Aubrey O’Day stole the show and Penn Jillette got the chop on Celebrity Apprentice last night, but at least various charities were the big winners all around. This week, the teams had to design an in-store display for The Donald’s new fragrance, named (obvi) “Success by Trump.” Yes. The Donald has a fragrance. Clay Aiken was project manager for Team Forte, and Aubrey for Team Unanimous. Aubrey and Arsenio Hall used the start of this task as a chance to bond. O’Day hopped on Arsenio to take pictures of New York’s skyline for their display. The mood shifted when Aubrey sent her team on mundane tasks, leaving her with total control, then called on Eric Trump to be a part of Unanimous’ display. In playing a young Donald Trump, Eric seemed flattered to have his modeling debut (hey, better than those hunting photos ) but he questioned Aubrey’s motives. She came through, though. Team Unanimous won the task, earning Aubrey a total of $50,000 for GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Clay brought Penn and Dayana Mendoza back to the boardroom, where Penn’s slogan – “you earned it” – earned him a ticket on the next flight home. Did Donald make the right decision? Can Aubrey be stopped?
Metta World Peace did not live up to his name last night. In a move reminiscent of the old Ron Artest, the Lakers forward was celebrating after a dunk on Sunday night when he inexplicably threw a BRUTAL elbow into the back of the head of Oklahoma City’s James Harden, giving him a concussion. Watch the baffling and frightening flagrant foul below: Metta World Peace Elbows James Harden The volatile forward, who was playing some of his best basketball in April, was ejected and faces a certain suspension. The only question is how severe. After the game, Metta World Peace, who had gone out of his way to rid himself of a nasty reputation in the past few years, apologized to James Harden. “I got real emotional and excited, and it was unfortunate that James had to get hit with the unintentional elbow,” said World Peace. “I hope he’s OK.” “Oklahoma City, they’re playing for a championship this year. I profusely apologize to the Thunder and James Harden. It was just unfortunate.” ABC analyst Magic Johnson called it “a cheap shot” but Peace said it was not, despite being whistled for a flagrant foul afterward. Do you agree?
This week on Khloe & Lamar, the tandem took a brief hiatus from having emotional talks about babies to get all emotional about Odom’s return to L.A. “I got a game coming up versus the L.A. Lakers, my former team,” he says of his first game back. “It’s going to be a little weird playing against them.” How did Lamar do against Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace & Co.? It almost didn’t matter, given the warm reception he was given at Staples Center. What else went down in Tinseltown? On to Sunday’s recap! Khloe Kardashian feels tense once they’re back in their home and reality starts to sink in, saying, “I can’t really imagine how that feels and the pressure.” It doesn’t compare to the paparazzi following you to the Ivy, no. Plus 20 . Lamar’s BFF Jamie Sangouthai is feeling the effects of Odom’s trade to Dallas, too. “I feel like I got traded too, but I’m still here,” he tells Lamar. “I don’t get the VIP treatment anymore.” Dude, way to make it about you. Minus 50 . “He didn’t even say ‘How are you?’ or ‘How you’re doing?’ or ‘Are you OK?’ I’m the one who had to get up and move and go play for a different team.” – Lamar to Khloe. Plus 10 for noticing and calling out that nonsense. Khloe just doesn’t how to help her husband get his head in the game and handle the tense situation. Two words: Hand … nevermind. Minus 10 for us on that one. Khadijah and Malika are doing a photo shoot and appear nude. Plus 25 . “I think it’s time for some honest communication.” – Malika. Jaw-dropping analysis! That’s the best she could come up with? But Plus 5 because she’s not wrong. Jamie walks in looking for his Lakers tickets. What a douche. Minus 20 . Khloe sets him straight, finally. Girl stands up for her man! Plus 20 . “Change is difficult, but at the end of the day, this is my guy. I want to be there for him and maybe I’ve been kind of selfish,” he says. Attaboy. Plus 10 . The L.A. crowd applauds Lamar. Plus 15 for basketball appreciation. A message proclaiming “Welcome Back L.O” along with highlights from his games plays on the JumboTron. Talk about a hero’s welcome! Plus 15 . LO: “I look up and I see all the highlights in that uniform, I have a lot of pride… Those guys will forever be close to me and it just feels good.” Plus 10 . Maybe things will work out in Dallas after all … or not. Of course, we all know how this saga ends – Lamar leaving the team . Oh well. Minus 60 . Can L.A. trade for his rights back? Plus 5 ? EPISODE TOTAL: -5. SEASON TOTAL: -130.
