Category: Casting

Bruce Willis To Star In FIVE AGAINST A BULLET For Columbia Pictures & Mimran Schur Pictures

Bruce Willis will star in Five Against A Bullet, the action thriller being developed by producers Lorenzo DiBonaventura, Jordan Schur, and David Mimran for Columbia Pictures, it was announced by Hannah Minghella, president of production for Columbia Pictures.

Alex Litvak is writing the screenplay which centers on a Mexican politician who, after his father is killed by a drug cartel, hires the five best bodyguards from around the world to protect him through a contentious election.

Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “We have been excited about this project since acquiring the rights last year from Mimran Schur and believe Bruce Willis is the perfect actor to lead this cast. We look forward to moving Five Against A Bullet into production quickly.”

Sam Dickerman and Lauren Abrahams are overseeing the project for the studio. Erik Howsam, who first brought the project into Columbia Pictures, will oversee on behalf of DiBonaventura Pictures.

Bruce Willis has demonstrated incredible versatility with roles in such diverse films as Pulp Fiction, Nobody’s Fool, 12 Monkeys, In Country, The Sixth Sense, and his signature role as Detective John McClane in the Die Hard series. Willis was last seen in the Golden Globe nominated feature film RED opposite Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich and he will next be seen in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and Rian Johnson’s sci-fi thriller Looper as well as this summer’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation & Expendables 2. Willis will soon begin production on A Good Day To Die Hard (the fifth installment in the popular Die Hard franchise).

Lorenzo Di Bonaventura worked at Warner Bros. Pictures from 1989 to 2003, rising through the ranks of the legendary studio to lead their production division and oversee their film slate. While president of production, he was involved in over 130 motion pictures, including Falling Down, A Time to Kill, the Matrix series, Three Kings, Ocean’s Eleven, the first three Harry Potter movies, and Training Day. Since forming his production company in 2003, the company has produced 14 pictures, including the box-office hits Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Salt, and RED. His most recent film is Man on a Ledge.

Mimran Schur Pictures was co-founded by Jordan Schur and David Mimran in early 2009. The company’s first project was Stone, a psychological thriller directed by John Curran and starring Robert De Niro, Edward Norton and Milla Jovovich. They have also produced Henry’s Crime, directed by Malcolm Venville and starring Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga and James Caan, and Warrior, starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison and Nick Nolte, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of an alcoholic former champion.

Julia Roberts And Meryl Streep Are Attached To AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

JOHN WELLS TO DIRECT ADAPTATION OF TRACY LETTS’ PULITZER PRIZE AND TONY AWARD-WINNING PLAY
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY SLATED FOR FALL 2012

The Weinstein Company announced today that Academy Award®-winning actresses Julia Roberts (EAT PRAY LOVE) and Meryl Streep (THE IRON LADY) are attached to AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning play by Tracy Letts, and directed by John Wells (“Shameless”, THE COMPANY MEN). The announcement was made by TWC Co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein.

Said Roberts, “After seeing Meryl Streep’s mesmerizing portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in THE IRON LADY, it has me even more excited and proud to co star with her.”

“I’m delighted and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to direct Meryl and Julia in this magnificent piece written by Tracy Letts,” said Wells. “Meryl’s extraordinary body of work made her the only conceivable choice to play Violet. Coupled with Julia’s effortless mastery of every role she undertakes and her fearlessness as an actress, I’m confident this first ever collaboration with Meryl and Julia will produce an exciting and moving film.”

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Letts’ play made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year. It continued with a successful international run.

Streep has been cast as pill-popping matriarch Violet Weston, and Roberts will play her complicated adult daughter Barbara. Streep has been nominated for the 2012 Best Actress Academy Award® for THE IRON LADY, and recently won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award® for her performance.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, including Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture.

Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE; THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; SCRE4M; SUBMARINE; DIRTY GIRL; APOLLO 18; OUR IDIOT BROTHER; I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT; SARAH’S KEY; and SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IN 4D. Currently in release are MY WEEK WITH MARILYN; THE ARTIST; THE IRON LADY; CORIOLANUS; and W.E. Upcoming releases include UNDEFEATED; BULLY; and THE INTOUCHABLES. Recently wrapped was SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, and currently in production is DJANGO UNCHAINED.

