This is a dream come true for Giamatti, who in 2011 told ShowbizSpy:

“I thought Rhino was the greatest thing when I was a little kid. It was a guy who was basically in this rhinoceros outfit and I always thought, ‘Why don’t they have The Rhino in one of their movies,’ but maybe The Rhino wasn’t that big of a deal for anybody but me.
“If they ever go with The Rhino I would be ready and waiting.”

Like Crazy’s Felicity Jones is also in talks to join the film, which includes stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, as well as the aforementioned Foxx and fellow newcomers Shailene Woodley and Dane DeHaan, who are playing Mary Jane and Harry Osborne. Jones’ role is unspecified as of now but let’s hope she’s playing Black Cat. Because the combination of these images will more than make up for the trauma of seeing Giamatti in a skintight outfit.

It’s great exposure and a great payday, but I’m worried the costume will be just a tad more ridiculous than dressing as Wanda. What price your shame, Mr. Foxx? What price your shame? (Variety)

Sony Pictures Animation has picked up the movie rights to Manimal, a short-lived 1983 NBC series, and is developing the project as a live action/CG hybrid film.
…
Manimal followed Dr. Jonathan Chase, a wealthy doctor with a mysterious past, who morphed into animals in order to help the police fight crime.
The show, which starred Brit Simon MacCorkindale and Melody Anderson (who played Dale Arden in the 1980 movie Flash Gordon), was slaughtered by critics and trounced when it aired in 1983 opposite Dallas, then a ratings juggernaut. It was canceled after just eight episodes.

If my words were the cause for this, I’m truly sorry. Now you’re going to have to see Bill Hader morph into a jaguar or something. And that’s only if we get lucky and they go the comedy route.

While NYC got Spider-Man himself in Andrew Garfield, we in Los Angeles ran a close second, scoring director Marc Webb, who introduced both the 3D trailer, and a five-minute, 2D “sizzle reel” that told the story of THIS Spider-Man using clips from the film.

While it would seem that the story of Spider-Man is old hat given that we’ve experienced three films in the past decade or so, Webb took pains to clarify that the film wasn’t interested in rehashing material covered by the Raimi/Maguire films. A new Spider-Man (Garfield) has a new love interest in Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone, who was beamed in via satellite from her screening in Rio de Janeiro), and he’s got a new set of problems in villain Dr. Connors, (Rhys Ifans).

What Webb stressed (and both the trailer and sizzle reel hinted at) was that this film tells us the story of what happened to Peter Parker’s parents, which is told through his relationship with his Aunt and Uncle, as well as his struggle with Dr. Connors, who was his father’s partner in science.

Other than that, the film focuses largely on a hipper-than-Tobey teenager who has a crush on Stone’s Stacy. Stacy’s father (Denis Leary) just happens to be the policeman tasked with hunting down Spider-Man, so the scenes between the two are filled with an honest tension that didn’t exist so much in the earlier films.

And that’s the story as told by the trailer. The real reveal here (the fate of Parker’s parents) is alluded to, but not demonstrated, though Webb touted that as a selling point of the film. Beyond that, Webb’s sensibilities coming from (500) Days of Summer make this film seem almost like an indie love story in much the same fashion that Christopher Nolan was able to make The Dark Knight feel like a crime film.

In short, the trailer suggested this film has enough heart and character development to appeal to those outside the fanboy set.

Story aside, how does the movie look?

It looks great. Webb stressed the use of 3D cameras in filming, not the “bullshit” conversion technique. Much has been made of the use of 3D as Spider-Man wings through New York, and the footage lives up to the hype. The action feels made for IMAX.

A big element of the trailer was a bombastic, epic score that made even these three minutes feel important. I felt that the original three films never hoped to be more than “cute,” and while this one appears very heartfelt (an awkward interaction early on between Peter and Stacy shows a soul that eludes most superhero films), it also feels like this is a story that’s asking to be told, rather than one that’s created.

