That was the official announcement from Trey Parker and Matt Stone that they are moving ahead with plans to open their own $300 million production studio. Using their own money, they opened Important Studios which they will use to produce movie, television and theater projects. In other words, they’re going to start creating the type of projects they’ve always wanted to see, free of any studio involvement.

That’s not to say they ever copped to studio pressure in the past but I still get the feeling that the leash is off now. Should we go ahead and give them their own network? Might be nice to get out of the way now. (NY Times)

So take a look at the musical guests of South Park, and let us know who you think got sh*t on the worst. And if we left anyone out, tell us in the comment section.

Players are categorized by five unique classes: “Fighter, mage, thief, cleric and Jew.” Yes, “Jew” is one of the classes in the game. And as you can see from the picture, it looks like the people at Obsidian Entertainment have nailed the visual style of the show in addition to the sense of humor. So, if you’re into RPGs, and you like South Park, start stocking up on bandwidth and Doritos now. (Rock Paper Shotgun)

The word in Koreatown is that Kim Jun Il will be succeeded by his son Lil’ Kim Kim Jung Un. May he be as batshit crazy as his father, creating a cult of personality that would make Ron Artest blush.

Glory.

Lest you feel that Jung Il isn’t getting a fair shake in the media (who would really argue that?), compare him to these tyrannical depictions and see how he stacks up.

I heart dictators.

The Great Dictator – Adolf Hitler

There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to the “dictators” that appear at the beginning of the original Naked Gun film. We have Qadaffi, the Ayatollah, Yasir Arafat, and…Mikhail Gorbechav? Perhaps I didn’t give enough weight to the cold war in the late 80’s. Oh well.

Frank Drebin, for reasons indeterminate and unimportant, simply beats up all of these leaders in an unspecified middle eastern location. And after that ass-whoopin’, we never again found any of those men in America. Nice work, Police Squad.

This should quash rumors (often propagated by Stone and Parker themselves) that they were getting sick of the series and their attention was turning to other projects, like their The Book of Mormon musical and maybe some sort of strange continuation of That’s My Bush! I wonder what changed their mind. Maybe it was the dumptrucks of money that Comedy Central drove up to their houses. Or the siren call of art.

But probably the cash.

So, when can we expect to see it in theaters? Not until it’s done cleaning up on stage sadly. “Hopefully it will have a big run and a big tour and then we can do the movie in several years,” says Parker.

Bummer. Soon enough just isn’t soon enough. Can we get a Party Down or Arrested Development movie to tide us over in the meantime? We’re asking nicely. (EW)

I would give forty-two Black Eyed Peas for one Wyld Stallyns. And unless I’m off-base, I think many Screen Junkies readers would, too. Sure, some of these bands are pretty ridiculous, but look me in the eye and tell me they’re not all sixty-two times better and more interesting than Mumford and Sons.

God, I hate Mumford and Sons.

8. Dr. Funke’s 100 Percent Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution – Arrested Development

Sure, they’re misguided corporate whores, but who wouldn’t pay $20 bucks to go see these guys live and witness the train wreck that is Tobias Funke’s onstage banter. I mean, Amy Poehler is a huge fan, and who doesn’t love Amy Poehler?

7. Hey That’s My Bike – Reality Bites

This Ethan Hawke-fronted band certainly has the most indie cred of any band on this list. He did the whole brooding joyless musician thing before even Cobain did it, and I could totally see a generation of Williamsburg hipster fans, even today, calling themselves “Hey That’s My Bike-ers.”

Or Hawke’s Troy Dyer could just be a slightly earlier incarnation of that asshat Jared Leto. Whatevs.

However, there’s no word whether “You’re Getting Old” will set a new tone for the series going forward. It can be interpreted that Parker and Stone have grown wary of cynicism and will move the show in a less snarky direction. Or it could be that the episode was a one-off designed to spark debate. Either way, I’m sure that Adam Sandler movies will still look like shit.

