'Hunger Games' Director Gary Ross Circles 'Houdini'

After turning down 'Catching Fire,' Ross may helm big-screen adaptation of 'The Secret Life of Houdini.'
By Fallon Prinzivalli

Gary Ross
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty Images

"Hunger Games" fans were dismayed when director Gary Ross released a statement saying he wasn't going to helm the film's sequel, "Catching Fire." His previous works have been few and far between. Before adapting the dystopian novel, Ross directed "Pleasantville" in 1998 and "Seabiscuit" in 2003, and fans wondered if he would disappear off Hollywood's radar for a while. But Ross' next project might happen sooner rather than later.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ross is in talks with Summit to direct "Houdini," an adaptation of the book "The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero" by William Kalush and Larry Sloman. While recounting the master escape artist's life from poverty to fame, the biography suggests that the magician who commanded the attention of countless audiences worked as a spy for Britain and the Secret Service.

In Lionsgate's own statement on Gary Ross' departure from "The Hunger Games" franchise, they wrote, "[Gary Ross] did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future."

Since Lionsgate bought Summit earlier this year, it's quite possible this is the other project they had in mind for the director. THR also reports that Summit optioned the rights to the book back in March of 2009 and their goal is to turn it into an action franchise in the same vein as "Indiana Jones" and "Sherlock Holmes." Noah Oppenheim already wrote the script, but having penned every screenplay he's directed, it's possible Ross may want to edit or re-write it if he signs on for the project.

Coincidentally, THR notes that Francis Lawrence, the director who signed on for "Catching Fire," is attached to his own Houdini venture for Columbia Pictures.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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2012 Summer Movie Preview: Family Films

School's out -- time for some summer fun! There's no better feeling than sleeping in, exploring your neighborhood and staying out late. Frankly, we're jealous of all the young kids that get three whole carefree months of relaxation and adventure, capped off with a cool matinee in an air-conditioned theater.

This summer has got new offerings from the likes of Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks animation and features everything from heroic princesses to ghost-talking kids to battling dance squads. (And we can't forget about the nut-chasing Scrat the Squirrel.)

Below, check out Moviefone's round up of cartoons and family films we're most psyched for this season.

For the rest of Moviefone's 2012 Summer Preview, head here PHOTOS:

Source: http://news.moviefone.com/2012/05/02/2012-summer-movie-preview-family-films_n_1470092.html

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STILL FAB: Happy 37th Birthday Kimora Lee Simmons!

 

Kimora Lee Simmons turns 37-years-old today...and makes it look oh so fabulous. Check out the fab chick inside our gallery....

She's a media mogul with various companies and products to pitch, as well as phenomenal mother who's known for her close relationships to her kids.

Kimora Lee Simmons represents the woman who has it all....the man, the money, the career and the kids.

And chick is still doing fabulous & fashionable things...and we love watching.

Check out KiKi's style in the gallery below.  Happy Birthday!

37 Years of Fabulousity....Happy Birthday Kimora Lee Simmons!

Source: http://theybf.com/2012/05/04/still-fab-happy-37th-birthday-kimora-lee-simmons

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'Catching Fire': Francis Lawrence To Direct 'Hunger Games' Sequel

The speculation is over: Lionsgate has officially announced that Francis Lawrence will direct "Catching Fire," the sure-to-be-epic follow-up to "The Hunger Games."

Lawrence is replacing Gary Ross, who didn't feel he could deliver the sequel in time for the immovable November 22, 2013 release date. Ross' move didn't necessarily sit well with the cast -- Josh Hutcherson told THR, "Gary in my mind is the only one that could ever direct the second one" -- or legions of fans, but the show must go on as scheduled. In a statement released to Movieline, producer Nina Jacobson praised Lawrence, (whose previous films include "I Am Legend" and "Water for Elephants"), saying "From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne. His passion for 'Catching Fire 'and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie. I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started.” Lawrence is understandably happy to be on board one of Hollywood's biggest franchises, stating, "It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring 'Catching Fire,' the second chapter of Suzanne's beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can't wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved." [via Movieline]

Source: http://news.moviefone.com/2012/05/03/catching-fire-francis-lawrence-director_n_1475163.html

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Britney Spears - 3 (PARODY)

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What Do 'Twilight' Stars Have Lined Up Before 'Dawn'?

Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and the rest are all keeping busy before the final installment hits theaters in November.
By Jocelyn Vena

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage

With "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" nearly behind them, the stars of the "Twilight Saga" have some busy schedules ahead of the film's November release for some other movies.

Just this week alone, Robert Pattinson picked up two more films, hot off the heels of several other casting updates for his "Twilight" co-stars. It's almost getting hard to know when and where you'll see the actors next, so MTV News is rounding it all up in this little guide:

Robert Pattinson
He's already banked two intriguing movies: "Cosmopolis," which hits Cannes this month, and "Bel Ami," which will be available on VOD Friday (May 4) before going to theaters June 8. But it's been a busy week for RPattz. He just added two more projects to his docket: the Saddam Hussein thriller "Mission: Blacklist" and "Rover," in which he'll be hunted down by Guy Pearce for stealing a car.

Kristen Stewart
With less than a month until the release of "Snow White and the Huntsman," the blockbuster will get the "MTV First" treatment on Tuesday, when Stewart and her co-stars will stop by MTV with an exclusive look at the movie. Later this year, that other book-to-film adaptation, "On the Road," will hit theaters. In it, she plays Garrett Hedlund's drug-loving teenage bride, Marylou. Stewart has lined up some more interesting projects, including a "micro-cameo" in her mom's prison movie "K-11." She'll also explore the art of (faked) snuff films in the flick "Cali."

Taylor Lautner
After leaving the toy flick "Stretch Armstrong," Lautner recently picked up a completely different kind of movie: He's set to star alongside Adam Sandler and crew in "Grown Ups 2."

Kellan Lutz
He's got a number of projects that still need to hit the big screen, like "Syrup, "Bumped" and "Java Heat." But he's not resting: Lutz just landed the title role in a performance-capture, 3-D take on "Tarzan," according to The Hollywood Reporter; Spencer Locke has been locked in to play his Jane.

Ashley Greene
Although she has several movies set to hit theaters, including this week's "LOL" with Miley Cyrus and Demi Moore and the very scary "Apparition" out in August, she is also making a name for herself on the small screen. She's attached to the ABC show "Americana" about real-life fashion designer Robert Soulter. Greene will play an up-and-coming Big Apple fashionista on the soap.

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Snow White And The Huntsman' Stars Bring Exclusive Clip To MTV!

Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin will debut sneak peek at 7:56 p.m. Tuesday on MTV, followed by online Q&A.
By Kara Warner

MTV News' Josh Horowitz with the cast of "Snow White and the Huntsman"
Photo: MTV News

Things are really heating up for the summer movie season. We've got the release of "Marvel's The Avengers" this week, "Battleship" soon after and the very buzz-worthy action adventure "Snow White and the Huntsman" arrives June 1, marking the debut of Kristen Stewart as an action star.

MTV News is very proud to announce that we will be offering fans an exclusive first look at the film via "MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman" on Tuesday, May 8. Stewart and co-stars Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin will be live on MTV's airwaves at 7:56 p.m. ET to premiere the exclusive clip, after which they will stick around for a Q&A on MTV.com hosted by MTV News' Josh Horowitz. Fans can get in on the action by submitting their reactions to the clip in the comments section or on Twitter (using @MTVNews, hashtag #MTVFirst). During "MTV First," the four stars will also answer your Twitter questions and dish on the very latest news.

In order to help tide you over until the big reveal next week, here's a little interview snippet from Stewart in which she discusses her preparation for mastering the English accent required for her role as the titular Snow White.

"I worked on it for a while, so I was really lucky, I didn't have to jump right in," Stewart said of her ample pre-production time. "I would have been terrified [if I had to jump in], so I felt really confident with it when I went into it. I didn't feel like I was attached to specific lines and stuff, which I would kill myself if I felt that I had to know exactly what I was going to say."

Stewart has received rave reviews for her performance from director Rupert Sanders.

"Kristen is a very driven, visceral, intuitive actress. From a director's point of view, it's great to get into her headspace," Sanders told MTV News. "We did a lot of work together on the script and character, and she really helped inform me how that character was feeling, which really helped my process getting the character onscreen. Kristen was doing a lot of her stunt work, she was riding horses, she was jumping from high precipices into freezing cold water, she was fighting dwarves — she's gung-ho."

Don't miss "MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman" on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:56 p.m. on MTV, followed by a Q&A with Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin on MTV.com!

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