John Travolta will claim the Robert Shaw role and lead The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in the Tony Scott-directed remake of the 1974 film. As previously reported, Denzel Washington is making like Matthau.... Also per Variety, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra are onboard for Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans, a prequel tracing the origin of the feud between the Death Dealers and their onetime slaves.
read more
Though studio suits had been pushing for an A-lister to play the disgraced prez in Ron Howard's upcoming take on the stage drama Frost/Nixon, Playbill.com reports that Frank Langella, currently channeling the Watergate wonder on Broadway, may snag the gig — despite names such as Warren Beatty and Kevin Spacey being bandied about. Similarly, Michael Sheen (aka Kate Beckinsale's babydaddy), is in talks to reprise his role as David Frost. Having seen the production three days ago, I predict that Langella will win the Tony and perhaps an Oscar for his stunning work. Almost makes me forgive him for Cutthroat Island. Almost. In other stage news, Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein has booked its out-of-town, pre-Broadway tryout, but as of yet has not announced a cast. The monster will run loose Aug. 4 through Sept. 1 at Seattle's Paramount Theater, says Variety, aiming to hit the Great White Way on (wait for it) Halloween. — Reporting by Raven Snook
read more
Finally, a departure from The Departed. The film-critics organizations from Utah and Oklahoma have each honored United 93 with their best-picture awards. The Sooners, however, named Martin Scorsese best director, while Utah gave that kudos to Children of Men's Alfonso Cuaron. Helen Mirren, Forest Whitaker, Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal) and Jackie Earle Haley won the acting categories in Oklahoma, while Utah opted for a Mirren/Sacha Baron Cohen/Rinko Kikuchi (Babel)/Michael Sheen (The Queen) ticket.
read more