TWC is also active in television production, with credits including the Emmy® nominated and Peabody Award winning reality series Project Runway, the VH1 reality series Mob Wives, and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency which also received a Peabody Award. The company is currently producing After The Runway, Project Runway All Stars and Project Accessory. The company currently has 17 series in different stages of development, including Marco Polo, a scripted historical series about the great explorer; and The Nanny Diaries, being adapted for ABC by Amy Sherman Palladino (Gilmore Girls).

Kristy Swanson, Matthew Perry, Dean Cain Join Indie Comedy THE WHOLE BANANA

Matthew Perry, Dean Cain, Kristy Swanson and Dominique Swain have joined Kevin Sorbo, Stelio Savante and Jeffrey Vincent Parise in the cast of THE WHOLE BANANA, a romantic comedy based on Deb Norton’s play which was last performed in Los Angeles at the Court Theater in 2003.

Perry and Cain will largely play cameo roles in the film which begins lensing in Los Angeles in late February. The plot revolves around struggling artist Fran (Kristy Swanson) who is so discouraged by the men in her life, that she frequently prays to Greek god Hermes(Kevin Sorbo).

Taken by her faithful appeal, Hermes ventures into Fran’s life and sweeps her off her feet. Unfortunately for Fran there is a two week limit on Hermes earthly vacation. Swain plays Swanson’s best friend and confidant and Savante portrays Swain’s long suffering husband.

Brought to the screen by Magik Shoppe Pictures, Stephen Wallis (Rain from Stars, The Wicked Within) directs and produces along with John Bennett Perry, Stelio Savante and Tom Fox.

Swanson, the original Buffy recently appeared in the indie What If. She is repped by David Shapira and Inphenate. Sorbo is one of the stars of last year’s biographical drama Soul Surfer and is repped by Innovative Artists and Marsh Entertainment. Swain, repped by Buchwald /Fortitude and Leverage is best known for her well received roles in Lolita and Face Off. SAG nominee Savante recently appeared in the play 110 Stories and South African film A Million Colours. He is repped by Buchwald-Fortitude and Elevate Entertainment.

Whitney Houston Returns To Big Screen In Remake Of 1976 Film SPARKLE

Whitney Houston has joined the cast of SPARKLE which began principal photography this week in Detroit, Michigan. SPARKLE is a remake of the 1976 film and tells the story of the title character Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to become a star while facing issues that are tearing her family apart. Starring alongside Houston in the musical drama are Grammy® nominated and platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks (“American Idol” winner, Season 6), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (What’s Your Number?, “Gossip Girl”), Omari Hardwick (Kick Ass, The A-Team) and Grammy® Award winner, Cee-Lo Green.

SPARKLE is being directed by Salim Akil (Jumping The Broom) from a screenplay written by Mara Brock Akil (“The Game”, “Girlfriends”) and produced by Debra Martin Chase (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Just Wright) along with Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil, T.D. Jakes and Curtis Wallace (Jumping the Broom, Not Easily Broken). Whitney Houston is also Executive Producing along with Gaylyn Fraiche (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2), and Howard Rosenman (Sparkle, The Family Man). Original music provided by multi-Platinum and Grammy® Award-winning artist R. Kelly. “SPARKLE is a movie I have wanted to remake for a long time and I am so glad to finally see my wish come true and to be part of this stellar team of actors and producers,” said Houston.

