Also in Wednesday morning’s round up of news, Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez tapped for big role in Libertador , Six Feet Under star joins CBGB , and amid rumors, Johnny Depp confirms he and partner are calling it quits. Edgar Ramirez Set for Libertador The Carlos actor from Venezuela will play Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar in the 19th century biopic directed by Alberto Arvelo. Other cast include Danny Huston ( X-Men Origins: Wolverine ) and Gary Lewis ( Billy Elliot ), Deadline reports . Fox Takes Rights to Sesame Street 20th Century Fox has picked up movie rights to the seminal children’s television show and has tapped the program’s writer Joey Mazzarino to write the script. The series debuted in 1969 and airs mostly on PBS, THR reports . Unions Apparently Investigating Liz & Dick SAG-AFTRA is looking into the production starring Lindsay Lohan after she and two crew members suffered exhaustion and dehydration and were taken to hospital. The production is a biopic about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, THR reports . Freddy Rodriguez Cast in CBGB The Six Feet Under star in the film as “Idaho,” an addict who hung around the famous rocker venue in Manhattan’s Bowery in the 1970s. Randall Miller is directing and wrote the script, Deadline reports . Johnny Depp Confirms Separation from Vanessa Paradis The actor had previously denied the separation from the French singer and actress. Depp began dating Paradis in 1998 after he broke up with supermodel Kate Moss. The couple have two children, BBC reports .
In this 70th anniversary year of Casablanca , it only seems fitting that Michael Curtiz’s classic should emerge this week in the medium where its indelible romantic splendor finally can take root and thrive: on Facebook. At last! The wait is over, per a press release just over the wires at ML HQ. The best part, without question: “On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT.” Totes McGotes, Wizzarners! ROMANTIC CLASSIC “CASABLANCA” TO BE SCREENED FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON FACEBOOK MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING AND COMMENT IN REAL-TIME DIRECTLY ON FILM’S FACEBOOK PAGE SCREENING TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM ET/PT BURBANK, CALIF., May 15, 2012 – Here’s looking at you kid! Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the legendary film Casablanca – which critic Leonard Maltin calls “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and winner of three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture (1944), can be viewed directly on the “Casablanca” movie Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/CasablancaTheMovie ). On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT. This complimentary screening of Casablanca celebrates the recent launch of the “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary Three-disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Edition” from Warner Home Video. This limited and numbered gift set edition will introduce two never-before-seen documentaries – “ Casablanca : An Unlikely Classic,” and “Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of.” The new documentaries will complete the most extensive collection of content in one gift set — more than 14 hours of bonus material that also includes a compilation of three comprehensive feature length documentaries: “The Brothers Warner, You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story” and “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.” The “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary 3-Disc Blu ray + DVD Combo Edition” is now available for $64.99 SRP. This special screening event also celebrates “Inside the Script,” a new digital publishing initiative that gives movie fans an innovative new way to go deep inside their favorite films. “Inside the Script” is a series of highly illustrated eBooks that contain the film’s actual shooting script, rare materials from the Warner Bros. Corporate Archive and much more. The first series of “Inside the Script” titles are based on cinematic treasures including, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest , and are currently available via iBookstore, Kindle and NOOK by Barnes & Noble. “Inside the Script” offers movie fans an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes of the films they know and love. Every “Inside the Script” title includes the film’s complete shooting script in a customizable eBook format; dozens of chapters about the script and the film that detail the movie’s development; rare historical documents such as production notes, storyboards and candid photos; and an interactive image gallery of costumes, on-set stills, movie posters, set designs and behind-the-scenes photos. Highlighted elements from “ Casablanca : Inside the Script” include: – Jack Warner’s telegrams and memos – Producer Hal Wallis’ script and production notes – Production Code Administration letters, notes and seal of approval – Telegram from producer Hal Wallis refuting his fight with Jack Warner Note: Movie fans must begin watching Casablanca prior to 9 pm PT through the film’s Facebook Page. Only one screening per Facebook account is permitted. Got it? Only one screening per Facebook account , all right? Don’t get greedy! And keep the Kleenex handy! The heart-shattering collapse of film culture really sneaks up on you in the end. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Ponder that burning question as you watch the trailer for SyFy Channel’s forthcoming creature feature Piranhaconda , about — you guessed it — a piranha-anaconda hybrid monster people-eater hunting down nubile hotties, a film crew, a gang of mercenaries and Michael Madsen as a scientist. The tagline: “Part Snake! Part Fish! All Killer!” Everybody wins! No one moreso than Madsen, who appears to have a writing credit on the creature feature as well, according to the trailer’s credits. Let the awful CG and worse acting roll via the Piranhaconda trailer: Even after enjoying a career resurgence following Sin City and the Kill Bill movies, Madsen’s resorted to more and more low budget indie work; it’s therefore not terribly shocking to see him pop up in a movie like this, but still . And yet: Hardcore exploitation fans may find added reason to check out the telefilm on account of director Jim Wynorski ( Chopping Mall ), who’s behind the camera for producer Roger Corman. A release/airdate has yet to be set. [ TwitchFilm ]
Among Wednesday morning’s Biz Break: Rebecca Hall chases Iron Man 3 , Clifford the Big Red Dog is headed for the big silver screen, and word of a possible “Hollywood studio” for Queens. Rebecca Hall In Line for Iron Man 3 Role Hall would take over the role in the Marvel franchise recently declined by Jessica Chastain via her Facebook page . Gwyneth Paltrow, who was in the previous two Iron Man movies, will return as Pepper Potts, Deadline reports . Illumination and Universal Team for Clifford the Big Red Dog Matt Lopez has been set to write the script for the project, which will be a live-action and animated hybrid. Clifford follows the adventures of a 25-foot-tall red dog and his owner, a child named Emily Elizabeth, THR reports . Susan Sarandon Joins Mother’s Day The actress and her daughter Eva Amurri Martino are set to star in the indie drama which follows 12 sets of mothers and daughters over the course of a Mother’s Day, Deadline reports . NY Senator Schumer Pushing for Hollywood-style Studio in Queens New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is asking the feds to make it easier for New York City to build a movie studio that would compete with Hollywood. The federal government is holding up the final approval for Kaufman Astoria Studios to build an architecturally flashy movie lot gate at 36th Street and 35th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, CBS New York reports . Clark Gregg Joins Jason Reitman’s Labor Day Reitman is adapting the script from the novel by Joyce Maynard. The story follows a boy, played by Gattlin Griffith and his divorced mother (Kate Winslet) who offer a stranger (Josh Brolin) a ride during Labor Day weekend. The man is an escaped convict who teaches the boy life lessons, THR reports .
‘They’re dropping like flies!’ Amrita Acharia laughs about latest episode. By Kara Warner Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage in “Game of Thrones” Photo: Paul Schiraldi/HBO Another week, another enthralling, action-packed episode of HBO’s hit fantasy-epic “Game of Thrones.” There are so many elements to appreciate in creator George R.R. Martin’s brilliant and twisted work, one being the way in which the author/executive producer has no qualms about offing important characters. After last season’s huge shocker with Sean Bean’s character , fans should be ready for anything, like what went down at the end of the most recent episode. (For those who haven’t yet watched “The Old Gods and the New,” do not read any further — spoilers ahead! ) As we mentioned in , show-runners David Benioff and Dan Weiss did some deviating from Martin’s original plotlines in the books and killed off a character very unexpectedly. The unfortunate victim was Dany’s loyal Dothraki handmaiden, Irri, played by Amrita Acharia. MTV News caught up with the actress recently to talk about her character’s surprise exit, of which even she wasn’t aware until she read the script. “I got the script, and [David and Dan] were like, ‘Sorry, we killed you!’