‘I think he’s going to do great,’ Banks tells MTV News of Francis Lawrence. By Kara Warner Elizabeth Banks Photo: MTV News Although “The Hunger Games” has been out in theaters for well over a month now, the $600 million behemoth is still making headlines via box-office records , a director change-up and casting speculation — not to mention the fact that the crowd-pleaser is set to make a fine showing at our 2012 MTV Movie Awards with its eight nominations . When MTV News caught up with castmember Elizabeth Banks recently as she promoted her latest movie, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” we asked for an update on the “Catching Fire” casting rumors, as well as her thoughts on new director Francis Lawrence. More specifically, though, is there room in “Fire” for her “Expecting” husband Ben Falcone (of “Bridesmaids” fame)? “Yes, he’s Finnick,” Effie Trinket herself joked. “I’m here to announce that he’s replacing President Snow.” “Right,” agreed Falcone. “Yes.” “You are the new president of the Capitol,” she informed her co-star. “Yes. No thanks, Donald Sutherland,” Falcone joked of the actual President Snow. Getting serious for a second, we then asked Banks what she thinks of Lawrence taking over directorial duties on the film’s sequel, “Catching Fire.” “[I’m] very excited. I mean, I can’t wait,” Banks said. “I haven’t met him, but we’ll see. I think he’s going to do great.” Banks’ fellow “Hunger Games” co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have also weighed in on their new director, echoing Banks’ excitement. “Francis is extremely talented, and everyone I’ve talked to says he’s the best guy in the world,” Hutcherson said. “So I think he’s going to bring a lot.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .
And… we have a new box office champion. The Avengers earned a mind-boggling $200.3 million on Friday and Saturday, blowing past Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ($169.2 million) for the biggest opening weekend in Hollywood history. The Avengers Super Bowl Commercial Backed by incredibly positive reviews – as well as successful quasi prequels such as Iron Man and last summer’s Captain America – The Avengers raked in $80.5 million on Friday and is on pace for a record Sunday, as well. “It’s not playing like just a superhero film,” says Dave Hollis, Disney’s executive vice president of distribution. “It’s playing like a huge, accessible-to-everyone, all-quadrant picture.” The film currently has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, an A+ from CineScore and is already ranked number-31 on IMDb’s user-ranked Top 250 Movies list. Here is your look at the top five films from the weekend: The Avengers : $200.3 million Think Like a Man : $8.0 million The Hunger Games : $5.7 million The Lucky One : $5.5 million The Pirates! Band of Misfits : $5.4 million
With two small films in the works, the heartthrob proves he’s planning a future beyond the franchise that made him, experts tell MTV News. By John Mitchell Robert Pattinson and Tom Cruise Photo: Getty Images Robert Pattinson knows that the shelf life of a Hollywood heartthrob is short. Teen dreams have a tendency to come and go with shocking regularity, which is why the actor is intent to do everything he can to break out of the mold. The success of the “The Twilight Saga” has alternately put Pattinson in the best and worst position an actor can have in the business. He’s become a superstar on the back of a franchise, but since he was a relative unknown when cast, it also defines his career up to this point. We know him for that role — and not much else. Of course, Pattinson is aiming to change that with a series of upcoming roles, including the just-announced “Mission: Blacklist,” a “gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller” about a military interrogator that played a key role in the 2003 capture of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. On Thursday (May 3), Deadline also reported that Pattinson has been added to “The Rover.” As Reynolds in the David Michod film, he’ll pursue the men responsible for stealing his car all across “the rough Australian outback.” “What Robert Pattinson is doing isn’t new in the slightest,” Greg Ellwood of HitFix told MTV News. “Ever since the American indie scene exploded in the early ’90s, actors such as John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christian Bale, Ewan McGregor and John Cusack, among others, have jumped between indie and studio-produced films.” Indeed, it’s a well-tread path, and the actor is following it closely with several films in the can that he hopes will establish him as a leading man outside of the “Twilight” franchise. In “Bel Ami,” RPattz plays a young man navigating the tricky social hierarchy of late-19th-century Paris by manipulating the city’s most influential and wealthy women. And as “ER” star Clooney did with Steven Soderbergh (“Out of Sight,” “Ocean’s 11”), when he was trying to break away from his TV persona, Pattinson has smartly aligned himself with an acclaimed filmmaker, David Cronenberg (“Eastern Promises,” “A History of Violence”), for the futuristic indie thriller “Cosmopolis,” which will make its world premiere in