Can Johnny Depp and Gore Verbinski do for cowboys and Indians what they previously did for pirates? We’ll find out soon enough, as today we have proof that the troubled, years-in-development new version of The Lone Ranger will actually hit theaters. A new full-length trailer for next summer’s The Lone Ranger hit the web today, and it’s full of everything you’ve come to expect from the people who convinced us that the British East India Company operated in the West indies. It’s definitely an original story, but it’s also apparent that the film will treat the desert of west Texas with the same kind of cheesy awe that the Pirates films did the Caribbean, which is fine by me. The trailer shows us how Tonto and Kemosabe become pals, how the Ranger takes up the mask, and how the west Texas (actually, New Mexico) desert has some rather spectacular scenery. Incidentally, despite seeing more of Armie Hammer’s Ranger, I’m still getting the impression that Tonto is the main character. If that turns out to be the case, it’ll be an interesting twist on the Anglo-centric view of the old West. So, will this be a hit? There hasn’t been a successful filmed take on the character since The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold in 1958, that film an extension of the popular TV series which ran on ABC from 1949 to 1957. The last theatrical attempt was the 1981 flop The Legend of The Lone Ranger , the less said about which, the better. And after the failure of Cowboys and Aliens , there’s a real sense that Westerns tend to flop ( Brokeback Mountain notwithstanding). It’s probably more likely that boring Westerns flop, however. More importantly, Johnny Depp remains Johnny Depp to the point that even an underperforming movie like Dark Shadows still rakes in $239 million. So what do you think? Fire off your silver bullets in comments.
Yesterday, People anointed Channing Tatum Sexiest Man Alive . Without a doubt, 2012 was Tatum’s year, with three successful movies in The Vow, Magic Mike , and 21 Jump Street . But People has its share of critics just the same. The main complaint? With a singular exception – Denzel Washington in 1996 – the magazine has picked a square-jawed white guy (usually an actor) EVERY year. In 2008, Hugh Jackman took the top honor. In 2009, Johnny Depp was selected for a second time. Last year, Bradley Cooper walked away with the crown. The year before that, it was Ryan Reynolds, perhaps in anticipation of his film Green Lantern . Should they rename it Sexiest Milquetoast White Man Alive? Asks the Daily Beast: Where are the Blair Underwoods, the Taye Diggses, the Morris Chestnuts? The Terrence Howards, the Jesse Williamses, the Idris Elbas? Inside. And if you believe People ’s official line, it is what’s inside that counts. A representative for the magazine wrote: “ People is sensitive to representing people of color in its pages; our Sexiest Man Alive issue is no exception. Every section in this year’s issue includes a diverse group of men.” Brett R. Johnson, associate editor of The Root, said, “That response is expected … They can’t come out and say black men don’t sell magazine covers.” Though there are some sports celebrities, most of the picks skew toward Hollywood, and actors rather than musicians. Perhaps that’s part of the issue. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan during their primes would’ve been fine cover stars, no? A rep for People explained of the criteria: “Is he hot at the moment? Is he sexy? Is his career on fire this year? Channing Tatum fits that criteria this year, which is why he was named 2012 Sexiest Man Alive.” The list, then, said Jezebel ‘s Jessica Coen, isn’t truthfully the “sexiest man in general, just – ‘handsome man who’s getting the most work right now,’ “And what makes that so strange is that People is not a trade mag.” “People’s response places the blame on Hollywood. That’s a copout. They have a lot of power as a media outlet, but their response is akin to throwing up their hands.” “Hollywood and the media – and that includes People – have a highly symbiotic relationship.” “Putting a man of color on the inside is like saying, ‘He’s hot, sure, but just not hot enough for the cover. Only a white man can be number one.’” “Which is kind of how the world has worked for the past couple centuries.” What do you think? Share your comments and vote in our survey below: Channing Tatum: Sexiest Man Alive? Yes, look at him! Nah, but he ain’t shabby! Not even close! View Poll »
There’s a ballyhooed sex scene between Bella and Edward that received a respectable 8 on ML’s Scream-O-Meter , but it apparently was some violence that almost earned Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which would have caused quite a stir and conundrums in Twi-hard Land, which still counts quite a large crowd of teens among its ranks (not that that crafty crowd wouldn’t have found a way). Still, the ” Restricted: Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian ” would smack of potential box office blues for a franchise riding on a gangbuster turn-out and a final cash infusion for Summit, the franchise’s distributor. Initially, Breaking Dawn Part 2 received the R because of some extreme violence by way of beheadings, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Certainly, with any other movie, there are a thousand ways to kill people,” director Bill Condon told the Times. “With this one, it’s a variation on the same theme. If they were going to be offended by the idea of beheadings, we would have had no movie.” But the MPAA holds the ratings whip and the filmmaker said that some parts of the film were modified in order to give the multi-billion dollar franchise’s finale a more access-friendly PG-13 (The offending ‘R’ scenes should make for great marketing come DVD time at the end of the day). Sill, this isn’t the first time the world’s favorite vampires have sashayed with the only over 17 threat. Breaking Dawn Part 1 nearly received the R due to a sex scene (sex is often more titillating to the MPAA than violence which it more frequently tolerates, so those beheadings must’ve been doozies!) Kristen Stewart told Glamour that the original sex scenes in the first Breaking Dawn had even surprised her. “It was so weird, it didn’t even feel like we were doing a Twilight film. I was like, ‘Bella! What are you doing? Wow! What is happening here?!’ It was very surreal. We [originally] got rated R. They re-cut it.” [ Sources: The Huffington Post , Glamour , Los Angeles Times ]
So the good news is pouring in for Channing Tatum today. In addition to nabbing People’s Sexiest Man Alive honor, GQ magazine chose the Magic Mike star as its Movie Star of the Year, part of its annual Men of the Year issue. That means Tatum and his strong chin will be gracing at least two magazine covers in the coming weeks, and that’s got me wondering: where is the Twi-hard outrage over Robert Pattinson being snubbed? With the sun finally setting on The Twilight Saga , it’s remarkable that RPatz — who had the crowds thrilling and screaming at the Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiere earlier this week— did not nab Sexiest Man honors once since 2008 when the film franchise debuted. Hugh Jackman graced People’ s cover in 2008; Johnny Depp in 2009; Ryan Reynolds in 2010; and Bradley Cooper in 2011. Related Story: Check out Movieline’s photo gallery of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart & Co. at the Breaking Dawn 2 premiere. Pattinson, who seems more concerned with being an actor than a screen idol, probably isn’t terribly interested in such an accolade, and he’s in good company. Last year, People ‘s decision to choose Cooper over Ryan Gosling sparked quite a furor among Baby Goose’s fans, along with the rumor that the magazine had actually wanted to put Gosling on the cover but went with Cooper when the Drive actor, who’s all about the work, declined to give them an interview or participate in a photo shoot. ( People and Gosling’s publicist denied this at the time.) Still, I’m betting Pattinson’s fans are feeling miffed right now, and I’d like to gauge the depth of that dissatisfaction by inviting them — and any other lover of big-screen beefcake — to vote for the actor they would crown the sexiest man alive if they were calling the shots at People . I’ve listed five choices, including Tatum, Pattinson and Gosling. The rest is up to you. If you feel there’s a better candidate out there than the available choices, write him in the comments box and I’ll add him to the poll. As for what People ‘s honor will mean for Tatum besides a butt load of publicity, I don’t see any real correlation between People’s coronation and an actor’s career. The year that has passed since Cooper got the People cover has been a good one for the actor, given the success of Limitless and his fine performances in The Place Beyond The Pines , which will be released next year (and also stars Gosling), and Silver Linings Playbook , which opens Friday, and is generating Oscar buzz for the actor. But if you go back to 2010 Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Reynolds , the year that followed his anointing saw him star in the critically savaged Green Lantern, which, according to Box Office Mojo has only made about $20 million more (worldwide) than its $200-million production budget. Let’s see which way the wind blows for Tatum. Take Our Poll [Box Office Mojo] Follow Frank DiGiacomo on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
The $3.5 billion Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may see another mega-star reprise in its fifth installment, and it may not just be Johnny Depp . Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards may return to the franchise after an invitation from Depp. Richards has bombarded the franchise in all four installments with his persona alone. Depp made no secret that the superstar musician inspired his flamboyant portrayal of Jack Sparrow since its launch back in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl . Richards took the cue and sailed into the role of Captain Teague in 2007 with Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and again in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Now with a fifth return the swashbuckling franchise, even Depp is apparently awaiting Richards’ final ayyy or nay, though he teased that the plank has been lowered for his return. “I spoke to Johnny a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘Are you up for another one?’ I can leave it at that because I know no more,” Richards told BBC 6 Music. “But I do have the costume! (It helps because) some kids who don’t know nothing (sic) about the Rolling Stones go, ‘There’s Johnny Depp’s dad! There’s Captain Teague, arrgh!” Keith Richards and the rest of his Rolling Stones crew have hit the big screen more recently in Brett Morgen’s documentary Crossfire Hurricane , which had a premiere bash last month at the BFI London Film Festival and is currently making the fest rounds. The feature marks the bands’ 50 years together. [ Source: Hollywood.com ]
Kelly Brook is in a lingerie stage show…where she pretends to be an actor..when really she’s just a woman pushing 40 willing to use her big old tits to get noticed….cuz they’ve worked pretty good for her so far…and she’s only got a few more years left in them to really fully utilize them to their full – early retirement – potential. Here are some pics of her performing….in a Burlesque show called “Forever Crazy” that is probably not about the abortion she got and pretended was a miscarriage….
