Edgar Wright returning to Kolchak The Night Stalker with Johnny Depp?

From Digital Spy

Edgar Wright could be returning to his Kolchak: The Night Stalker project.

The filmmaker will pick up the Johnny Depp-starring film to replace Ant-Man, according to Deadline.

The 1970s television series starred Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, a tabloid reporter who is frequently drawn into supernatural adventures.

It is seen as a precursor to The X-Files, and experienced a revival in the 2000s as a series and comic book.

Depp will take on the title role.

Wright recently exited Marvel Studios' Ant-Man after developing the film since 2006. He is believed to have departed due a disagreement with the studio over script rewrites.

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Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows" A Comedy?

by Armand Vaquer



The trailer (above) for the new Tim Burton Dark Shadows movie, with Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, has people talking.

The trailer indicates to some that the movie would be played as a comedy or spoof.

Over on Twitter, I asked original series cast member David (Quentin Collins) Selby, "Is the DS movie "comedic" or not?"

His webmaster responded:

Production was all very hush hush. Not sure even the original series actors with cameos know. (I'm David's webmaster.)

Wonder why details are so hush-hush? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.



UPDATE: Here is my gut reaction after watching the trailer several times:

I enjoyed Ed Wood. It was a very entertaining movie. It could have been a depressing movie given its subject matter.

I watched both Dan Curtis television series (1967-71 & 1991) and the two feature films.

From what I can tell from the trailer, this is definitely a movie whose approach is from the comedic side. Is that bad? I don't think so. It looks to me that this will be entertaining. Maybe hardcore Dark Shadows devotees won't particularly like it, but I think this may be a fun movie.

"Dark Shadows" Movie Cast Photo

by Armand Vaquer



Above, is a cast photo of the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp "Dark Shadows" movie from Entertainment Weekly. It is based on the 1967-71 soap-opera that was produced by Dan Curtis.

Depp steps into the role of vampire Barnabas Collins, originally played by Jonathan Frid.

Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Chloë Grace Moretz, Helena Bonham Carter.

Above, the original "Dark Shadows" cast.

Johnny Depp To Step Into McGavin's Shoes As THE NIGHT STALKER

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Source: Empire

The news out of Hollywood today is that Johnny Depp has teamed up with Disney to secure the movie rights to the 1970s cult television series "The Night Stalker." Depp's production company Infinitum Nihil is already in place to begin pre-production work alongside the folks at Buena Vista.

Depp will be taking over the role of Carl Kolchak, which was originally played by the late Darren McGavin, a pesky newspaper reporter who had a knack for stumbling on stories involving monsters, aliens and other paranormal activity.

It has been noted that "The Night Stalker" was one of Chris Carter's major influences in developing "The X-Files".

No word on a director or cast for "The Night Stalker."

See Also: Filming Begins On Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Filming Begins On Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Source: Warner Bros

Filming begins this week on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' "Dark Shadows," which brings the cult classic television series to the big screen under the direction of Tim Burton. The film's all-star ensemble cast includes Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloe Moretz, and newcomer Gulliver McGrath.

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.

Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles.

Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.

Burton is directing and producing "Dark Shadows" from a screenplay by Seth Grahame-Smith, story by John August and Grahame-Smith, based on the television series created by Dan Curtis. Also producing are Oscar® winner Richard D. Zanuck ("Alice in Wonderland," "Driving Miss Daisy"), continuing his long association with Burton; Oscar® winner Graham King, ("Rango," "The Departed"), continuing his collaboration with Depp; Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski, and David Kennedy. The executive producers are Chris Lebenzon, Nigel Gostelow, Tim Headington, and Bruce Berman.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel, Oscar(R)-winning production designer Rick Heinrichs ("Sleepy Hollow"), Oscar(R)-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood ("Alice in Wonderland") and editor Chris Lebenzon ("Alice in Wonderland"). The score will be composed by Danny Elfman.

"Dark Shadows" is being filmed entirely in England, both at Pinewood Studios and on location.

"Dark Shadows" will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

See Also: Dark Shadows Festival News! / Retrospective: Original Music From Dark Shadows Volume 2 / Happy Birthday Jonathan Frid!

You Know Your Famous When You Get Interviewed By Kermit The Frog

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Walt Disney Studios

There are several milestones that an actor or actress can achieve in their career. These can range from simply being cast in a local play to landing a part in a big time Hollywood movie. Some of the very fortunate may even bring home a coveted Oscar for a amazing performance in a timeless role.

However, I ask you, how do you know when you have finally made it? I mean really reached the pinnacle of acting?

The answer is simple. You find yourself being interviewed on the red carpet at a movie premiere by Kermit the Frog.

I found an interesting email in my In Box this morning from Disney hyping the fact that Kermit was on hand at the premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" interviewing celebrities.

I found this odd that with all the stars on hand for such a gala event that Kermit was the one being listed in my email?

That was until I learned that there was a new Muppet movie coming out in November and that it was to do some covert publicity for that film.

The Mouse is a sly one.

