"SNIKT!!"
We'd heard the rumors but they sounded too crazy to even qualify. Yet somehow, against all laws of nature, Darren Aronofsky is in talks to direct Wolverine 2. Aronofsky surpassed rumored shoe-in David Slade to win the honor of directing the second film in this so far pretty sh*tty franchise, just days after it was announced that Zack Snyder won the Superman directing duties.
May be a case of Justin Bieber punk'n us all, but if not, at least we have a director who can artfully convey Wolverine's frustration with the world that won't accept him as he surfs on a missile or whatever ridiculous action set-piece makes its way into this film.
Where this leaves Preacher or movies that are a good idea for Aronofsky to do, we do not know. But if you ask me, this move is in direct reaction to the failure of The Wrestler action-figure line. Apart from the Marisa Tomei Lapdancer dolls, those things just didn't sell. (Deadline)

David Slade, director of Twilight Eclipse, 30 Days of Night, and Hard Candy, is the lead contender to helm the sequel to the X-Men Wolverine spin-off, the aptly titled, Wolverine 2. His sole competition is Robert Schwentke, who last directed The Time Traveler's Wife, and has the upcoming Bruce Willis vehicle, Red. Hugh Jackman himself will pick the winner, so let the ass-kissing begin. According to Vulture, "A well-placed source inside the production insists: 'It's going to be Slade.'" Looks like someone already sent a fruit bouquet to someone else's house.
I suppose I'd prefer Slade to Schwentke since I'm a big fan of Hard Candy and he made the least sh*ttiest Twilight movie, but I feel strongly that the sequel to Wolverine couldn't be any worse than the original no matter who's directing.
Oh no. I've gone and done it again. I've said the words that release the evil genie who travels on a bed of Cheetos dust.

RATNER!!!!!

Hugh Jackman had better turn in his Man Card. Dude, just passed up the chance to play beauty parlor in Avon Man in favor of lifting a bunch of weights. OMG! What a fop!
Sure, you can say that Jackman dropped out because the shooting schedule shifted, and he needs to get his arm muscles up to par for Wolverine 2. But we all know the truth, he'd rather just play with balls and lift weights all day. Hugh Jackman is just way too manly. Pretty much everyone knows that. (Deadline)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine's Sabretooth wants you guys to know that he'd really like to be in the sequel. At a press conference for Repo Men, Liev Schreiber told reporters that Hugh Jackman has told him about the script but he's not sure if he'll return (though he really wants you guys to know that he totally would if asked)."I just had dinner with [Hugh Jackman] last night and Hugh read the first draft of the script and I was really excited about it. It's still not clear whether or not Victor will be present in the Japan storyline. In the Japan storyline as I remember it from the Wolverine comics, Victor wasn't there. So I don't know, of course I've got my fingers crossed because I love the character so much, to have the chance to do it again would be a lot of fun, but I'm not sure."So, was Hugh Jackman trying to rub it in his face or what?HUGH: Oh, mate. The new Wolverine script is excellent. Too bad you won't be a part of it. Terrific stuff.LIEV: Oh man. That sucks. I guess I'll just have to stay home and bang Naomi Watts for four months.HUGH: Yeah, that's cool too. I s'pose. If you're into that sorta thing.(via io9)

1980's nostalgia continues to boom as Paul Reubens has announced that he'll be dusting off the red bow-tie. The LA Times reports that Pee-wee Herman will perform onstage in Hollywood this November for a limited engagement at the Music Box @ Fonda. Perhaps if this run is successful it will lead to the big screen productions Reubens has been trying to get off the ground for the last nine years. The actor stated, "I've put part of him away for a long time but part of him has always been here with me. I think it will be like riding a bike — which is not a bad analogy for Pee-wee, by the way." Although his humor is off the beaten track, I'm glad that Reubens decided to pound the pavement and put this show together. His laziness was beginning to rub me the wrong way. On an unrelated note, I wonder if he listens to The Strokes?Check out these big adventurous morning links…Exclusive interview with District 9 director Neill Blomkamp. (Latino Review) Wolverine Goes To Japan. (First Showing)Design a poster for Triangle. (Empire)Courtney Cox will say anything. (Dread Central)Kathryn Bigelow gets some action in Brazil. (Cinematical)Tara Reid back on the sauce. (Cinema Blend)

According to Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily, Paramount's Star Trek pulled in $26 million on saturday, a 9% increase from Friday's box office.  The studio is reportedly confident that the totals for the film, including the Thursday night previews, will reach $75 million.  Not quite as big as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but one would have to think Star Trek's gonna outlast its mutant rival if the reviews mean anything.   In any case, it's another success for JJ Abrams to celebrate. In tribute to Mr. Abrams, here's a video from the Fine Brothers that posits what would happen if Trek met Lost.  See the rest of the weekend Box Office Estimates after the jump: