Robert Redford has decided to tackle The Conspirator, a period drama concerning the events that followed the assassination of President Lincoln, written by James Solomon. James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn are set to star as Fredrick Aiken and Mary Surratt while Redford directs.
Mary Surratt is the only woman among a group charged with conspiring to kill the president. Frederick Aiken is an idealistic young war hero who unwillingly defends Surratt and in the process comes to believe she is innocent.
The advisers for the film are quite impressive including Pulitzer Prize winner James McPherson and Lincoln assassination experts Thomas Turner and U.S. Army regimental historian Col. Fred Borch. Apparently, Mary Surratt’s trail is compelling and significant because she was sentenced to death and became the first woman executed by the United States federal government.
So here’s a nifty bit of news for you–guess who’s on the short list to try the Bilbo Baggins role for the upcoming Hobbit movie. And even more interestingly, guess who turned it down? Both questions have the same answer: none other than Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe.
And while I DO think he would’ve made a pretty sweet Bilbo, I can’t help but not be disappointed (factor out the negatives–it works) that he didn’t sign on. Oh, sure, he would’ve handled it well, and I can understand him not wanting to be typecast in fantasy roles (which is probably why he showed up nude in Equus), but I really do think there’s better out there. Significantly better, in fact. James McAvoy has already been suggested, and I’m all in favor of that. Frankly, if it weren’t so obvious, I’d think Elijah Wood handled Frodo just fine–why not let him take a run at the younger Bilbo?
But regardless of who actually takes the role, you know they’re probably going to be the subject of huge discussion in the fan community, because this is just too big to leave in just anyone’s lap, and chances are, someone won’t like the end choice.
Variety reports that James McAvoy, Elizabeth Banks, Laura Linney and Anna Friel have joined the cast of upcoming black comedy The Details.
The film will follow a couple – McAvoy and Banks – who discover an infestation of raccoons in their back yard. They argue over how to deal with the animals, which leads to an escalating series of events.
Jacob Estes has written the script and is set to direct the feature. Shooting begins this summer in Seattle.
Surprise for everyone!!!! I have two Wanted DVDs to giveaway!!! Screenhead pulled it off. Consider it a Holiday Present!!
The two winners are Post #298 Sue Farrell, who wanted to win it for her husband — Happy Holidays!!! Post #396, Leanne, who wanted to win it for her son — Happy Holidays!!!
Congratulations everyone for posting. Screenhead has many more fun giveaways coming up!!
This is what our lucky winners won:
James McAvoy and Academy Award Winners Angelina Jolie And Morgan Freeman star in the visually inventive action thriller
WANTED – Own the 2-Disc DVD & Blu-Ray Hi-Def With Digital Copy On December 2, 2008
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Wesley’s (James McAvoy) life is over – his pathetic, old one, anyway… Fortunately, it is all because of a girl. Enter sizzling-hot Fox (Angelina Jolie), who crashes into his life and introduces him to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins, lead by the mysterious Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Seems Wes’s long-lost father was killed while working for the Fraternity and Wes has been selected to target the rogue member who murdered him. But before he can complete his assignment, Wes must first uncover the dark secrets behind the Fraternity in order to determine his own destiny.
The 2-Dis DVD and Blu-Ray-Hi-Def each have specific special features. Check out Wanted website to see the different features for each release.
I found it very interesting that James McAvoy was casted in this film as the hero; definitely against type yet he has a certain everyman quality that makes the character genuine.
Don’t for get about Screenhead’s sponsored giveaway: Wanted 2-Disc Special Edition DVD. The DVD includes a digital copy of the film, which you can download with iTunes Windows Media.
Post your name and Screenhead will pick the winner December 9, 2008.
James McAvoy and Academy Award Winners Angelina Jolie And Morgan Freeman star in the visually inventive action thriller
WANTED – Own the 2-Disc DVD & Blu-Ray Hi-Def With Digital Copy On December 2, 2008
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Wesley’s (James McAvoy) life is over – his pathetic, old one, anyway… Fortunately, it is all because of a girl. Enter sizzling-hot Fox (Angelina Jolie), who crashes into his life and introduces him to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins, lead by the mysterious Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Seems Wes’s long-lost father was killed while working for the Fraternity and Wes has been selected to target the rogue member who murdered him. But before he can complete his assignment, Wes must first uncover the dark secrets behind the Fraternity in order to determine his own destiny.
The 2-Dis DVD and Blu-Ray-Hi-Def each have specific special features. Check out Wanted website to see the different features for each release.
Having assassinated box office competition, Wanted may be in for a full trilogy, reports Cinema Blend. While it is still a rumor at this point, the site claims that two more sequels are already being planned with both James McAvoy and Terrence Stamp back in their roles.
Flashbacks will play an important role in the films, exploring Angelina Jolie’s Fox character. It will allow us to meet the man who trained and recruited her, with him becoming the possible villain of the sequels.
The site also notes that the sequels will have McAvoy’s Wesley travel globally, fighting Fraternity cells all over the world.
So here’s a nifty bit of news for you–guess who’s on the short list to try the Bilbo Baggins role for the upcoming Hobbit movie. And even more interestingly, guess who turned it down? Both questions have the same answer: none other than 
Variety 
Having assassinated box office competition, Wanted may be in for a full trilogy,