Last year, Whitney spent the majority of the year on a world tour in support of her album “I LOOK TO YOU” which to date has sold two million copies worldwide. After the tour, she lent her support to her manager and sister in law, Patricia Houston, who has created and developed a line of beautiful organic scented candles, MARION P, named after the nickname Whitney gave to Patricia. There are five different scents, which were chosen based on a trip Whitney and Patricia took to Israel a few years ago. “I’m delighted to be a partner with Pat Houston and the creation of her beautiful candle line. It’s the essence of everything pure. It’s not just a candle, it’s an experience. I have never endorsed anything before this. These candles are truly inspiring – they are 100% soy and also made with shea butter so that when the candle melts down, you can use it as a body moisturizer. Also, you are doing a good deed as a portion of the sales goes to Patricia’s teen mentoring program,” said Whitney. The candles are available on MarionPCandles.com and also through Whitney’s website, WhitneyHouston.com.

Whitney recently attended Teen Summit, Patricia’s annual teen mentoring event which “Rebuilds, Restores and Repairs” the lives of young teens. The event took place in North Carolina and Whitney spoke to the teens, alongside Kim Burrell, Rickey Minor, and Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side) and others. The event was a huge success and a portion of the candle sales will go toward this charity, which is in its 6th year.

With over 170 million combined album, singles and videos sold worldwide during her career with Arista Records, Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom that will quite simply never be eclipsed in the modern era. She is a singer’s singer who has influenced countless other vocalists female and male. Music historians cite Whitney’s record-setting achievements: the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits (“Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love Of All,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “So Emotional,” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”); the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 (her second album, Whitney, 1987); and the only artist with seven consecutive multi-platinum albums (Whitney Houston, Whitney, I’m Your Baby Tonight, The Bodyguard, Waiting To Exhale, and The Preacher’s Wife soundtracks, and My Love Is Your Love). In fact, The Bodyguard soundtrack is one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all-time (at 17x-platinum in the U.S. alone), and Whitney’s career-defining version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” is the biggest-selling U.S. single of all-time (at 4x-platinum).

Houston made her movie debut in The Bodyguard (November 1992), in which she co-starred with Oscar-winning actor/director Kevin Costner. The film not only broke box office records worldwide but was ultimately responsible for the biggest selling motion picture soundtrack album of all time, voted the Grammy-winning Album Of the Year. Her film work continued with Waiting To Exhale (which opened December 1995, preceded by the soundtrack album in November). The critically acclaimed film, starring Whitney with Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, and directed by Forrest Whitaker, went on to gross over $70 million (in ‘90s dollars). She followed those up with “The Preacher’s Wife” with Denzel Washington and the Emmy winning “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” which was made for TV and garnered huge ratings for ABC TV at the time.

Matt Damon & Michael Douglas To Star In Steven Soderbergh’s Liberace Biopic BEHIND THE CANDELABRA For HBO

HBO’s press release: 

ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER STEVEN SODERBERGH AND
PRODUCER JERRY WEINTRAUB BRING
ACADEMY AWARD® WINNERS MICHAEL DOUGLAS AND MATT DAMON
TO HBO FOR HBO FILMS’ BEHIND THE CANDELABRA

STEVEN SODERBERGH DIRECTS FROM A SCRIPT BY RICHARD LAGRAVENESE; 
JERRY WEINTRAUB EXECUTIVE PRODUCES;
GREGORY JACOBS, SUSAN EKINS PRODUCE

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11, 2011 – Academy Award® winner Steven Soderbergh (“Contagion,” “Traffic,” “Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen”) and Emmy® Award-winning producer Jerry Weintraub (“Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen,” “The Karate Kid” series, HBO’s Emmy®-nominated “His Way”) will bring the film BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, starring Academy Award® winners Michael Douglas (“Wall Street,” “Traffic,” “Solitary Man”) and Matt Damon (“Contagion,” “Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen,” “Invictus”) to HBO Films, it was announced today by Len Amato, president, HBO Films.

Executive produced by Weintraub and produced by Gregory Jacobs (“Contagion,” “The Informant!”) and Susan Ekins (“Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen,” “The Karate Kid” series), BEHIND THE CANDELABRA takes a behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous relationship between legendary entertainer Liberace and Scott Thorson, his younger live-in lover. Directed by Soderbergh from a script by Oscar® nominee Richard LaGravenese (“Water for Elephants,” “The Fisher King”), the film stars Douglas as Liberace and Damon as Thorson.

“This is a story that’s going to surprise a lot of people,” said Amato. “It’s funny, heartbreaking and always fascinating, and we are delighted that Jerry and Steven brought the film to HBO. With Steven at the helm, directing such accomplished actors as Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, this is a dream project for us.”

Says Weintraub, “I’ve wanted to make a film about Liberace for a very long time, and after the amazing experience I had with HBO on ‘His Way,’ I knew that they were absolutely the right place for this movie. I am thrilled that we have the incomparable Michael Douglas to inhabit the role of Liberace, as well as the exceptional Matt Damon to play the pivotal part of Scott Thorson.

I am thrilled that we have the incomparable Michael Douglas to inhabit the role of Liberace, as well as the exceptional Matt Damon to play the pivotal part of Scott Thorson. Putting these two fine actors in the creative hands of Steven Soderbergh – it doesn’t get better than that!”

“From the inception of this project, we’ve had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it,” says Soderbergh. “HBO’s fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldn’t be happier.”

“Richard Plepler and I developed an enormous respect and affection for Jerry when we worked with him on his HBO documentary, and we hoped that it would be the beginning of a long and productive relationship,” says Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “We are extremely excited that he is returning to HBO with this riveting film and sensational array of talent.”

BEHIND THE CANDELABRA will start production in summer 2012, with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Tara Grace, vice president, development and production, HBO Films, will serve as production executive on the project.

Justin Timberlake Signs On To Star In And Produce Boardwalk Films’ Feature SPINNING GOLD

Timberlake Stars as “Neil Bogart” in Music Saga and Larger-Than-Life Story
of 70s Music Legend and Founder of Casablanca Records

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2011 – Grammy® and Emmy® award winner Justin Timberlake has signed on to star in the feature film SPINNING GOLD from Boardwalk Films, a division of Boardwalk Entertainment Group. The movie also marks Timberlake’s first venture as a feature producer. Timothy Scott Bogart, who also is penning the script, Evan “Kidd” Bogart, and Gary A. Randall, founding partners of Boardwalk Entertainment Group, also will produce. Rick Yorn is Executive Producer.

Additionally, Boardwalk Records is producing the album in conjunction with the movie, including classic hits reimagined by today’s biggest artists.

SPINNING GOLD chronicles the life of music legend Neil Bogart, the late father of Tim and Evan, who founded Casablanca Records in 1974 and is credited with discovering, launching and nurturing the careers of a generation of music superstars. KISS, Parliament, Donna Summer, and The Village People were just a few of the acts on the roster of Casablanca Records, whose sound and image would come to define 70s pop culture.

Boardwalk Entertainment Group partner, producer and screenwriter, Tim Bogart, said, “This movie is literally three decades in the making, but we knew that without the perfect actor to bring our father to life on film, his essence and impact on the lives and careers he inspired would never be fully captured – from the moment we met Justin, we knew we’d found our Neil Bogart. With Justin also a producer on the movie, together we’re crafting this saga about a young dreamer who started with nothing and came of age in the 60s and 70s, believing anything was possible and every risk was worth taking. Though he died at only 39, he lived to see all his dreams come true.”

About Boardwalk Entertainment Group

Boardwalk Entertainment Group is a multi-faceted production and media company encompassing film, television, music and technology. In addition to producing the feature Spinning Gold, Boardwalk is in production on the music reality series Majors & Minors for The Hub TV Network, and in development on projects at various networks including ABC, NBC, USA, A&E and Syfy. Boardwalk Records also is releasing albums from new and established artists, including Wallpaper. and ZZ Ward, whose LPs drop in 2012. The company also maintains strategic alliances with major music companies such as Sony’s RCA Records, Bug Music, Inc. and BMI.

