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.

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.

Big congrats to the St. Louis-based filmmakers over at Crunchy Cool Films. They’ve scored a major casting coup by securing three A-list horror villains for their upcoming shocker THE BLOODFEST CLUB which starts filming in our town soon. Horror vets Bill Moseley, Michael Berryman, and William Forsythe have all signed on for roles in the film!

BLOODFEST CLUB will be the second film from the writing team of Oscar Madrid and Jim Ousley. Their first, HOOCH & DADDY-O (2005), was an award-winning mock documentary (available on Netflix). about a fictional 80′s cop show. BLOODFEST CLUB will mark the directorial debut of Madrid and stars writer Ousley as Sonny Kane, a slow-witted, Chuck Norris-obsessed janitor at a High School that takes on a bloodthirsty alien roaming the hallways killing students.

Moseley will star as Dr. Colin Dante, the sinister history professor in search of lost artifacts on campus. Berryman will play Sensei Noddy Donigan, the janitorial mentor who doesn’t always dispense the best advice. Forsythe will appear as Principal Donald Bircher, the no-nonsense task-master of Chatsworth Academy. All three of these actors appeared in Rob Zombie’s THE DEVIL’S REJECTS (2005)

Here’s some more background on these actors:

Bill Mosely-

A Yale graduate, Bill Moseley first came to the attention of horror fans world-wide as ‘Chop-Top’ in Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986). His reputation as a true horror film icon was cemented with his portrayal of Otis in Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses (2003) and its sequel, The Devil’s Rejects. In 2008, he gained critical acclaim as ‘Luigi Largo’ in the horror opera Repo! The Genetic Opera. He has also appeared in the films Grindhouse (2007) and Halloween (2007), and has appeared on television, guest starring on ER, Carnivale, and The Practice.

Michael Berryman-

Michael Berryman is probably best known for his role as ‘Pluto’ in Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film The Hills Have Eyes and the 1985 sequel The Hills Have Eyes Part II. He has also made appearances in the science fiction and fantasy movies My Science Project (1985), Weird Science (1985), Armed Response (1986), Evil Spirits (1990) and The Guyver (1991). He appeared in the Academy Award-winning drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). In 2005, he starred in Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects.
William Forsythe-

William Forsythe has made a career of playing everything from quirky characters, to tough guys and villains in a wide range of films. He has appeared alongside Robert De Niro in Once Upon a Time in America (1984), starred in the Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona (1987), and portrayed ‘Flattop’ in Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy (1990). In 1996, he appeared in Michael Bay’s The Rock and nearly a decade later he endeared himself to the hearts of horror fans everywhere as ‘Sheriff Wydell’ in The Devil’s Rejects. Mr. Forsythe has brought his sizable talents to the small screen as well, in episodes of Entourage, CSI: Miami, and Boardwalk Empire.
For an earlier WAMG article on BLOODFEST CLUB with the trailer, go HERE and look for future coverage of the film here at We Are Movie Geeks.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Actor Joins Relativity’s Cast alongside Roberts, Collins,
Hammer, and Lane

(Beverly Hills, CA) July 18, 2011 – Relativity Media has closed a deal with Sean Bean (HBO’s Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings: The Return of The King) to play the role of the King in its upcoming Untitled Snow White feature, directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell).

Bean joins the previously announced cast in which Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts plays the Queen, Lily Collins (The Blind Side) plays Snow White, Armie Hammer (The Social Network) plays Prince Andrew Alcott, Robert Emms (Anonymous) plays Prince Alcott’s valet, Renbock, and Nathan Lane (The Lion King, The Birdcage) plays the Queen’s hapless and bungling servant, Brighton. The Seven Dwarfs are being played by Mark Povinelli (Water for Elephants), Jordan Prentice (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Danny Woodburn (Watchmen), Sebastian Saraceno (Bedtime Stories), Ronald Lee Clark (Epic Movie), Martin Klebba (Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Joey Gnoffo (The Benchwarmers). The studio has also cast Mare Winningham (Brothers) as Baker Margaret and Michael Lerner (Elf) as Baron.

The film started shooting June 20, 2011 on location in Montreal and wraps mid-September. The theatrical release date is set for March 16, 2012.

