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‘Hunger Games’ Books ‘Inspiring’ For Wes Bentley

‘I found the character of Katniss to be so intriguing,’ the actor playing Seneca Crane tells MTV News. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Wes Bentley Photo: MTV News We’ve already heard “Hunger Games” star Wes Bentley address the fan fervor surrounding his role as Seneca Crane — or, more specifically, the beard that was specially crafted for his character. Now it’s time to get into his thoughts on the impact of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy as a whole and what he thought about reading them for the first time knowing he might be bringing Crane to life on the big screen. “I think they’re fantastic novels. She’s a great writer, very poetic at times, and I love that,” Bentley told MTV News. “What struck me first was that it was politically sophisticated, a level at which you don’t see in adult novels. I also found it very exciting, and I found the character of Katniss to be so intriguing and so inspiring and very clever. I love to see that in a book.” Speaking to getting into the character of Seneca Crane , Bentley didn’t want to give away too much but did reveal that he felt that he had a lot to work with, thanks to director Gary Ross. “Gary created a great version of the character from the script, and I had a lot of fun with it,” Bentley said. “We had a blast.” The “American Beauty” actor also said he tried to maintain “tunnel vision” with regard to the constant online chatter and debates over the film’s casting, but his wife thwarted those efforts. “I was sort of aware of that excitement about the book,” he said. “My wife was trying to tell me how people felt about me being cast, which seemed positive, but I didn’t want to hear much about it; I just wanted to focus on the work.” Bentley said if he could play any other role in the film, it would be Katniss, because she is such a strong character. He also deftly avoided the Team Peeta or Team Gale question by emphasizing the fact that the story is about survival, not romance. “I don’t even think it plays like that,” he said. “[Katniss] is a strong individual character who is having to do something much bigger. It’s about survival.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’

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‘Hunger Games’ Books ‘Inspiring’ For Wes Bentley

Heather Graham nude birthday girl

Heather Graham is one of our favorite actresses by far because she never has any problems with stripping nude if the role demands it Continue reading

Mike Epps On Playing Satin In “Sparkle”: “I Slapped Everybody!” [EXCLUSIVE]

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Comedian/actor Mike Epps was on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show acting a fool with Rickey and the crew! Mike talked about a possible new “Friday” movie with Chris Tucker and Katt Williams, and joked about his role as Satin in the upcoming remake of “Sparkle,” which will also star Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. On a more serious note, Mike just got nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his role in “Jumping the Broom.” Check out the exclusive! RELATED: Mike Epps ‘I’m Still Standing Tour’ [EVENT] Rick Ross, DJ Khaled & More Bring In The New Year At Club Cameo Mike Epps Served Court Papers On Stage During Comedy Show [VIDEO] “Jumping The Broom” Cast Discusses Whether Marriage Is Sexy With The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Mike Epps As Charlie Sheen: “I’m Winning!” [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Mike Epps On Playing Satin In “Sparkle”: “I Slapped Everybody!” [EXCLUSIVE]

Seal, Heidi Klum ‘Shocked’ By Marriage Ending

Singer opens up about his split from supermodel wife as he promotes his album Soul 2. By Jocelyn Vena As Seal preps the release of his album, Soul 2, he isn’t shying away from answering questions about his split from supermodel wife Heidi Klum . In two new interviews, the singer opens up about the breakup. “I think we were shocked,” Seal said on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in an episode airing Tuesday (January 24). “You go into these things with the greatest intentions when you say ‘I do’ and you say ‘Till death do us part.’ Those vows hold value. They are not just words. These things happen. We pretty much said how we feel and made it clear in the release statement.” With regard to the fact that he’s still wearing his wedding ring, Seal added, “I think it’s just pretty much a token of how I feel about this woman. We have eight years, eight wonderful years together. Just because we have decided to separate doesn’t necessarily mean you take off your ring and you’re no longer connected to that person. “We will be connected in many ways till the rest of our lives … through our children and also through this tremendous admiration, respect and love that we have for each other,” he continued. “Will we wear the ring for the rest of our lives? Who knows? But right now it feels really comfortable on my hand, so I have intentions of taking it off anytime soon.” In another interview for the PBS chat show “Tavis Smiley,” set to air on Friday, Seal continues to gush about his ex, and notes that the couple are hardly the first to have a much-publicized split. “In terms of our love and respect for each other, it hasn’t changed at all,” he says. “When two people feel that way about each other, it is easy — it is easier to make that transition. What one has to do in this situation is remain civil and to retain one’s dignity and to be professional and to understand that we are not the only people on this planet that go through this,” he said. “It is just unfortunately a chapter of life.” Were you surprised to hear that Heidi and Seal are splitting? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page. Related Photos Heidi Klum And Seal: A Look Back Related Artists Seal

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Seal, Heidi Klum ‘Shocked’ By Marriage Ending