Anyway, here are some photos of Kermit attacking .... I mean interviewing Penélope Cruz.

Penélope Cruz answers a question posed by Kermit the Frog, star of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Muppets,” coming to theaters this Thanksgiving, on the red carpet at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” at Disneyland on Saturday, May 7. The highly anticipated action-adventure opens in theaters on May 20, in Disney Digital 3D™.

Is it just me or does Kermit look like he's about to say "Nice dress .... can I see you out of it later?"

Maybe it's just me ...... ?

Penélope Cruz is all smiles as she exits her red-carpet interview with Kermit the Frog, star of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Muppets,” coming to theaters this Thanksgiving, at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” at Disneyland on Saturday, May 7. The highly anticipated action-adventure opens in theaters on May 20, in Disney Digital 3D™. (Photo © Greg Williams)

Translation: "Get me away from this puppet and on to someone from "Entertainment Tonight"

Next victim:
Sam Claflin chats with Kermit the Frog, star of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Muppets,” coming to theaters this Thanksgiving, on the red carpet at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” at Disneyland on Saturday, May 7. The highly anticipated action-adventure opens in theaters on May 20, in Disney Digital 3D™.

Other sites have Johnny Depp .... I got Kermit.

Yes I have a love for the strange a surreal ......

See Also: The First Look At PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES / Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides! Action Figure Assortment / Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Begins Filming / Plot Details / Cornwall To Stand In For The Caribbean For 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 - Blackbeard And The Fountain Of Youth / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Starting To Get Some Wind Behind It's Sails

The First Look At PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Walt Disney Studios

Today Walt Disney Studios has released the first ever images from "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." These pics show Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, and the fetching Penelope Cruz as Angelica, in the usual kind of hi jinks that we have come to expect from the "Pirates" movie series. There's Jack taking a ride on the back of a carriage , in some sort of a chase scene no doubt, Jack pushing a boat into the water, Jack and Angelica confronting Blackbeard, Jack and Angelica waste-deep in the swamp, Jack hiding and Jack being hauled away by guards.

A typical day in the life of one Jack Sparrow.

Here is the press release:

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (In Disney Digital 3D™)

WALT DISNEY PICTURES/JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS

Website and Mobile site: Disney.com/Pirates

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Genre: Comedy-Adventure

Rating: TBD

U.S. Release Date: May 20, 2011

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally,

Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Claflin and Geoffrey Rush

Director: Rob Marshall

Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer

Executive Producers: Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio,

John DeLuca

Screen Story and Screenplay by: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio

Suggested by the novel by: Tim Powers

Based on characters created by: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz) forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

And here are the photos (with captions)

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP) escapes from the clutches of King George and his Royal Guards by leaping from carriage to carriage…while they’re still moving! Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP) attempts a quick getaway from yet another precarious situation in the Caribbean. Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP), Angelica (PENELOPE CRUZ), Blackbeard (IAN McSHANE) and their eerie crew land on an island where they hope to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP) and Angelica (PENELOPE CRUZ) make their watery way through the jungle in search of the Fountain of Youth. Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP) sets his eyes on a magical Chalice which may unlock the secrets of the Fountain of Youth. Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Captain Jack Sparrow (JOHNNY DEPP) is literally dragged by Royal Guards through the entrance hall of St. James Palace in London for a forced audience with King George. Ph: Peter Mountain ©Disney Enterprises, Inc

See Also: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides! Action Figure Assortment / Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Begins Filming / Plot Details / Cornwall To Stand In For The Caribbean For 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 - Blackbeard And The Fountain Of Youth / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Starting To Get Some Wind Behind It's Sails

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides! Action Figure Assortment

Source: Entertainment Earth

Order Yours For Only $119.99 Here!

POTC On Stranger Tides Basic Figures Wave 1 Case

• The high-seas adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow continue!
• Swashbuckling action figures based on the fourth film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides!
• Recreate your favorite scenes from the movie!

Adventure, ahoy! Based on the blockbuster film series' fourth entry, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, these Wave 1 basic 4-inch tall action figures are just what you need to recreate your favorite scenes from the movie with Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and more!

This case includes 12 individually packaged action figures. Assortment breakdown coming soon, not determined at this time.

Set sail for adventure - order yours today!

Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love - or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past!

See Also: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Begins Filming / Plot Details / Cornwall To Stand In For The Caribbean For 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 - Blackbeard And The Fountain Of Youth / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Starting To Get Some Wind Behind It's Sails

Johnny Depp Confirmed As The Big Screen Doctor?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Tor.com

It has been rumored for some time now that the long-running British sci fi series, "Doctor Who", was being geared up for big screen movie adaptation. That being said, I don't think that anyone on either side of the Atlantic thought that it would be produced here in America, with a big name American actor in the lead.

That, however, is exactly what the website Tor.com is alleging, and they say that the report has been confirmed by industry sources.

When David Tennant stepped down after last years 'Doctor Who' specials, he had hinted that if there ever was any movies based on the series made, he very much wanted to be involved.

Well, according to these new reports, Russell T. Davies, who is presently developing this movie version of 'Who' has opted to bypass the very popular Tennant for none other than Johnny Depp. A move that will likely stir up a hurricane of controversy among the fan base all over the world.

Granted, this is only a rumor, even though the Tor.com site swears that the info is a confirmed lock, so don't get too worked up ......... yet.

Here is some more on the "Doctor Who" movie from the website, PubArticles.com:

Long-time producer of the television series Russell T. Davies reported that the reason he moved on from the show was due to the opportunity to transform the Doctor to the big screen. “Bringing the Who franchise to the theaters is a regeneration for the character beyond the usual one. A theatrical release has a greater range and can reach millions of more people than just the fans. There will be brand new concepts and the film will be just as adventurous, scary and humorous as the television programme. But none of us working the film will forget what makes the character great and interesting and the long-time fans will not be disappointed because yes, the Daleks make an appearance.”

That piece goes on to reveal that the reported plot for the film revolves around the Doctor and a crew of volunteers traveling through time and space to cure mankind of illnesses brought to Earth by invading aliens (the Daleks, I assume from the above quote).

Johnny Depp, as the Doctor, playing doctor to rid us of alien disease ..........ummm ...... well ........ that might work.

Then again, I would personally rather see Tennant in the saddle again fighting the Daleks, but I'm a huge DT fan.

As for Depp, I know he made a great pirate, but as a Time Lord, I just don't know?

Let's just wait and see if this one has any real merit before we all begin to speculate.

See Also: Doctor Who vs The Yeti - Merry Christmas! / New Toy Wednesday! - 11 Doctors, Limited Edition Spock Kit, Gundam, Vampirella And Some Killer Anime Cleavage! / New Toy Tuesday! Classic Star Trek vs Classic Doctor Who, A Slave Girl & The Creature! / Karen Gillan Talks About Playing Amy Pond On Doctor Who / Doctor Who To Make A 'Whistle-Stop' Tour Of The UK / A New Doctor - A New Logo / John Simm Promises That Tennant's Doctor Will Get A 'Brilliant Send-Off' / A Sneak Peek At The The Ultimate Monster Guide And Other Doctor Who Tidbits / 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' Scribe Richard Curtis To Write For Doctor Who / The Name Is 'Who'......'Doctor Who' / Doctor Who Black And White Action Figures - Second Doctor & Cyberman / The First Look At The Animated Doctor Who From Dreamland / Doctor Who Star David Tennant Sends 'Postcard' From America / Doctor Who - Filming Begins For The 11th Doctor / Doctor Who: The Waters Of Mars - Sneak Preview / Euros Lyn To Helm Doctor Who Movie For 2011? / Torchwood: Children Earth Doctor Who On BBC America In July / The Doctors New Traveling Companion Will Be Karen Gillan / Tennant's Doctor Making The Move From TV To Big Screen / The Doctor Makes A Surprise Appearance On The Sarah Jane Adventures / Gillian Anderson To Guest Star On Doctor Who / Doctor Who Theme Voted Best On Online Poll / Simpson And Bennett Named As Producers For Doctor Who / David Tennant And Michelle Ryan Talk About Doctor Who: Planet Of The Dead / Doctor Who - Planet Of The Dead / Doctor Who 5-Inch Wave 4 Action Figure Case

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Begins Filming / Plot Details

Source: Walt Disney Pictures (Press Release)

Production has commenced on location in Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles on Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ sweeping comedy adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic, Academy Award®-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, newly joined by Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” Rob Marshall’s “Nine”), Ian McShane (HBO’s “Deadwood”) and newcomers Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin. Also rejoining Johnny Depp and Captain Jack are Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee Geoffrey Rush (“Shine,” “Shakespeare in Love”) and Kevin R. McNally (first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Valkyrie”). The film is slated to open May 20, 2011.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise —this time in Disney Digital 3D™. In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Rush reprises his role as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally returns as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs. Claflin stars as a stalwart missionary, while Berges-Frisbey is transformed into a mysterious mermaid.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is written by “Pirates” veterans Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and John DeLuca.

Joining Bruckheimer and Marshall for the new voyage is a top-flight group of award-winning behind-the-scenes artists, including director of photography Dariusz Wolski (first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”), production designer John Myhre (two-time Academy Award® winner for Marshall’s “Chicago” and “Memoirs of a Geisha”), costume designer Penny Rose (all three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”), visual effects supervisor Charles Gibson, who won an Academy Award for “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” Oscar® winner and eight-time nominee special effects supervisor John Frazier (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films,” “Pearl Harbor”) and stunt coordinator George Marshall Ruge, who also devoted his talents to the previous three “Pirates” films as well as Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer’s “National Treasure” franchise. The editors include two Oscar winners, Michael Kahn (“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”) and David Brenner (“Born on the Fourth of July”), as well as Wyatt Smith (Marshall’s “Nine”).

See Also: Cornwall To Stand In For The Caribbean For 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 - Blackbeard And The Fountain Of Youth / Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Starting To Get Some Wind Behind It's Sails