In Relativity’s Snow White, a spectacular reimagining of the classic fairy tale, an evil queen steals control of a kingdom, and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright in a spirited adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the imagination of audiences the world over.

The film’s producers are Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter), Bernie Goldmann (300) and Brett Ratner (Rush Hour franchise). The script was written by Melisa Wallack (Meet Bill) and Jason Keller (Machine Gun Preacher).

Looking ahead, Relativity will release David Ellis’ Shark Night 3D on September 2, 2011, followed by Marc Forster’s Machine Gun Preacher on September 23, 2011, then the highly-anticipated Immortals on November 11, 2011, starring Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans and Kellan Lutz with John Hurt and Mickey Rourke. Relativity’s expansive 2012 slate also includes its Haywire (in theatres January 20, 2012), Act of Valor (in theatres February 17, 2012), The Raven (in theatres March 9, 2012), Untitled Farrelly/Wessler Project (in theatres April 13, 2012), House at the End of the Street (in theatres April 20, 2012), Safe Haven (in theatres June 1, 2012) and Hunter Killer (in theatres December 21, 2012).

July 15, 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 Matthew Morrison (“Glee”) will be starring opposite Cameron Diaz 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 Jennifer Lopez, Brooklyn Decker, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Chace Crawford and Rob Huebel will also be starring in the project.

Morrison’s character Evan is teamed up with Diaz’s Jules on a popular celebrity dance show. All their heat on and off the dance floor soon sparks a bun in the oven that will force them to synch their bi-coastal lives and re-asses what matters in life – all while in the national spotlight.

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.

Morrison (twitter: @Matt_Morrison) is currently on a summer tour to promote his self titled debut album which includes duets with Sir Elton John, Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow. He has received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his role in the Fox hit, “Glee,” returning for a third season this fall. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “Light in the Piazza.” Morrison is represented by manager Eric Podwall and CAA.

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.

Steve Buscemi, Fran Drescher, Cee Lo Green, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon,
and David Spade On the Guest List;

Genndy Tartakovsky to Direct

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 2011 – It was announced earlier this week that Adam Sandler will voice the lead role of Dracula in Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D family comedy HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, by Bob Osher, president, Sony Pictures Digital Productions, and Michelle Raimo-Kouyate, president of production, Sony Pictures Animation. The film will be released on September 21, 2012, by Columbia Pictures.

The film will be directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, a star in the animation community, well-known for his work on Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars, and “Dexter’s Laboratory”; he recently conceptualized and storyboarded the final action sequence for Iron Man 2 and provided the stylish and memorable prologue for the film Priest. The film is produced by Michelle Murdocca (Open Season, Stuart Little 1 & 2) and the animation is by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s (Sandler) lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free from meddling from the human world. But here’s a little known fact about Dracula: he is not only the Prince of Darkness; he is also a dad. Over-protective of his teenage daughter, Mavis, Dracula fabricates tales of elaborate dangers to dissuade her adventurous spirit. As a haven for Mavis, he opens the Hotel Transylvania, where his daughter and some of the world’s most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – can kick back in safety and peace. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

Also confirmed to join the cast: Kevin James will play Frank – also known as Frankenstein – with Fran Drescher voicing Eunice, his in-your-face, over-the-top, and larger-than-life Bride. David Spade plays Quasimodo, once the hunchback of Notre Dame and now a crazy, passionate gourmet chef always looking for his next piece de resistance. Steve Buscemi and Molly Shannon will play Wayne and Wanda, a pair of married, harried werewolves, parents to an ever-increasing litter of pups, who are looking forward to their family vacation at the hotel. Cee Lo Green is also joining the cast as Murray, a boisterous Mummy, once entertainer to the great Pharaohs, now the life of the party, and always feeling the urge to let loose and sing. Finally, Andy Samberg will voice the role of Jonathan, a 21-year-old regular guy, carefree and full of life, whose world travels land him at the Hotel.

