Like all superheroes (or anyone else who uses a secret identity), there came a moment when someone finally cracked the code and published my real name. To be fair, my identity was a pretty poorly-kept secret by that point. The first time I went to an actual press event, I used my real name, and anytime I met someone, I used my real name. "Moriarty" was a fun identity to slip into, and especially in the early days of the site, we played up the mythology of things. My friends all got their own spy names and would show up in the reports in the form of Henchman Mongo and Segue Zagnut and Harry Lime and more. From my end, it was silly and fun, and not something to be taken seriously. But when Film Threat ran a fairly vicious hit piece on Harry, I was also a target, and...
- 6/18/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Keith Stanfield (Selma, Short Term 12) will play a young Snoop Dogg in Universal’s Straight Outta Compton, which tells the rise and fall of legendary rap group N.W.A. The film, directed by F. Gary Gray, also stars O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube), Corey Hawkins (Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (Eazy-e), Aldis Hodge (Mc Ren), and Neil Brown Jr. (DJ Yella) as N.W.A. members; Paul Giamatti will co-star as Jerry Heller, manager to the group. Stanfield will play rising rap star, Calvin Broadus Jr. (a.k.a. young Snoop), who will cross paths with N.W.A. The film also stars Sheldon A. Smith...
- 8/27/2014
- by C. Molly Smith
- EW - Inside Movies
Paul Giamatti has closed a deal to star in Straight Outta Compton, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. The actor will play Jerry Heller, manager of the pioneering rap group N.W.A. F. Gary Gray is directing the Universal biopic about the West Coast rappers, with original members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre as well as Matt Alvarez and Tomica Woods-Wright producing. Will Packer and Scott Bernstein are exec producing. Heller was already a major figure in the music scene before working with N.W.A. He represented acts ranging form Journey to Elo to Reo Speedwagon and
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- 8/16/2014
- by Borys Kit, Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal and director F. Gary Gray have found the remaining members of gangster rap group N.W.A, as Aldis Hodge and Neil Brown Jr. have been cast as Mc Ren and DJ Yella, respectively, in “Straight Outta Compton,” TheWrap has learned. Brown Jr. (above) and Hodge (left) join O'Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube), Corey Hawkins (Dr. Dre) and Jason Mitchell (Eazy-e). Original N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre are producing the drama with Matt Alvarez and Tomica Woods-Wright, while Gray is executive producing with Will Packer and former Universal exec Scott Bernstein. Also read: Ice Cube's Son,...
- 7/29/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In her first new gig after leaving ABC’s The View, Sherri Shepherd is joining the cast of Universal’s Ride Along 2. The stand-up comic and actress has inked a role opposite Ice Cube and Kevin Hart in the sequel to this year’s $153M hit comedy Ride Along, which returning helmer Tim Story (Think Like A Man) will direct. Ken Jeong and Olivia Munn also are set for the January 15, 2016, release produced by Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, Will Packer, and Larry Brezner and exec producer Scott Bernstein. Related: Universal Stakes Out Martin Luther King Holiday Jr. 2016 For ‘Ride […]...
- 7/28/2014
- Deadline
After 10 years at Universal, executive VP of production Scott Bernstein is leaving the studio to launch a new career as an independent producer, TheWrap has learned. Bernstein recently approached Universal's co-presidents Peter Cramer and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum about taking his career in a different direction and exploring other opportunities. Bernstein will serve as an executive producer on Universal's “Straight Outta Compton” and its sequels “Mama 2” and “Ride Along 2.” Also read: How Kevin Hart's ‘Ride Along’ and ‘About Last Night’ Are Double-Crushing the Box Office Bernstein has served as executive VP of production at Universal since Dec. 2009. Prior to that,...
- 7/26/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Longtime Universal exec Scott Bernstein is exiting the studio to become an independent producer. Bernstein, whose current title is exec vp production, leaves the company with several birds in the hand, as he will serve in a producer capacity on a trio of Universal’s projects: music biopic Straight Outta Compton, action comedy Ride Along 2, and Mama 2, the sequel to the horror movie produced by Guillermo del Toro. They are projects he had previously been overseeing and developing. Insiders say that after 10 years at the company, Bernstein was ready to change course and had discussions with co-presidents of
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- 7/25/2014
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ken Jeong has joined the cast of Ride Along 2, the sequel to Universal’s hit action comedy starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. Tim Story is back as director, while Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi are back on script duties. Photos 35 of 2014's Most Anticipated Movies: 'X-Men: Days of Future Past,' 'Mockingjay,' 'Spider-Man 2' The movie, which shoots this summer with Cube, Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner producing, will be released Jan. 15, 2016. Executive vp production Scott Bernstein will oversee the project for the studio. Story How Warner Bros. Lost Out on
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- 7/1/2014
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So say we all.
