Official: Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth to join "The Hunger Games" as Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne

The wait is over, people! Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth are now set to play Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne in "The Hunger Games" movie adaptation! They will join Jennifer Lawrence who was initially cast as Katniss Everdeen the main leading role. Thus the movie production will likely begin shortly to fulfill its March 23, 2012 release date.

As previously written here, Hutcherson and Hemsworth were the top frontrunners for this role and it wasn't any joke afterall. Both beat out other top contenders which were favorited by The Hunger Games fans themselves, with the likes of Hunter Parrish of "Weeds" and Drew Roy for Peeta and Gale role respectively.

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"The Bourne Legacy" wants Jeremy Renner!

I am certain that most of you readers still remember about how these young actors are contending to get the title role of "The Bourne Legacy". But seems like Tony Gilroy, the helmer of all Bourne series, wants one more name to be added to the list: Jeremy Renner!

Judging from his Oscar-worthy performance in "The Town", I personally think Renner will be a great fit to this Bourne-kind-of-role. He's been starring in numerous action movies; "S.W.A.T", "28 Weeks Later", and "The Hurt Locker" to name a few. He also has a great part in upcoming "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", and his biggest break would be the fact that he is selected as Hawkeye, the Marvel superhero who will appear as a cameo in "Thor" and the main role in 2012's "The Avengers". He was of course nominated as Best Supporting Actor in this year's Oscar. I'm sure none of you will doubt his talent by now.

Stay tune for more updates of "The Bourne Legacy" development! The movie is already set to hit theatres on August 3, 2012.

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Lily Collins is the leading lady of "The Brothers Grimm: Snow White"

The rising young actress Lily Collins recently announced to play Snow White in "The Brothers Grimm: Snow White", directed by Tarsem Singh. Previously, it was announced that Armie Hammer will play the Prince while Saoirse Ronan was in talks to play his leading lady, but seems that Ronan is no longer attached to this project.

As much as I love Ronan, I realized that the age difference between her and Hammer would be a problem. She is a 17-years-old with petite baby face figure while Hammer is 24 and 6'5" -- that would be somehow strange. Collins, in the other hand, is 22 and seems to look mature enough. I think it's a pretty great choice for this part. Agree? (Plus, it means that Ronan still has a chance to star in "The Hobbit", which I've been wanting since the news of her joining the cast has spread!)

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Leighton Meester joins Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg in "I Hate You Dad"

One of my favorite tv star Leighton Meester officially joins the cast of romantic comedy "I Hate You Dad". The movie tells about "a dad who moves in with his son on the eve of the son's wedding, and proceeds to immediately begin a feud with his future daughter-in-law." Adam Sandler is the dad, Andy Samberg is the son, while Meester will of course play the future wife/daughter-in-law. This film will be directed by Sean Anders and John Morris, and written by David Caspe, David Wain, and Ken Marino.

Besides the popular series "Gossip Girl", Meester has been involved in movie productions since last and earlier this year. Last year she appeared in thriller "The Roommate" where she became an obsessed best friend of Minka Kelly, and then a Golden Globe nominated movie "Country Strong" where she lent her voice to sing the movie soundtracks. She starred alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, and Garrett Hedlund in the latter.

As much as I love Meester in the Blair Waldorf persona (and clothes!), I am pleased to see her crawl trying to play different characters. We all know she has the talent, it's time for her to show it off! :D

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Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have one step closer to star in "The Hunger Games"

The front runners of "The Hunger Games" two leading men, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne, are reportedly announced to be Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth respectively, according to Deadline. However this is not official yet, since the studio hasn't stated any official announcement regarding to this news. Lucky you Jennifer Lawrence, two hot guys are coming your way!

Lawrence was initially cast first as Katniss Everdeen, the leading lady. Gale is Katniss' good friend and hunting partner, while Peeta is more of a love interest. I personally fond of these two front-runners, Hutcherson and Hemsworth seem to be fit for the roles. In the other hand I am actually questioning about Alex Pettyfer's involvement in this coveted casting call, since he was not in the list of actors tested with Lawrence at the end of last month.