Hotel Transylvania continues Sandler’s long association with Sony Pictures, where he has made or produced 23 films over the years. The studio recently released Just Go With It, which opened #1 and took in more than $214 million worldwide, and last summer, the studio released Grown Ups, the biggest worldwide hit of Sandler’s career, earning over $260 million worldwide. For more than a decade, Sandler has been one of the world’s biggest comedy stars, putting together a track record of comedies that have become must-see events around the world and showing a power at the box office that very few comedians can match. He will next star for Sony in both title roles of Jack and Jill, set for release November 11, 2011, and is currently shooting I Hate You, Dad, opposite Andy Samberg and Leighton Meester.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Adam to create a comedic Dracula for a new generation,” said Raimo-Kouyate in commenting on the announcement. “We have a unique story about that iconic character, starring a phenomenal cast directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, that re-imagines Transylvania and its legendary monsters in the way that only animation can.

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its 2009 worldwide hit, the mouth-watering 3D comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the 2007 Academy Award®-nominated Surf’s Up with a full slate of feature films including the live-action/animation hybrid film The Smurfs (3D) and the family comedy, Hotel Transylvania (3D). The division is also in production with Aardman Animations on two feature films, the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas (3D) and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D). Open Season 3, the third adventure in Sony Pictures Animation’s successful Open Season franchise, was released on DVD and Blu-Ray January 2011. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital Productions.

Film To Be Released Mother’s Day Weekend 2012

June 30, 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 Anna Kendrick (50-50, END OF WATCH, UP IN THE AIR Lionsgate’s upcoming RAPTUREPALOOZA) and Brooklyn Decker (JUST GO WITH IT, BATTLESHIP) have been cast to star with Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez in the film, which is expected to begin shooting mid-Summer 2011, and will be in theaters everywhere on May 11, 2012.

Kendrick will play Rosie in one of the film’s interlocking stories. Her character reunites with an attractive old flame after a turf war between their respective food trucks, and they embark on a funny, poignant journey together in the wake of a surprise pregnancy.

Decker will play Skyler in one of the film’s interlocking stories. The perennially perky character, who is married to a much older man, sails through her pregnancy with twins much to the consternation of her peers.

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.

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.

Kendrick is represented by CAA, and attorney Todd Rubenstein of Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Krintzman Rubenstein & Kohner, who negotiated the deal on her behalf.

Decker is represented by Marilyn Talent for management, Gersh Agency, and attorneys Schreck Rose Dapello Adams & Hurwitz, LLP, who negotiated the deal on her 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.

June 24, 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 Jennifer Lopez (MONSTER IN LAW, MAID IN MANHATTAN) has been cast to star with Cameron Diaz in the film, which is expected to begin shooting mid-Summer 2011, and will be released on Mother’s Day Weekend 2012. Lopez will play Holly in one of the film’s the interlocking stories, a woman who adopts a baby from abroad with her husband after difficulty conceiving.

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 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.

Lopez is represented by manager Benny Medina, UTA, and attorneys Barry Hirsch and Bob Wallerstein.

Rob McEntegart, the Motion Picture Group’s Senior EVP, 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.

THE HOBBIT Casting Update from Peter Jackson via his Facebook page:

Montreal, QB (June 2011). Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes, John Hannah, J.K. Simmons, and Nora Arnezeder join Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, and Dennis Quaid to round out the cast of the dramatic thriller THE WORDS. The film marks TRON LEGACY writers Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal’s directorial debut. Klugman and Sternthal also wrote the script, which went through the Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab and appeared on the Black List (the annual list of Hollywood’s best unproduced screenplays). THE WORDS starts shooting this month in Montreal.

THE WORDS follows a writer (Cooper) who, at the peak of his literary success, discovers the price he must pay for stealing another man’s work.

Michael Benaroya of Benaroya Pictures is producing along with Animus Films’ Jim Young, and Serena Films’ Tatiana Kelly. Untitled Entertainment’s Laura Rister is executive producing the film with Cassian Elwes under their joint venture Waterfall Media. Rister and Elwes are shepherding the project. Cinematographer Antonio Calvache (IN THE BEDROOM, LITTLE CHILDREN) is the Director of Photography.

Parlay Films’ Lisa Wilson is handling international sales. US rights placement is represented by Waterfall Media/Untitled.

Saldana starred in major blockbusters STAR TREK and AVATAR and will next be seen in the upcoming action film COLOMBIANA produced by Luc Besson.

Wilde recently starred as Jeff Bridges’ trusted friend and protector Quorra in the 3D futuristic blockbuster, TRON: LEGACY. This year she will be seen in a wide array of projects including the Universal fantasy-action film COWBOYS & ALIENS starring alongside Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford; the physical comedy THE CHANGE UP, to be released in August, starring opposite Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman; Andrew Niccol’s futuristic thriller IN TIME; and The Weinstein Company’s quirky political satire BUTTER also starring Jennifer Garner, Hugh Jackman and Ty Burrell.