It appears the rumours are true: the much-beloved franchise, "Battlestar Galactica," is getting a movie makeover. Variety is reporting that Universal is doing a "complete reimagination" of the story.
The popular TV series (which aired from 2003 - 2009) had already resurrected "BSG," in a sense. The story, about man-made robots (called Cylons) developing sentience and turning on humanity, has been told and retold in various movies, and can even be credited with inspiring some of pop culture's most riveting science-fiction.
"Transcendence" writer Jack Paglen has signed on to write the screenplay. Original series creator Glen Larson will produce the "Battlestar Galactica" film. Universal's executive vice-president of production, Scott Bernstein, and director of development Jay Polidoro are overseeing the latest version of "Battlestar Galactica" for the studio, according to Variety.
The original "Battlestar Galactica" TV show aired in 1978.
It appears the rumours are true: the much-beloved franchise, "Battlestar Galactica," is getting a movie makeover. Variety is reporting that Universal is doing a "complete reimagination" of the story.
The popular TV series (which aired from 2003 - 2009) had already resurrected "BSG," in a sense. The story, about man-made robots (called Cylons) developing sentience and turning on humanity, has been told and retold in various movies, and can even be credited with inspiring some of pop culture's most riveting science-fiction.
"Transcendence" writer Jack Paglen has signed on to write the screenplay. Original series creator Glen Larson will produce the "Battlestar Galactica" film. Universal's executive vice-president of production, Scott Bernstein, and director of development Jay Polidoro are overseeing the latest version of "Battlestar Galactica" for the studio, according to Variety.
The original "Battlestar Galactica" TV show aired in 1978.
- 4/8/2014
- by Chris Jancelewicz
- Moviefone
Variety report that Universal are gearing up for a new movie version of the popular sci-fi franchise Battlestar Galactica. Transcendence writer Jack Paglen (who is also set to write the Prometheus sequel) has signed on to write what is apparently still a "complete reimagining of the story". The original BSG was a fairly kitschy Star Wars-lite 1978 series, but in 2003 SyFy produced a much more serious take, and that brilliant (well, arguably up until the finale) show ran for four seasons. Back in 2009, Bryan Singer was said to be in line to direct this flick, but it's unclear if he is still involved. A "reimagining" suggests we won't be following the further adventures of William Adama, Starbuck and co., although I'd be very surprised in the Cylons didn't factor into the story. Production is due to begin this Fall, with Universal’s exec VP of production Scott Bernstein and director...
- 4/7/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
More casting news has come for another film from Blumhouse Productions, Curve, as Teddy Sears has signed on to bring a little bit of terror to this tale. Read on for details.
According to The Wrap, Sears (pictured), who currently stars on Showtime’s “Masters of Sex,” has landed the lead role opposite Julianne Hough in Blumhouse’s micro-budget horror-thriller. Hough stars as a young bride-to-be who is trapped in her overturned car off a deserted highway after she deliberately crashes it in an attempt to escape a charming, predatory hitchhiker (Sears).
Universal is distributing with Jason Blum producing through his Blumhouse Productions along with Jaume Collet-Serra, Julie Yorn, and Juan Sola. Erik Olsen is executive producing. Lee Patterson is doing a rewrite on the script with the original draft coming from Kimberly Lofstrom Johnson. Exec VP of production Scott Bernstein will oversee the project for Universal.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
According to The Wrap, Sears (pictured), who currently stars on Showtime’s “Masters of Sex,” has landed the lead role opposite Julianne Hough in Blumhouse’s micro-budget horror-thriller. Hough stars as a young bride-to-be who is trapped in her overturned car off a deserted highway after she deliberately crashes it in an attempt to escape a charming, predatory hitchhiker (Sears).