competition later this month at the Cannes Film Festival. All of these roles are a major departure from Edward Cullen, and while that’s a risk, the films have relatively low budgets, letting producers and financers gradually test whether Pattinson is a bankable movie star — and a strong leading actor — outside of the franchise that has defined his career to this point. Pattinson isn’t, as they say, putting all his eggs in one basket. “What makes Pattinson different is his huge core fanbase so early in his career,” Ellwood continued. “Yet, he’s still not a household name outside of the ‘Twilight’ fanbase or movie fans under the age of 30.” Contrast that with Jennifer Lawrence, who already had an Oscar nomination for “Winter’s Bone” and a box-office hit in “X Men: First Class” under her belt before conquering screens as Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” The role has made Lawrence a household name , but unlike Pattinson, her abilities as an actress and future as a performer were not really in question before she entered the arena. Indeed, many critics noted the film was made all the better by having a proven actress in the lead role. As Pattinson transitions from “Twilight,” he has something to prove. So far, he has wisely steered clear of big-budget fare, a mistake his “Twilight” co-star Taylor Lautner made only to see his first star vehicle, “Abduction,” misfire at the box office, calling into question whether the teen star can carry a movie. Pattinson has so far headlined two non-“Twilight” features: “Remember Me” and “Water for Elephants.” And while “Remember Me” grossed only $19 million domestically, it cost only $16 million to make, so once international grosses ($37 million) were accounted for, it was easily in the black (if not the hit he was likely hoping for). “Water for Elephants” fared better, but co-star Reese Witherspoon also gets credit for its $117 million combined worldwide gross. “Starring in films like ‘Water for Elephants’ opposite Reese Witherspoon helps, but he’s going to need to mix up another big hit or two outside of ‘Twilight’ to reach the [Leonardo] DiCaprio or [Brad] Pitt level,” Ellwood says. “You could argue that Kristen Stewart is further down that road. Especially after the expected blockbuster ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ opens in June.” Pattinson’s post-“Twilight” choices show a performer who wants to be taken seriously as a versatile actor without risking a major financial failure. He seems keen to line up as much quality work as he can before the franchise ends and he jumps off the proverbial cliff and into the unknown. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen, but his choices at least prove that he’s interested in being more than a movie star. Like all those other stars who took the indie-film leap in the ’90s, Pattinson wants you to think of him as an actor first and a global celebrity second. How do you think RPattz will do in roles beyond Edward Cullen? Tell us in the comments! For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .
Roughly two weeks after Gary Ross’s departure from and Francis Lawrence’s rumored attachment to Catching Fire , Lionsgate has officially announced Lawrence as its man to direct its mega-anticipated Hunger Games sequel . “From the very beginning of this brilliant trilogy’s journey from page to screen, our first priority has been to stay true to the heart and soul of Suzanne Collins’ powerful stories,” producer Nina Jacobson said in a statement just over the transom at Movieline HQ. “From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne. His passion for Catching Fire and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie. I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started.” Added Lawrence: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire , the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved.” Mazel tov! And get to work : Catching Fire opens November 22, 2013. [Photo: Getty Images]
Charlie Sheen no longer wants to be associated with strippers. Unless he’s personally associating with them, that is. The actor is threatening legal action against a Times Square gentlemen’s club named Cheetahs because it has set up a VIP room named after the warlock himself. What can one do inside the “Charlie Sheen Room? Eat sushi of nearly-naked women, of course, while staring at photos on the wall of the former Two and a Half Men star. “Charlie has nothing to do with this and it is unfortunate that these despicable parasites have not been exterminated,” Sheen’s rep, Larry Solters, tells E! News in the sort of language that makes us miss Sheen’s Korner . Sam Zherka, president of the parent company that owns Cheetahs, told The New York Post that the roomed was christened a year ago because: “We figured it would be comical to name a room after him. It was a room where you could dine on sushi served on cellophane on the body of one of our entertainers, not where you do crack.” Still, Zherka has received a cease-and-desist letter from Sheen’s attorney and has complied with the demand to remove Sheen’s name from the joint. He just doesn’t understand why. “How could sushi damage Charlie Sheen’s reputation?” Zherka asks.
The pastor’s family that Casey Anthony hid with after her shocking murder trial acquittal last year left a scathing voicemail for her this January. Pastor Steve Camp and his wife Cindy run the Cross Church of Palm City where Casey was rumored to be hiding out after her release from jail. In the voicemail, Cindy voices heartbreaking betrayal and urges Casey Anthony her not to deal with powerhouse attorney Jose Baez any longer. She also calls her out for being selfish and self-centered. Cindy Camp lambasts Baez for taking advantage of their family and Casey, then goes OFF on the 26-year-old’s recent behavior, with few specifics. The voicemail was left in January 2012, just days after bizarre the Casey Anthony diary video showing off her “new life” somehow leaked online. That same week, Baez called it quits , opting to no longer represent the accused child murderer. It’s unclear why the two decided to part ways. Here is the voicemail transcribed and obtained by Radar Online: It is Friday night. I just listened to your conversation with Steve when you hung up on him. I want you to know something. You are dealing with the wrong person when you’re dealing with Jose. He is the one that gives us up. This is no longer about you. I’ve had media parked out front at the end of my driveway for the last 48 hours. People are protesting, they’re throwing rocks, they’re coming up to the door, some guys are leaving you notes and love letters. This is not about you. This is about our church, this is about my family. My daughter’s picture has been on the Internet and Steve hasn’t said a word. Not one word. People are writing the most vile, repulsive things to him via e-mail and Twitter and Facebook and it’s just disgusting and he has not said a word. You are siding with the wrong person. Jose is going to do you wrong. He’s already done you wrong. He’s sold us out and we know it for a fact. I don’t care if you don’t want to hear it, that is a fact. You have a church here, you have people that care about you and have protected you. We haven’t said a word, until, all of a sudden, it would be good to know that you were just going to up and leave four days ago, we could have made a very simple statement and avoided all of this hassle. But this is unbelievable to me and I think you need to rethink and seriously pray about what you’re doing. This has nothing to do with you down in your undisclosed location, it’s right here hot in my yard, and we are still sticking up for you. I just want you to know that because we love you and we’ve cared for you. And that is not going to change. We will still protect you. But this is just…don’t you ever hang up on my husband again. He has been the truest strength you’ve ever had and the kids are just going to be heartbroken. I don’t know what you’re doing. I can’t believe it. For once get outside your own head and think of someone else. Think of this family…they deserve thanks, thanks for having my back here, I’m sorry you have to go through this…nothing! It’s just all about you! What is wrong with you?! Really? Anyway, that’s all I have to say so I guess we’ll hear from you or something, I hope. Anyway, I do love you. I want you to think seriously about what you’re doing, not just for you, but for all involved. Thank you. Goodnight .
Josh Hutcherson is no longer hungering for a girlfriend. Why? Because he’s reportedly playing the game of love with Ariana Grande! An insider tells Life & Style that the actor is romantically involved with Victorious star Ariana Grande. She plays Cat Valentine on that Nickelodeon sitcom. “They’ve been seeing each other since the beginning of the year,” a source tells the tabloid, adding that Grande even attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games with her man, but didn’t walk down the red carpet because “they’ve been trying to keep it low-profile.” Hutcherson previously dated Vanessa Hudgens .