Barnes stars in the upcoming KILLING BONO. His additional credits include THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, LOCKED IN, DORIAN GRAY, and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN.

Simmons credits include TRUE GRIT, JUNO, SPIDERMAN 1, 2, and 3, and the upcoming CONTRABAND and GEEZERS!.

Hannah’s many credits include the MUMMY franchise, THE LAST LEGION, I’M WITH LUCY, and I ACCUSE.

French actress Arnezeder’s credits include SAFE HOUSE, CE QUE LE JOUR DOIT À LA NUIT, SLEIGHT OF HAND and LOUIS LA CHANCE.

Benaroya Pictures just wrapped production on THE WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD, the prohibition-era crime drama directed by John Hillcoat and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Mia Wasikowska. The company financed and produced the financial thriller MARGIN CALL which recently premiered at the 2011 Sundance, Berlinale, and New Directors/New Films film festivals and will be released later this year by Roadside Attractions. Benaroya is currently in post-production on CATCH. 44 starring an all-star cast including Bruce Willis, Forest Whitaker, Nikki Reed, Deborah Ann Woll, Malin Ackerman and directed by Aaron Harvey. The thriller surrounds three young women in dead end jobs who come across someone who offers them a better life but one that involves crime.

Relativity Announces Nine Actors to Play alongside Roberts, Collins, Hammer, and Lane

(Beverly Hills, CA) May 25, 2011 – Relativity Media has closed deals with Mark Povinelli (Water for Elephants), Jordan Prentice (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Danny Woodburn (Watchmen), Sebastian Saraceno (Bedtime Stories), Ronald Lee Clark (Epic Movie), Martin Klebba (Hancock) and Joey Gnoffo (Pirates of the Caribbean series) to play the Seven Dwarfs in its upcoming untitled SNOW WHITE feature, directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell). The studio has also cast Mare Winningham (Brothers) as Baker Margaret and Michael Lerner (Elf) as Baron. 

The nine actors join the previously announced cast in which Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts plays the Queen, Lily Collins (The Blind Side) plays Snow White, Armie Hammer (The Social Network) plays Prince Andrew Alcott, and Nathan Lane (The Lion King, The Birdcage) plays the Queen’s hapless and bungling servant, Brighton.  Pre-production has begun, and principal photography will start in June. The theatrical release date is set for March 16, 2012.

In Relativity’s Snow White, a spectacular reimagining of the classic fairy tale, an evil queen steals control of a kingdom, and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright in a spirited adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the imagination of audiences the world over.

The film’s producers are Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter), Bernie Goldmann (300) and Brett Ratner (Rush Hour franchise). The script was written by Melisa Wallack (Meet Bill) and Jason Keller (Machine Gun Preacher).

Coming off its success of the box office hit Limitless, the studio will release Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer on June 10, 2011. Looking ahead, Relativity will release David Ellis’ Shark Night 3D on September 2, 2011, followed by the highly-anticipated Immortals on November 11th, 2011, starring Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Kellan Lutz with John Hurt and Mickey Rourke.

ABOUT RELATIVITY MEDIA, LLC
Relativity Media is a next-generation studio engaged in multiple aspects of entertainment including full-scale film and television production and distribution, the co-financing of major studio film slates, music publishing, sports management, and digital media.  Additionally, the company makes strategic partnerships with, and investments in, media and entertainment-related companies and assets.

To date, Relativity has committed to, produced and/or financed more than 200 motion pictures.  Released films have accumulated more than $15 billion in worldwide box office receipts.  Relativity’s recent films include: Bridesmaids, Hop, Limitless, Battle: Los Angeles, Season of The Witch, Little Fockers, The Fighter, The Social Network, Salt, Despicable Me, Grown Ups, Dear John, It’s Complicated, Couples Retreat, and Zombieland. Upcoming films for Relativity include: Shark Night 3D, Immortals, Anonymous, and Cowboys & Aliens.  Thirty-six of the company’s films have opened to No. 1 at the box office.  Relativity films have earned 60 Oscar® nominations, including nods for The Fighter, The Social Network, The Wolfman, Nine, A Serious Man, Frost/Nixon, Atonement, American Gangster and 3:10 to Yuma. Fifty-five of Relativity’s films have each generated more than $100 million in worldwide box-office receipts.

Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES are pleased to announce that iconic musician and actor Lenny Kravitz (PRECIOUS) has been cast in the role of Cinna in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel.

Said director Gary Ross of the casting decision, “When I saw Lenny’s work in PRECIOUS I was just knocked out. It was quiet and strong and understated and open hearted; all qualities which define this character. I’m really looking forward to this ride.”

About The Role

Cinna is Katniss Everdeen’s assigned fashion stylist for the highly ceremonial lead up to The 74th Annual Hunger Games. Though he’s a mild mannered first time stylist, the designs he creates, such as the “Girl On Fire” costume for the tributes’ live televised debut, are show-stopping. With odds being set, wagers being placed, and wealthy benefactors able to occasionally intervene in the games, a high public profile is tantamount to a huge advantage for any contestant entering the arena. The stunning and unique designs Cinna creates for Katniss define her public identity, and in an all too real way, could also contribute to her very survival.

About Lenny Kravitz

Regarded as one of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class into a 20-year musical career, one which revels in the rich influences of ’60s and ’70s soul, rock and funk. From 1999 to 2002, he won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most wins in the “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” category with his single “Dig In” (previously winning for “Again,” “American Woman” and “Fly Away”).

In 2009, Kravitz appeared in a supporting role in the critically-acclaimed film Precious, for which he has received a 2010 NAACP Image Awards nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.” Kravitz and the acclaimed Precious cast also received a 2010 Screen Actors Guild nod for “Best Ensemble.” In addition to his role in Precious, Kravitz has also appeared in such films as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Zoolander. Marking his first release of new material in three years, Lenny Kravitz will release his highly-anticipated ninth studio album, Black and White America on August 30th. www.lennykravitz.com

Recent additions to the cast are Brooke Bundy as Octavia, on Katniss Everdeen’s prep team, and Latarsha Rose as Portia, Peeta Mellark’s assigned stylist.

About The Film

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES will be directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Collins’ best-selling novel, which has over 3 million copies in print in the United States alone, is the first in a trilogy of novels which have developed a global following.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES on March 23, 2012

Like the film on Facebook: facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie
Follow on Twitter: @TheHungerGames

Photo: Entertainment Weekly

Peter Jackson has announced on his Facebook page a trio of new actors to join THE HOBBIT.

Some more HOBBIT casting news today. As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story.

We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown. I’ve known Stephen for several years, and we’re developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he’s a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us.

The Master’s conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage. Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part.

Last, and certainly not least, is Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (Orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason). And yes that’s his name—Conan! Isn’t that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here’s a photo of Conan and I together… I’m pretty tall, probably at least 6’5″ or 6’6″ I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is!

You can learn all about him at www.conanstevens.com.

May 13, 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 Cameron Diaz will be starring in the film, which is expected to begin shooting mid-Summer 2011.

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 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.

Diaz is represented by CAA, manager Rick Yorn, and attorney Marcy Morris. She will next be seen in BAD TEACHER and is currently filming GAMBIT opposite Colin Firth. 

Rob McEntegart, the Motion Picture Group’s Senior EVP, 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.

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 10, 2011- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES are pleased to announce that actor Woody Harrelson (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, ZOMBIELAND) has been cast in the role of Haymitch Abernathy in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel.

Said director Gary Ross of the casting decision, “Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I’m so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I can’t wait for us to get to work.”

Harrelson is represented by CAA.

About The Role

A Hunger Games victor himself, Haymitch has assumed the role of official mentor to all future tributes in his native District 12. Though he was strong and attractive in his youth, his years of hard living following his own experiences in the arena have rendered him jaded and unfocused to say the least. He begins to show signs of reinvigoration when he finally sees in Katniss and Peeta a pair of spirited tributes- true contenders whose fate might actually hinge on his advice and guidance.

About The Film

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES will be directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Collins’ best-selling novel, which has over 3 million copies in print in the United States alone, is the first in a trilogy of novels which have developed a global following.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES on March 23, 2012. “Like” the film on Facebook: facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie