Heat Vision repports that Warner Bros. is shutting down work on it's AKIRA remake due to casting and budget issues. The production offices in Vancouver have been closed, with workers told to go home until further notice.

This marks the 4th time the project was pronounced "dead", althought previously it came back to life. The major issue is the budget; already cut to $90 million, it'll need to be trimmed further to $60 - $70 million. The producers and director will spend the next few weeks trying to produce and acceptable script, or the film could be scrapped altogether. 

DOCTOR WHO regular Noel Clarke joins the cast of Abram's sequel, his part is listed only as "a family man with a wife and daughter". He's joined by Irish actor Tom Archdeacon, cast in the role of Ensign Spyke. They join Benedict Cumberbach, Peter Weller, and Alice Eve, along with all the returning previous cast. More casting news as it develops....  

Paramount's PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 opened to a record $54 million last October, so it's no surprise that a release date for the next installment has been locked down. The fourth entry will debut on October 19, 2012; it's competition will be THE BIG WEDDING and GANGSTER SQUAD.

Meanwhile, Lionsgate doesn't seem content to let their horror franchise lie fallow. Bloody Disgusting is reporting movement on a new SAW film, despite the fact that the last was meant to be the "final film".

New Line is eager for a HORRIBLE BOSSES sequel, seeing a the film grosses $200 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. Writers John Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have already been signed to pen the sequel, and Seth Gordon is in talks to return to the director's chair. Hollywood Reporter states that all 3 leads are returning, and a search is on the find three more horrible bosses for them to contend with.  

Deadline is reporting that MGM will be remaking CARRIE, with Kimberly Pierce (BOYS DON'T CRY) at the helm. The new script will be penned by Robert Aguirra-Sacasa, who worked on the script for the Broadway show SPIDERMAN: TURN OFF THE DARK.

Expect the new version to retain the feminist slant the original did, no release date or cast has been announced. 

Bloody Disgusting reports the EVIL DEAD reboot has signed it's first cast member----Lily Collins, daughter of singer Phil Collins. She'll play Mia, the drug addicted girl whose friends take her to the fames secluded cabin to detox. Diablo Cody (JUNO, JENNIFER'S BODY, YOUNG ADULT) is scripting, directed by Fede Alvarez. Rumor has it that the Ash character will be a female, so it's possible Lily will play the new Ash. Film is set for late 2012 release.  

BRIDESMAIDS was a breakout comedy hit for Universal last May, so it's a bit of a surprise the filmmakers are heading in a new direction for the sequel. According to the Hollywood Reporter, stars Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo aren't interested in returning; Judd Apatow also seems to be writing in a different direction in trying to find a tale that tops the original.

The sequel might center on Melissa McCarthy's character, although Wiig and Mumolo haven't totally ruled out a return. Work on the sequel, whatever form it takes, begins sometime this year. 

Deadline is reporting that the BBC's current Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbach, has signed to play the lead role in the long awaited STAR TREK sequel. No word as to whether he'd be a villain or hero. The 35 year old actor has previously also been seen in WAR HORSE, TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY, and was nearly cast as the 11th Doctor in DOCTOR WHO. He'll also voice Smaug the dragon in THE HOBBITT.

Untitled STAR TREK sequel is set to be filmed in 3D for a 2013 release. Filming begins in early 2012.    

A year's worth of internet rumors were finally shot down when Simon Pegg said Khan wasn't in the script he saw, and further buried when an anynomous source told Badass Digest the sequel's villain would be a classic STAR TREK character---but not Khan.

This already was reported on this site several months ago; the suspects are Gary Mitchell, the Horta, the Talosians, Trelane, or Harry Mudd. Most favor Gary Mitchell as the antagonist, with Trelane coming in second. The Horta does gain credence, because of Peter Weller's casting as a CEO, and the alien's indroduction in the classic episodes- ditto could be said for the Talosians. Harry Mudd is rather a long shot, he was usually a secondary character in the plot and proved to be more comical than menacing. We'll have to keep watching as more news appears as principal photography grows closer.

