Catherine Zeta-Jones Signed On For Broken City

Catherine Zeta-Jones hasn’t been around much over the last few years, but it looks as though she has a flurry of projects in the works, one of which puts her opposite Russell Crowe. The No Reservations actress has been signed on to star in the Allen Hughes directed Broken City.

Deadline reports that Zeta-Jones is set to play Russell Crowe’s character’s wife in the upcoming Broken City. The film, which is in pre-production, stars Mark Wahlberg as a detective who’s hired by Russell Crowe’s character, who also happens to be the mayor of New York. Zeta-Jones plays the mayor’s wife, who also happens to be cheating on her husband. When her secret-boyfriend ends up dead, Wahlberg’s character does a bit more digging and uncovers a conspiracy that may involved the mayor.

Broken City begins shooting in New York next month. Zeta-Jones may have been laying low for a few years, but she appears to be making up for lost time as she has a number of other films in the works, including Rock of Ages, directed by Adam Shankman, Playing the Field, which stars Gerard Butler, Judy Greer, and Jessica Biel, and Laying the Favorite, which stars Bruce Willis.

Carey Mulligan Cast In Coens Brothers' Latest, Circling New Spike Jonze

Carey Mulligan’s riding one of the hottest streaks we’ve seen in some time. She regularly works with challenging directors, from Oliver Stone (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) to Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go). This year, she’s co-starring in two instant classics in Drive and Shame. And she’s currently hard at work on Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby opposite Leonard DiCaprio.

Wow.

But don’t think Mulligan’s content to rest on her laurels. Variety reports that the actress has secured two high-profile gigs that would make any talent salivate. The fact that she's in both almost isn’t fair. According to the trade, Mulligan will be the female lead in Joel and Ethan Coen’s folk-music drama Inside Llewyn Davis. Following that, she’ll appear in an as-yet-untitled feature to be directed by Spike Jonze.

Both projects sound great. The Coens already have cast Oscar Isaac as a musician breaking into New York’s scene in the 1960s. As the trade notes, if Mulligan needs to sing, Shame proves the actress has the pipes. As for Jonze’s feature, it reportedly reunites him with screenwriter Charlie Kaufmann (Adaptation) for a film about global leaders having to meet to discuss what Variety calls “cataclysmic events.” Joaquin Phoenix has already been cast in the picture, which would begin shooting next spring.

About the only other actress touching Mulligan’s streak right now is Anne Hathaway, who also continues to add one major project after the next. Actors rarely go wrong collaborating with storytellers like the Coens and Jonze, and we’re happy that a legitimate talent like Mulligan is getting these outstanding chances to flex her muscle and make what we hope are great films.

Carey Mulligan Cast In Coens Brothers' Latest, Circling New Spike Jonze

Carey Mulligan’s riding one of the hottest streaks we’ve seen in some time. She regularly works with challenging directors, from Oliver Stone (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) to Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go). This year, she’s co-starring in two instant classics in Drive and Shame. And she’s currently hard at work on Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby opposite Leonard DiCaprio.

Wow.

But don’t think Mulligan’s content to rest on her laurels. Variety reports that the actress has secured two high-profile gigs that would make any talent salivate. The fact that she's in both almost isn’t fair. According to the trade, Mulligan will be the female lead in Joel and Ethan Coen’s folk-music drama Inside Llewyn Davis. Following that, she’ll appear in an as-yet-untitled feature to be directed by Spike Jonze.

Both projects sound great. The Coens already have cast Oscar Isaac as a musician breaking into New York’s scene in the 1960s. As the trade notes, if Mulligan needs to sing, Shame proves the actress has the pipes. As for Jonze’s feature, it reportedly reunites him with screenwriter Charlie Kaufmann (Adaptation) for a film about global leaders having to meet to discuss what Variety calls “cataclysmic events.” Joaquin Phoenix has already been cast in the picture, which would begin shooting next spring.

About the only other actress touching Mulligan’s streak right now is Anne Hathaway, who also continues to add one major project after the next. Actors rarely go wrong collaborating with storytellers like the Coens and Jonze, and we’re happy that a legitimate talent like Mulligan is getting these outstanding chances to flex her muscle and make what we hope are great films.

Bradley Cooper May Be Steven Soderbergh's Man From U.N.C.L.E

It turns out that Steven Soderbergh has been having a hell of a time trying to find someone to play Napoleon Solo in his adaptation of the 1960s spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The role was originally going to be played by George Clooney, who was forced to drop the project. According to new reports, both Matt Damon - who has worked with Soderbergh on the Ocean's trilogy, The Informant! and last month's Contagion - and Johnny Depp both turned down the part, but now it looks like the movie has finally landed its leading man.