Actor/Musician Reeve Carney to Star in UNTITLED JEFF BUCKLEY Film

Jake Scott to Direct Feature Based on Late Musician’s Life

 

PRESS RELEASE:

LOS ANGELES, CA (AUGUST 15TH, 2011) – Actor/singer-songwriter Reeve Carney (Broadway’s Spiderman: Turn off the Dark) has been cast as Jeff Buckley in the forthcoming “Untitled Jeff Buckley” film, it was announced today by the filmmakers. To be directed by Jake Scott (Welcome to the Rileys), and written by Ryan Jaffe (story by, The Rocker), the filmmakers hold a robust rights package that includes the exclusive rights to Jeff’s music and personal archives, and is fully supported by Buckley’s mother, Mary Guibert, who serves as executive producer. Michelle Sy (Finding Neverland) and Orian Williams (Control) are producing, with Alison Raykovich (Jeff Buckley Music) serving as associate producer. Producers are currently out to additional cast for the project.

The film will chronicle the life of Buckley, one of the most critically acclaimed musical artists of his time, who died tragically at age 30 in a drowning accident in Memphis, Tennessee’s Wolf River. Production will commence in New York and Memphis in November.

Carney currently stars on Broadway as Peter Parker in the high profile production of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark.  Reeve also co-starred in Julie Taymor’s THE TEMPEST for Miramax. His current single, “Rise Above 1 featuring Bono and The Edge” (Music From SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark), was performed by the trio on the season finale of American Idol this year. In addition, Reeve and his band Carney opened for U2 on the last stop of the U2 360° tour.  Their debut album Mr. Green Vol. 1 is available on DAS Label/Interscope.

“We are over the moon that Reeve has agreed to take on this challenging role. I’ve seen him perform several times…he’s been getting ready for this all his life. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he looks so much like Jeff,” said Guibert regarding the choice.

Scott commented, “We are excited to have found in Reeve the perfect combination of musical prodigy, impish charm, innate intelligence & sensitivity to play Jeff.”

The as-yet untitled script is based on screenwriter Jaffe’s in-depth examination and research into Buckley’s life, which includes scores of interviews, unlimited access to the Jeff Buckley Estate archives, and Jeff’s personal journals, drawings, and letters. Producers also optioned the book “Dream Brother: The Lives and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley” by David Browne, for research purposes.

Buckley’s only studio release during his lifetime was the widely acclaimed album Grace, which includes his legendary interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and is acknowledged by critics as a modern classic. His momentous posthumous album, Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk, garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal for the song “Everybody Here Wants You.” Captivated by the world of music, Buckley lived and breathed it until the last moments of his life.  He had said, “I was captured by music at a really early age…It was my mother, it was my father, it was my plaything, my toy.  The best thing in my life.”

Reeve is represented by Paradigm and David Sonenberg for DAS Communications, Ltd.

All Star Voice Cast Lines Up For TWC’s Animated Family Feature ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH

Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Rob Corddry,
James Gandolfini and Craig Robinson Provide The Character Voices In This Fun-Filled Alien Break-Out Tale

NEW YORK, NY August 2, 2011 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) and Rainmaker Entertainment announced today the all-star voice cast for ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH which includes Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Rob Corddry, James Gandolfini and Craig Robinson. The 3D animated family comedy is currently in full production.

The announcement was made today by Donna Gigliotti, TWC’s President of Production, and Catherine Winder, President and Executive Producer, Rainmaker Entertainment. Both Gigliotti and Winder serve as producers on the animated feature film.

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH is directed by Cal Brunker, best known for his work on the animated feature films DESPICABLE ME, 9 and HORTON HEARS A WHO! Producers Gigliotti and Winder are joined by Rainmaker’s Luke Carroll as a producer on the film. TWC Co-Chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein are executive producers. The film was written by Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen based on an original screenplay by Tony Leech and Cory Edwards.

“ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH has got it all… explosions, romance and a cast of hilarious aliens….what more could you ask for?” said Brunker. “We are having a great time making it which is coming across on the screen. It will ultimately provide a ton of fun for both kids and their parents.”

“We’re excited to have such a talented group of actors bringing this action-packed comedic tale to life,” said Gigliotti. “I’m also very pleased to be working with Catherine and the Rainmaker team. Their outstanding artistry, storytelling and techniques in CGI animation add a new dimension to this film and ensure a fun movie going experience for the entire family.”