Benicio Del Toro has walked away from playing the baddie in Abram's STAR TREK sequel, with his agent and the film company unable to agree on a contract. Variety is reporting his replacement is likely to be Edgar Ramirez, best known for CARLOS. Many fans (and sites) are already annointing him as Khan, but the villain has yet to be formally confirmed.

Peter Weller has also joined the cast, with his role being described (by his agent) as "a CEO of a major corporation". How this fits into the STAR TREK mythos is yet to be seen. Alice Eve, soon to be seen in MEN IN BLACK III and THE RAVEN, has also been added to the cast in an unspecified role.

The project still has no formal title, IMDB still refers to it as "Untitled STAR TREK Sequel(2013)", but it is confirmed for a May 2013 release and filmed in 3D.

The new take on the classic EVIL DEAD sounds more serious in tone than previously thought. Moviehole reports the Diablo Cody scripted, Ash-less remake, concerns several friends who take their troubled friend Mia to a secluded cabin. She's there to detox from drugs and alcohol, but the Book of the Dead is opened and demons are unleashed. Complicating matters is her friends can't tell if Mia's behavior is because of demonic possesion or symptoms of her detox. They'd better figure it out quick, for as the demons are tormenting Mia, they're also trying to invade our world. The film is set for a 2012 release. 

The Global Cafe

Roger Corman's cult film CHOPPING MALL is slated for a remake, as Variety is reporting Dry County Entertainment has acquired the film rights. Originally the film concerned a group of teens trapped in a mall with killer robots; the new version will ditch the tech angle and aim for a supernatural approach. Shooting is expected to begin in the Spring with Robert Hall directing. Hall with also share scripting duties with Kevin Brocade.

After a drought of info on the highly anticipated sequel to 2009's STAR TREK reboot, news is finally streaming in. Earlier in the week, J. J. Abrams confirmed that actor Benicio Del Toro was being sought to appear in the film; he's rumored to be the villain. Now Deadline breaks the news that the yet untitled sequel will be shot in 3D, and has a confirmed release date of May 17, 2013. Abrams already has confirmed he'll be back to direct. No official plot details or confirmed additional casting has been announced.

Jennifer Lopez has signed on to produce and star in a live action version of WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO, now that Walden Media has the film rights. She'll play the popular children's character and ACME Agency's greatest agent, who becomes the world's greatest thief. It's up to her former partner to track her down, but is she a villain or still the world's greatest agent?

The film's tone is said to be along the lines of NATIONAL TREASURE and THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR. Thanks to Deadline and Dark Horizons. 

The Internet rumors have finally come true, as the Wall Street Journal reports Ridley Scott will return to direct the BLADE RUNNER sequel, While Rick Dechard is likely not to be in the film, he reveals he is actively seeking a writer and "they're quite a long way in".

What the sequel will be about is still unclear, although Scott is hinting it will be an exploration of what makes us human.

While Variety isn't giving away any plot spoilers, it is reporting that J J Abrams wants Oscar Winner Benicio Del Toro to play the villain in the sequel to his STAR TREK reboot. Most likely, the role won't be Khan, but a new character for the crew of the Enterprise to contend with. Del Toro has yet to be officially signed to the role.

This isn't the first time he's been linked to a major sci fi franchise. Del Toro was originally cast as Darth Maul, but left the project when George Lucas cut out majority of the character's lines.

A few weeks ago, it seemed efforts to bring Stephen King's DARK TOWER series to the big screen and television had come to naught. But producer Brian Grazer told MTV News the television part of the project is still very much a go. They've even got a network to run it, as HBO will be airing the episodes. Grazer also stated the film version is still alive, however it will be done at a later date to be determined.