Universal is distributing with Jason Blum producing through his Blumhouse Productions along with Jaume Collet-Serra, Julie Yorn, and Juan Sola. Erik Olsen is executive producing. Lee Patterson is doing a rewrite on the script with the original draft coming from Kimberly Lofstrom Johnson. Exec VP of production Scott Bernstein will oversee the project for Universal.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
- 10/23/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
by Brett White
Watch out Marvel, because it looks like Boom! Studios is on the way up. Following fellow Boom! Studios alum "2 Guns'" #1 debut at the box office, it looks like the indie publisher could be poised for even more film adaptations. Deadline has reported that "Day Men"—by Matt Gagnon, Michael Alan Nelson, and Brian Stelfreze—has been optioned by Universal in what's reported to be a pre-emptive seven-figure bid.
The series follows a covert group of humans charged with protecting vampires while they sleep during the day, a plan that gets all kinds of messed up when when things get heated between two rival vampire families. The crazy thing is, this series has one issue out and just debuted from Boom! Studios last month. Now that's a quick turnaround, especially considering how long properties like "Preacher" have been hanging out, waiting for the movie treatment.
Apparently Universal hopes...
Watch out Marvel, because it looks like Boom! Studios is on the way up. Following fellow Boom! Studios alum "2 Guns'" #1 debut at the box office, it looks like the indie publisher could be poised for even more film adaptations. Deadline has reported that "Day Men"—by Matt Gagnon, Michael Alan Nelson, and Brian Stelfreze—has been optioned by Universal in what's reported to be a pre-emptive seven-figure bid.
The series follows a covert group of humans charged with protecting vampires while they sleep during the day, a plan that gets all kinds of messed up when when things get heated between two rival vampire families. The crazy thing is, this series has one issue out and just debuted from Boom! Studios last month. Now that's a quick turnaround, especially considering how long properties like "Preacher" have been hanging out, waiting for the movie treatment.
Apparently Universal hopes...
- 8/20/2013
- by Splash Page Team
- MTV Splash Page
Those selected for the Emerging Writers Fellowship will work within the studio and gain access to Universal executives, producers and other key industry professionals.
Executive vp of production Scott Bernstein championed the idea and developed it with the studio’s svp and chief financial officer of film production, Arturo Barquet.
Universal will entertain applications for the fellowship beginning on Sept 3. Five Fellows will emerge from a shortlist of ten interviewees.
Executive vp of production Scott Bernstein championed the idea and developed it with the studio’s svp and chief financial officer of film production, Arturo Barquet.
Universal will entertain applications for the fellowship beginning on Sept 3. Five Fellows will emerge from a shortlist of ten interviewees.
- 8/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Those selected for the Emerging Writers Fellowship will work within the studio and gain access to Universal executives, producers and other key industry professionals.
Executive vp of Production Scott Bernstein championed the idea and developed it with the studio’s svp and chief financial officer of film production, Arturo Barquet.
Universal will entertain applications for the fellowship beginning on Sept 3. Five Fellows will emerge from a shortlist of ten interviewees.
Executive vp of Production Scott Bernstein championed the idea and developed it with the studio’s svp and chief financial officer of film production, Arturo Barquet.
Universal will entertain applications for the fellowship beginning on Sept 3. Five Fellows will emerge from a shortlist of ten interviewees.
- 8/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Breaking: Universal has locked Bryan Bertino to write and direct Mockingbird, a horror thriller. It marks his return to the studio and is the first project he’s directing since he made the low-budget horror hit The Strangers for Rogue Pictures, which grossed $82 million worldwide. The film will be produced by Jason Blum for Blumhouse, Marc Platt and Adam Siegel for Marc Platt Productions, and Adrienne Biddle and Bryan Bertino for Unbroken. Scott Bernstein is overseeing for the studio. UTA reps Bertino.
- 1/30/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
I swear there's gonna come a day when we open up a special Guillermo del Toro news section here on Dread Central. To say the man is prolific is an understatement! Sit back, kids! A Midnight Delivery is on its way!
According to Variety Brian Kirk ("Game of Thrones") has been brought on to helm Universal's thriller Midnight Delivery with Guillermo del Toro producing through his Del Toro Productions. Neil Cross penned the script based on an idea by del Toro. Gary Ungar is exec producing.
The film follows a father who becomes a drug mule to save his son's life.
Universal's executive vp of production Scott Bernstein and director of development Anikah McLaren will oversee for the studio. Production is planned for next year after Cross turns in his latest draft.
So far it doesn't sound very Dread worthy, but we'll keep an eye on things to see how it all pans out.
According to Variety Brian Kirk ("Game of Thrones") has been brought on to helm Universal's thriller Midnight Delivery with Guillermo del Toro producing through his Del Toro Productions. Neil Cross penned the script based on an idea by del Toro. Gary Ungar is exec producing.