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"Rock of Ages" gets its leading man: Diego Gonzalez Boneta

ETA: Big whoops! Director Adam Shankman recently confirmed from his Twitter that Diego Boneta hasn't been cast as Drew Boley because the studio is still opening an audition for this leading role. But he did say that Boneta came to audition. Stay tune for more follow ups for this project!

After opening a wide casting calls earlier this year, "Rock of Ages" movie which is adapted from the popular Broadway with the same title, finally got its leading man. Let me introduce you to Diego Gonzalez Boneta, who will play Drew Boley. As a girl the first time I saw his photo on the internet I went, "WOW!" (I mean he's obviously very handsome!), and apparently this guy has been appearing in a bunch of popular television shows which most teenagers won't miss.

Boneta, the 20 years old Mexican actor, started out his showbiz career as a child singer. He first caught the tweens' eyes through "90210" series, in which he played Javier Luna, a pop-singer who died in a car wreck (FYI, he sang all of the songs by himself!). And now he currently have a recurring role in yet another series "Pretty Little Liars" as Alex Santiago, a hardworking salsa dancing cook.

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Steve Carell will star in "Seeking A Friend For The End of The World", Keira Knightley is attached to join

After leaving his famous television series "The Office", Steve Carell is now heading to the 'end of the world' (well, not literally) in his newest project. "Seeking A Friend For The End of The World" takes place when an incoming asteroid will destroy humanity.

Carell will play the leading role, a man left by his wife in panic who's looking for his one true love when he finds out that his high school sweetheart says she wants to be with him when the world stops. He then goes for a road trip with his beautiful neighbor, who eventually falls in love with him (and each other). But don't worry, it doesn't mean that Carell will leave his comedy world, since this movie will be somewhat 'comic' and romantic despite its 'doomsday' background.

My favorite actress ever Keira Knightley is currently in negotiations to join Carell in this film, playing his adventurous neighbor, but there's no confirmation yet about her involvement.

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Sam Claflin and Alicia Vikander cast in "The Seventh Son"

British and Swedish newcomers, Sam Clafin and Alicia Vikander, reportedly land the lead roles in "The Seventh Son". This film will be adapted from Joseph Delaney's fantasy novel with the same title, about a 13-years-old boy who is the seventh son of a seventh son learning about wizardry from a forbidding spook.

Claflin and Vikander will play Tom and Alice respectively, while Jeff Bridges has landed the Spook role earlier, while Julianne Moore is still in talks to play the witch. Alex Pettyfer and Jennifer Lawrence were previously the front-runners for the role of Tom and Alice, but it is now unlikely that they will join the project.

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Is Chloe Moretz joining "Dark Shadows" cast?

A few days ago talented young actress Chloe Grace Moretz (or simply, 'Chloe Moretz') tweeted from her official account that she just 'booked a huge project', which involves really cool actors (she said 'HUGE' a couple of times, LOL). Came to speculation that she's going to star in "The Hunger Games" in which she actually lost Katniss Everdeen role to Jennifer Lawrence. But then another speculation comes up that she is actually going to star alongside every women-obsession Johnny Depp in the upcoming Tim Burton film "Dark Shadows". That is HUGE!

According to Movie Web it was revealed that Moretz will play Elizabeth Collins Stoddard's (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) daughter, Carolyn. While a couple of days ago, it was announced that Thomas McDonell also signed in to play younger version of Barnabas Collins which will be played by Johnny Depp.

"Dark Shadow" is adapted from the popular supernatural television series at the '60s. With Tim Burton helming this project, I'm very sure that he will add astonishing visual art and effects! Besides Depp, Pfeiffer, McDowell, and allegedly Moretz, the movie also cast Eva Green, Bella Heathcote, and Jackie Earle Haley so far.