South Park will return on October 5th with all new episodes. (Entertainment Weekly)

Prehistoric Iceman – January 20th, 1999

In this episode, Steve Irwin (a.k.a. The Crocodile Hunter) travels around searching for animal anuses to stick his thumb into. Later in the episode, Irwin is killed, which might seem pretty insensitive, until you realize the episode aired seven years before his actual death. Of course, they did mock his death in a later episode, so I guess my point is moot.

The Death Camp of Tolerance – November 20, 2002

The subplot of this episode chronicles the adventures of Lemmiwinks, a gerbil who has been inserted into Mr. Slave’s ass. The ghosts of other unfortunate animals that have perished in Mr. Slave’s bowels attempt to aide Lemmiwinks in his escape.

The Entity – November 21, 2001

After his disgust with the hassles of air travel boils over, Mr. Garrison invents a new means of transportation. The only problem is, the driver of the new vehicle is forced to insert a rod up his anus. But while it may be uncomfortable, it still beats dealing with airports.

Cartman Gets an Anal Probe – August 13, 1997

This is the episode that started it all. By that I mean it’s the first episode of the series, and also the first episode involving the anus. And with a title like “Cartman Gets an Anal Probe,” it was easy to see where the series was headed.

Bloody Mary – December 7, 2005

“South Park” is known for it’s controversial topics, but this episode involving a statue of the Virgin Mary bleeding out its ass was so controversial that the studio would not let it air uncensored out of fear of a terrorist attack. Oh, wait. It aired without editing, and no one resorted to violence. I must have mixed up my religions.

What, What (In the Butt) – April 2, 2008

In this memorable episode, Butters sings Samwell’s “What What (In the Butt)” in an attempt to make a viral video. In my opinion, it’s superior to the original in every way.

Spontaneous Combustion – April 14, 1999

When Kenny dies (again) from spontaneous combustion, Stan’s father traces the explosion to a methane buildup. In order to mitigate the threat, the residents of South Park are then required to fart regularly. Fart jokes are always funny.

The Death of Eric Cartman – April 13, 2005

When Butters begins seeing visions of his supposedly dead friend, his parents seek medical help. Linking the visions to a traumatic event in Butters’ past, the doctors set out to discover the root of the problem…by shoving a giant robot arm up his ass.

Red Hot Catholic Love – July 3, 2002

In a fitting end to a list about anal scenes, this episode features Cartman shoving food up his ass in order to crap out his mouth. In the context of the show, it’s a metaphor mocking certain secularists for their condescending attitude toward religion. Out of context, it’s still funny because the poop comes out their mouths.

Bonus – Tonight’s Episode: The Human CentiPad

Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s new Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon, is being called a surprise hit. But anyone who is surprised by its success must not have been paying attention. It has been lauded by critics for dealing with dark topics such as AIDS and third-world genocide, while at the same time maintaining the irreverent yet surprisingly sweet tone of a classic Broadway show. But these are the hallmarks of Parker and Stone, who have been hard at work crafting their unique style for well over a decade. With songs such as “Everyone Has AIDS,” and “Hang the Bastard” under their belt, the transition to Broadway almost seems like an afterthought. But in honor of their success, I’ve compiled my 11 favorite Parker/Stone songs. If you don’t like my list, go fuck your uncle.

“Hang the Bastard” – Cannibal the Musical

Who else besides Parker and Stone could make a song about genital warts so damn catchy? OK, maybe Eazy-E, but he’s dead.

“Salty Chocolate Balls” -”South Park“

While Isaac Hayes ended up leaving “South Park” on bad terms, his run with the show was hilarious. And while he’ll be better remembered for singing the theme from Shaft, I’ll always remember him for his “Salty Chocolate Balls.”

“Circle of Poo” – “South Park”

Not only is this Lion King spoof about talking shit hilarious, but it somehow manages to be genuinely heartfelt.

“Uncle Fucker” – South Park – Bigger, Longer, Uncut

This song from the South Park movie sets the stage for an epic battle between not only parents and television, but also the U.S. and Canada.