The film follows a father who becomes a drug mule to save his son's life.
Universal's executive vp of production Scott Bernstein and director of development Anikah McLaren will oversee for the studio. Production is planned for next year after Cross turns in his latest draft.
So far it doesn't sound very Dread worthy, but we'll keep an eye on things to see how it all pans out.
- 11/2/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
McG-directed Ouija movie will be rewritten by Evan Spiliotopoulos for Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and Universal. According to Variety, the Wanted 2 writer will work off an original script wtritten by Edward Kitsis (Lost) and Adam Horowitz. McG helms the family-friendly film, based on the Hasbro board game where players conjure spirits from beyond the grave. Producing Ouija are Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro, alongside Platihum Dunes' Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form. Universal's Evp of Production Scott Bernstein and creative exec Kiska Higgs will oversee the project for the studio.
- 4/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
McG-directed Ouija movie will be rewritten by Evan Spiliotopoulos for Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and Universal. According to Variety, the Wanted 2 writer will work off an original script wtritten by Edward Kitsis (Lost) and Adam Horowitz. McG helms the family-friendly film, based on the Hasbro board game where players conjure spirits from beyond the grave. Producing Ouija are Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro, alongside Platihum Dunes' Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form. Universal's Evp of Production Scott Bernstein and creative exec Kiska Higgs will oversee the project for the studio.
- 4/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
McG-directed Ouija movie will be rewritten by Evan Spiliotopoulos for Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and Universal. According to Variety, the Wanted 2 writer will work off an original script wtritten by Edward Kitsis (Lost) and Adam Horowitz. McG helms the family-friendly film, based on the Hasbro board game where players conjure spirits from beyond the grave. Producing Ouija are Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro, alongside Platihum Dunes' Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form. Universal's Evp of Production Scott Bernstein and creative exec Kiska Higgs will oversee the project for the studio.
- 4/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
McG-directed Ouija movie will be rewritten by Evan Spiliotopoulos for Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and Universal. According to Variety, the Wanted 2 writer will work off an original script wtritten by Edward Kitsis (Lost) and Adam Horowitz. McG helms the family-friendly film, based on the Hasbro board game where players conjure spirits from beyond the grave. Producing Ouija are Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro, alongside Platihum Dunes' Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form. Universal's Evp of Production Scott Bernstein and creative exec Kiska Higgs will oversee the project for the studio.
- 4/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Ambitious high-speed rail plans aside, most of the U.S. is lacking in the public transportation arena. That's why the Nrdc has chosen to highlight fifteen small, medium and large regions that are supposedly getting transportation right: Boston; Chicago; Philadelphia; Portland, Oregon; New York; San Francisco; Washington D.C; Boulder-Longmont, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Jersey City, New Jersey; New Haven, Connecticut; Champaign-Urbana, Illinois; Bremerton, Washington; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Yolo, California. That some of these cities lack anything more exciting than city bus routes begs the question: Is this really the best we can do?
The Natural Resources Defense Council, which wrote the study in collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Technology (Cnt), compared U.S. regions based on public transit availability, use, cost, household automobile ownership and use, and sustainable transportation programs.
“By and large, 'location efficient' places--with essential services that are nearby or accessible by many transportation modes--lower transportation costs for residents,...
The Natural Resources Defense Council, which wrote the study in collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Technology (Cnt), compared U.S. regions based on public transit availability, use, cost, household automobile ownership and use, and sustainable transportation programs.
“By and large, 'location efficient' places--with essential services that are nearby or accessible by many transportation modes--lower transportation costs for residents,...
- 2/23/2011
- by Ariel Schwartz
- Fast Company
Amidst the usual media-fueled hubbub of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, aside from the Kevin Smith Red State circus and Lucky McKee’s The Woman audience freak-out, a surprise announcement was made from one of the unlikeliest of places: former Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash.
Slash announced not only the formation of his production company, Slasher Films, but also the entity’s first property: Steve Niles’ Wake the Dead. With producers Slash and Rob Eric and director Jay Russell behind it, it looks as if the property has its best shot at seeing the silver screen nearly eight years after its being first optioned.
Niles’ Wake the Dead is a modernization of the Frankenstein legend and a property many fans have long clamored for. Niles, a longtime comic writer and author, is best known as the creator of the phenomenally successful 30 Days of Night as well as...
Slash announced not only the formation of his production company, Slasher Films, but also the entity’s first property: Steve Niles’ Wake the Dead. With producers Slash and Rob Eric and director Jay Russell behind it, it looks as if the property has its best shot at seeing the silver screen nearly eight years after its being first optioned.
Niles’ Wake the Dead is a modernization of the Frankenstein legend and a property many fans have long clamored for. Niles, a longtime comic writer and author, is best known as the creator of the phenomenally successful 30 Days of Night as well as...
- 1/27/2011
- by Carnell
- DreadCentral.com
Related: Reynolds, Bateman team for 'Change Up'
Leslie Mann has been cast in the Universal comedy "The Change-Up."
The "Funny People" actress joins Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman and Olivia Wilde in the story of a married guy who accidentally changes bodies with his single best friend and ends up pursuing a female coworker. Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ("The Hangover") wrote the screenplay.
David Dobkin ("Wedding Crashers") is directing and producing, along with Neal Moritz. Universal execs Scott Bernstein and Maradith Frenkel are overseeing the project for the studio, which plans an August 2011 release.
The CAA-repped Mann has recently appeared in "Shorts," "17 Again" and "Drillbit Taylor." She will next appear in "I Love You Phillip Morris," which hits theaters in December, and she performs a voice role in the Fox animated film "Rio," which opens in April.
Leslie Mann has been cast in the Universal comedy "The Change-Up."
The "Funny People" actress joins Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman and Olivia Wilde in the story of a married guy who accidentally changes bodies with his single best friend and ends up pursuing a female coworker. Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ("The Hangover") wrote the screenplay.
David Dobkin ("Wedding Crashers") is directing and producing, along with Neal Moritz. Universal execs Scott Bernstein and Maradith Frenkel are overseeing the project for the studio, which plans an August 2011 release.
The CAA-repped Mann has recently appeared in "Shorts," "17 Again" and "Drillbit Taylor." She will next appear in "I Love You Phillip Morris," which hits theaters in December, and she performs a voice role in the Fox animated film "Rio," which opens in April.
- 9/21/2010
- by By Jay Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal has made it official: “Red’s” Robert Schwentke (left) will direct their Ryan Reynolds-fronted horror/comic book movie “R.I.P.D.” for them. Based on a Dark Horse comic by Peter Lenkov, “R.I.P.D.” tells the story of a police department for the dead, with Reynolds already onboard as one of two partners who patrol the underworld — a recently deceased cop and one that’s been dead for hundreds of years. I think you can pretty much guess which role Reynolds will be playing there. Schwentke, fresh off “Red”, another movie based on a comic book, will direct from a script by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, the same duo currently writing a live-action version of “The Boys” for Sony. Scott Bernstein and Maradith Frenkel, along with Dark Horse’s Mike Richardson, are producing.
- 9/8/2010
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
By Daniel Frankel
Universal’s Scott Bernstein has been given the bump to executive VP of production from senior-vp-level status.
He'll continue to report to Universal production president Debbie Liebling,
At Universal, Bernstein has been involved with projects including “Hellboy II,” “The Break-Up” and “Role Models, and he’s currently at work on comedy “Your Highness” and a prequel to John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” He’s also developing the Dark Horse graphic novel “The Umbrella Academy, as well as a feature-film ...
Universal’s Scott Bernstein has been given the bump to executive VP of production from senior-vp-level status.
He'll continue to report to Universal production president Debbie Liebling,
At Universal, Bernstein has been involved with projects including “Hellboy II,” “The Break-Up” and “Role Models, and he’s currently at work on comedy “Your Highness” and a prequel to John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” He’s also developing the Dark Horse graphic novel “The Umbrella Academy, as well as a feature-film ...
- 1/21/2010
- by Daniel Frankel
- The Wrap
Jennifer Aniston's next film might not see the light of day. Two screenwriters claim NBC Universal stole their script for "Love Happens," Aniston's upcoming film with Aaron Eckhart.
Greg Crowder and Tony Freitas filed a suit against the film production company on Tuesday, alleging that they gave their script, titled "The Truth," to former Universal VP of Productions Scott Bernstein in 2006.
Crowder claims he had meetings with Bernstein about the script, but the VP told him that it needed a rewrite before Universal would buy it. The scribe insisted that he would only rewrite their work if the company paid them, but since Universal wasn't willing to pay, the deal fell apart, TMZ reports.
The writer then submitted the script to another company, who told him they were concerned that he might have stolen the story from another existing project, Aniston and Eckhart's "Love Happens."...