ETA: The Deadline confirmed that Moretz is indeed joining the cast of "Dark Shadows". THIS IS SUCH A GREAT NEWS!!! Congrats Chloe!

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Peter Jackson wants Bret McKenzie back for "The Hobbit"

Peter Jackson is reportedly wanting "The Flight of the Choncords" star Bret McKenzie to reprise his role as Figwit in the upcoming "The Hobbit". For those who didn't notice (like myself), McKenzie actually appeared in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" for a blink of an eye scene, and "The Lord of the Rngs: The Return of the King" for a bit. Here's how The Playlist explains McKenzie's very tiny role:

During the council meeting where Frodo says, “I will take it!” the camera pans over to a pouty elf. The story goes that a fan said, “Frodo is great ... who is that?” thus spawning the nickname of Figwit. He reappeared in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” alongside Liv Tyler and that has been his extent so far in the franchise, but perhaps not for long.

"The Hobbit" is currently filming in New Zealand, which first part is set to hit theatres on December 2012.

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Hailee Steinfeld is in talks to star "Sleeping Beauty"

Oscar nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld is reportedly in talks to star a leading role in upcoming fairy tale-based film "Sleeping Beauty". This project is written by Lindsay Devlin, who will revise the whole Sleeping Beauty tale in which Steinfeld will have a lot more to do than 'sleeping' by entering her dream world and has to find a way out from it while waiting for the prince charming to rescue her. Hmm, sounds interesting!

Seems like the fairytale films have been trending -- started with the success of Tim Burton's Oscar winning "Alice in Wonderland" which made $ 1 billion on the box office. A few titles have been started and currently in developing phase; "Snow White and the Huntsman" which stars Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron (no Viggo Mortensen anymore, he's out), "The Brothers Grimm: Snow White" which currently cast Armie Hammer in addition to Julia Roberts, "Peter Pan Begins" with Channing Tatum in it, "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunter" starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, and an underdeveloped titles such as "Maleficent", the dark witch of "Sleeping Beauty" which was reportedly will be helmed by Tim Burton and starring Angelina Jolie.

Meanhwile, the 14-years-old "True Grit" star Steinfeld has been stealing Hollywood scenes after her brilliant performance was recognized and snapped a shot for an Oscar nomination earlier this year. I don't know if it was a lucky hit, since it was her first ever film she ever starred in. Well I guess real talent will speak at the right time, no? Anyways, I'm pretty excited about this "Sleeping Beauty" project -- hopefully they will make a "Beauty and the Beast" one!

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Thomas McDonell joins Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows"

Disney's "Prom" actor Thomas McDonnell officially join the cast of "Dark Shadows" as the younger version of Barnabas Collins, which will be played by Johnny Depp. Before McDonnell, French actress Eva Green as well as Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jackie Earle Haley, and Helena Bonham Carter also confirmed to join.

"Dark Shadows" is based on 1960s horror soap opera, in which all supernatural creatures with the likes of vampires, zombies, witches, monsters, warlocks, will appear. Tim Burton, the mighty helmer of "Corpse Bride", "A Nightmare Before Christmas", and "Alice in Wonderland" will direct.

The filming will start in May with an unknown 2012 release.

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Amy Adams is Lois Lane in "Superman: Man of Steel"

I couldn't do anything but squee-ing after hearing this news: yet another awesome actress to join Henry Cavill, Diane Lane, and Kevin Costner! America's sweetheart and two-times Academy Award nominee actress Amy Adams is the new Lois Lane in the Zack Snyder's reboot "Superman: Man of Steel", LA Times reported.

"There was a big, giant search for Lois," Snyder says. "For us it was a big thing and obviously a really important role. We did a lot of auditioning but we had this meeting with Amy Adams and after that I just felt she was perfect for it."

If the previous rumors about Lois Lane casting calls were true, then Adams has officially beaten out other thight competitors with the likes of Kristen Stewart (seriously -- I can't imagine this girl becoming Lois Lane!), Jessica Biel, Malin Akerman, Dianna Agron, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Mila Kunis, and Natalie Portman. Adams is also the successor of Kate Bosworth who previously played the role in 2006's "Superman Returns" along side Brandon Routh.

What I like about Adams is that she has rather broader fans and audience. She stole the teenagers' heart with her performance in Disney's "Enchanted", but caught the critics attention in "The Fighter" as well. Up next, you can see her on indie drama "On The Road" where she stars alongside Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, and Sam Riley and "The Muppets".

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Armie Hammer joins "The Brothers Grimm: Snow White", Saoirse Ronan in talks for leading lady

Armie Hammer is the most handsome of them all.

"The Social Network" breakout star officially joined Julia Roberts in the fairy tale adaptation "The Brothers Grimm: Snow White" as Prince Andrew Talcott. Roberts has been locked to star as the Evil Queen initially. Hammer is currently filming Clint Eastwood-directed movie along with Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar", in which they reportedly become a couple and had numerous 'kissing' scenes. I am definitely going to watch that movie! xD

Meanwhile, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is currently in talks to play Snow White, but haven't confirmed about her involvement. This is an absolute great choice. In a very young age, Ronan received an Oscar nomination for her terrific performance in Joe Wright's "Atonement", and then landed a leading role in Peter Jackson's sci-fi drama "The Lovely Bones". Her latest movie would be "Hanna", where she gets to play a teen assassin. She is also rumored to join cast of "The Hobbit", which means there's a little possibility for her to join "Snow White" if the "Hobbit" rumor is true.

This project will be directed by "Immortals" and "The Fall" helmer Tarsem Singh, while Melissa Walack writes the screenplay. Assuming that it will be derived from the original Brothers Grimm story (not the 1937 Disney cartoon), I thought this Snow White version will be way darker, even than upcoming "Snow White and the Huntsman" and Disney's "Snow and the Seven". But IndieWire revealed a bit after peeking on Walack's draft, that "the tone is lighter and more comic". Even so, it is possible that the team rewrites and darkens the storyline, as Jason Keller is now involved to write the script.

"The Brothers Grimm: Snow White" will come to theatres in June 23, 2012 in 3D.

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List of "The Hunger Games"' Peeta and Gale role contenders tested with Jennifer Lawrence

More "The Hunger Games" movie update! A bunch of new names have been added to the mix of Peeta Mellark contenders, as well as the newly announced nominations for Gale Hawthrone. Lionsgate Studio has recently tested the actors to depict some scenes with the currently chosen Jennifer Lawrence who lands the female leading role Katniss Everdeen.

In addition to Josh Hutcherson and Hunter Parrish who were previously announced to negotiate as Peeta role, Alexander Ludwig, Lucas Till, and Evan Peters were reportedly join the screen test. The four young actors must be relatively unknown for some people, but I'm sure that you actually caught them on films. Ludwig was the leading man in epic fantasy "Legend of the Seeker". Till made his big break in the "Hannah Montana: The Movie" as Miley Cyrus' on-screen love interest, and he's going to appear in this year's anticipated blockbuster "X-Men: First Class" portraying Alex Summers aka Havok, the brother of Scott "Cyclops" Summers. Meanwhile, if you re-watch "Kick-Ass" you will absolutely recognize Evan Peters, as he played Aaron Johnson's best friend. From this list, apparently Alex Pettyfer is no longer up for this role.

In the other hand, the studio is also currently searching for yet another important supporting role in "The Hunger Games", Gale Hawthrone. Described as a very handsome and masculine boy, Lionsgate is searching for a at least 6' tall actors to portray this best friend of Katniss. According to "Hunger Games" best fansite Mockingjay, the announced names are: Liam Hemsworth, David Henry, Robbie Ammell, and Drew Roy. Australian actor Hemsworth first caught the public eyes starring opposite his then-girlfriend Miley Cyrus in "The Last Song" (and he is also the brother of Chris Hemsworth, the "Thor" guy). Henrie started his career being funny and entertaining in Disney Channel hit "The Wizard of Waverly Place" with Selena Gomez. Ammell and Roy are relatively very new, but you can see them on Nickelodeon's "True Jackson" and sci-fi series "Falling Skies" respectively. From the Gale description, I believe Hemsworth would perfectly fit. He is absolutely tall, with perfect masculine figure. Even so, most of us are still questioning about his real acting talents, but let's just give him a try. ;-)

Stay tune for more "The Hunger Games" updates!

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Michael Shannon and Edgar Ramirez contending for "Superman: Man of Steel" main villain

After Henry Cavill, Diane Lane, and Kevin Costner have officially won to play main protagonist roles, two talented actors Michael Shannon and Edgar Ramirez are reportedly contending to snatch the main villain role in Zack Snyder's "Superman: Man of Steel". The rumor about getting Viggo Mortensen to play General Zod is apparently not true, since he has signed in to play Eric the Huntsman in "Snow White and the Huntsman" with Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.

Michael Shannon is mostly known from his recurring role as Nelson Van Alden in HBO's Golden Globe winning series "Boardwalk Empire". Even so, he's been grazing the big screen since 1992 starting from TV movies. His famous works to mention are "Vanilla Sky", "The Photographer", "8 Mile", "Revolutionary Road", and "The Runaways". He is now filming for drama feature "The Iceman", along with James Franco, Benicio del Toro, and Elias Koteas.

Edgar Ramirez also has started his career in the 90s, starring in Spanish television movies and series. Hollywood and movie mania began to know him as he starred in Tony Scott's action flick "Domino" where Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke also played. He also gained more attention as he got supporting roles in more action hits "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Vantage Point". He is now currently filming "Clash of the Titans" sequel, "Wrath of the Titans", playing the God of war Ares.

I think Shannon and Ramirez are great candidates to play Superman's main villain, judging from their resumes. It is still unofficial whether General Zod will be the villain, but knowing the facts that this Snyder's version is a 'reboot', then it's still possible. "Superman: Man Of Steel" will come to theatres in 2012.

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Four actors to have "The Bourne Legacy" screen test

According to Deadline, the four names of who's going to have special screen test for Universal's upcoming action flick "The Bourne Legacy" have been announced. "Tron: Legacy", "Country Strong", and upcoming "On The Road" star Garrett Hedlund, "The Thing"'s Joel Edgerton, "The History Boys" and upcoming "Captain America: The First Avenger"'s Dominic Cooper, and the recently cast in "The Amateur American" Luke Evans are scheduled to test in first week of April.

Among those names, there's speculation that "Across the Universe" and recently added to "Prometheus" cast list Logan Marshall Green has been added to the mix, as well as two popular names Shia LaBeouf (who doesn't need any screen test to get into the list -- well, he is Shia LaBeouf) and Taylor Kitsch (who apparently has met with Tony Gilroy the director). But Deadline's Nikki Finke said that the studio might not need big star to replace Matt Damon in this "Bourne" series spin-off, and that fresh faces will likely be 'fancied' more.

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Taylor Kitsch and Benicio del Toro join Oliver Stone's "Savages"

The casting calls for Oliver Stone's upcoming adaptation "Savages" is still on the way. After young British Aaron Johnson signed on for one of the leading role, Ben, Deadline reports that Taylor Kitsch, whom we might know from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" where he played Gambit and American tv series "Friday Night Lives", will join the movie to play Chon, Ben's best friend. Meanwhile, Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro is reportedly signed to play Lado, an accomplice of Mexican drug cartel which is the main antagonist of the storyline.

