Sad news, theater fans: James Franco will not be making his Broadway debut this fall in David Cromer’s production of the Tennessee Williams drama Sweet Bird of Youth . Monday, the actor’s publicist confirmed that Franco was no longer attached to the play, where he was set to star as the gigolo paramour to Nicole Kidman’s voracious movie star. As of now, Cromer is not sure if or when the Scott Rudin-produced Sweet Bird will take the stage. [ NYT /ArtsBeat ]
Chaz Bono’s joining the Dancing With the Stars cast gave the show major publicity, but it wasn’t just done as a stunt or a favor to the LGBT community. Based on what we know of past seasons and those who have made long runs on the show, Chaz – if he can dance at all – could be among the favorites. Below, THG breaks down the prospects for the man formerly known as Chastity Bono (with girlfriend Jennifer Ella, below) and the rest of the dancers … Favorites: David Arquette, Chaz Bono, Ron Artest, Hope Solo, Ricki Lake If anyone has the notoriety that they can utilize to gain interest and build fan support, it’s Bono, who will be paired with a female professional dancer. David Arquette is probably the show’s second biggest “get,” especially after his separation from wife Courteney Cox and subsequent bizarre behavior. We don’t know if either one can dance, admittedly. But assuming there’s any kind of rhythm there, each could go on fairly sustained runs this fall. As for Ron Artest (the player soon to be known as Metta World Peace), pro athletes tend to do well, and Ron is very likable beneath the crazy exterior. Ditto for U.S. World Cup soccer goalie Solo. Ricki Lake, meanwhile, fits the Jennifer Grey mold, having starred in a dance-themed cult classic film. Underdogs: Nancy Grace, Rob Kardashian We could well be proven wrong here, but these would be our picks to go home first. Nancy Grace is a polarizing figure and likely won’t change that. As for Kardashian, DWTS is not necessarily kind to reality stars. The fan base is a little different, so he’s likely coming in as one of the lesser-knowns. Plus, even those that love the Kardashians kind of hate the Kardashians. Dark Horses: Chynna Phillips, Kristin Cavallari, Elisabetta Canalis Phillips has a fan base from her music and acting, even if each is a bit dated. Canalis is George Clooney’s ex . That’ll have people curious for sure. Cavallari could be a bust or the real deal. Remember Audrina Patridge? She finished fifth her season and was totally robbed from advancing further. Kristin’s pretty, sassy and could build some strong support. Maybe. Wild Cards: J.R. Martinez, Carson Kressley Martinez, the actor and Iraq War veteran whose body was 40 percent burned after a landmine explosion, will touch more hearts every week he lasts. The question is whether he can do well enough to get through the first few weeks where he may be the cast’s least-known member. Total wild card. Finally, Carson Kressley of Queer Eye For the Straight Guy . He’s fallen off the radar a bit in recent years, but still has a loyal following. How loyal? Stay tuned. This is just THG’s take. Now tell us yours: Who do you think will win DWTS Season 13? Vote!
Matthew Fox allegedly tried to get on the bus even though he wasn#39;t invited to take a ride, according to TMZ, and when the woman tried to stop him, he allegedly punched her. Matthew Fox got into some trouble in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday. The Lost star was detained by police there for allegedly assaulting a female driver of a party bus. An off-duty officer handcuffed Fox and then police took him into custody. A rep for the Cleveland police department confirms that the actor “was detained
Jim Carrey wishes he were a much younger man. That way, he could have passionate sex with Emma Stone and produce “chubby little freckle-faced kids.” So the actor himself says in a new video, which is making its way around the Internet and creating a bit of a controversy. Not because Carrey is misguided in his affection for Stone – seriously, have you seen Crazy, Stupid Love or The Help ?!? – but because Carrey is 49 and the object of his desire is 22. A rep for the star says the video is “intended to be comical,” and we certainly laughed. But watch for yourself and then vote below. Jim Carrey Hearts Emma Stone This heartfelt admission from Carrey is…
Sure, Rider Strong has done a ton of stuff since his days on the ABC series Boy Meets World , but far be it from me to pass up a chance to name drop that TGIF classic! Since his days playing Cory Matthews’s BFF Shawn, Strong’s continued to act and began directing, co-helming the Dungeons & Dragons-themed short The Dungeon Master with brother Shiloh, which is set to screen at next month’s Fantastic Fest . After the jump, watch the film’s trailer and get the full list of genre shorts playing at the Austin festival.
I don’t know how you are closing out your summer but Jonah Hill is ending his by directing his first music video. A day after officially joining Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn for Akiva Schaffer’s Neighborhood Watch , the actor has tweeted a picture of himself on the set of the Sara Bareilles music video “Gonna Get Over You.” Check out the photo and the song ahead, before sending Hill your best wishes.
