escapades, and what happens when his wayward younger sister moves in with him. 




    Related links:
    Carey Mulligan: Shooting 'Shame' with Michael Fassbender
    Photos of Nicole Beharie and Michael Fassbender on the Set of SHAME
    Steve McQueen’s Shame Starring Michael Fassbender Poster and Synopsis

     

    Cast: Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benidict Cumberbatch, and Ciaran Hinds  

    Synopsis: In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons. 
    More aboutA Dangerous Method, Shame, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to debut and compete at 2011 Venice Film Festival

    Watch the trailers for 'Main Street' and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' films starring Colin Firth

    Posted by Le on Saturday, July 23, 2011

    Magnolia Pictures' film Main Street stars Colin Firth and is scheduled to be on demand everywhere on August 5th and in theaters on September, 9th.

    Set in Durham, North Carolina, a mysterious stranger arrives with a controversial plan to revitalize an economically depressed rural community...but at what cost to the residents?

    Main Street stars Oscar Winner Colin Firth, Oscar Winner Ellen Burstyn, Oscar Nominee Patricia Clarkson, Amber Tamblyn, Andrew McCarthy and Orlando Bloom.


    Watch the trailer for Main Street below

    (source: )

    Also, Colin Firth has another new film titled Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (in US theaters November 18th!) with another ensemble cast that include (3 Austen actors) Firth (Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice 1995 BBC/A&E miniseries), Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong (Mr. Knightley of Emma TV Movie version 1996), Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ciaran Hinds (Captain Wentworth of Persuasion 1995).

    Check out the poster and trailer below...

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Poster via Empire.

    Watch the trailer for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
     
    (source:

    Here’s the synopsis for John LeCarre’s novel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy:
    It is now beyond doubt that a mole, implanted decades ago by Moscow Centre, has burrowed his way into the highest echelons of British Intelligence. His treachery has already blown some of its most vital operations and its best networks. It is clear that the double agent is one of its own kind. But which one? George Smiley is assigned to identify him. And once identified, the traitor must be destroyed. [Amazon]  
    In addition, check out the following: International Trailer for TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (via Collider) and New Images from TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (via Collider)       

    Colin Firth won the 2011 Oscar for his outstanding performance of King George VI in The King's Speech. He is currently filming Gambit with Cameron Diaz. See related article/on set photos (via PopSugar) here: Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth Get Back Down to Work on Gambit

    Among his most memorable roles is the performance he gave of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 A&E production of Pride and Prejudice in which he co-starred with Jennifer Ehle.

    See you at the movies!
    More aboutWatch the trailers for 'Main Street' and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' films starring Colin Firth

    Movie Recs: In Celebration of The British Royal Wedding of Prince William & Kate

    Posted by Le on Friday, April 29, 2011

    Then & Now: Royal Weddings ~ Victoria & Albert
    in The Young Victoria film and William & Kate in real-life
    .
    Are you watching the highly anticipated, wedding of this century, The Royal Wedding of Prince William & Kate Middleton early this morning?! I am (and even woke up early before my alarm clock, lol...just to watch it LIVE! Yes! I want to see the royal weddings! I've been looking forward to it since their engagement last November...I'm so ready!) and so does most people around the world! Lucky Brits, they're on national holiday! If you are, be sure to tune in to your television now for live broadcast, turn on your radio to hear all about it, or login online for live streaming. You can also, check out People.com's frequently updated page: Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton and Prince William for all the latest news, as well as follow the official facebook, twitter, and The Royal Channel on youtube to watch and learn  all about today's Royal wedding, which I've been keeping up-to-date myself, lol.


    If you're not watching or not into royal weddings, perhaps you're into movies involving the Royals, right? Well, I have some
    movie recommendations (in royalty genre) for you here in honor and celebration of William & Kate's wedding today. Some of these movies are related to or descendants to Prince William and his Royal family (ie. The Young Victoria, The King's Speech, and The Lost Prince to name a few) as well as his late mother, Princess Diana (her great-great aunt Georgiana Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire in the film, The Duchess).

    Movie Recommendations: The Royal Edition
    (starring P&P/Austen actors)

    The Young Victoria - starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend

    A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.

    Read my Film Review: The Young Victoria


    The Duchess - starring Keira Knightley
    A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.

    Read my Film Review: The Duchess 


    The recent Academy award winning film, The King's Speech (Best Picture) starring Academy Award winner (Best Actor), Academy Award Nominee Geoffrey Rush, Academy Award Nominee Helena Bonham Carter, and .