Ron Howard is still expected to direct, but it hasn't been confirmed if he'll direct all episodes, just the pilot, or a handful of select episodes. Grazer is still hopefull that Javier Bardem will remain as Roland, no other casting has been mentioned. Grazer did not comment on the status of the other multimedia platforms the producers had intended to use, nor was it mentioned if the new DARK TOWER novel would be... >> Read full headline

Warner Bros. announced today they will stop shipping all dvds and blu rays for the HARRY POTTER series starting December 29th. This announcement is apparently meant to mirror Disney's policy of releasing films to home video, only to return them to the vault later in order to increase their value and spark interest in future re-releases.

The announcement will have the biggest effect on HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS PART 2, which is set for home video release on November 11th and will thus only be available for around a month and a half. The same can be said for the Complete Box Set featuring all the films.

However, a special edition dvd/blu ray offering is likely for late 2013.  

Deadline is reporting that Metallica is looking to finance their own film, which will be in 3D. They've already hired producer Charlotte Huggins, best known for JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH and it's upcoming sequel. No director has been hired as yet, and there's no word as to if the filmbe be a documentary, feature, or concert film.

This nes follows on the eve of the band releasing their new cd LULU, a collaboration with Lou Reed. 

THE AVENGERS held the spotlight last week, debuting a trailer online that was viewed 10 million times in about 24 hours. But this week it's Batman's turn in the spotlight, as plenty of news on the new film is coming out.

Earlier in the week, it's being reported on several sites that Christopher Nolan will be using the "Occupy Wall Street" protests as a backdrop for DARK KNIGHT RISES. The film was scheduled to shoot in New York City around October 29th originally, and Nolan is somehow planning on incorporating the real life event into his fictional film.

It was also announced that the first eight minutes of DARK KNIGHT RISES will play in front of IMAX screenings of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-GHOST PROTOCCOL in December. A another trailer will be released in December as well, attached to the SHERLOCK HOLMES sequel. Expect this trailer to feature much more footage than the teaser that was shown... >> Read full headline

After Ron Howard departed the project, Sony has wasted no time in finding a talented director to take his place. Deadline is reporting that former music video director and helmer of ONE HOUR PHOTO and NEVER LET ME GO Mark Romanek will direct Robert Langdon's third adventure.

Tom Hanks is expected to return to the role of Langdon, although he has yet to be formally signed.   

While the sequel to ZOMBIELAND may be in limbo, fans still may get another dose of their fave film. Vulture is reporting that FOX is developing the film into a half hour comedy, under the guidance out writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The pilot is tenatively set to premiere in the 2012 - 2013 schedule.

It's unsurprising this announcement is breaking today, due to the terrific rating the second season of WALKING DEAD just drew for AMC. Not it seems every network is paying attention, and wants a pet zombie show for themselves.

Ironically, producer Gavin Polone revealed that ZOMBIELAND originally was concieved as a television show. CBS ordered a pilot in 2005, but scuttled at the parts that made it enjoyable. It never came to pass and eventually became a surprise hit theatrically. Unlikely the leads would appear in the show, however cameos haven't been ruled out. 

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON has already made more than the national debt, so it seemed unlikely that the franchise would stop at three films.

Variety is reporting that it's trying to get Michael Bay back to direct 2 more TRANSFORMERS film, from a story idea by scripter Ehren Kruger. Screenwriters are currently being sought to flesh out the concept into two scripts, that would be parts 4 & 5 in the series. Paramount wants to film both movies back to back, much like THE MATRIX and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEANN sequel were. This would save the studio a lot of money: less expensive f/x bill, easier contract negotiations with the stars, and most importantly allow more time to create new tie-in merchandising.

Shia LeBeouf will not be returning, but Paramount is looking to Jason Stratham as a replacement. No formal offer has been made. No target release date has been set.  

Ever since the classic car made it's debut in 1985, movie fans have had a major crush on the time traveling, souped up DeLorean. After over 20 years of unfulfilled daydreams, it may finally be a reality.

The souped up electric part that is, it you want time travel, keep an eye out for a blue police call box.