While Columbia certainly wants to put its best foot forward with the trailer, including all the “money shots” that make the 3D seem worthwhile, it’s the more low-key moments that left me wanting more. In the theater lobby after the viewing, Sony execs were loudly celebrating a tweet from the audience that read something along the lines of “(Christopher) Nolan has found a rival in Webb.” While I don’t expect a rivalry or feud to break out any time soon, and I don’t think that Webb has the same resume that Nolan does yet, I understand the Tweeter’s excitement in seeing a filmmaker hit the mark in such a huge fashion.

Enough with the words. See for yourself at Screen Junkies tonight at midnight PST when this trailer goes live online.

Click here for all the Sony “Action Unleashed” DVDs!

Selene vs. Michael vs. Viktor , Underworld

The only thing tougher to deal with than a vampire and/or a werewolf is a vampire-werewolf hybrid, as you can see in the character of Michael, who was unfortunately transformed into one. You might not know it to see him fight Elder Vampire Viktor, though, who uses his experience in the field of supernatural ass-kicking to make quick work of him. Thankfully Kate Beckinsale‘s Selene and a big old sword were also present, giving Viktor only a few moments before part of his head gets sliced off the, uh, rest of his head. Ouch.

Michael vs William/Selene vs. Markus, Underworld Evolution

Lots of action movies utilize the technique of two simultaneous fights on two different fronts, and the sequel to Underworld is no different. Vampire twins Markus and William are up against our friends Selene and Michael – with one crucial difference: Selene has recently ingested some wild super vampire blood of her own, which gives her powers she never had before. For example, she pulls a spike out of her chest and drives it through Markus’ head. Michael takes a less elegant approach, opting to tear his guy’s head off. Whatever works.

So far, he hasn’t committed to the project, but said at the P.S. Arts Express Yourself Festival:

“Right now I’m just in the thinking-about-it stages. It’s a really big movie and it’s going to be a great movie no matter who writes it.”

Sorkin is now just in the process of reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of the Apple founder and global icon, so let’s not lean on him too hard until he finishes the book, ok? We all know how annoying it can be when someone’s all “Have you finished that book yet? Isn’t it great?”

Well, just imagine that someone is Sony Pictures, and they want you to write their movie. Ugh. That’s worse than any book club.

It makes sense. Sorkin is no stranger to Jobs, having written a remembrance of the man who once approached him to write for Pixar. However, is this project too Aaron Sorkin-y? He’s handled similar subject matter before, and given his personal connection, he might feel compromised when attempting to approach the story from an objective position, especially if he does his writing on a Mac. (LA Times)

As the show grows more expensive, AMC has proposed scaling back the order for season five from thirteen episodes to six or eight. The show producers refused to do this and then killed their best friend with a box cutter to illustrate how serious they are. But the bigger issue here is the show’s life span. Series creator Vince Gilligan has always said that next season will be the last. However, the ratings are pouring in like never before as strong word of mouth is bringing more and more viewers to the show.

“There’s nothing definitive on that show,” says senior VP of programming Joel Stillerman when asked about Gilligan’s statement. “We need to make a decision on season 5 and then we’ll decide with Vince with Sony if that’s it or if it can be ongoing after that. The kind of demo delivery gains seen in season 4 are potentially unprecedented. We’re thrilled.”

So that’s where we’re at. The genius who creates the show wants out at a certain point for the story’s sake. Admirable. But, the network wants to milk it for all the profit it is worth. Hopefully, they won’t hire a young writer to shadow Gilligan and learn his secrets from him. That can only end with blood on everybody’s hands. (EW)

…in which an Israeli assassination team targeted a Hamas leader whom the Israelis believe murdered several soldiers and helped stockpile Iranian-made missiles. He was tracked to Dubai, and the Israelis managed to smuggle in an entire 17-person hit team to take him out in the corridor of a five-star hotel. The operatives were captured on a hotel security camera trailing after the victim, reemerging and getting on the elevator after he was killed.

Then Deadline goes on to say that WON’T be the plot of this film, but it will be in a similar vein. Thanks a lot, Deadline. It will probably just be Thor 2: Thorrin’ It! (as inspired by the conflict between Hamas and Israel).

(cue Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night”)

Right now we know that a film called Singularity will be released on May 17th, 2013 and that it will be Emmerich’s return to science fiction. The director took a detour from his normal body of work with the Shakespeare conspiracy thriller Anonymous but is apparently ready to blow up recognizable buildings again. Let’s admit it. Frank Gehry has had it coming to him for awhile now. (Deadline)

Roll With New 'Attack The Block' Trailer Featuring Basement Jaxx

Attack The Block is the directorial debut of Joe Cornish.

You may be quick to dismiss this project due to the fact it is based on a board game. But did you know that the game itself was invented by film maker Albert Lamorisse, the French director of The Red Balloon? Plus, the material could very well loan itself to an exciting storyline. So please, I urge you, hold your judgment until it is announced they are shoe-horning aliens into the plot. (Deadline)

Angelina Goes 'MacGyver' in Latest 'Salt' Clip

Who asked for Salt 2?

The answer is the movie-going public, since the Angelina Jolie action spy thriller scored around $300 million worldwide at the box office, making a sequel as inevitable as Evelyn Salt stopping the nuclear missiles at the end. Sony has tapped Salt writer Kurt Wimmer for a draft, which he’s currently penning. Jolie is apparently interested in returning to the role, provided the project comes together in a way she’s happy with. So… a bigger paycheck?

Originally, Salt was written for Tom Cruise, but after discussions about the project, Cruise felt the character was too close to Ethan Hunt from the Mission: Impossible series. Jolie was interested in starring in her own James Bond type series, and that led to the Salt rewrite. The sequel is being written for Jolie, but maybe she’ll opt out and they’ll rewrite the part for Will Smith or something. (Deadline)

Big Man Japan tells the story of the head of the Department of Monster prevention, who single-handedly grows to their size to fight monsters wreaking havoc in cities. Unfortunately, Big Man Japan seems to wreak as much havoc as the monsters do on the cities.

Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether this remake will stay true to the Japanese setting (which seems to be much of the charm here), or if producer Neil Moritz will set it in Pittsburgh with Kevin James starring. Regardless the concept sounds pretty interesting, especially given the opportunity for the elusive “funny action/comedy.” I’m anticipating a Big Man Japan vs. Hitch crossover right now.

Now Columbia Pictures has grabbed the US distribution rights for the film, to be written by The Hurt Locker‘s Mark Boal. It’s a regular Hurt Lockereunion. Sony Pictures Co-Chair Amy Pascal said the following about the sale:

“With the death of Osama bin Laden, this film could not be more relevant.”

Wait a minute… Osama bin Laden is dead? You don’t say. I guess that probably explains other competing Osama-killing movies in the works from George Clooney and Oliver Stone. (TheWrap)

Below are two new posters to go along with the recently released trailer for 30 Minutes Or Less, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari. It’s based on a true story, but a crazy true story, not one of those bullshit, heartwarming true stories you see advertised every now and again. (I’m looking at you, tail-less dolphin movie.) Eisenberg plays a pizza guy assaulted by criminals played by Nick Swardson and Danny McBride. They strap a bomb to his chest and force him to rob a bank, and somehow his buddy Aziz gets involved. This has all the elements I look for in a comedy: great cast, ridiculous premise, maximum hijinx potential.

The posters feature a scared as hell Eisenberg and Ansari, mid-robbery, as well as the very first intelligent apes from Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Didn’t you know this takes place in the Apes universe? Just like in the true story its based on. (30 Minutes Or Less Official Site)

Sony will co-finance and distribute the next two James Bond movies, including the upcoming Bond 23 which might star Javier Bardem or Anthony Hopkins as the villain. In return, Sony executives had to dance around in gold bikinis for MGM execs, while they sat in their fancy suits and casually smoked cigarettes. Actually, MGM gets to co-finance several Sony’s films, including potentially big moneymakers like the Total Recall remake and David Fincher‘s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, cause MGM needs some sweet, sweet cash.

MGM was flirting with Fox, Warner Bros and Paramount, but the studio ultimately returned to its partner for past successes like Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. How very un-Bond-like of MGM, sticking with the same girl in the end. Well, I guess you never should say never again. (Deadline)

Bieber may spread his deadly fever into the world of scripted comedy, as he’s in talks to star in What Would Kenny Do? with Kutcher, a movie about a 17-year-old boy who’s visited by the hologram of his adult self to help guide him throug high school. I’m sure the Razzie nominating committee is planning a lavish celebration at their offices if the deal goes through, and I hear critics are already scribbling lines for their reviews in their notebooks for when the film actually comes out. Lines like, “I didn’t need my future self to tell me this would be the worst thing ever.”

Bieber’s intense tour schedule will probably stop this madness from happening, but I guess I should never say never.

The Sony film will be produced by Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, who is currently seeking a new writer and director. Apparently they’re unhappy with the original Black List script by Chris Baldi and the rewrite by Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber (500 Days of Summer). (LA Times)

I feel bad for Neil Patrick Harris, who looks like he’s playing the role of Non-Threatening Anxious Caretaker Of Kooky Talking Creatures. We saw the exact same character in Alvin and the Chipmunks and Yogi Bear. Wait, if they’re all the same character, does that mean their universes tie together? Will there be a CG movie starring The Smurfs Yogi Bear and Alvin and the Chipmunks? Okay, now I’ve just Smurfed myself. In terror.

Smurfing into a smurf smurf shitty smurf theater shit-smurf August 3rd. (Deadline)

The Resident Evil series is coming back to the big screen with a fifth installment on September 14, 2012. Sony and the Umbrella Corporation have made big profits killing zombies time and again. Actually, the last outing/slaughtering – Resident Evil: Afterlife – outgrossed all the previous sequels with $200 million dollars worldwide. So: more money, more zombies, more sequels, more problems for the last remaining regumans (regular humans).

Meanwhile, on the other end of the culture spectrum, handsome, suit-wearing gentleman George Clooney will see his Howard Dean inspired election film Ides of March open October 14 of this year. Clooney is co-writing, directing and starring with a cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood. There will be zombies in this one too, but the metaphorical “political” zombies of greed and power that’ll eat the brains of a young idealist politician. (/Film)

Sony and MGM are hammering out an agreement that might give Sony rights to distribute old and new projects, like Red Dawn and the upcoming Bond films. They would also co-finance upcoming Bond movies, because putting your money behind Bond is a safe bet. Especially when he goes all-in. Daniel Craig, you have one hell of a poker face.

We’ll see if the deal pans out, and if we get to see these movies. Or they might end up dead… in a Cabin In The Woods. Because they’re a bunch of stupid college kids. (Cinema Blend)

Stone didn’t elaborate further – in fact, all she says in the video is that the silver discs in the recently released photo of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man are “a device.” So maybe it’s actually a wrist-mounted lasergun and the movie’s going to be called Spider-Man, Cowboys and Aliens. I’d watch that.

