Actor also auditioned to be Ron Weasley before landing the part of Draco Malfoy. By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy Photo: Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. With the “Harry Potter” film series ending this Friday, it’s hard to imagine actors other than Daniel Radcliffe or Rupert Grint playing the roles of Harry Potter or Ron Weasley. Tom Felton , best known as Draco Malfoy in the films, says that very easily could have been the case, though. He apparently originally auditioned for the role of Harry and then went on to try out for Ron before finally landing the role of Draco. He admitted to MTV News that he would have been a “very different individual” had he been cast as either of the other two characters originally. “I’m very grateful I am in the film at all, but even more grateful that I got the character of Draco,” Felton said. “I think Rupert and Dan, there’s no question in my mind, there’s no one else in the world that, A) could have played the character better, but B) could have handled the behind-the-scenes pressure those guys have dealt with over the last decade.” Felton said there was never any sense of jealousy or rivalry on the set of “Harry Potter” after he, Radcliffe, Grint and the rest of the ensemble were finally cast in the roles they would hold for more than a decade. Instead, the crew became a family. “There was a great sense of kind of being on a team, and Daniel kind of flew that flag from day one,” Felton explained. “He was always the most excited, the most eager, he had the most fun on set, and through that, I think everyone just kind of latched on to him and sort of followed his lead. So he’s definitely been like the godfather over the years, and he’s definitely been the one that’s been the most inspirational, for sure.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’ Related Photos ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2’
‘I’m going to give all I can to this project,’ ‘Gossip Girl’ star says about role in ‘Greetings From Tim Buckley.’ By Jocelyn Vena Penn Badgley Photo: Eugene Gologursky/ Getty Images The rumors are true. Penn Badgley has won the role of Jeff Buckley in a biopic about the singer’s life. The “Gossip Girl” star will play the beloved singer/songwriter in “Greetings From Tim Buckley,” which is set to begin filming in New York City later this summer. The film will tell the story of Jeff Buckley as he preps to play St. Ann’s Church in 1991 during a tribute concert to his father, fellow musician Tim Buckley. “To play a man who was singularly gifted as an artist, greatly misunderstood and mythologized as a human being … It’s something very special and sacred,” Badgley said in a statement about nabbing the part. “I’m going to give all I can to this project.” Though it was originally thought that Badgley was competing with Robert Pattinson for the role, according to The Los Angeles Times, Pattinson was in the running for a completely different biopic about the singer, who drowned at the age of 30 in 1997. While the search for that movie’s Buckley is still under way, the makers of “Greetings From Tim Buckley” are sure about their choice. “We had been searching well over a year for an actor that can come close to Jeff’s spirit while also having the serious musical chops required to authentically tell this story,” Patrick Milling Smith of Smuggler Films, the production company behind the film, said. “Penn’s audition blew us away and we knew we found our star.” The film will be directed by Dan Algrant (“People I Know,” “Naked in New York”). Smith added that the film’s story will show another side of the singer’s life. “In its purest form, this is a father and son story, a rite of passage that is made possible by a romantic journey Jeff finds himself on,” he explained. “We see Jeff accepting who he is to become and laying to rest the ghost of his father while ultimately finding his voice.” Related Artists Jeff Buckley
The Taxi star Jeff Conaway, 60, who has had a longtime public battle with cocaine, painkillers and alcohol, is in critical condition at Encino Hospital Medical Center unconscious with pneumonia, according to the Los Angeles Times. Celebrity Rehab alum Jeff Conaway is back in the hospital following an apparent overdose. The troubled actor is also known for his role as Kenickie, the suave T-Birds member who starred in Grease alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. In January 2010, Conaw
Despite reportedly being axed from the film , Lindsay Lohan will be part of Gotti: Three Generations after all. She hustled and landed another role in the movie! Lindsay is no longer going to play Victoria Gotti , but instead will take the role of John Gotti Jr.’s daughter-in-law Kim, according to executive producer Mark Fiore. That role was once considered for Kim Kardashian . The turn of events comes hours after Fiore pulled the plug on Lindsay over a feud with her management, but Lohan really
‘It just came out of nowhere,’ actor said of getting the role. By Eric Ditzian Michael Shannon Photo: Slaven Vlasic/ Getty Images When we met Henry Cavill at WonderCon recently, the actor couldn’t quite wrap his head around the idea, even months after being tapped for the job, that he’ll be donning Superman’s cape and becoming the Man of Steel for a new generation. Michael Shannon, by contrast, was only officially announced as General Zod — the villainous alien who’ll face off against Superman in Warner Bros.’ “Man of Steel” — on Sunday. Yet he too is having a hard time comprehending the fact that he’s now a part of the franchise. “This ‘Superman’ thing is ridiculous. It just came out of nowhere,” Shannon said in his first public comments about the casting, delivered during an appearance at RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “I was talking to my agent … she’s like, ‘How about ‘Superman’? I’m like, ‘What?’ The idea that I would ever be in ‘Superman’! I’m like, ‘Are you serious?’ ” It was true: Director Zack Snyder wanted Shannon, who nabbed an Oscar nod for “Revolutionary Road” but is perhaps best known for his turn on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” for the role of Zod (a part previously played by Terence Stamp in “Superman” and “Superman II”). So Shannon headed out to meet Snyder. “[H]e’s seriously sitting there and he’s telling me, ‘You can’t read the script, so I’m just gonna tell you what happens.’ And he spent a half hour telling me every scene in this movie,” Shannon said, adding with a laugh, “he’s at his home in Pasadena and I’m looking out — there’s the Rose Bowl, there’s little hummingbirds flying around. I’m like, ‘I’m on acid!’ ” Snyder eventually decided Shannon was the right guy for the part, but the director had to convince the higher-ups at WB. They ended up bringing him in to read with Cavill. “They said, ‘You have to come back because we want to see if you and Superman have chemistry,’ ” Shannon explained. A month after that first meeting, Shannon said, the part was his. And what does he think of Cavill as Superman? “I think this guy will be all right,” Shannon said. Check out everything we’ve got on “Superman: Man of Steel.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Photos Michael Shannon Imagined As General Zod
Look out, Henry Cavill. An Oscar nominee will soon be coming your way. Michael Shannon has been cast as General Zod, the main villain, in Superman: Man of Steel . The Boardwalk Empire star is also known for his role in Revolutionary Road. Said director Zack Snyder of the casting: “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.” The next installment of this iconic franchise will be released in 2012 and also feature Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent, respectively. [Photo: Fame Pictures]
Good for Rob Van Winkle: Adam Sandler has been gearin’ up for his new upcoming comedy I Hate You Dad, and it looks like he’s cast 90′s rapper Vanilla Ice AKA Robert Van Winkle! According to Variety, Ice will play Sandler’s longtime friend. Sandler’s character will take on the role of Andy Samberg’s dad who moves in with him and his fiancee, whom he immediately starts feuding with. Source
Everything gets a sequel! As such, here’s news you should have anticipated for quite some time. Billy Bob Thornton is apparently in discussions to reprise his role as Willie in the sequel to Bad Santa . “We feel that it’s a Christmas perennial for the R-rated crowd,” a Weinstein Company spokesperson told The Wrap. “Everyone loves the character and Billy Bob’s excited to be in talks with us.” Insert your crassest “ho, ho, ho” joke here. [ The Wrap ]
‘In ‘Winter’s Bone,’ you can see that she can handle anything that’s thrown at her,’ Down With the Capitol’s Theresa Morgan tells MTV News. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images On Thursday, MTV News exclusively revealed that Jennifer Lawrence had landed the highly coveted role of Katniss Everdeen in the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games.” The announcement capped months of speculation regarding who would enter the arena as District 12’s female tribute. It seemed nearly every actress under the age of 25 had auditioned for the role, including fellow Oscar nominees Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin. Now that fans know Jennifer will carry Katniss’ bow and arrow, reactions — largely mixed — have been flooding the internet. The chief gripe from some is that the tall, blond 20-year-old doesn’t resemble the novel’s scrappy 16-year-old heroine described as olive-skinned and dark-haired. “People are like, ‘She shouldn’t be Katniss because she looks wrong,’ ” said Mockingjay.net administrator Kimmy West. “Other people are telling them, ‘Hey, acting is more important, and she’s an amazing actress, so we should keep our minds open for the movie.’ ” To wit, many Jennifer supporters cite the actress’ performance in the Oscar-nominated “Winter’s Bone” as reason enough for her to take up residence in Panem. “She’s extremely talented,” said Down With the Capitol administrator Theresa Morgan. “In ‘Winter’s Bone,’ you can see that she can handle anything that’s thrown at her.” Age is also a factor working in Jennifer’s favor. Though she’s four years older than the novel’s heroine, The Hob administrator Megan Scott said an older actress is needed to portray the older-than-her-years Katniss. “Some people don’t like it that she’s a little bit older. Personally, I think it’s great,” Scott said. “I think she needs to bring maturity to the role.” The fact that the novel’s author gave Jennifer her seal of approval has assured many fans that the fate of “The Hunger Games” is in good hands. “Jennifer’s just an incredible actress,” Collins said. “So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave. I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it.” And, as many YA enthusiasts may recall, fans were initially hesitant to accept Robert Pattinson in the role of “Twilight” leading man Edward Cullen, and now Twilighters can’t imagine anyone else as their vampire hero. The true test will come when “The Hunger Games” hits theaters March 23, 2012. What do you think about Jennifer playing Katniss in “The Hunger Games”? Tell us in the comments below! For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos Meet Katniss From ‘Hunger Games’: Jennifer Lawrence
A long list of young actresses, including Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Lawrence, are up for the coveted role of Katniss. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence Photo: Getty Images In the dystopian world imagined by Suzanne Collins in her best-selling young-adult trilogy “The Hunger Games,” anxious teens hope against all odds that they can avoid the titular, televised fight to the death decreed by their government. But in the real world, Hollywood’s rising stars are battling to get into the arena for the upcoming adaptation of the series’ first novel due out March 23, 2012. And no role is more hotly contested than that of 16-year-old District 12 tribute Katniss Everdeen. Casting speculation has run rampant since the news came in March 2009 that the novel’s screen rights had been purchased by Lionsgate. U.K. “Skins” star Kaya Scodelario was an early fan favorite for the role and, along with , “Nikita” star Lyndsy Fonseca was reportedly among the first to receive a script. Slowly but surely, however, actresses from their early teens to their mid-20s have begun hungrily eying the part of the 16-year-old heroine. “Katniss is my homegirl,” “Kick-Ass” star Chloe Moretz told MTV News back in October 2010. “I would absolutely die to be in ‘The Hunger Games.’ I’m just sayin’ that.” A few weeks later, “Vampire Diaries” star Malese Jow spoke with Hollywood Crush , expressing a similar sentiment. “I would do my absolute best,” she promised. “I would give it 2,000 percent for everyone. I know there are some die-hard fans out there.” A couple of young actresses have gone so far as to tweet pictures of themselves done up as Katniss (and in some cases, sporting her signature bow and arrow). For Halloween 2010, “Eclipse” star Jodelle Ferland dressed as the tribute, though she downplayed the stunt tweeting, “Don’t take it so seriously … I’m not trying to say, ‘Hey, look at me. I should be Katniss.’ ” More recently, “Camp Rock” actress Alyson Stoner posted various photos of herself dressed in Katniss’ iconic Hunger Games uniform and climbing walls as part of her “training.” Though plenty of up-and-coming actresses have thrown their name into the ring, producer Nina Jacobson told The L.A. Times early on that a known name wasn’t necessary for the part. “It really comes down to finding that person who can capture the physicality, the vulnerability and the toughness,” she said. “She’s a paradoxical character and you need somebody who has the range to capture all of those dimensions.” In a piece in The Wall Street Journal detailing the hunt for the “next Hailee Steinfeld,” the paper went behind the scenes of several upcoming YA adaptations, including “The Hunger Games,” in which casting director Debra Zane explained that an open casting call had gone out for Katniss (Caucasian, between the ages of 15 and 20, someone who could portray “underfed but strong” and “naturally pretty underneath her tomboyishness”), and that she’d seen about 50 girls so far. Nonetheless, last week Variety reported that Lionsgate had three Oscar-nominated actresses in their crosshairs: Abigail Breslin, Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Lawrence (with Lawrence as the front-runner). Steinfeld revealed to MTV News on the Oscars red carpet that she had already met with director Gary Ross, saying, “It’s definitely something that we’re taking one day at a time and making sure that everything is in place.” Entertainment Weekly quickly filed a report that conflicted with Variety ‘s, citing sources at Lionsgate who said that there was not yet a front-runner for the role and that about 30 actresses had been seen for the part, including a few who hadn’t yet gained much “Hunger Games” heat (like “The Lovely Bones” star Saoirse Ronan). Fan site The Hob followed up with Scodelario’s people (one of the actresses included in EW ‘s report), who said she had not in fact, read for the role yet. Ultimately, Lionsgate’s pick for Katniss will influence which of Hollywood’s young actors will be eyed for the roles of fellow Hunger Games contestant Peeta and Katniss’ childhood friend Gale (age is a big factor here). Nonetheless, several actors, including Liam Hemsworth and Alex Pettyfer, have told MTV News they have met with the studio about the Peeta role. It will be a “Hunger Games” fight to the finish, indeed. Who do you hope the odds are in favor of to play Katniss? For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .