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, you could bring me back as a zombie,’ ” Acharia said with a smile, hinting at some plot points our fellow readers of Martin’s books know well. “It was a surprise, but it was a good scene, so that’s good. “Obviously, it’s sad to leave,” she added. “Dany has already lost a blood rider, so for her to lose one of her handmaidens, they’d become friends, and I think that’s pretty tough. She’s been through so much. She’s lost her babies, she’s lost her husband, and she’s had to go trolling the desert, and all of a sudden someone else dies. They’re dropping like flies!” she said with a laugh. “But I’ve had a really good run of it, so I enjoyed it.” Did this week’s death catch you by surprise? Let us know in the comments. Related Videos Watching The ‘Thrones’
‘You’ll be playing Jeffrey Jones,’ director jokingly tells Depp, referring to actor in original flick. By Kara Warner Johnny Depp Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images We’re fully aware of the fact that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have very full schedules at the moment, given all their various projects like “Dark Shadows,” Burton’s “Frankenweenie,” Depp’s “The Lone Ranger,” another “Pirates of the Carribean” movie, etc. But can we get Burton to free up his schedule sometime soon in order to film a “Beetlejuice” sequel already? Because Burton has already expressed interest in exploring another “Beetlejuice” film with star Michael Keaton and “Shadows” screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith, when MTV News caught up with the busy director and frequent collaborator Depp recently, we threw in a question about what chance there might be in seeing Depp in the film, if it ever happens. “Ugh,” Burton replied, playfully scoffing at the question. “Yeah, Tim,” Depp reacted, adding emphasis for his friend to answer the question. “This is my last movie,” Burton continued as both of them chuckled at the idea. “You’ll be playing Jeffrey Jones,” he said to Depp, which sent the actor into further giggles. “Yeah,” Depp laughed. “I can play Jeffrey, I think.” “We can make it work,” Burton said. Now, whether Burton meant that Depp should play the character that actor Jeffrey Jones originated in “Beetlejuice” or that he should actually play Jeffrey Jones, that’s up for interpretation. On a more serious note, writer Grahame-Smith is definitely planning on delivering a script to Burton this year. “I am hopefully going to write it this year,” Grahame-Smith told MTV News recently . “I’ve gone and met with Tim Burton about it, I’ve gone and met with Michael Keaton about it. In theory everybody would be open to it if the script is good, so now it’s just my job to make sure the script is good.” Additionally, Grahame-Smith is also in favor of including a role for Depp. “I may not be able to avoid it — [Burton] may make me do it,” he said of Depp getting involved. Check out everything we’ve got on “Dark Shadows.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
Bieber is bringing his ‘Boyfriend’ video to MTV on Thursday at 7:50 p.m., followed by a live Q&A on MTV.com! By Jocelyn Vena Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party Photo: Getty Images Justin Bieber ‘s “Boyfriend” video , premiering Thursday on “MTV First,” is going to have to be pretty over-the-top to compete with Bieber’s real-life boyfriend skills. After all, he has a stringent set of rules when it comes to being the perfect boyfriend to fellow superstar Selena Gomez . During their year-plus relationship, Justin has swept Selena off her feet with some pretty elaborate dates. In anticipation of Thursday’s “Boyfriend” premiere, MTV News is rounding up the five best dates Bieber has taken Selena on. In the words of Bieber, #leggo! St. Lucia In January 2011, the couple were snapped on vacation in St. Lucia . The vacation was headline-making simply because it was the first major sighting of the couple being romantic. Although they had been rumored to be dating weeks before, the paparazzi shots confirmed to the world that Jelena were alive and well. 2011 Oscars In February of that year, the couple were shy no more about their relationship. They graced the Vanity Fair Oscar party that year together, walking the carpet arm-in-arm with big smiles. 2011 VMAs Later in the year at the VMAs , while Gomez was on hand helping MTV News out as the pre-show co-host, Bieber surprised his lady love with a very public kiss on the cheek and his pet snake, Johnson. Staples Center What better way to watch “Titanic” than by renting out the entire Staples Center in Los Angeles? After checking out Demi Lovato’s show at the Nokia Theatre in September 2011, he went right across the street with Gomez to watch the flick in private. Movie Theater The private Staples screening must have worked, because weeks later, Bieber rented out a theater in Canada to check out the less-romantic “Real Steel.” Lakers Game Earlier this month, when the young couple hit up a Lakers game at the Staples Center, they were caught kissing on the famous . Can you remember who won the game between the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs? Nope, because the couple’s PDA made more headlines. Not enough Bieber for you? Well, the singer will sit down with MTV News’ Sway Calloway on Thursday to premiere his “Boyfriend” music video during “MTV First: Justin Bieber” live at 7:50 p.m. ET on MTV. After the video premieres on air, Bieber will chat with Sway for 30 minutes on MTV.com, opening up about the Director X-directed clip, as well as his June 19 album release, Believe. But that’s not all: If you have a burning question for Bieber, you can get in on the fun by commenting below or tweeting @MTVNews with the hashtag #MTVFirst or #AskBieber. Immediately following the premiere, the “Boyfriend” video will be available on MTV.com, so Beliebers can watch it over and over and over again. Don’t miss the “Boyfriend” video premiere Thursday, May 3, at 7:50 p.m. ET/PT on MTV during “MTV First: Justin Bieber,” followed by a live Q&A with Justin himself on MTV.com! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Justin Bieber Related Photos Young Love: Justin Bieber And Selena Gomez Related Artists Justin Bieber
Rapper-turned-actor also updates MTV News on his in-the-works FX series ‘Eye for an Eye,’ N.W.A biopic and fourth ‘Friday’ film. By Tamara Palmer Ice Cube Photo: Kameron Zach/MTV News As the clock struck midnight on April 29, ringing in the 20-year anniversary of the day three police officers were acquitted in the Rodney King trial and the start of the Los Angeles riots, Ice Cube was imploring a sold-out crowd at KDAY’s Krush Groove concert at L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre to never forget what happened in 1992. The upheaval fueled the direction of Ice Cube’s The Predator later that year. The album remains his career bestseller, a home to express songs like “We Had to Tear This Mother—-a Up” as well as a wry hit like “It Was a Good Day.” Two decades on, he still believes in music as a vehicle for social change. “People have music in their hearts,” Cube told MTV News before stepping onstage . “Music ain’t about the charts. It’s about how you feel about a certain song. I know people who have music and music changed their life just by hearing a song. It could be an old song. It could be a song that people thought was thrown away and you can hear it and it can inspire you. So, I think music has always had the power to change, heal, bring understanding and bring people together.” After serving up his best-known ‘hood and Hollywood anthems, Ice Cube brought his rapping sons OMG and Doughboy to offer a taste of a collaboration they’ll bring on his next album. “I think I’m gonna call it Everything’s Corrupt ,” he revealed. “It’s just really hardcore West Coast hip-hop — what I do. I don’t think changing the formula is what should be done. I think it’s all about do what you do best and give the people what they want.” Cube stays busy with his film and television pursuits and has talked about several ideas that are in development, including creating a dramatic television series for FX called “Eye for an Eye,” in which he’ll play an ambulance driver with a mission to avenge victims of violence. “It’s a great series as far as the idea, the concept,” he said. “We’re still trying to find that top-notch A-list writer who will want to be with us in the long haul, be with the project and ready to go. So, we want to find the best because we think the premise of the show is great. “I play a guy who is an ambulance driver. He’s basically not really qualified as a paramedic, more EMT kind of dude, and he’s sick of seeing all these victims,” he explained. “He wants to do something to give them some kind of revenge. So, it’s an eye for an eye — whatever you do to your victim, same thing can happen to you.” Longtime collaborator F. Gary Gray has signed on to direct the planned biopic of N.W.A , which Ice Cube says is “full steam ahead.” “We’re excited about him being part of the project, and the script is getting tighter and tighter, and once the script is tight as sweaty butt cheeks, we’ll put it out, and we’ll start working on it. ” ‘Friday’ is the same thing,” he said of the anticipated fourth installment of his popular movie franchise . “I’m almost finished with the script, so as soon as we can finish the script, fast motion on it.” Which of Ice Cube’s upcoming projects are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Related Artists Ice Cube
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