Well, it looks like Lionsgate has picked their pony in the Catching Fire directing race ; I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence has reportedly been offered the job to helm the Hunger Games sequel, which is set to start filming on a tight schedule this August. Lawrence has three features under his belt, in addition to music videos for the likes of J. Lo and Britney Spears; he most recently directed Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in Water for Elephants (but also made 2005’s Constantine ). Lawrence is said to have gotten the offer over Moneyball ‘s Bennett Miller, who Deadline reports was “very interested” in the gig but wanted to take time to film his Foxcatcher first. So what is there to say about Lionsgate’s choice? At least Lawrence has experience handling visual effects, building devastated but slick near-futuristic worlds, and working with teen heartthrobs. And hey, he won a Grammy (for directing Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video)! So there’s that. If Katniss Everdeen finds herself besieged in a techno bathhouse in the Simon Beaufoy-penned sequel, he’ll know what to do. And hey, maybe he can get Gaga to play Johanna Mason… Catching Fire is already set for release for November 22, 2013. Muse away on the Lawrence hire in the comments below! [ Deadline ]
Bennett Miller and Francis Lawrence have been added to short list to direct ‘Hunger Games’ sequel. By Kevin P. Sullivan Jennifer Lawrence in “Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate It is now certainly safe to say that the search for a ” Catching Fire ” director is under way. Not long after ” Hunger Games ” director Gary Ross turned down the job, names of potential replacements began appearing. Last week, a Lionsgate wish list of seven or eight directors included the names David Cronenberg, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Alfonso Cuaron. (We also had a few suggestions of our own.) Now, two more possibilities have stepped forward. The Playlist is reporting that Bennett Miller and Francis Lawrence are also in contention for the gig. Both directors have impressive r
Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton hit the stage with their teams, while Maroon 5 premiered ‘Payfone’ with Wiz Khalifa. By John Mitchell Jesse Campbell on “The Voice” Photo: NBC Things were shaken up Monday night (April 16) on “The Voice” with the surprise introduction of “instant eliminations,” a new rule forcing each judge to send one of their team members home at the end of the episode. The first judges forced to send one of their own packing were Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton , whose teams took the stage Monday. An additional member of each team will be voted off by the public on Tuesday. Each of the superstar judges — with the notable exception of Cee Lo Green — also hit the stage to perform, with Levine’s band Maroon 5 even debuting a new song with Wiz Khalifa . First to hit the stage was teenage country girl RaeLynn. Before performing, she and her coach Blake bonded over being “real country.” I’m a real country artist,” RaeLynn boasted, and Blake suited her up with the perfect song, hitmaker Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country.” RaeLynn’s performance of the song won over all the judges. “Man, I’m gonna say, you make me want to sing country,” Christina championed. But Blake had the biggest words of praise. “This is the most proud moment I’ve had of any person on my team,” Blake said of RaeLynn’s performance. Next up was fan and judge favorite Jesse Campbell, who delivered an expectedly excellent rendition of Beyonc
Far more than merely the boyfriend of Miley Cyrus now, Liam Hemsworth has booked his next project. The Hunger Games star will play a key role in Paranoia , Entertainment Weekly confirms, a thriller from director Robert Luketic ( Killers , The Ugly Truth ). It will start shooting this summer and may also feature such big names as Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford. Hemsworth, of course, is also for two Hunger Games sequels, starting with a Gary Ross-less Catching Fire . He will also appear opposite Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables 2 and portray the lead in Empire State , an action-heist adventure. [Photo: WENN.com]
According to an LA Times report citing an insider in the know, Lionsgate is looking at a few notable names to take the helm of the Hunger Games franchise for the series sequel Catching Fire . Among the “seven or eight names” — all men, it’s noted — are David Cronenberg , Alfonso Cuaron , and Alejandro González Iñárritu . Supposing this shortlist is accurate, and knowing that the studio wants to get a move on with a director capable of wrangling the sequel into shape for an August start date, which of these three alleged candidates would you rather see bring Katniss Everdeen’s next adventure to life? From The LA Times: According to a source with knowledge of the list who isn’t permitted to speak on the record, Lionsgate needs to find a director with enough credits and accolades to appeal to Collins, who is much more interested in quality filmmaking than box-office prowess. This director also needs to have an even keel; no petulant crybabies allowed… task will require someone who can wrangle a large ensemble of actors, juggle the demands of a swift schedule and collaborate on a script with Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy. “No petulant crybabies allowed.” Interesting. Well, Cuaron’s got Harry Potter cred under his belt. Iñárritu would certainly drive home the abject desperation of the world of Panem. And maybe working with Twilight ‘s Robert Pattinson has brought Cronenberg one step closer to the YA universe. But I’m more curious about the other four or five names on this list… who else matches the profile for non-crybaby, good with kids, franchise-able serious-movie directing? [ LA Times ]
‘Twilight,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘Iron Man’ among other high-profile series that changed directors along the way. By Josh Wigler Gary Ross Photo: WireImage “The Hunger Games” franchise, just like the fictional games themselves (minus all the death and bloodshed), has lost a much beloved player in director Gary Ross , who has decided not to return for the developing sequel, “Catching Fire.” Persistent rumors that Ross’ days in Panem were numbered concluded with the director’s official departure Tuesday night, leaving the continuing tales of Katniss, Peeta and Gale without a visionary to guide them for the time being. Though Ross’ decision is a blow for “Hunger Games” enthusiasts everywhere — yours truly included — it’s certainly not the first time that a director has stunned fans by leaving a high-profile franchise at an unexpected time. From your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to the Boy Who Lived, here are five other filmmakers who parted ways with beloved franchises. Sam Raimi and “Spider-Man” After three films — two widely adored and one critically panned — Sam Raimi’s days swinging alongside “Spider-Man” came to an end. In the midst of pre-production on a fourth Tobey Maguire-starring adventure, both Raimi and Maguire parted ways with Sony over creative differences. The result of their ousting: Sony rebooted the “Spider-Man” brand, with an all-new “Amazing” installment hitting theaters this summer from director Marc Webb and “The Social Network” co-star Andrew Garfield. Jon Favreau and “Iron Man” Spidey isn’t the only big-screen Marvel superhero who lost a crucial member of his creative posse. Director Jon Favreau , who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films for Marvel Studios, said his goodbyes to Ol’ Shellhead in December 2010, opting to focus instead on another Disney property, “Magic Kingdom.” Just as Ross contends there’s no bad blood between him and Lionsgate, Favreau and the remaining “Iron Man” players appear to have left on good terms; indeed, the director appeared alongside Robert Downey Jr. at the Hero Complex Film Festival last June for an onstage reunion and geek-out. Tony Stark lives on even without Favreau, blasting off next summer for a brand-new mission under director Shane Black’s watchful eye. Paul Greengrass and the “Bourne” series Following “Bourne Ultimatum,” the third film in the spy thriller series, two-time “Bourne” director Paul Greengrass walked away from the franchise to work on other films. Leading man Matt Damon left as well, out of loyalty to the director, leaving “Bourne” producers in a lurch. How do you make a Jason Bourne movie without Jason Bourne? You make “The Bourne Legacy,” apparently. Longtime “Bourne” writer Tony Gilroy wrote the script and directed the latest installment, putting an all-new character played by Jeremy Renner in the hot seat this time around. With Renner in play, the door remains open for a future Damon-Greengrass “Bourne” return. Catherine Hardwicke and “The Twilight Saga” Just as “The Hunger Games” lost Ross, so too did the “Twilight” series lose its original director. Catherine Hardwicke was the first filmmaker to bring the hotly anticipated love story of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan to life, but despite the success of that first film, Hardwicke decided not to direct “New Moon” , due to what she described as “timing” issues. Even without Hardwicke behind the lens, “Twilight” continued to do massive business at the box office with different directors for each film; Bill Condon is the only filmmaker to tackle multiple “Twilight” movies, closing the series out with this coming November’s “Breaking Dawn – Part 2.” Chris Columbus and “Harry Potter” There would be no Hogwarts without J.K. Rowling, of course, but there would be no Hogwarts-at-the-movies without original “Harry Potter” director Chris Columbus. He helmed the first two “Potter” films with wonderful whimsy, but that tone would not have fit with future movies in the franchise as Harry’s world grows progressively darker. The boy wizard’s war against Voldemort was therefore chronicled by several other directors following Columbus’ post-“Chamber of Secrets” departure, with David Yates ultimately stepping in to helm the final four installments in the series. Tell us what you think of Gary Ross’ “Hunger Games” departure in the comments section! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos High-Profile Movie Franchises That Changed Directors Related Photos The Hunger Games
Promoting his indie genre-bender Detention today in Los Angeles (in theaters Friday), Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson found himself in the line of questioning about the much-discussed ambiguity surrounding director Gary Ross ‘s potential return to the franchise. “I think Gary’s the man,” he diplomatically told The Hollywood Reporter . “Gary is in my mind is the only one that could ever direct the second one. That’s what I’m sticking to.” ( UPDATE : Looks like Hutcherson’ll have to readjust his thinking – Ross is officially out of the running for Catching Fire .) Also speaking with ComingSoon , the erstwhile Peeta Mellark stood his ground on Team Ross. “He killed the first one, absolutely knocked it out of the park. Everyone loved him. Myself, Jennifer and the others loved him. I couldn’t imagine making another movie without him, so that’s what I have to say about that.” Ross is still reportedly hashing out the Catching Fire gig with Lionsgate despite suggestions that the two had reached an impasse in negotiations. For the time being, the studio isn’t quite ready to pull a Catherine Hardwicke and announce the search for a new franchise director. But the clock is still ticking, especially if the next book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games series is set to begin filming later this summer… [ THR , ComingSoon ]