Michelle Williams ‘So Grateful’ For Oscar Nod

‘This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime,’ the ‘My Week With Marilyn’ star says in a statement. By Jocelyn Vena Michelle Williams in “My Week With Marilyn” Photo: The Weinstein Company Michelle Williams is getting Oscar love yet again. Williams is nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for “My Week With Marilyn,” facing off against screen legends and some fresh blood. “I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors — a special congratulations to [co-star] Kenneth Branagh — and the fearless Harvey Weinstein,” she said in a statement. “This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn’s legacy.” The other nominees in her category are Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”), Viola Davis (“The Help”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) and Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady”). Branagh, who earned a Best Supporting Actor nod for his work in “Marilyn,” was equally amped about the recognition. “It was a rare honour to play Sir Laurence Olivier,” he said in a statement. “To be recognised by the Academy for doing so is overwhelming. I’m absolutely thrilled.” Williams already won the Golden Globe for her role in the film earlier this month. This marks her third Oscar nod after previous nominations for “Blue Valentine” and “Brokeback Mountain,” though she has yet to take one home. Recently, former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Joshua Jackson opened up about Williams’ critically lauded career . “It’s surreal, in that it would be surreal to see any of your friends [up for an Oscar]. It’s amazing. She’s an excellent actress,” he told MTV News at the Sundance Film Festival . “Of all of us, when we finished that show, she was the one who had the clearest idea about what it was that she wanted to do. To be able to go out and achieve that is no small feat. I just think it’s wonderful.” See the complete list of Academy Awards Nominations . Related Videos Oscars 2012: And The Nominees Are… Related Photos 2012 Oscar Nominees

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Michelle Williams ‘So Grateful’ For Oscar Nod

Tupac Created ‘Juice’ Character From Life Experience

‘Bishop didn’t make Tupac; Tupac made Bishop,’ Treach tells ‘RapFix Live’ 20 years after film’s release. By Rob Markman, with additional reporting credit by Sway Calloway “Juice” Photo: Paramount When “Juice” was released 20 years ago on January 17, 1992, the performance of noted rapper but first-time actor Tupac Shakur took critics by surprise. The socially aware, politically driven MC lit up the screen as fiery, gun-crazed thug Bishop. It was a departure from the rapper hip-hop had come to know through more positive songs like “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” A year after “Juice” premiered, ‘Pac went on to release his second album, Strictly 4 My N.-.-.-.A.Z., before experiencing legal trouble, then a serious rap beef with the Notorious B.I.G. a few years after that and, of course, his murder in 1996. Some believe that after “Juice,” Tupac took on the persona of the fictional and troublesome Bishop, and as a result, his life experienced a downward spiral. Not the case, said ‘Pac’s friend, “Juice” co-star and Naughty by Nature rapper Treach. “I would definitely disagree with it,” Treach said without reservation when he appeared on Wednesday’s (January 18) episode of “RapFix Live.” “Bishop didn’t make Tupac; Tupac made Bishop.” Treach — who appeared in the film and, along with Naughty by Nature, contributed the ’90s rap hit “Uptown Anthem” to the movie’s soundtrack — revealed that he originally read for the role of Bishop. Things didn’t go so well, however, and when Shakur auditioned immediately after him, Treach knew his buddy would get the film’s starring role. Tupac’s mother and father were both members of the Black Panther Party, and Treach believes that ‘Pac’s exposure to the progressive and militant movement helped prep him for the role.”He grew up a soldier; he grew up learning different lessons on the streets that not even I had known about,” he said. “He knew different stuff from different facets of life,” Treach added. “That’s what made him be able to get into that character like that and make that character seem so real, because he had his own life experiences that made him phenomenal at bringing that out through the music and through the film.” What do you think of ‘Pac’s performance in “Juice”? Let us know in the comments. Check out everything we’ve got on “Juice.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Celebrating 20 Years Of ‘Juice’ With Treach Related Artists Tupac Naughty By Nature

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Tupac Created ‘Juice’ Character From Life Experience

Megan Fox vs. Lindsay Lohan: Who’d You Rather (Play Liz Taylor)?

Last week came news that perennial problem starlet Lindsay Lohan was in talks to play screen icon Elizabeth Taylor in Lifetime’s Liz and Dick biopic, which would mark some sort of career rejuvenation for the troubled La Lohan. But wait! It seems other actresses are also up for the role, including Transformers / Passion Play star Megan Fox . E! uncovered the role rivalry last weekend when the film’s executive producer, Larry Thompson, let spill that he’s “in conversations” with more than just Lohan, whose ongoing legal woes may complicate production, set to begin in the spring. “I’ve been talking to Lindsay Lohan directly, and with her reps,” he said, “and have been in conversations with other actresses, including Megan Fox.” But lest you think Thompson isn’t taking this casting bit seriously enough or is hedging his bets against Lohan, he really set the record straight about this Lifetime original movie film. “It’s a very serious selection. It’s like casting for Hollywood royalty.” Fox may have the natural dark-haired loveliness of Taylor over Lohan, but Lohan — despite films like I Know Who Killed Me and that one where she got pregnant and went straight to DVD — has demonstrated far better acting chops. I can’t believe we’re actually considering a future where either Megan Fox or Lindsay Lohan are going to play Elizabeth Taylor for a TV movie, so maybe it doesn’t even really matter. Anyways. With the Liz casting seemingly up in the air, chime in: Who should get the gig? • Lindsay Lohan, Look Out: Megan Fox Also in Talks to Play Elizabeth Taylor [E!]