Who knew Katie Holmes had such a horrifying streak? After screening her latest flick, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark , for her husband Tom Cruise recently, Katie said it left the actor sufficiently spooked. Holmes said Cruise had to watch another film before retiring for the evening. “I’m not sure what he watched … Maybe The Sound of Music?” Our partner site, Movie Fanatic, just saw Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (follow the above link for more on the film) and can confirm that yes, it is scary. Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro tells the story of a modern family living in an old Rhode Island mansion that has secrets buried deep below the ground. Holmes, a fan of the classics from the horror genre, admits that she appreciated del Toro’s take on the steadfast haunted-house movie storyline. She also liked that the film allowed her to be a mother figure to a young daughter, just like she is in real life to Suri Cruise . She’s five now. Five! [Photo: WENN.com]
A pair of THG favorites are about to hit the big screen together, as Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks anchor the cast of Our Idiot Brother , which comes out on Friday. The title pretty much makes it clear, but the film centers around Rudd’s Ned, the runt of a beautiful litter that includes sisters played by Banks, Emily Mortimer and Zooey Deschanel. The former told Movie Fanatic that she can relate to the concept: “I am the oldest, bossiest daughter of a family of four… I have a 26-year-old brother who sells pizza and maybe something else while delivering those pizzas.” Our Idiot Brother Trailer Rudd, meanwhile, said he could relate to one aspect of the film in particular: playing charades. “Despite all of the battling and fighting, we come together,” the actor said. “It was such an emotionally charged moment and scene. It was kind of heartbreaking, because at different points we all sometimes – as hard as you can be – you just want to play charades with your family, but you’re unable to.” For more from Rudd, read his full interview now.
TV Shows * City Hunter (SBS, 2011) * Personal Preference (MBC, 2010) * Boys Before Flowers (KBS2, 2009) * Get Up (MBC, 2008) * I#39;m Sam as Heo Mo Se (KBS2, 2007) * Mackerel Run (SBS, 2007) * Secret Campus (EBS, 2006) * Love Hymn (MBC, 2005) * Nonstop 5 (MBC, 2004) Movies * Our School E.T (2008) * Public Enemy Returns (2008) * Humming (2007) * Arang (2006) * Ghost Lives (2004) * Repechage (1997) Recognitions * 2010 MBC Drama Awards: Excellence Award – Actor (Personal Preference) * 2009 K
Weezy’s VMA performance and nominations lead up to the long-awaited release on Sunday night. By Alvin Blanco Lil Wayne Photo: Clinton Gilders/ FilmMagic Lil Wayne is going to dabble in a little midnight madness. Already scheduled to perform at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Weezy has just announced that he’ll also be dropping his highly anticipated new album, Tha Carter IV, at midnight, right after the show. “I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others,” Lil Wayne said in a press statement. The YMCMB rapper’s latest will be released digitally via iTunes, Amazon and other legal MP3 download destinations at 12 a.m. on August 29. Those still dedicated to physical CDs need not worry since the album will be in retail stores later that Monday. The release of Tha Carter IV will be the capstone to a big night for Weezy, who is also up for Moonmen in the Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Collaboration categories. And despite Wayne’s skateboarding accident over the weekend (he tweeted that he needed nine stitches for a gash over his eye), he is sure to take the Nokia Theatre stage by storm this week. “The MTV Video Music Awards are one of the most watched and respected shows in the industry,” Ronald “Slim” Williams, CEO of Cash Money Records, said in a statement. “Wayne is one of the most respected and prolific artists in the industry. By pairing the release of Tha Carter IV with the VMAs, it will certainly add to the overall anticipation and excitement for fans everywhere for what will surely be an unforgettable evening.” With Jay-Z and Kanye West throwing a wrench into traditional album-release strategies with their Watch the Throne project, Lil Wayne has chosen to make his own release an event by coinciding with another. “Lil Wayne continues to change the game; this time with a new release strategy that demonstrates the power of the VMAs to grab the attention of music fans,” MTV President Stephen Friedman said. “After our millions of viewers experience the VMAs, they can go online at midnight and download the album they’ve all been waiting for.” Tha Carter IV ‘s latest single is “She Will” and will feature appearances from, T-Pain, Tech N9ne, Rick Ross, John Legend, Jadakiss, Nas and Busta Rhymes, among others. The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year’s highlights and vote for Best New Artist at VMA.MTV.com . Related Photos 2011 MTV Video Music Awards Performers Related Artists Lil Wayne