Mad Max certainly has come a long way since 1979 – 30 years ago! – when Mel Gibson inhabited him for the princely sum of $15,000.
 George Miller has written, directed and/or produced all the “Mad Max” movies, and he’s at it again. Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are rumored to be in talks for “Mad Max: Road Fury,” looking at a 2011 release date.
The Hollywood Reporter is now reporting that the movie will film Down Under next year in Sydney and outback New South Wales. Warner Brothers yanked “Green Lantern” off the continent, so maybe this movie and its $100 million budget will help to fill the void.
It’s unlikely that Mel Gibson will be returning, at least not as Max, but ABC is putting Sam Worthington out there as a replacement.
Yeah, I can see that. What about The Gyro Captain, though? They’ll have trouble finding a suitable replacement for Bruce Spence.
Image: © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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IMAX Corp. posted their Q2 financial report which showed a profit of 5 cents a share or $2.6 million for the second quarter ending June 30. Analysts offer their views on the recent report:
Reuters: Imax posts Q2 profit
The Hollywood Reporter: Imax’s larger theater network pays off in Q2
The New York Times: For Imax, a Hollywood Focus Pays Off
The Wall Street Journal: Imax 2Q Net 5c; Posts First Quarterly Profit In 3 Years
Associated Press: IMAX returns to profitability as revenue soars
The Motley Fool: IMAX Fades to Black
The Canadian Press: Imax shows Q2 profit as revenue nearly doubles from year earlier
FOXBusiness: IMAX Returns to Profitability
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 Is it intervention time for Ridley Scott? The man is helming the still-untitled "Robin Hood" adventure and he already has plans to direct the "Alien" prequel and a "Monopoly" adaptation as well. Today, the director is ramping up yet another project, making Scott either a brave new director or a shameless workaholic.
However you want to describe him, Scott is nonetheless throwing himself towards "Brave New World," based on the classic Aldous Huxley novel of the same name. Scott's been attached to the film for quite awhile, but today brings word from The Hollywood Reporter that Leonardo DiCaprio is joining the fray as a producer with an eye for a starring role. "Apocalypto" writer Farhad Safinia is set to pen the script.
The story of "Brave New World" focuses on a dystopian future in which the populace is governed by The World State, a unifying global society. Human beings are genetically engineered, drug use and self-serving consumption is the norm, and ugliness is frowned upon. When an outcast is brought into the society, he becomes the center of public attention, eventually leading to a deadly downward spiral.
"Brave New World" will be produced collaboratively between DiCaprio's Appian Way and Scott's Scott Free banners for Universal Pictures, according to THR. The article also notes that the timing on "Brave New World" hinges on the script's readiness, meaning "Alien" and/or "Monopoly" could come first.
As for DiCaprio, there are a few characters he could play. The most obvious pick for the leading man is John the Savage, one of the main characters in "Brave New World." John is born outside of the strictly-controlled mainstream society, making him an outcast in the "civilized" world. But he's also an outcast in his "primitive" society, thanks to being the bastard child of a civilized man. This dichotomy and his maladjustment to the dystopian London ultimately lead to him becoming further ostracized and increasingly dangerous to himself and others.
If DiCaprio wants to scale back his acting involvement, he'd do equally well as Helmholtz Watson, an Alpha-Plus intellectual that has both the brains and the looks. I'd like to see his take on Bernard Marx as well, but the character is defined by his awkward physical appearance -- something DiCaprio isn't quite known for, to say the least.
Personally, I'm stoked for this film. If you haven't read the book, you should really put it towards the top of your list. My only concern is Ridley Scott's other obligations -- but frankly, I'd rather him move ahead with this project than retread old ground on "Alien." Scott's vision is perfectly suited for this "Brave New World."
Are you interested in Scott's take on "Brave New World," or do you think the book is too difficult to adapt? Would you rather him push ahead with "Alien"? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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Posted by Christopher Campbell
 Not to confuse you while “Orphan” is still in theaters, but there’s some exciting news for horror fans regarding Guillermo Del Toro’s remake of the spooky foreign film “The Orphanage.” Low-budget cult filmmaker/actor Larry Fessenden, known for such environmentally conscious paranormal thrillers as “Wendigo” and “The Last Winter,” has been tapped to direct the English-language version, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Fessenden also co-wrote the adaptation with Del Toro, producer of both the original and the coming remake.