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Megan Fox vs. Lindsay Lohan: Who’d You Rather (Play Liz Taylor)?

Rob Lowe says Good Morning America

http://www.youtube.com/v/9MGzMvvD7EI?version=3&f=user_uploads&app=youtube_gdata

Rob Lowe is taking on the role of Drew Peterson in the Lifetime movie about the former police sergeant accused of murdering his third wife and is suspected of killing his 4th wife. He stopped by Good Morning America’s studio to talk about the new role.

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Rob Lowe says Good Morning America

Taylor Swift In ‘Les Miserables’: Fans Weigh In

‘I hope she can pull it off,’ one fan tells MTV News. By Tami Katzoff Taylor Swift imagined in the role of Eponine in the Broadway version of “Les Miserables” Photo: Broadway/ MTV News Taylor Swift has reportedly been offered the role of Eponine in Tom Hooper’s new “Les Miserables” movie, beating out more established actors including Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood. Opinion on the street (Broadway, of course) is mixed. Pennsylvanian Molly Washok, 17, is very pleased with the prospect of seeing Swift as Eponine on the big screen. “I seriously love ‘Les Miz.’ It’s a great Broadway musical,” she said. “And I’ve seen Taylor Swift in shows and I love her so much. I’m a big fan of both, so it makes me excited.” Long Islander Katie Kendrick, 20, is also a fan of Ms. Swift but not as certain of her chops. “I love Taylor Swift — I bought her CDs, I have everything. But I’m not sure she’ll be able to hit those notes that Eponine hits in her songs,” Kendrick said. If she’s cast in “Les Miserables,” Swift will join a group of A-list actors that includes Hugh Jackman, Helena Bonham Carter, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway. (Amanda Seyfried has reportedly been offered the role of Cosette.) Among these veterans, Kendrick noted, Swift would stand out as the novice. “Taylor Swift has only been in one movie and it was ‘Valentine’s Day,’ where she had a role for 10 minutes, tops. And all these other actors have been in numerous roles. They’re very well known in the acting industry while Taylor Swift is known in the singing industry,” she said. “I wish her luck, but I’m not sure she’ll be able to live up to the expectations that have been set previously.” Keely Kwok, 21, from Hamilton, Ontario, is willing to give Swift the benefit of the doubt. “She does have an incredible voice, I’ll give her that,” Kwok said. “It’s a really great musical, so I hope she can pull it off.” Twenty-one-year-old New Yorker Julia Menn was less diplomatic in her assessment of Swift’s credentials. “There are so many better people to play that part,” Menn said. “I’d prefer Evan Rachel Wood, actually. I think she’d be fantastic.” So would Menn see a Wood-less “Les Miserables” when it hits theaters this December? “Well, since Hugh Jackman’s in it, yes, I would.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Artists Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift In ‘Les Miserables’: Fans Weigh In

Will Taylor Swift Hit The Big Screen In ‘Les Miserables’?

Country star has reportedly been offered the role of Eponine. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Swift imagined in the role of Eponine in the Broadway version of “Les Miserables” Photo: Broadway/ MTV News The cast of “Les Miserables” is really shaping up to be the quite A-list one. With folks like Anne Hathaway , Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter and Hugh Jackman already onboard for the big-screen adaptation of the stage show, word comes that both Taylor Swift and Amanda Seyfried are deep in talks for roles in the film. Universal has offered Swift the role of Eponine and Seyfried the part of Cosette, Broadwayworld.com has confirmed. Who would fill these roles had been widely speculated since Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood were all in the running. The website says rehearsals start later this month, so official casting news should come down the pipeline soon. The flick is slated to start shooting in May with Tom Hooper directing. It’s expected to be released on December 7, 2012. When Swift spoke to MTV News at the launch of her Wonderstruck perfume, she teased she was working on “some surprise projects that may or may not happen, and possibly some acting.” “I’ve just been so excited about what’s gonna happen in the next year,” she said. “I’m also really excited about [the next album]. I’ve been writing all the time. I’ve been writing so much for the new record. I can’t believe I’m saying that already. It comes out in a year, but I’m already excited about it.” Seyfried displayed her singing chops in another Broadway-to-screen adaptation. She landed the lead in “Mamma Mia!” back in 2008. She is currently filming the Linda Lovelace biopic , “Lovelace,” in L.A. Would Taylor Swift do well in the role of Eponine? Sound off below! For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Artists Taylor Swift

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Will Taylor Swift Hit The Big Screen In ‘Les Miserables’?