    After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) – who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life – is suddenly crowned King George VI of England.

    The Lost Prince
    - starring Tom Hollander 

    The true story of the British royal prince locked away because of having epilepsy.




    Other Royal/Fairytale related films (with P&P and non-P&P actors starring)...
    The Prince & Me - Julia Stiles, Luke Mabley
    The Princess Diaries  - Anne Hathaway
    The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement - Anne Hathaway
    Princess of Thieves (TV movie) - Keira Knightley
    King Arthur
    - Keira Knightley
    Shakespeare in Love
    - Judi Dench

    Enchanted - Amy Adams, James Marsden
    Tangled - Mandy Moore


    And many more...!


    Here's wishing Prince William and his new Princess Bride, Catherine Middleton a blessed, happy wedding day today!
    More aboutMovie Recs: In Celebration of The British Royal Wedding of Prince William & Kate

    PPZ film Update: David Gillespie is now officially set to helm 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'

    Posted by Le on Wednesday, April 20, 2011

    Interesting turn of events, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies film who had its second director Mike White recently left the project, is once again, alive and back from the dead with a new director on board!

    After left the project (even though she's she's still producing this film through her handsomecharlie productions with Lionsgate distributing it) along with two directors (David O'Russell and Mike White, who was previously announced to direct this this film as I've posted here last November 2010),  Lars and the Real Girl director Craig Gillespie is now officially set to Direct 'Pride And Prejudice And Zombies' (via Deadline)...
    "We are so excited to have Craig Gillespie on board this film," said Alli Shearmur, Lionsgate president of Motion Picture Production. "His sensibility spans from genre-bending horror to elegant character-driven comedy, which is perfect for this movie."   
    Also, Gillespie recently was interviewed by EW to talk about the upcoming film. Here's part of his interview... 
    'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' director chews over Jane Austen mash-up -- EXCLUSIVE

    Jane Austen purists, eat your heart out. It’s going to happen to some of your favorite characters anyway.

    Lars and the Real Girl director Craig Gillespie finalized his deal yesterday to helm the big-screen version of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s bestselling fusion of Austen’s 19th century comedy of manners and romance with a nightmarish horde of flesh-eating undead. Gillespie recently wrapped a remake of the ’80s cult classic Fright Night, with Colin Farrell as the unfriendly neighborhood vampire, and plans to begin shooting P+P+Z at the end of summer.

    Gillespie spoke exclusively to EW about how he plans to make zombies seem natural in the early-1800′s British countryside, and whether Austen film alums and Keira Knightley could make cameos



    What’s the state of the project? David O. Russell was attached to direct. Then he dropped out in a budget dispute, and Mike White took over directing duties, but then left to focus on an HBO series. Do you start from scratch?
    No, we have a really great script that we’re just going to do a polish on and then get going, really…. David Russell wrote the script off the book, and it has such a great mix of humor and horror. I just love being able to juggle those two aspects. The humor is inherent in the Pride and Prejudice side, but taking that and accenting it with zombies is just a brilliant and fun idea. And there are such strong female characters, which is nice to have. It’s a great clash.
    What sold you on this mash-up between pre-Victorian British literature and flesh-eating horror?
    I was aware the project was around, but at the time it wasn’t available. Then it became available. I was still finishing up Fright Night, but in the meantime I called my agent and said, “I want to see that script.” He said, “I’m not sure we’d be able to figure out the timing.” But I read the first 30 pages and said, “I want to do this.” It’s just such a great combination between classic literature — Jane Austen, and meshing it with zombies. The challenge of meshing those two genres is really exciting to me.
    Who do you have in mind for the roles of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?
    Casting is trying to find the people who can walk that line. It’s too early now. [Laughs] Nice try though.
    Any chance you can recruit actors who have appeared in previous versions of Pride and Prejudice to, say, do a couple cameos as flesh-eaters? Like, could we see a zombie Colin Firth or a zombie Keira Knightley?
    I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re definitely giving me food for thought.

    Read full EW interview here! 
    More aboutPPZ film Update: David Gillespie is now officially set to helm 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'

    On DVD and Blu-ray Today: The King's Speech

    Posted by Le on Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    Today the 4-time Academy Award Winning film, The King's Speech is released on DVD and Blu-ray! Go get your copy, rent it or netflix it, if you haven't already!

    DVD Active has the following DVD and Blu-ray info for Academy award winning film, The King's Speech (Best Picture) starring Academy Award winner (Best Actor), Academy Award Nominee Geoffrey Rush, Academy Award Nominee Helena Bonham Carter, and .

    Title: The King's Speech (IMDb)
    Starring: Colin Firth
    Released: 19th April 2011
    SRP: $29.98 (DVD)

    Further Details:
    Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company has announced DVD ($29.98) and Blu-ray ($39.99) releases of The King's Speech for April 19th. Extra material will include an audio commentary with director Tom Hooper, a 20-minuteMaking Of The King’s Speech” featurette, archival footage of the actual King George VI, and much more.

    See the attached DVD and Blu-ray artwork below:


     (source: DVD Active)

    Pre-order your copy of either: standard DVD or Blu-ray on Amazon.com


     Synopsis
    After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) – who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life – is suddenly crowned King George VI of England.  With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).  After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually forge a genuine friendship.  Through this unexpected bond, the new monarch will overcome his stammer to find his voice, inspire his people, and rally the world.
    More aboutOn DVD and Blu-ray Today: The King's Speech

    Carey Mulligan, Anne Hathaway, and Gemma Arterton featured on People Magazine's 'Most Beautiful People 2011' List

    Posted by Le on Thursday, April 14, 2011


    P&P/Austen actors' Carey Mulligan (Pride & Prejudice 2005), Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane), and Gemma Arterton (Lost In Austen) all made the People Magazine's Most Beautiful 2011 list, but not exactly in that Most Beautiful list, but in other categories of the Beautiful list. Confused?

    See a SNEAK PEEK: PEOPLE's Most Beautiful 2011...

    To see who else made People's Most Beautiful list, pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday!

    Also, here are the following list of categories in which three of our beautiful Austen actors were picked...

    25 Beauties (and Hotties) at 25

    CAREY MULLIGAN

    Though the twinkle-eyed English actress may famously be known as Shia LaBeouf's ex (they met on the set of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps), Mulligan is poised to become a household name as the unattainable object of Leonardo DiCaprio's affection in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, a role for which she reportedly beat out Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley and Michelle Williams.

    GEMMA ARTERTON

    Is it possible to be bold and beautiful? Look no further than Arterton, the English actress who held her own opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. "She is a woman who says what's on her mind – a very attractive quality both on- and offscreen," Gyllenhaal gushed to PEOPLE of his costar. "Our chemistry [was] as hot as the Moroccan desert."

    Beautiful at Every Age

    ANNE HATHAWAY, 28
    Over the years, the actress has gamely transformed herself for roles: an ugly duckling turned elegant royal in The Princess Diaries, a determined fashionista in The Devil Wears Prada and a recovering drug addict in Rachel Getting Married (which earned her an Oscar nod). But don't expect this New York native to fret about her features. "You have to work with what you've got," Hathaway told InStyle. "Don't judge what you have, just love it."

    Hollywood's Stunning Doubles

    ANNE AS JUDY

    With her big eyes, full lips and brunette waves, Anne Hathaway has drawn comparisons to Hollywood's Golden Era star Judy Garland. Even more uncanny, the 28-year-old can hold a tune with the best of them – check out her amazing rendition of Les Misérables' "On My Own" at this year's Oscars! No wonder Hathaway, who gamely spoofed The Wizard of Oz on Saturday Night Live in January, has been tapped to play Garland in an upcoming biopic of the star's troubled life.

    Plus...

    My Beautiful Other Half

    LIVIA GIUGGIOLI (Colin Firth's wife)

    Giuggioli is "far too beautiful," Firth's English Patient costar Kristin Scott Thomas once said of the Italian beauty who captured Colin Firth's heart in 1996. In 2011, the captivating mother of two elegantly shared the spotlight with her actor-husband during his road to Oscar victory. So it was fitting that The King's Speech Best Actor winner gave an acceptance speech dedicated to Giuggioli, telling the world, "I hold responsible for this and for really everything that's good that's happened since I met her."

    By the way, while it's nice that our Carey Mulligan made the Beautiful list, but I think her P&P co-stars: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Talulah Riley, Simon Woods, Kelly Reilly, and Rupert Friend should've been on that list (esp. MM and RP) too, do not you agree? They are beautiful too (if not even more so than those other celebs that made their annual list)...just sayin...
    More aboutCarey Mulligan, Anne Hathaway, and Gemma Arterton featured on People Magazine's 'Most Beautiful People 2011' List