Greg Crowder and Tony Freitas filed a suit against the film production company on Tuesday, alleging that they gave their script, titled "The Truth," to former Universal VP of Productions Scott Bernstein in 2006.
Crowder claims he had meetings with Bernstein about the script, but the VP told him that it needed a rewrite before Universal would buy it. The scribe insisted that he would only rewrite their work if the company paid them, but since Universal wasn't willing to pay, the deal fell apart, TMZ reports.
The writer then submitted the script to another company, who told him they were concerned that he might have stolen the story from another existing project, Aniston and Eckhart's "Love Happens."...
- 9/16/2009
- icelebz.com
Justin Theroux has joined the cast as the villain of "Your Highness," a Universal comedy directed by David Gordon Green. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Theroux joins Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel in the film, which centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Theroux will play Leezar, an evil wizard with a bejeweled magical staff who kidnaps a princess (Deschanel). The film, which is shooting in Ireland, was written by Ben Best and McBride, who also is producing. Scott Stuber is producing through his Stuber Prods., and Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project. "Highness" marks a return to acting for Theroux, who...
- 8/25/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Justin Theroux has joined the cast as the villain of "Your Highness," a Universal comedy directed by David Gordon Green.
Theroux joins Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel in the film, which centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Theroux will play Leezar, an evil wizard with a bejeweled magical staff who kidnaps a princess (Deschanel).
The film, which is shooting in Ireland, was written by Ben Best and McBride, who also is producing. Scott Stuber is producing via his Stuber Prods., and Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project.
"Highness" marks a return of sorts to acting for Theroux, who appeared in such TV shows as "Alias" and Six Feet Under" and movies including David Lynch's "Inland Empire." He made a career switch when he wrote, with Ben Stiller and Etan Cohen,...
Theroux joins Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel in the film, which centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Theroux will play Leezar, an evil wizard with a bejeweled magical staff who kidnaps a princess (Deschanel).
The film, which is shooting in Ireland, was written by Ben Best and McBride, who also is producing. Scott Stuber is producing via his Stuber Prods., and Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project.
"Highness" marks a return of sorts to acting for Theroux, who appeared in such TV shows as "Alias" and Six Feet Under" and movies including David Lynch's "Inland Empire." He made a career switch when he wrote, with Ben Stiller and Etan Cohen,...
- 8/24/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bryan Singer is attached to direct and produce Universal's big-screen version of "Battlestar Galactica."
The deal hyper-jumps the development of "Galactica," for which Universal quietly picked up the movie rights in February from original show creator Glen A. Larson as the lauded Sci Fi series was wrapping up.
The deal also brings Singer back to a project he was close to getting off the ground at the beginning of the decade. Singer and Tom DeSanto were developing with USA for Fox TV a backdoor pilot that was intended to be a sequel to the 1978 series, but those were shelved after the attacks of Sept. 11.
(The premise involved a human civilization on 12 planets decimated from an attack by intelligent robots known as Cylons. Survivors are led by the starship Galactica in their attempt to find a mythic 13th planet named Earth.)
Word of Singer's possible involvement was first broken at Hitfix.
The deal hyper-jumps the development of "Galactica," for which Universal quietly picked up the movie rights in February from original show creator Glen A. Larson as the lauded Sci Fi series was wrapping up.
The deal also brings Singer back to a project he was close to getting off the ground at the beginning of the decade. Singer and Tom DeSanto were developing with USA for Fox TV a backdoor pilot that was intended to be a sequel to the 1978 series, but those were shelved after the attacks of Sept. 11.
(The premise involved a human civilization on 12 planets decimated from an attack by intelligent robots known as Cylons. Survivors are led by the starship Galactica in their attempt to find a mythic 13th planet named Earth.)
Word of Singer's possible involvement was first broken at Hitfix.
- 8/13/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal has picked up the script "Change Up" from "Hangover" writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, reviving a moribund spec market. David Dobkin is attached to direct and produce.
The studio is keeping the logline under wraps, though it is known to be a body-switching comedy.
Universal's senior vp production Scott Bernstein will oversee the project for the studio.
In addition to "Hangover," which has become the top-grossing R-rated comedy with $258.6 million, Lucas and Moore also wrote the recent New Line comedies "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" and "Four Christmases."
Dobkin, who last directed 2007's "Fred Claus," is attached to direct "R.I.P.D." based on the supernatural Dark Horse project.
Lucas, Moore and Dobkin are repped by CAA.
The studio is keeping the logline under wraps, though it is known to be a body-switching comedy.
Universal's senior vp production Scott Bernstein will oversee the project for the studio.
In addition to "Hangover," which has become the top-grossing R-rated comedy with $258.6 million, Lucas and Moore also wrote the recent New Line comedies "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" and "Four Christmases."
Dobkin, who last directed 2007's "Fred Claus," is attached to direct "R.I.P.D." based on the supernatural Dark Horse project.
Lucas, Moore and Dobkin are repped by CAA.
- 8/7/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zooey Deschanel, one of the stars of "(500) Days of Summer," is joining the cast of "Your Highness," the Universal comedy that David Gordon Green begins shooting this month in Northern Ireland.
"Highness," written by Ben Best and Danny McBride, centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Joining him on the quest is his more heroic brother (James Franco). Deschanel plays Belladonna, Franco's virginal bride.
Natalie Portman plays McBride's love interest, a warrior princess.
Scott Stuber is producing.
Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project.
Deschanel, repped by CAA and Seven Summits Pictures & Management, plays the title character in "Summer," which opens next week. The romance, which also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has been generating hipster buzz since unveiling at Sundance.
"Highness," written by Ben Best and Danny McBride, centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Joining him on the quest is his more heroic brother (James Franco). Deschanel plays Belladonna, Franco's virginal bride.
Natalie Portman plays McBride's love interest, a warrior princess.
Scott Stuber is producing.
Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project.
Deschanel, repped by CAA and Seven Summits Pictures & Management, plays the title character in "Summer," which opens next week. The romance, which also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has been generating hipster buzz since unveiling at Sundance.
What makes Guillermo del Toro so special? It's not just the fact that he's one of our genre's most visionary directors. The truth is that no matter how successful he is, or how big he gets, he's always willing to help people trying to break into the biz. Case in point: Andy and Barbara Muschietti's latest horror film for Universal, Mama.
According to The Hollywood Reporter Universal is developing Mama, a debut project from the aforementioned pair of young filmmakers, and in negotiations to produce the film and mentor the filmmakers is -- who else -- Guillermo del Toro.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti are writing the English-language script based upon their acclaimed Spanish-language short film of the same name. While specific plot details for the feature version are still being kept hush-hush, we do know that the short centered on two girls, Victoria and Lily, who are on the run...
According to The Hollywood Reporter Universal is developing Mama, a debut project from the aforementioned pair of young filmmakers, and in negotiations to produce the film and mentor the filmmakers is -- who else -- Guillermo del Toro.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti are writing the English-language script based upon their acclaimed Spanish-language short film of the same name. While specific plot details for the feature version are still being kept hush-hush, we do know that the short centered on two girls, Victoria and Lily, who are on the run...
- 5/5/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
New York -- Universal has acquired the spec "Rites of Men," a dramatic thriller from writer Jonathan Herman that has drawn comparisons to "Taken."
Herman's script centers on a working-class single dad whose only son is murdered and must then set out on a quest to solve the killing.
Uni senior vp production Scott Bernstein is the exec who brought in and is in charge of the project at the studio; no producer has yet been attached.
The deal marks the second spec sale for Herman in less than a month. The writer, who is repped by Wma and Luber Roklin Entertainment, previously made a pre-emptive deal to sell his script "Conviction" to Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures.
That project centers on a former bank robber who is forced to go to undercover to nab his former protege.
The sale of "Rites" marks another deal in which a project is compared to "Taken.
Herman's script centers on a working-class single dad whose only son is murdered and must then set out on a quest to solve the killing.
Uni senior vp production Scott Bernstein is the exec who brought in and is in charge of the project at the studio; no producer has yet been attached.
The deal marks the second spec sale for Herman in less than a month. The writer, who is repped by Wma and Luber Roklin Entertainment, previously made a pre-emptive deal to sell his script "Conviction" to Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures.
That project centers on a former bank robber who is forced to go to undercover to nab his former protege.
The sale of "Rites" marks another deal in which a project is compared to "Taken.
- 3/19/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal has found its director for international thriller "The Sigma Protocol": Berlin prize winner Jose Padilha.
The studio is in negotiations with the helmer of "Elite Squad," the action movie that won the Golden Bear at last year's Berlin International Film Festival, to direct the Robert Ludlum vehicle.
The studio is planning a summer shoot with European locations. Jeffrey Weiner of Ludlum Entertainment as well as Strike Entertainment are producing; Scott Bernstein and Franklin Leonard are overseeing for Universal.