Winder added, “A successful animated movie starts with an imaginative story and appealing characters. The addition of such high caliber voice talent is a crucial layer to the mix. With the amazing array of talented artists and creatives from both The Weinstein Company and Rainmaker collaborating on this production, we have all the right ingredients to make ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH a highly entertaining and successful film.”

The 3D animated family comedy ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH catapults movie goers to planet Baab where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population. A master of daring rescues, Scorch pulls off astonishing feats with the quiet aid of his nerdy, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA. When BASA’s no-nonsense chief Lena (Jessica Alba) informs the brothers of an SOS from a notoriously dangerous planet, Scorch rejects Gary’s warnings and bounds off for yet another exciting mission. But when Scorch finds himself caught in a fiendish trap set by the evil Shanker (James Gandolfini), it’s up to scrawny, risk-adverse Gary to do the real rescuing. As the interplanetary stakes rise to new heights, Gary is left to save his brother, his planet, his beloved wife Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) and their adventure hungry son Kip!

A film from The Weinstein Company, ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH is produced in association with Rainmaker Entertainment and will be released in the U.S. in 2012.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, including Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture. Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE, THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; and SCRE4M. Upcoming releases include SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IN 4D, APOLLO 18, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT, THE DETAILS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Recently wrapping is COGAN’S TRADE.

ABOUT RAINMAKER ENTERTAINMENT

Rainmaker Entertainment Inc., a multifaceted animation studio, is one of Canada’s largest producers of CG animation. With an innovative history that spans over 15 years, Rainmaker today continues to tell engaging stories and create compelling characters for all media. The studio’s 300+ creatively-inspired artists and storytellers are currently producing the feature film Escape from Planet Earth for The Weinstein Company and have completed production on the short film LUNA as well as developing the company’s slate of proprietary films. Originally established as Mainframe Entertainment, the company broke ground by producing the first ever CGI animation series ReBoot. In addition to developing its own properties, Rainmaker also produces feature length DVD’s for many top international brands including Barbie, Max Steel and Tony Hawk, and more. Rainmaker’s clients include Mattel, The Weinstein Company, Lionsgate, Sony, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and MTV. The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol RNK. For more information, go to www.rainmaker.com.

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D Scares Up Cast

Film To Feature Cameos By Cast Members Of Classic Original Film In Addition To New Principle Actors
Principal Photography Begins in Shreveport, Louisiana

July 19, 2011 – Lionsgate and the filmmakers of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D, the next installment in the long standing franchise, are pleased to announce the cast of the film, which picks up the story where the original 1974 film left off and will deliver a new chapter in the Leatherface saga with the goal of making it as horrifying as the original — in 3D.

The cast includes an all new actor in the iconic villain role of Leatherface, an exciting cast of principle actors, and featured cameos by several cast members of the original 1974 film, famously directed by Tobe Hooper.

About The Cast

GUNNAR HANSEN, the original Leatherface who has never acted in another Texas Chainsaw franchise film, is set to appear in a cameo, with MARILYN BURNS, the original film’s lead actress, playing the role of Verna Carson.   Reprising his role as the Grandfather, JOHN DUGAN also makes his first series appearance since the original film.

Beloved character actor BILL MOSELEY, who played the role of Choptop in Tobe Hooper’s 1983 sequel, will play Drayton Sawyer in this film.  Moseley will be standing in for Jim Siedow, who previously played the part before his passing in 2003. The two actors appeared together in the 1983 film and were quite comfortable together.  Director Luessenhop explains how “Moseley is the perfect choice to capture some of the essence that Siedow had brought to the character.”

Playing Leatherface will be discovery DAN YEAGER. Director John Lussenhop knew he was perfect for the role immediately, after a chance meeting.  He describes the 6’ 6” actor as having “huge farm boy arms, a brooding brow.  He’s quiet, circumspect, and immediately struck a menacing chord with me.  After five minutes, I could no longer think of anyone else for the role.”