For those who are unfamiliar with the original, “The Orphanage” is a 2007 Spanish-language film from director Juan Antonio Bayana (who’d been a rumored candidate to direct “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” awhile back) about a woman who returns to the orphanage she grew up in. There she is haunted by the ghost of a kid wearing a burlap sack as a mask.
It’s the kind of well-crafted horror film that really sticks in your mind -- and nightmares -- long after it is over. For a peek at just how creepy it is, watch here as the woman first encounters the sack-wearing ghost while searching for her missing son.
Fessenden is an inspired choice to direct the film, because Hollywood typically picks novice filmmakers with music video backgrounds or imports unrelated foreign auteurs for horror remakes. Del Toro clearly shows good taste in selecting an acclaimed indie director with a modest following and the skills to adequately handle the story.
It is also interesting that Fessenden is taking on a remake, and I’m somewhat glad he is. He’s a much better director than he is a writer, having particular difficulty with endings. And there’s absolutely no reason that either he or Del Toro would call for a change to the original's ending.
Aside from his screenwriting flaws, Fessenden’s conlusions often suffer from having terrible low-budget special effects. This remake should have a big enough budget that the filmmaker won’t have the same problem here. Not that a finely crafted horror film like "The Orphanage" really requires much in the way of visual effects. All Fessenden needs is a kid, a sack and his usual talent for presenting viewers with eerie and thrilling scenes of psychological horror.
Have you see the original? Are you familiar with Fessenden's work? Anything you'd like to see him do differently with the remake? Does that clip scare the pants off of you?
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 All sorts of news flying around the web today. Some of this would have run earlier on the blog, had it not been for a midday technical SNAFU. Here's a round-up of what we missed:
-- I don't know if it's the "first" to hit the web (I'm pretty sure it's not), but IGN UK have posted their review of "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." It's mostly high praise for Stephen Sommers' high-energy action flick, and I couldn't be more pleased. I'd been feeling uneasy about "Joe" in recent months, but all of those fears were literally BLOWN THE EFF UP when I saw the movie myself this past weekend. (IGN UK)
-- "Monster Squad" director Fred Dekker revealed at a weekend screening of his family-friendly classic that he's currently hard at work on a script for "Cliffhanger 2." For those who don't recall, "Cliffhanger" stars Sylvester Stallone as a mountain climbing rescue worker who ends up pursuing an international gang of thieves along snowy mountain peaks. Word emerged back in May that a reboot was in the works, and now it looks like we have further confirmation. (FirstShowing)
-- Cinematical has the exclusive poster premiere for "The Open Road," starring Justin Timberlake and Jeff Bridges. I've rarely seen a stranger pairing. Written and directed by Michael Meredith. (Cinematical)
-- "Clash of the Titans" star Sam Worthington is all set to replace Tom Cruise in "The Tourist," for Spyglass Entertainment. Charlize Theron also joins the cast. (The Hollywood Reporter)
-- "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" director Troy Nixey is all set for his next project, "Simple Machines," off of his own script. A fairly general synopsis describes a scenario in which a reclusive inventor must save the world from one of his own inventions when an evil tycoon bends it to his nefarious plans. I'll need a bit more info than that before I'm sold on this family-friendly adventure. (Variety)
-- "Resident Evil" star Milla Jovovich talked a bit about the upcoming sequel, "Resident Evil: Afterlife." What she really talked about was money, and how it funds sequels. Not exactly a great mystery there, but any "Res Evil" news is good "Res Evil" news. (ShockTillYouDrop)
-- I freaking loved "District 9." Favorite movie of the summer, no question. So I've been lapping up every bit of coverage I can find since then. Here's UGO's lengthy (and excellent) interview with director Neill Blomkamp. And yes, he talks about some sequel possibilities. (UGO)
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Posted by Melanie McFarland
 HBO wants to do keep on doing bad things with its current Sunday lineup next summer.
In the channel’s executive session, HBO co-president Richard Plepler and Michael Lombardo, president of its programming group and West Coast operations, officially gave the green light to another season of “Entourage,” a third season of “True Blood” and a sophomore season for “Hung.”
The sheer heat that this summer’s “True Blood” episodes are putting out makes its renewal a no-brainer. Ditto for “Entourage,” even if it’s getting a touch long in the tooth by cable TV standards. But “Hung’s” quick renewal comes as something of a surprise, as it’s barely halfway through its first season.
Could this be a sign that the premium channel is actually thriving in spite of the recession? Well, Lombardo says, yes. Sort of.
“No business is recession proof,” he admitted, but described HBO’s business as resilient. According to Lombardo, they don’t have lots of money to spend, but what he calls an “enviable” amount. The “cocooning” trend has been good to the channel, according to the execs; DVD sales are doing well, and viewership is up across the board.
“Unfortunately, that has not resulted in the coffers opening wider for original programming,” added Plepler.
But it hasn’t resulted in heartbreaking slices to its content either. “Big Love,” for example, will be back in January. The seventh season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is coming September 20, coupled with the arrival of “Bored to Death,” a new comedy starring Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis.
HBO was not ready to commit to another season of “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency,” but execs advised reporters not to write any eulogies just yet. Their hesitance to renew has more to do with the sudden passing of series creator Anthony Minghella last spring. Minghella sculpted the direction for the first season and directed the pilot before he died, and execs stressed the need to find the right showrunner to take his place before committing to season two.
As for a third season for “Flight of the Conchords,” Lombardo said that’s entirely up to Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. “We’re waiting, and as soon as they tell us they’re ready, we’d be thrilled,” Lombardo says.
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 Let's get right to it, shall we?
-- It's not exactly movies-related, but there's a new poster up for J.J. Abrams' hit series "Fringe." Both myself and MTV Multiplayer editor Russ Frushtick are fans of the show, and we were just joking at how uninspiring the poster is. I have to ask though... what the hell is Walter Bishop holding in his hand there? (Sci Fi Wire)
-- The first trailer for the Coen Brothers' next movie, "A Serious Man," has hit the Internet. I expect it to be glorious (the movie that is). (Apple)
-- "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" director Jay Russell will helm "Duncan" for Ben Kingsley's production company, SBK Pictures. It's about a grown woman reconnecting with a stuffed animal from her childhood. Kingsley will voice the toy. Sounds family-friendly to me! (The Hollywood Reporter)
-- James Wan and Leigh Whannell -- the director/writer team behind the original "Saw" -- are teaming up once more for "X-Ray," which is described as a film noir/action movie. And that is literally all anyone knows at this point. (ComingSoon)
-- "The Hurt Locker" star Jeremy Renner has joined the cast of Ben Affleck's next project, "The Town." Renner joins "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm, Affleck (who will direct and star) and Rebecca Hall in an adaptation of Chuck Hogan's novel. (The Hollywood Reporter)
-- There's a trailer up for "The Burning Plain." I'm going to let the synopsis speak for itself here: "Sylvia is a beautiful restaurant manager whose cool, professional demeanor masks the sexually charged storm within. When a stranger from Mexico confronts her with her mysterious past, Sylvia is launched into a journey through space and time that inextricably connects her to these disparate characters, all of whom are grappling with their own romantic destinies." (Yahoo! Movies)
-- A trailer has also hit for "The Damned United," which stars "Twilight" series vet Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" star Jim Broadbent. (Apple)
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Posted by Elisabeth Rappe
 There isn't a Russell Crowe movie that I won't watch. I confess to not only owning "A Good Year" but watching it multiple times simply because I occasionally need a trip to the French wine-country with a stern Australian. I've already pre-bought my ticket to Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood," and now I can check the calender days off for Crowe's latest, "The Next Three Days."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Days" actually has Crowe taking a break from Universal and his director friend Scott. The actor will team up with Paul Haggis ("Crash") and Lionsgate for this remake of the 2008 French thriller "Pour Elle."
The story follow a married couple who find their happy lives turned upside down when the wife is imprisoned for murder. Not only does her husband believe her claims of innocence, he concocts a plan to break her out of prison. Forget chocolates and red roses... that's love! It's also the perfect role for a tough guy like Crowe, who shines when he gets to play the anguished action hero.
Filming is scheduled to begin in September, meaning Crowe will be fresh off of "Robin Hood" and in full fighting form. Now if you'll excuse me, I think it's time to watch "The Quick and the Dead" again...
Are there still Russell Crowe fans out there, or have his phone-throwing ways scared audiences off? Do you think this is a good role for him? Or have you written it off as another unnecessary foreign remake?
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 There's a whole mess of news to fill you in on today, so let's get right to it!
-- Time has an interview up with "Antichrist" director Lars Von Trier. That's the controversy-courting movie which features genital mutilation. So... yeah. It's not the first art-horror movie I've seen, but it's certainly among the most disturbing. (Time)
-- Ah, what an age we live in. It used to be that official statements and press releases broke big news. Now we get it from Tweets. Disney's @disneypictures Twitter channel revealed today that Michael Sheen is indeed the villain in "Tron: Legacy," as had previously been rumored. Thanks to JoBlo for bringing this to my attention. (@disneypictures)
-- Despite surpassing $200 million in domestic box office sales, a "Monsters vs. Aliens" sequel may not be so quick to happen. DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg mentioned that the family friend CG flick didn't do quite as well as the studio had hoped overseas. We're still in "maybe" territory of course, but things are not looking good for fearsome creatures and extraterrestrials. (The Hollywood Reporter)
-- After numerous setbacks and delays, the Benicio Del Toro-led remake of "The Wolf Man" is getting one more. The planned November release has been shoved back yet again -- the fourth delay in the space of a year -- to February 12, 2010. Woof. (Variety)
-- There is currently a script in this world for a third "xXx" movie, tentatively titled "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage." And you all know what that means. More Vin Diesel! Sam Jackson too, apparently. Or his character at least. Latino Review has the script review. (Latino Review)
-- Sci Fi Wire has a pretty fantastic (albeit spoilerific) interview with Peter Jackson on the subject of "District 9," which he produced. If you're curious about the movie and don't mind getting some details before seeing it, I recommend taking a look. If not, at least bookmark the interview until after you've seen the film, as PJ makes some discussion-worthy points. (Sci Fi Wire)
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 There's an old saying that goes "don't change horses in midstream." Never is this more true than when you're talking about major Hollywood franchises. Rabid fans become comfortable with a long-running series' established mythology, and it's jarring to see a new face operating under a familiar name.
I wonder then what you Twilighters make of today's news, that Bryce Dallas Howard will step in to replace Rachelle Lefevre in the villainous role of Victoria for "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." Lefevre filled the role in both "Twilight" and the upcoming "New Moon." The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the casting switch comes as the result of a scheduling conflict, as Lefevre will join Dustin Hoffman in the soon-to-shoot indie drama "Barney's Version."
Howard brings plenty of experience along with her of course. She starred in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" and "Lady in the Water," and she paid her geek dues as Gwen Stacy in "Spider-Man 3" and Kate Connor in "Terminator Salvation." There's nothing quite like "Twilight" out there though.
Still, I have to wonder what you hardcore fans make of the change. Comparing this to a similar situation, I loved the first "Iron Man" movie but I'm pretty disappointed about Don Cheadle replacing Terrence Howard as Rhodey in "Iron Man 2." Cheadle is a tremendous actor, but Howard really nailed the role and the change leaves me unsettled. Perhaps my opinion will change when the sequel hits theaters, but I'm still left feeling uneasy.
Do you fans feel similarly about the Victoria change? Is Howard a good pick? I want to hear your thoughts. The comments section is certainly a good outlet, but those of you with webcams should hop in front of them and record a video response. Share the clip with us at Your MTV, and make sure to tag it "Twilight -- Victoria casting." I'll pull out the best and share 'em here on the blog.
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George Miller has written, directed and/or produced all the “Mad Max” movies, and he’s at it again. Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are rumored to be in talks for “Mad Max: Road Fury,” looking at a 2011 release date. 
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