The nice thing about Kate Moss is that along with her rockstar lifestyle…comes a willingness to get naked all the fucking time…whether it is for free or paid…making these Vanity Fair pics…from an article that talk about her Johnny Depp obsession and her depression at 17…amongst other shit we don’t give a fuck about cuz we all have problems and we aren’t as rich and good looking as this cunt…so as far as I’m concerned she’s got it fucking made…. Here are the pics
Johnny Depp is getting into the publishing biz. Called Infinitum Nihil, meaning “Nothing is Forever,” the same name as his production company. Depp’s imprint will be a part of HarperCollins Publishers. The imprint will seek what it calls “authentic, outspoken and visionary ideas and voices.” And a Bob Dylan book is the first to usher in Depp’s foray into the book world. The Unraveled Tales of Bob Dylan will “set the record straight” on the legendary songwriter’s life and career. It is based in part on interviews with Dylan by best-selling historian Douglas Brinkley, A.P. reports . Brinkley recently wrote a Dylan cover story in Rolling Stone and noted that he and Depp thought the book was perfect for the Infinitum Nihil launch. “I pledge, on behalf of Infinitum Nihil, that we will do our best to deliver publications worthy of peoples’ time, of peoples’ concern, publications that might ordinarily never have breached the parapet,” Depp said in a statement released by HarperCollins. “For this dream realized, we would like to salute HarperCollins for their faith in us and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship together.” Said Brinkley via a statement: “Bob has been very warm and forthcoming with us. His music has inspired us both deeply since we were teenagers.” The Unraveled Tales of Bob Dylan will be ready in 2015. Dylan and Brinkley are also working together on a previously announced novel by Dylan hero, folk musician Woody Guthrie, who died in 1967. Completed by Guthrie in 1947, the novel, House of Earth was only recently found. It is slated to come out in January. Depp was a close friend of author Hunter Thompson and starred in film adaptations of his work, Rum Diary and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas . Depp also narrated the audio version of Keith Richards’ memoir Life . [ Source: A.P. ]
It looks like Clint Eastwood is facing another empty space, but this time the repercussions could hit the wallet. Beyoncé Knowles has quit his forthcoming remake of A Star is Born – and it’s even for the second time. The musical take on the well-known tale has been made three times by Hollywood. The superstar singer and actor is thought to have ended her involvement in the production due to delays in setting a start date for the film. The pic still lacks a male lead despite a three year search that has sailed through the names of a slew of top stars including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr., Eminem, Christian Bale, Jon Hamm and Bradley Cooper, according to The Guardian. This is not the first time Knowles took her leave from A Star is Born . She actually came back on board when Eastwood was named director in January last year after departing over production delays prior to the announcement. Eastwood hopes to pattern the latest Star in the vein of the 1976 version, which starred Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, which moved the story from the film biz to the music industry. The original version filmed in 1937 starred Fredric March and Janet Gaynor as an aging Hollywood actor who takes the young budding star under his tutelage. James Mason and Judy Garland took on A Star is Born in 1954. Speculation has now turned to jazz musician Esperanza Spalding as a replacement, but Warner Bros. wants to lock down a male lead before moving on with finding Beyoncé’s replacement. Bradley Cooper was the latest in the long line of male contenders to surface as the eventual choice. One of music’s most recognizable stars, Beyoncé made a box office splash with 2006’s Dreamgirls , which took in almost $155 million worldwide. Her starring role in thriller Obsessed took in a cool $73.83 million domestically in 2009, but not all has been box office gold. Cadillac Records bombed with only $8.1 million domestically. [Sources: Variety , The Guardian , Box Office Mojo ]