Every other element of the film looks to be falling into place, as the script by “Office” writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (with revisions by Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd) has been completed, and the other primary cast members, including Harold Ramis and Aykroyd himself, have all signed on. Sony is not even balking at the proposed 150 million dollar budget, so Murray appears to be the linchpin in this. Perhaps if Wes Anderson was handling directing duties, Murray’d be a little more comfortable. Maybe Ivan Reitman can promise him at least 4 Kinks songs on the soundtrack to sweeten the deal. (The Playlist)

James McAvoy plays Santa’s misfit son, Arthur, who executes an unauthorized rookie mission to get a present that Santa missed half way around the globe before dawn on Christmas morning. It’s a little disconcerting that Santa is just forgetting to drop presents off, but I’m glad someone is picking up the slack. I hope this film doesn’t take an awkward turn to examine Mr. Kringle’s battle with Alzheimer’s. That would not make for a very jolly tale at all.

Arthur Christmas crashes into theaters November 23, 2011.

Sony and Marc Webb have just reminded Sally Field that she’s not a spring chicken anymore in the nicest way possible. The Oscar-winner is in talks to join the Spider-Man reboot that is ramping up for a December start. It’s reported that she will play Martin Sheen wifey and Peter Parker mother-figure Aunt May. But what if this is a big misdirect?

Could it be that Spidey is teaming up with the Flying Nun this time around to take down the threat of the Lizard? Or perhaps, she’ll be the baddie. Look at the way she flies around with that glider wimple. That’s Oscorp tech if I’ve ever seen it. (THR)

If all goes as planned for the folks behind the upcoming Spider Man reboot, we’ll soon see Martin Sheen shot to death at the hands of an anonymous burglar. If we’re lucky, he might even utter a few blood-choked words of deathbed wisdom. Sheen is in the final round of talks to play Uncle Ben, Peter Parker’s former father figure-turned-corpse whose death prompts Parker to walk the streets at night in red latex. As a superhero, of course, not a whore.

Sheen will star alongside Andrew Garfield as Parker, Rhys Ifans as the film’s villain, the Lizard, and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, Parker’s latest damsel in distress. Marc Webb is set to direct the reboot, with production currently slated to begin in December.

_{He comes in peace.}

And here you thought Roland Emmerich couldn’t settle for anything less than epic. The director, who in Independence Day and 2012 destroyed the land we love so much, is prepping The Zone, and alien invasion movie he’ll make with a $5 million budget. No plot details are known but it will take the "found footage" approach and be improv-based with a cast of relative unknowns, much like Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity.

Shooting begins in mid-November off a script by French writer-director Guillaume Tunzini. Considering the budget for The Zone is what Emmerich usually spends on his craft services strudel supply, it’ll be interesting to see what he cranks out. No demolishing famous landmarks this time around. The best he’ll get is a modest ranch home with not too much surrounding land to scorch. (THR)

Sony wants little young white boys. The studio is currently casting for miniature versions of Spider-man and The Lizard for their Spider-man reboot, which recently added Rhys Ifans as adult Lizard. Moviehole has the specs:

Sony wants a dark-haired Caucasian boy to play actor Peter Parker at age 4 to 6 years old . Ideally, the boy should look a little like Andrew Garfield. In addition, the studio’s on the hunt for an actor to play Billy Connors, the son of Dr. Curt Connor. Applicants need be between 8 and 11 years old.

Don’t flip your sh*t, I’m sure the kiddies won’t be a huge part of the storyline. They’ll most likely be featured in minimal flashbacks. I seem to remember that comic issue when Peter egged Billy’s house on Halloween and Curt took the belt to his son for fraternizing with lowlifes. Yeah, I definitely read that in a comic and didn’t manifest it subconciously to block out a traumatic childhood event.

Marvel wasn’t just going to let DC own the day by announcing Tom Hardy will be a villain in the next Batman. Nuh uh. They’ve just announced that recently cast Rhys Ifans will be playing Dr. Curt Connors a.k.a. The Lizard in Marc Webb‘s Spider-man reboot. Poor Dylan Baker. He had to keep his arm inside of his shirt for the previous Spider-man movies, pretending that he was an amputee, and he never even got the chance to turn into a reptile.

Spider-man hits theaters in 3D July 3, 2012. You’ll probably hear more about this movie before then. (TheWrap)