Every on the Interwebs reported this weekend that, officially, The Hobbit has been greenlit, with Peter Jackson in the director’s chair and Martin Freeman all but official for the lead role of Bilbo Baggins. The Hollywood Cog also reported that James Nesbitt has been offered the role of Bofur. Also, David Tennant and Michael Fassbender are up for roles in the film. David Tennant would be fantastic.
Now, does anyone secretly believe that Peter Jackson pushed Guillermo del Toro out of the director’s chair? Guillermo del Toro reportedly left because he was tired of waiting around for MGM to greenlight the damn thing, although he did two years of work on it. And he apparently left to pursue other projects, and although del Toro is now attached to around three dozen movies, he’s not yet filming anything. If he’d known it’d only take another few months before the green light was official, would he have stayed on? Did Peter Jackson want this all along? Am I just fanning some non-existent flames?
Probably. I still would’ve preferred del Toro, though.
So, there’s going to be a huge celebrity cameo in Hangover 2, and the reports are that it will be Mel Gibson, who will play a tattoo artist. And yes: I am uncomfortable about this.
Here’s the promo poster for Justin Bieber’s upcoming biopic about himself, tentatively title: The Life of Justin Bieber: Surely, You Can do Better than Lesbian Haircut Jokes.
David O. Russell and Natalie Portman abandoned the big-screen adaptation of Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies, but the film is still kicking. Rumors suggests that David Slade, Mike Newell, and Neil Marshall are top candidates to replace the director. Russell apparently had Scarlett Johansson and Bradley Cooper lined up for the leads, but who knows where that’s at now. However, the Hollywood Cog reports that Mia Wasikowska, Tilda Swinton (Lady Catherine) and Catherine O’Hara (Mrs. Bennet) are also in mix.
Richard Branson has bought the rights to, and McG is attached to direct, a 300 style movie about Christopher Columbus discovering America. Or something. That is some kind of an awful idea. (Deadline)
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that jive-talking Barbara Billingsley passed away this weekend, at the age of 94. She was best known as June Cleaver, Beaver’s mom in “Leave it to Beaver.” I will now admit that, I’ve seen every single episode of “leave it to Beaver,” and as a kid, I absolutely adored them, as I did Billingsley. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Cleaver.
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Because nothing says "edgy pop star" like a bedazzled letterman jacket. To quote the Simpsons, "He's just a good looking rebel who plays by his own rules." Alternate Simpsons reference: This is a perfect photo for Lisa's new issue of Non-Threatening Boys magazine.
Is "edgy pop star" an oxymoron? I know I am.
Posted by: Mrs. Julien at October 18, 2010 11:59 AM
I really hope that Martin Freeman becomes a big star because I truly love that guy. I'm not really a "crush" girl but I had a raging crush on him as Tim. He has the most endearing grin.
I thought The Hangover sucked but I know a lot of the people around these parts loved it so I feel bad that Hitler Lite is trying to ruin it for you.
Posted by: becks at October 18, 2010 12:03 PM
I could see Martin Freeman as Bilbo. However, David Tennant is going to have to be an elf. He's too tall and thin to be a dwarf, even with special effects. Hum, David Tennant with long flowing hair and a quiver. I'll be back in 1/2 an hour. I have some "work" to do.
I loathed The Hangover. Serves them right if Gibson may be in the sequel. You know what could redeem them? A scene with Gibson and Russell Crowe having a fight which includes Melbaby screaming insane things and Russellbaby throwing a phone at his head.
Posted by: Mrs. Julien at October 18, 2010 12:12 PM
And isn't it some kind of conflict of interest to name his movie after his Karate Kid theme song (which is now in my head, YES, RUINING MY DAY, because it was the video I watched to find out exactly what Biebering was. Also, the title, as some kind of biopic or as some kind of fighting spirit anthem, still makes no sense at all)?
1) Fine, great. Just make the god damn movie already, Jackson.
2)I don't suppose there's a chance that there's another actor named Mel Gibson that I don't know about? No? Crud.
3) /punches baby
I can't even finish. That picture has ruined everything. Just looking at it has caused food to lose its taste.
Posted by: Perfect Tommy at October 18, 2010 12:50 PM
So, I'll admit; on the whole I liked The Hangover. But my enjoyment is shame-based, because basically, I put my love of Zack Galifianakis over gay jokes and the presence of convicted misogynist Mike Tyson. Now they want to give Gibson a big comeback (far too soon in my opinion, if ever) in the sequel? I think I may have to pass this time. I can get my Galifianakis fix from Bored to Death and the ten other movies he's doing.
Posted by: Nicole at October 18, 2010 12:59 PM
1. I’m so glad del Toro left the Hobbit project, he didn’t need that fucking headache anyway, battling those goddamn nerds on a daily basis. No matter how many Hobbit films Peter Jackson pulls out of his ass he still won’t be getting del Toro grade snatch.
2. How can you not want Mel Gibson in Hangover 2? You just know the guy is going to at some point during filming go off the rails.
3. Hey! Who’s the chick in the cool looking hoodie?
4. If Scarlett Johansson is in it, I’m there with lotion and tissue.
5. Christopher Columbus? 300? So who’s going to play the nine feet tall, nose ring wearing homo?
6. Don’t worry yourself white chocolate, momma gonna be cool on the other side.
Posted by: Pookie at October 18, 2010 1:00 PM
McG attached to anything is generally a very bad idea.
Posted by: monkeyhateclean at October 18, 2010 1:10 PM
How long could a Bieber biopic actually be? He's born; he's potty-trained; he sings on the Internet, hits puberty and that's it. I'm thinking 10, 15 minutes?
Posted by: PaddyDog at October 18, 2010 1:24 PM
I haven't watched Sherlock yet, but it starts next week on PBS and I will be ALL OVER IT because I love both Martin Freeman and awesome things.
A 300 style movie about Christopher Columbus? That guy? The one who was convinced for 8 YEARS that the Caribbean was part of the Orient, never actually found North America, and never actually worked out that Cuba was an island? Huh.
Posted by: Katers at October 18, 2010 1:25 PM
I've been saying this for years: Martin Freeman was BORN to play Bilbo. Make it happen, PJ!
I would've preferred Del Toro too, but at this point I just want this damned thing to get made already.
Also, David Tennant would make the ugliest Elf ever. I mean, come the hell on. OK I guess Elrond's still uglier, but let's be serious here.
Also also, I want to start a campaign to get Brian Blessed to play Beor. Though maybe that's too obvious.
it gets harder and harder to keep alive even a tattered myth about columbus--who even remembers his real name. this is why they have given it to McG--there's nothing to lose.
Posted by: idleprimate at October 18, 2010 4:57 PM
Mike Tyson was one of the few things I hated about The Hangover. Now they want Mel Gibson? Tell me this is a lie, a misinformed rumour, a sick joke? Maybe their casting is based off of the decisions of some executive in the production company who thinks, "hey, you know what's funny? Punching women in the face! Now that's funny! Pow!"
Posted by: DarthBrookes at October 18, 2010 5:28 PM
RIP Mrs. Cleaver. You were the nice mom we all wanted.
Posted by: logan at October 18, 2010 7:37 PM
I have never had a happier halloween than the time I dressed up as June Cleaver and took my one year old out for trick or treating. I refuse to feel unsettled about her representing 'ultra mom' in the cultural id, because the woman brought grace to it. Even though it was a glammer, she truly had glamour, you know?
Plus, she taught me jive on the internet so I could be friends with Angry Black Lady. Sho nuff.
RIP Barbara Billingsley, truly.
Posted by: replica at October 18, 2010 10:07 PM
An upcoming Bieber film? The four horsemen are getting closer by the minute, methinks the Mayans might have been onto something all those years ago. (I really wanted to say "The horror....the horror", but that would've been too obvious.)
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re: Justin Bieber’s upcoming biopic
Because nothing says "edgy pop star" like a bedazzled letterman jacket. To quote the Simpsons, "He's just a good looking rebel who plays by his own rules." Alternate Simpsons reference: This is a perfect photo for Lisa's new issue of Non-Threatening Boys magazine.
Is "edgy pop star" an oxymoron? I know I am.