Variety is reporting that Bradley Cooper has been offered the role of Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. While nothing is official, the project would add to the many titles that the actor currently has in development, including Alex Proyas' Paradise Lost and David O. Russell's The Silver Linings Playbook. The role was originally played by Robert Vaughn in the television series. The plot revolves around two agents for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement - Solo and his Russian counterpart, Illya Kuryakin - saving the world from the evil forces of THRUSH. The script was written by Scott Z. Burns the movie is expected to go into production early next year.

It goes without saying that it's an interesting transition to go from an actor like George Clooney to Bradley Cooper. Both have very different styles and are known for playing very different types of roles. Despite the fact that the production is working from established source material, it's hard not to wonder if the project will be adapted to better suit Cooper. But what do you think of the pick? Is Cooper the right man to play Napoleon Solo?

Bradley Cooper May Be Steven Soderbergh's Man From U.N.C.L.E

It turns out that Steven Soderbergh has been having a hell of a time trying to find someone to play Napoleon Solo in his adaptation of the 1960s spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The role was originally going to be played by George Clooney, who was forced to drop the project. According to new reports, both Matt Damon - who has worked with Soderbergh on the Ocean's trilogy, The Informant! and last month's Contagion - and Johnny Depp both turned down the part, but now it looks like the movie has finally landed its leading man.

Variety is reporting that Bradley Cooper has been offered the role of Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. While nothing is official, the project would add to the many titles that the actor currently has in development, including Alex Proyas' Paradise Lost and David O. Russell's The Silver Linings Playbook. The role was originally played by Robert Vaughn in the television series. The plot revolves around two agents for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement - Solo and his Russian counterpart, Illya Kuryakin - saving the world from the evil forces of THRUSH. The script was written by Scott Z. Burns the movie is expected to go into production early next year.

It goes without saying that it's an interesting transition to go from an actor like George Clooney to Bradley Cooper. Both have very different styles and are known for playing very different types of roles. Despite the fact that the production is working from established source material, it's hard not to wonder if the project will be adapted to better suit Cooper. But what do you think of the pick? Is Cooper the right man to play Napoleon Solo?

Mark Wahlberg Glares, Smuggles Cash And Guns In New Contraband Poster

Contraband, which hits theaters on Jan. 13, stars Mark Wahlberg as a former criminal gone straight who is forced to re-enter the life when his wife’s younger brother gets mixed up with the wrong people. It’s the classic “just when you thought you were out” scenario, and Wahlberg’s the ideal choice to play a smoldering lead tearing his way through an international gang of thieves as the threat level escalates. We ran the first trailer a few weeks ago, and now there’s an official poster:




Yep. Looks like Wahlberg’s ready to go to great lengths to protect his family from some pretty nasty thugs. I don’t know enough about Contraband director Baltasar Kormákur, an Icelandic filmmaker whose credits include Jar City and Inhale. So we have to lean on the cast, which is pretty impressive. Wahlberg’s going into battle with Ben Foster, Diego Luna and Giovanni Ribisi to protect his significant other, played by the beautiful Kate Beckinsale. Who wouldn’t risk their life for her?

J.K. Simmons and Lukas Haas lend a hand in support, but this doesn’t look like an acting showcase. It looks like one major action set piece after another, and after a full season of Oscar-pedigreed dramas, we’re going to be looking for a little brain candy like Contraband. The poster might not do much for you, but now that you’ve seen it and the trailer, what are your thoughts?

Dark Knight Rises Prologue May Run Before Mission: Impossible--Ghost Protocol In IMAX

You may have very little memory of I Am Legend, the 2007 post-apocalyptic Will Smith film, but you probably very much remember the six minutes that ran before it in theaters. Oh, yes you do. Back in December 2007 Warner Bros. pulled the fairly unprecedented move of showing the opening scene of the movie in front of I Am Legend, one of the many steps they took to subtly promote what would go on to become the biggest movie of all time. It's a strategy that worked already once, so why not try it again? Slashfilm hears from an exhibitor source that they'll be doing just that, showing an eight-minute prologue for The Dark Knight Rises in front of all IMAX showings of this December's Mission: Impossible-- Ghost Protocol.

Yes, Dark Knight Rises is a Warner Bros. movie while Mission: Impossible is coming from Paramount, but Dark Knight Rises made extensive use of the IMAX cameras, and I can see the studio wanting to show off some footage on the gigantic screen to entice audiences to come back and see the whole thing in July. If you saw The Dark Knight in IMAX you remember how stunning those sequences were, especially the aerial shots above Gotham in the opening sequence. Plenty of people are already excited for The Dark Knight Rises based on online trailers alone, but there really is nothing like seeing it on the biggest screen possible.