Jessica Simpson finally gave birth to her baby girl today. Maxwell Drew Johnson, weighing 9 lbs., 13 oz. (!) was born this morning in L.A. It’s the first child for the star and her fiance, former NFL player Eric Johnson. Little Maxwell is named for Eric’s middle name, and will go by Maxi. Her middle name is a tribute to her grandma, Tina Simpson, whose maiden name is Drew. After six months of dating, Simpson, 31, and Johnson, 32, got engaged in November 2010, then allegedly pushed off their wedding when she got pregnant. The Texas native, now 31, was famously and previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 until their separation in 2005, but the couple had no children. She first shared her own happy pregnancy news with the world on Halloween, and the deluge of TMI Jessica Simpson quotes has continued unabated since. As her due date approached, the uninhibited singer has spoken candidly about all things pregnancy, from cravings to sex to mommy brain and even swamp ass. “I feel like I have a bowling ball sitting on my hoohah,” she said. “Apparently I have a lot of amniotic fluid, so when my water breaks, it will be like a fire hydrant!” With Maxi weighing in at such a healthy size, this was probably true.
Jennifer Lopez calls latest castoff a ‘fighter’ for speaking her mind during the show. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Christina Garibaldi Elise Testone Photo: MTV News Elise Testone’s ouster from “American Idol” last week wasn’t exactly shocking — after all, she’d practically built “a vacation home” in the bottom three (thanks Jimmy Iovine!). But that doesn’t mean she ever really expected to go home either. “I never really allowed myself to think about it,” Testone told MTV News. “But, you know, it happened. I don’t take it to heart; it’s a TV show, you know? It’s dramatic. People agree, they don’t agree. No matter what you do, people are going to respect you and people aren’t.” It’s telling that Testone mentioned the whole agree/disagree thing, mostly because, during her time on the show, it seemed like the “Idol” judges could never truly agree on their critiques of her performances. And, of course, that led to Testone frequently disagreeing with their assessments. And now, much like fellow castoff Erika Van Pelt , she’s letting her displeasure about that fact be known. “I can look at it like they’re contradicting themselves, or it could be mistaken for I’m just not finding the balance,” she said. “So, they’ll bring one thing to your attention, and then they’ll pull back and they’ll bring another thing to your attention, [and] that might contradict the other thing, but it’s probably because I’m not balancing out the advice that they’re giving, if that makes any sense. Sometimes it didn’t make sense. … I have to say my least-favorite comment was ‘Elise is back!’ because I’m like, ‘I really never went anywhere.'” Still, Testone said she’s eternally grateful for her time on “Idol” — she mentioned bonding with Stevie Nicks as a highlight, joking, “She’s basically my best friend at this point” — and added that she’s exiting with her head held high, mostly because she never was afraid to speak her mind. “[I talked to the judges] on a few occasions, especially J.Lo,” she said. “I was like, ‘Are you mad at me? I’m not trying to talk back in a rude way!’ It’s just that, being older, and knowing the direction I want to go in, I feel comfortable. Maybe because of my experience with music or my age, I thought I could talk to [the judges]. And I thought that people would respect that in a way, like, ‘This girl is speaking up for herself, trying to figure out a clear answer.’ “And Jennifer was OK with that,” she continued. “She was like, ‘No, I totally understand. I like that you’re a fighter and you stand up for what you believe in. That makes me respect you more.’ She always says she respects me as an artist, so that’s great.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances Related Artists Jennifer Lopez
‘Hunger Games,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Harry Potter’ run away with this year’s noms — don’t miss the show Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV! By Kara Warner Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in “Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate Who’s already excited for the 2012 MTV Movie Awards ? We’ve already announced that chart-topping indie-pop group Fun. will rock the Movie Awards stage with a performance toasting the greatest party films of all time, plus the addition of five excellent and intriguing new categories: Best Music, Best On-Screen Transformation, Best Gut-Wrenching Performance, Best Cast and Best On-Screen Dirtbag. What more could you ask for? How about the list of this year’s lucky nominees who will by battling it out for the coveted Golden Popcorn trophy live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, June 3? Fan voting opens in all categories Tuesday at 8 a.m. Here they are, in all their eclectic, well-deserved glory: the 2012 MTV Movie Award Nominees! Movie of the Year