“Now You’re a Man” – Orgasmo

What makes a man? It’s probably the titties.

“Blame Canada” – South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut

As mentioned above, when the children of South Park begin using foul language, it isn’t long before their parents “Blame Canada.” This song was actually nominated for an Oscar, but lost out to Phil Collins.

“I’m So Ronrey” – Team America: World Police

In this song from Team America, Stone and Parker mock Kim Jong-il with a mix of puppets and Asian stereotypes. Offensive? Maybe. Hilarious? Definitely.

“Everyone Has AIDS” – Team America: World Police

Not many people can get away with mocking the AIDS epidemic. But as always, Parker and Stone manage to pull it off.

“America, Fuck Yeah” – Team America: World Police

This list probably could have been comprised of only Team America songs, but I wanted to have some variety. That being said, the jingoistic anthem that is “America, Fuck Yeah” is certainly some of their best work, bar none.

“Gay Fish” – “South Park”

In my book, any song that paints Kanye West as a dirty fish fucker should win a god damn Grammy.

Zachary Chesser, the young man who for months proclaimed that Trey Parker and Matt Stone deserved to be killed for their portrayal on “South Park” of Muhammed in a bear suit, has been sentenced hardcore. The judge also had to take into account that Chesser supplied information on various cartoonists who may or may not have been planning to draw a likeness of Muhammed (which is forbidden by Islam) to terrorists.

Someone woke up on the wrong side of bed for for four straight months!

The 20 year-old will be posting up in a federal prison for 25 years, where he will have all sorts of time to be outraged about people drawing Muhammed in bear suits. This might be the stiffest price a person has ever paid for not getting a joke. (THR)

They killed an extremely lifelike version of that”South Park” character named Kenny.

Copper Cab, you have been warned.

Zachary Adam Chesser, a Virginia man, has been arrested for threats he made against "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Incensed over  the show’s depiction of the Prophet Mohammad in a bear costume, Chesser posted graphic images of slain Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh with the warning that Parker and Stone would end up dead as well. Muslims love themselves some Prophet Mohammad and many regard any depiction of the Prophet as offensive. For the extremists, that offense is punishable by death. You should see what they do when yo break the rules of Fight Club.

Chesser was prevented from boarding a flight earlier this month from New York to Uganda. It was his intention to then travel on to Somalia where he would join the terrorist organization al Shabaab. Chesser became interested in Islam in 2008, but claims to not believe in or condone acts of terrorism or violence. Unless you consider posting death threats accompanied by mutilated corpses on the Internet as a show of support. That’s a gray area. (Reuters)

Bad news from the world of music. Musician Ronnie James Dio has died of stomach cancer. The singer, who performed with Black Sabbath and his own band, Dio, was only 67.

I’m not going to pretend I’m a fan of his music, but Dio was responsible for this hilarious "South Park" bit, which means he’s A-ok in my book. R.I.P. (DreadCentral)

See Ronnie James Dio perform at the South Park Bay of Pigs Memorial Dance after the jump.

"South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have predictably drawn controversy with their recent 200th episode. A Muslim website issued a warning that the duo will likely be killed for their recent depiction of Muhammad in a bear suit. The posting also included a graphic picture of slain Theo van Gogh, a documentary filmmaker killed for mocking the prophet in a film about violence against Muslim women.

“We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh for airing this show. This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them.”

No strangers to controversy or death threats, Parker and Stone are more than likely not taking this warning to heart. Muslims don’t mess around when mocked or disrespected. I guess you could say that the (Ed. Note: Joke deleted. I cherish my life). (FoxNews)

Smart move, Kid. I’m sure South Park won’t take advantage of this.

These links are for Gingers and normal people alike.