Warner Bros. refused to comment on Slashfilm's story, and we may not know for a while if this sneak peek really is happening. But it sounds like a pretty good plan to me. What do you guys think-- will an extended prologue for The Dark Knight Rises be enough to get you into theaters for Mission: Impossible-- Ghost Protocol?

Dark Knight Rises Prologue May Run Before Mission: Impossible--Ghost Protocol In IMAX

You may have very little memory of I Am Legend, the 2007 post-apocalyptic Will Smith film, but you probably very much remember the six minutes that ran before it in theaters. Oh, yes you do. Back in December 2007 Warner Bros. pulled the fairly unprecedented move of showing the opening scene of the movie in front of I Am Legend, one of the many steps they took to subtly promote what would go on to become the biggest movie of all time. It's a strategy that worked already once, so why not try it again? Slashfilm hears from an exhibitor source that they'll be doing just that, showing an eight-minute prologue for The Dark Knight Rises in front of all IMAX showings of this December's Mission: Impossible-- Ghost Protocol.

Yes, Dark Knight Rises is a Warner Bros. movie while Mission: Impossible is coming from Paramount, but Dark Knight Rises made extensive use of the IMAX cameras, and I can see the studio wanting to show off some footage on the gigantic screen to entice audiences to come back and see the whole thing in July. If you saw The Dark Knight in IMAX you remember how stunning those sequences were, especially the aerial shots above Gotham in the opening sequence. Plenty of people are already excited for The Dark Knight Rises based on online trailers alone, but there really is nothing like seeing it on the biggest screen possible.

Warner Bros. refused to comment on Slashfilm's story, and we may not know for a while if this sneak peek really is happening. But it sounds like a pretty good plan to me. What do you guys think-- will an extended prologue for The Dark Knight Rises be enough to get you into theaters for Mission: Impossible-- Ghost Protocol?

Matt Damon To Direct, Co-Write, And Co-Star In Drama With John Krasinski

It would seem that Matt Damon really wants to direct The Office star John Krasinski in his first directorial effort, but he's having an issue figuring out just which project to do with him. All the way back in June it was reported that Damon was setting up the Matthew Aldrich-scripted Father Daughter Time: A Tale Of Armed Robbery and Eskimo Kisses for the television actor, but now, according to THR and Variety, the pair will be working together on another movie entirely.

The reports says that Damon and Krasinski have co-written a drama that is now set up at Warner Bros. and will star both of them. Krasinski came up with the idea while working with author Dave Eggers. In addition to being directed by Damon, Krasinski will produce under his Sunday Night Productions label. The movie, which doesn't seem to have a title as of yet, the Bourne Trilogy star will play a salesman who enters a small town that is being poisoned. The THR report says that the film will be similar to Steven Soderbergh's Erin Brockovich. The project looks to begin filming in spring 2012.

While Damon is obviously one of the biggest stars in the world, I've always wondered why he hasn't written more. Since winning the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting, he's written only one other movie: Gerry, which was co-written by Casey Affleck and Gus Van Sant. The guy is the movie equivalent of a five-tool player in baseball, but has been hiding one of his skills for too long. Hopefully this project will capitalize on his talent.

Matt Damon To Direct, Co-Write, And Co-Star In Drama With John Krasinski

It would seem that Matt Damon really wants to direct The Office star John Krasinski in his first directorial effort, but he's having an issue figuring out just which project to do with him. All the way back in June it was reported that Damon was setting up the Matthew Aldrich-scripted Father Daughter Time: A Tale Of Armed Robbery and Eskimo Kisses for the television actor, but now, according to THR and Variety, the pair will be working together on another movie entirely.

The reports says that Damon and Krasinski have co-written a drama that is now set up at Warner Bros. and will star both of them. Krasinski came up with the idea while working with author Dave Eggers. In addition to being directed by Damon, Krasinski will produce under his Sunday Night Productions label. The movie, which doesn't seem to have a title as of yet, the Bourne Trilogy star will play a salesman who enters a small town that is being poisoned. The THR report says that the film will be similar to Steven Soderbergh's Erin Brockovich. The project looks to begin filming in spring 2012.

While Damon is obviously one of the biggest stars in the world, I've always wondered why he hasn't written more. Since winning the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting, he's written only one other movie: Gerry, which was co-written by Casey Affleck and Gus Van Sant. The guy is the movie equivalent of a five-tool player in baseball, but has been hiding one of his skills for too long. Hopefully this project will capitalize on his talent.