Barnabas Collins has risen from the grave once more via the Blu-Ray and DVD release of Tim Burton’s film adaptation of Dark Shadows , and so has spirited argument over who created the tortured vampire back in the 1960s. Johnny Depp’s interpretation of the fanged fan favorite originated by Jonathan Frid may have been D.O.A. at the box office, but, 45 years after Collins debuted on the gothic ABC soap opera and became a cult icon, the squabbling over his invention just won’t die. Alas, one of the writers is not around to make his case. A 2009 Variety obituary for Ron Sproat, who wrote for Dark Shadows from November 1966 to February 1969, credits him with creating Barnabas, and in a 2008 interview with the blog Strange Paradise, another writer for the show, Joe Caldwell, said that the show’s executive producer Dan Curtis personally asked him and Sproat to develop the character. Enter former Dark Shadows writer Malcolm Marmorstein, who insists that Curtis gave him the task of creating Collins. Marmorstein, who is credited with writing the episode in which Barnabas’ arm first shoots out of his coffin, joined the daytime serial in December 1966 after working as head writer of the successful NBC soap, The Doctors . He says Dark Shadows was in danger of cancellation, and he recommended that adding a supernatural element to the series would boost ratings. Specifically, he suggested to Curtis that the character of Laura Collins be turned into a phoenix, who every 100 years would die by fire and then be reborn. The phoenix concept debuted on December 21, 1966 and ratings soon improved. A few months later, Marmorstein says, Curtis asked him to work a vampire into the storyline. “I told Dan, ‘Absolutely, but we need different ground rules. No one in the town of Collinsport has heard of Dracula. They wouldn’t recognize Bela Lugosi. We have to pretend we’re doing a vampire for the very first time. Let’s get a young, blond guy, because our audiences are very young. They’ll fall in love with him.’” Instead, the dark-haired, sad-eyed Frid was hired and Marmorstein says the Shakespearean actor’s resemblance to Lugosi unnerved him. “I told him, ‘Don’t act. Be a nice man, as you are. This is your family in the house, and you’ve got to be charming for them.” (Frid died in April, a month before Burton’s film was released). Caldwell tells a different version of events. “Just as we were leaving this story meeting, Dan said, ‘I want a vampire for the kids, for the summer,’” Caldwell remembers. “Ron and I got on the elevator, and by the time we got down to the street, we decided we would make him a reluctant vampire — that he had a conscience and yearned for love.” “That never happened!” responds Marmorstein. “That’s what I said to Dan, that Barnabas is reluctant. He doesn’t want to be a vampire.” Marmorstein also points out that Reluctant Vampire is actually the title of a play he wrote and then directed for the big screen as the 1993 feature Love Bites, starring Adam Ant. “Joe Caldwell never contributed to the creation of Barnabas,” Marmorstein says. “And Ron wasn’t a creative person. He was a burnt-out Ivy Leaguer who never did more than soap opera.” Caldwell and another writer on the show remember Marmorstein as a know-it-all who was more than a little possessive of Barnabas. “He could certainly be overfond of his ideas,” says Caldwell. Sam Hall, who joined the Dark Shadows writing staff in November 1967 and whose late wife, Grayson Hall, played Dr. Julia Hoffman on the show, says, “Malcolm was interested in vampires and gave the others lectures on how vampires behave. The other writers thought he was a pain in the ass, trying to take over.” “If the other writers said I was stubborn, maybe I was, because I was clinging to the truth and reality of the character,” Marmorstein replies. “If I built this thing up, and these guys come in and start throwing stupid ideas out, then naturally I’ll say no. Dan wanted more violence and that’s not what the show was about. It wasn’t blood and severed throats and slit guts.” Not surprisingly, tensions escalated between Curtis and Marmorstein, who was fired in August 1967 while he was vacationing with his family. (Marmorstein went on to work for Peyton Place and write screenplays for S*P*Y*S and Whiffs , which starred Elliott Gould, as well as Pete’s Dragon and Return from Witch Mountain . “I don’t think he contributed more than anyone else,” Dark Shadows producer Bob Costello says of Marmorstein. “He was part of a team and from that team came Barnabas. If he was as good as he seems to think he was, he wouldn’t have been fired.” Costello, Caldwell and Hall have been content to consign Dark Shadows to their past, Marmorstein felt compelled to offer his services when Burton decided to adapt the series into a feature. Marmorstein says he contacted producer David Kennedy via e-mail to no avail. (Kennedy declined to be interviewed, but said he had never met Marmorstein.) Marmorstein says he also sought to set up a meeting with Depp and his sister and co-producer Christi Dembrowski. Depp, who Marmorstein explains is a goof friend of his neighbor, initially seemed interested, but the sitdown never happened. (Dembrowski and Depp did not respond to requests for comment.) “ I thought they might be interested in some of the insights behind Barnabas, which they ignored totally,” Marmorstein says. “I was shocked to see, at the beginning of the movie, Barnabas killing seven or eight innocent people, who weren’t even trying to harm him. Barnabas would never do that. And I saw no reason whatsoever for the movie to be set in 1972. For nothing, I would have told them not to do that. It should have been set today.” Follow Movieline on Twitter.