Jalponik.com is reporting that the DeLorean Motor Company announced it is entering into a partnership with an electric car company called Epic IV. The announcement was made at the International DeLorean Owners Event held in Houston, TX. Fully electric DeLoreans will be mass produced for 2013, and will be called the DMCEV.

With Nike already manufacturing a limited edition version of Marty McFly's futuristic sneakers from BACK TO THE FUTURE II, and this news, you can't help but wonder if Marty and Doc Brown really are cruising around the time vortex somewhere.

If you were sweating blood, trying to figure out what the title of Woody Allen's new film meant, then suffer no more. It's no longer being called the perplexing THE BOP DECAMERON. Deadline reports it's now being titled NERO FIDDLED; the new film stars Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg and Ellen Page. Expect the Rome located film to be released sometime next year, Allen shot it last summer and is currently in post production. 

It was reported a few weeks back that Disney pulled the plug on THE LONE RANGER, from the director, star, and producer of the lucrative PIRATES films. Now that project is out of the stable with a Summer 2013 release date.

Director Gore Verbinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and Johnny Depp have now consented to various budget concessions and script rewrites; this brings the budget down to $215 million, which Disney is finding easier to live with. Deadline reports production will begin in New Mexico early next year, with a locked release date of May 31, 2013. This bumps the THOR sequel to November 2013 and the PHINEAS & FERB movie to July 26, 2013.     

Probably the only good thing that came out of THE PHANTOM MENACE was uber-baddie Darth Maul, despite his limited screen time and death at the film's conclusion. He's since become a fan favorite, appearing in novels set before EPISODE I, video games, and comics who naturally bring the character back from the dead. So it's no surprise to learn we'll be seeing a lot of Darth Maul early next year, when EPISODE I returns to theaters.

He'll apparently be a big part of marketing the film, when it's rereleased to theaters in 3D next February. The poster features him prominently, and the trailer that's set to premiere in the coming days will focus a lot on everyone's fave Zabrak. The rerelease is expected to have all the tweaks the blu ray version has, and will also be released in 2D to theaters.

EW is also reporting that Maul will return next Spring in the new season... >> Read full headline

What's been rumored for months has finally been confirmed, Javier Bardem has been added to the cast of the next James Bond film as one of the villains. Also added were Berenice Marlohe, Helen McCrory, and Ben Whistlaw, making a pretty impressive roster for Sam Mendes to direct.

Slashfilm is also reported the film may finally have a title. Since it's inception, the project has been referred to only as BOND 23, but now it's rumored to be called SKYFALL. Filming is also rumored to be conducted at Duntrune Castle in Scotland, said to be Bond's ancesteral home.

Any official confirmations will come next month, when a press conference will be held to announce that principal photography will finally begin.

Trailers have been misleading moviegoers for countless years. So it was only a matter of time before someone decided to sue.

Sarah Demings has filed a lawsuit against her local movie theater and FilmDistrict releasing company, charging that they used a misleading trailer to get her to attend a screening of DRIVE. According to Click on Detroit, Miss Demings charges the trailer markets the film as a FAST & FURIOUS action flick, while in reality it has minimal action. She also claims the film is highly anti-semetic, and plans to turn her lawsuit into a class action suit. It apparently matters little that DRIVE is one of the best reviewed films released this year.

FilmDistrict hasn't commented on the legal action. The theater company calls the lawsuit "extremely frivolous.

Today wasn't a good day for those sitting in the director's chair. First we heard Jim Sheridan tried to get his name off DREAM HOUSE. Now it seems director Pete Travis has been removed from JUDGE DREDD, and post production will proceed without him.

The LA Times is reporting that the decision to remove Travis came when principal photography was completed. The producers weren't happy with the footage they received; scripter Alex Garland is now in creative control. He will supervise editing, direct reshoots, and may even receive co-director credit.

JUDGE DREDD stars Karl Urban in the title role, along with Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey, and due for release overseas in late 2012, and in America in 2013. The character is a law enforcement officer empowered as judge, jury, and executioner ad set in a place called Megacity in the far future.