_{Watch The World’s Best Prom Now (Moviefone)}

_{Facebook May Help Spread Syphilis (Asylum)}

_{Bar Refaeli Grateful She’s Away from Leo (PopEater)}

_{25 Babies with Laser Eyes (HolyTaco)}

_{Seth Meyers Discusses Will Forte‘s Boner Ghost (FilmDrunk)}

_{Five Crazy Rubik’s Cube Videos (Unreality)}

_{48 Pics of UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste (TotalProSports)}

_{Divas of WWE (Maxim)}

_{17 Best Keep Out Signs Ever (Smosh)}

_{Miley Cyrus Spring Cleavage Coming in Nicely (CelebJihad)}

_{Georges St. Pierre and Frank Mir Talk UFC 111 (CagePotato)}

_{7 Best Theme Songs from Current TV Shows (Pajiba)}

_{Gigabots 2 (Atom)}

_{6 Essential Beer Cocktails (MadeMan)}

_{NASCAR Bathroom Prank (AllLeftTurns)}

_{25 Best Bachelor Frog Memes (RegretfulMorning)}

CRIMINAL MINDS

Network: CBS

Time: 9 – 10PM

 

Reasons to watch: The team profiles a serial killer who impregnates women and murders them after they give birth. Ahh, yes. The K-Fed Killer. Everybody’s got their gimmick these days.

Real World/Road Rules Challenge – Watch more Funny Videos

WHO’S ON LATE?

LETTERMAN

Paula Abdul, Elvis Costello, Neil Patrick Harris

CONAN

Jon Hamm, Cobra Starship and Estelle

KIMMEL

Ty Pennington, David Sedaris, the Jonas Brothers

FERGUSON

Mitch Alborn, Bonnie Raitt with Taj Mahal

FALLON

Ashton Kutcher, Triple H, Bat for Lashes

Cold sausage, bowel movements, bowling trophies, Dracula puppets, and a bikini-clad Kristen Bell. If more than one of these turns you on, you’ve got issues my friend. Tonight’s TV preview will try not to judge you.

CHECK OUT WHAT TO WATCH AFTER THE JUMP

NOTE: ALL TIMES EASTERN AND PACIFIC!!!

HELL’S KITCHEN
Network: FOX
Time: 8-9PM

Reasons to watch: The contestants are challenged with making perfectly-proportioned 6-inch sausages. At dinner service, Drew Lachey, John O’Hurley, Tom Green, Melinda Clarke, Chris "Kid" Reid and Kristy Swanson are served cold and salty food. Naturally Gordon Ramsey is not happy. How dare you serve Kristy Swanson salty, cold sausage!

CLASSIC BOWLING: 2007: PBA MOTOR CITY CLASSIC
Network: ESPN Classic
Time: 9-10PM

Reasons to watch: I’m sure that you’ll never forget November 4th, 2007 as Walter Ray Williams Jr. took home the prize in Taylor, Michigan. I know I certainly won’t. It was like watching The Almighty himself out there on them lanes and the reason I named my little girl Walter Ray Williams Jr. Johnson.

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
Network: Cinemax
Time: 10PM-12AM

Reasons to watch: If you’re a fan of Freaks and Geeks, you’ve known for a long time how talented Jason Segel is. In fact, most of his follow-up work has been on-par as well. The Segel-scripted Sarah Marshall is no exception. Fair warning: it does feature schlong. How much? More than Risky Business, less than Amistad. You’ll survive.
 

SOUTH PARK
Network: COMEDY CENTRAL
Time: 10:30-11PM

Reasons to watch: Tonight’s episode of the Emmy Award Winning series is titled More Crap. The story follows Stan’s dad as he sets a record for his impressive bowel movement. Not one to be upstaged when it comes to awards, U2′s Bono throws his goofy cowboy hat into the ring. This is a fantastic dressing-down of Bono. How dare he try to help the world?

WHO’S ON LATE?

LETTERMAN (repeat)
Jonah Hill, Kelly Clarkson

CONAN
Jeremy Piven, human cannonballs

KIMMEL
Ashton Kutcher, Nigel Lythgoe

FERGUSON
Tony Shalhoub, Minka Kelly

FALLON
Channing Tatum, Joan Rivers, Arctic Monkeys