"Sigma" is based on Ludlum's final completed novel, published after the prolific author's death in 2001. Like the Jason Bourne franchise, another big Uni property, the story involves a man on the run in Europe from assassins and agents.
The two plots differ sharply, though, with the latter using a World War II conspiracy and Nazis as a plot hook. The movie will update the novel, use the current economic climate...
The studio is in negotiations with the helmer of "Elite Squad," the action movie that won the Golden Bear at last year's Berlin International Film Festival, to direct the Robert Ludlum vehicle.
The studio is planning a summer shoot with European locations. Jeffrey Weiner of Ludlum Entertainment as well as Strike Entertainment are producing; Scott Bernstein and Franklin Leonard are overseeing for Universal.
"Sigma" is based on Ludlum's final completed novel, published after the prolific author's death in 2001. Like the Jason Bourne franchise, another big Uni property, the story involves a man on the run in Europe from assassins and agents.
The two plots differ sharply, though, with the latter using a World War II conspiracy and Nazis as a plot hook. The movie will update the novel, use the current economic climate...
- 1/27/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a summer of superheroes, will super-baddies now get their due?
Universal has paid mid-six-figures for the movie rights to an upcoming Viper Comics graphic novel titled "Villains" and tapped Matt Jennison and Brent Strickland to pen the adaptation. Sean Bailey is producing via his Idealogy banner.
The graphic novel, by Adam Cogan and Ryan Cody, puts super bad guys center stage. The plot, told from the baddies' perspective, follows a young man who is failing at life and finds purpose when he meets a Svengali-style villain who takes him under his wing.
Idealogy's Matt Smith is executive producing. Viper Comics' Jessie Garza will co-produce. Scott Bernstein is overseeing for Universal.
Other Idealogy projects in development include the "Tron" re-imagining at Disney, with Joe Kosinski directing; "The Blade Itself" at Miramax; and "Solace" at New Line, which Bailey wrote with Ted Griffin and Mark Pellington is directing. Bailey also just...
Universal has paid mid-six-figures for the movie rights to an upcoming Viper Comics graphic novel titled "Villains" and tapped Matt Jennison and Brent Strickland to pen the adaptation. Sean Bailey is producing via his Idealogy banner.
The graphic novel, by Adam Cogan and Ryan Cody, puts super bad guys center stage. The plot, told from the baddies' perspective, follows a young man who is failing at life and finds purpose when he meets a Svengali-style villain who takes him under his wing.
Idealogy's Matt Smith is executive producing. Viper Comics' Jessie Garza will co-produce. Scott Bernstein is overseeing for Universal.
Other Idealogy projects in development include the "Tron" re-imagining at Disney, with Joe Kosinski directing; "The Blade Itself" at Miramax; and "Solace" at New Line, which Bailey wrote with Ted Griffin and Mark Pellington is directing. Bailey also just...
- 10/29/2008
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Music video and commercial director Sam Bayer has signed on to direct the action thriller "Fiasco Heights" for Universal. Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are producing via their Platinum Dunes banner.
In the project, which also has shades of film noir, a gunman returns to the crime-ridden city of Fiasco Heights and teams with a degenerate gambler/private eye on the run from a syndicate to look for a beautiful femme fatale and a mysterious briefcase. Kyle Ward penned the most recent draft.
Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are executive producing via their Benderspink banner alongside Mason Novick.
Universal's Scott Bernstein and David Ortiz are overseeing the project for the studio.
Bayer hit the music video scene with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
He since has worked with such artists as Sheryl Crow, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins and Blink-182. His more recent videos include Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around Comes Around."
Bayer, repped by Endeavor and Anonymous Content, is attached to direct Rogue's remake of "Near Dark," which Platinum Dunes also is producing.
In the project, which also has shades of film noir, a gunman returns to the crime-ridden city of Fiasco Heights and teams with a degenerate gambler/private eye on the run from a syndicate to look for a beautiful femme fatale and a mysterious briefcase. Kyle Ward penned the most recent draft.
Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are executive producing via their Benderspink banner alongside Mason Novick.
Universal's Scott Bernstein and David Ortiz are overseeing the project for the studio.
Bayer hit the music video scene with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
He since has worked with such artists as Sheryl Crow, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins and Blink-182. His more recent videos include Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around Comes Around."
Bayer, repped by Endeavor and Anonymous Content, is attached to direct Rogue's remake of "Near Dark," which Platinum Dunes also is producing.
- 8/6/2008
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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