"Savages" is based on Don Winslow's best-selling book with the same title, tells about two best friends, Ben and Chon, who are successful growers of pot in Laguna. Seems like they are having a quirky lifestyle besides becoming a 'pot grower', since they both share the same girlfriend (!!!). This girl named O dates both Ben and Chon ~ and apparently they have no problem with it. One day, a drug enforcer Lado asks them to work for his boss, a Mexican cartel matriarch. After Ben and Chon refusing to join, the Mexican gang kidnap O. Ben and Chon are forced to come up with a fortune in ransom. They plot to do it by hijacking the cartel's drug supply, right under the nose of Lado, who is highly suspicious.

The role of O was initially 'almost' given to Jennifer Lawrence before she was signed for "The Hunger Games". The team are now looking for her replacement, for both famous and unknown names. "Savages" is currently on progress to sign a deal with Universal Pictures.

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Ian McShane joins "Jack The Giant Killer", Sienna Guillory returns as Jill Valentine in "Resident Evil 5"

Star of the upcoming "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", Ian McShane, is reportedly joining Bryan Singer's fairy tale-based movie adaptation "Jack The Giant Killer". Re-telling the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" fairy tale, about a boy named Jack who finds himself in an expedition to save a princess taken hostage by a giant, which threatens the peace truce between human and giants. McShane will play King Brahmwell, the father of the kidnapped princess.

Nicholas Hoult, star of British television series hit "Skins" and upcoming "X-Men: First Class" will play as Jack, the leading role; while Eleanor Tomlinson cast as the princess. Veterans Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Bill Nighy, and John Kassir also set to star in the film.

Meanwhile, the popular video game-to-movie adaptation "Resident Evil" franchise finally gets its main hero back. British actress Sienna Guillory confirmed her return to star again as Jill Valentine in the upcoming "Resident Evil 5". The actress, who's currently pregnant, wrote via her Twitter account, "RE:5 alert! Training begins! I aim to mostly put less in the big hole on the front of my face than comes out of the little one on my arse."

Guillory first appeared in "Resident Evil: Apocalypse", the first sequel of the "Resident Evil" saga, in which she perfectly embodied the physical appearance of Jill Valentine. However, the proportion of Valentine's involvement wasn't as significant as hers in the original game, "Resident Evil: Nemesis", and she didn't even appear in the next installment "Resident Evil: Extinction". Guillory's latest appearance was in "Resident Evil: Afterlife" at the end of the movie. I didn't even realize that it was her, since the hairstyle had changed much -- it was adapted from the 'new' Jill Valentine in "Resident Evil 5" video game in which she dyed her hair blonde. The plot for "Resident Evil 5" is still unknown, but I do really hope that they will bring my favorite character to live, Leon Scott Kennedy!

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Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Garrett Hedlund, Chris Pine, Michael Fassbender -- all wanted for "Akira"

After adapting "Book of Eli" to the big screen, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are currently developing to make movie version of Katsuhiro Otomo's 6 volume graphic novel "Akira". Albert Hughes has been appointed to direct it, while Steve Kloves (who wrote ALL of "Harry Potter" movie franchise and currently "The Amazing Spider-Man") writes the screenplay. Now thanks to Deadline, the list of actors that are 'wanted' to star in the movie version is revealed.

There are two main characters based on the graphic novel: Tetsuo and Kaneda. For the Tetsuo role, studio has given the script to the British talents Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, and James McAvoy; while for Kaneda, the script has been sent to Garret Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, and Joaquin Phoenix. The story takes place in New Manhattan where a leader of a biker gang saves his friend from a medical experiment. Seems like the two leading characters will be likely played by an actor from each group. Hmmm, it's interesting!

So, since I haven't even read the graphic novel, I think I'm a bit biased on this. Of course I'm going to support Garfield or McAvoy for Tetsuo, and Hedlund or Pine for Kaneda. Steve Kloves has been working with Garfield for "The Amazing Spider-Man", so I think his involvement is somewhat beneficial for Garfield. But if the studio had to choose based on each actor's fame to 'blow up' the buzz of this adaptation, then maybe they'll take Pattinson and Timberlake more for consideration.

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