ALEXANDRA DADDARIO (PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, HALL PASS) has been cast in the lead female role of Heather Miller. The story centers around Heather, as she makes a trip to small-town Texas to collect her inheritance, unaware that her inheritance includes a live item – her cousin, the notorious serial killer Leatherface.

Rounding out the cast of friends visiting the inherited house are TANIA RAYMONDE (“Lost”) playing the role of Heather’s best friend Nikki, with acclaimed R&B singer TREY SONGZ making his film debut as Heather’s boyfriend Ryan and KERAM MALICKI-SANCHEZ (PUNISHER: WAR ZONE and JOHN Q) as Ryan’s friend. SHAUN SIPOS (“Melrose Place,” FINAL DESTINATION 2 and the upcoming HICK) plays Darryl in the film, a hitchhiker along for the ride who knows more than he lets on.

An all new cast of law enforcement and government professionals take on Leatherface in this chapter of the saga: THOM BARRY (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, INDEPENDENCE DAY, “Cold Case,”) plays the role of Sheriff Hooper, with PAUL RAE (TRUE GRIT) in the role of town mayor Burt Hartman. SCOTT EASTWOOD (FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, INVICTUS, GRAN TORINO) will portray Deputy Carl Hartman, a young officer who is battling a powerful attraction to Heather while hunting Leatherface. Noted character actor RICHARD RIEHLE (OFFICE SPACE) will play Sawyers family attorney Farnsworth.

About The Film

The film is a collaboration between filmmakers Carl Mazzocone and Mark Burg (the “Saw” franchise), Lionsgate, who will handle U.S and U.K. Distribution and Nu Image, who handled International sales and provided production finance. Mike Paseornek, President of Motion Picture Development and Production, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate’s President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions are jointly overseeing the project at the studio.

John Luessenhop (TAKERS) is directing the film, which is to be produced by Carl Mazzocone. Production commences this week at Millennium Studios in Shreveport Louisiana. Mazzocone, who served as President of Production at Twisted Pictures for four years before returning to independent producing, pursued the underlying rights to the property and ultimately secured an overall deal to make up to six future sequels. Nu Image’s Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort and Trevor Short are executive producing, along with and Mark Burg of Evolution Entertainment.

Dennis Quaid To Star In Lionsgate’s WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

July 18, 2011 – Lionsgate and the producers of the film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” are thrilled to announce that Dennis Quaid (THE ROOKIE, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, VANTAGE POINT and the upcoming FOOTLOOSE) will be starring opposite Brooklyn Decker in the film, which is expected to begin shooting mid-Summer 2011, and will be released on May 11, 2012. It was previously announced that Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Chace Crawford and Rob Huebel will also be starring in the project.

Quaid’s character Ramsey and his much younger wife Skyler (Decker) are expecting twins. Impending fatherhood is just another way for the hilariously competitive Ramsey to try to one-up his adult son Colin, who is also expecting his first child.

Kirk Jones (WAKING NED DEVINE, NANNY MCPHEE) is directing the film, which was acquired from a script by Heather Hach and re-written by Shauna Cross (WHIP IT). The film is based on the book by Heidi Murkoff that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks. Lionsgate has worldwide rights to the film.

Quaid is represented by WME and attorneys Stewart Brookman and Tom Hansen of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman, LLP, who negotiated the deal on his behalf.

Robert Melnik, EVP Business & Legal Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate. Alli Shearmur, President of Motion Picture Production and Development, and Jim Miller, SVP Motion Picture Production and Development are overseeing the production for Lionsgate.

Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and David Thwaites are producing, with Doug McKay co-producing, through their Phoenix Pictures. Heidi and Erik Murkoff will executive produce along with their literary manager Alan Nevins of Renaissance Literary & Talent.

About the film

Based on the 16 million copy best-selling book, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is an ensemble romantic-comedy is in the vein of LOVE ACTUALLY and VALENTINE’S DAY. The film is a modern look at love through the eyes of four interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn’t always deliver what’s expected.