Tag Archives: Gary Ross

‘Harry Potter’ Director Reportedly Swinging To ‘Tarzan’ Next

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60402 tarzan Harry Potter Director Reportedly Swinging To Tarzan Next

Warner Bros.’ upcoming remake of “Tarzan” earned a lot of exciting attention when it was announced back in June. At the time, both “Harry Potter” helmer David Yates and “The Hunger Games” director Gary Ross were considering tackling the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, and it seems like one of them has finally emerged victorious.

Vulture is reporting that Yates committed to direct “Tarzan” on Monday, and that he’s already looking for his leading man. This will be Yates’ first non-”Harry Potter” movie since he directed “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” back in 2007.

It seems as though Warner Bros. and Yates have gone through the list of eligible leading men in Hollywood who aren’t currently attached to other major projects right now to try to find their Tarzan. Vulture writes that Henry Cavill, Charlie Hunnam, Alexander Skarsgard and Tom Hardy are all being courted for the role. Of them, we’d have to say that Cavill most perfectly fits the look, but his involvement here would likely mean that Warner Bros. isn’t planning a “Man of Steel” sequel any time soon.

The last time Tarzan took to the screen in a big way was in the 1999 animated Disney movie of the same name. This live-action project has been something that’s in the works for a while, and we’re interested to see the tone it ends up taking. Also, how can we not be interested when an array of actors like that could be involved?

Do you think Yates will do a good job tackling “Tarzan”? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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Francis Lawrence To Direct Both ‘Mockingjay’ Films

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“Catching Fire” helmer Francis Lawrence has been reaped to direct the final two installment of “The Hunger Games” franchise, “Mockingjay – Part 1″ and “Mockingjay – Part 2,” Lionsgate has confirmed.

Lawrence is currently at work on the series’ second installment, having been tapped to fill the vacant director’s chair left after Gary Ross opted out of the sequel. Principle photography on “Catching Fire” began in September in Atlanta, Georgia, with production shifting to Hawaii in order to evoke the tropical setting of the 75th annual Hunger Games (otherwise known as the Quarter Quell).

Rumors had swirled that Lionsgate was eyeing a new auteur to direct the franchise’s two-part finale (due largely to the series’ aggressive production schedule), but the studio must have decided that the odds were ever in Lawrence’s favor.

When MTV News caught up with Woody Harrelson (otherwise known as oft-drunk District 12 mentor Haymitch Abernathy) prior to “Catching Fire” filming, he was excited about the prospect of Lawrence behind the camera. “You know, I like the way Francis is very thorough, very on top of everything. I really feel great,” he said. “I loved Gary. I thought Gary did an incredible job with the first one, but I do think Francis is going to do great with this.”

“Mockingjay” — written as a single book by Suzanne Collins — will be split into two films much the same way “Breaking Dawn” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” were. The films will follow bow-and-arrow-wielding heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) as she leads a rebellion against the Capitol and its tyrannical leader President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth will also star.

“Catching Fire” is slated for a November 22, 2013, release, with “Mockingjay – Part 1″ out November 21, 2014, followed by “Mockingjay – Part 2″ debuting November 20, 2015.

What do you think about Francis Lawrence directing the remainder of “The Hunger Games” franchise?

‘Hunger Games’ Too Heavy? ‘Starving Games’ May Be Your Movie

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If you tuned into the big-screen adaptation of “The Hunger Games” earlier this year and found the plot to be a bit humorless, maybe its in-the-works spoof will be more your taste. Billed as “The Starving Games,” the film will put a comedic spin on the hit flick based on Suzanne Collins‘ trilogy.

“Switched at Birth” actress Maiara Walsh has been tapped to play the Katniss Everdeen character, Kantmiss Evershot. Meanwhile “Pretty Little Liars” actor Brant Daugherty will tackle the untitled Gale role. No word on if a Peeta-type will find its way into the story, being created by spoof masters Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer (the brain trust behind “Date Movie,” “Meet the Spartans” and “Vampires Suck”).

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will also mock “The Avengers,” “Sherlock Holmes” and the final “Harry Potter” film. Shooting will kick off this week in New Orleans, but no release date has been set.

Coincidentally, the second film in the “Hunger Games” franchise, “Catching Fire,” is currently shooting as well. It began filming last month in Atlanta with famed music video director Francis Lawrence at the helm. He replaced the franchise’s original director, Gary Ross, earlier this year. The second part of the “Hunger Games” franchise will hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

With Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson all set to return as the film’s leading three characters, the sequel will also include some new faces. Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone and Philip Seymour Hoffman have all been cast in pivotal roles in the film. Additionally, Oscar-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky, who worked on the eye-catching looks for “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” has been tapped to design the costumes for the film.

How Drunk Will Woody Harrelson Act In ‘Catching Fire’?

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Woody Harrelson wants to go full drunk in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

MTV News had the chance to catch up with Harrelson at the Toronto International Film Festival and he said that he’s going to shoot “The Hunger Games” sequel in little more than a week. Harrelson’s had the chance to take a “gander” at the script for the project and said that it has his stamp of approval — though it could always use more alcohol for his character Haymitch.

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“It’s a really good script, really strong script, so I feel good about that. That was the big question mark, since there was so little time to get that script together,” he said.

Harrelson then opened up about the preparation he did for the film, saying, “[Director] Francis [Lawrence] had asked me if I had studied PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder — and I actually did in college, I was a psychology minor. I met a guy who has PTSD in Maui, spent some time with him.”

He also addressed the transition of power in this movie from former director Gary Ross to Lawrence. Harrelson had nothing but kind things to say about Lawrence, who previously has directed films like “Water for Elephants” and “I Am Legend.”

“Francis is very thorough, very on top of everything, and I really feel great,” Harrelson said. “I love Gary, man. I thought Gary did an incredible job with the first one, but I do think Francis is going to do great with this.”

And just how drunk will Harrelson take Haymitch this time around? He told MTV that he’s going to go has far as he can with the character.

“I talked with Franics about that,” he said. “I love to try to go as far as possible. You know me: I try to take it over the top.”

“Catching Fire” is due in theaters on November 22, 2013.

What are you most looking forward to about “Catching Fire”? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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‘Catching Fire’ Script Is ‘Strong,’ Woody Harrelson Says

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Panem is without its most famous drunk — for now. Though production began Monday in Atlanta on the highly anticipated “Hunger Games” follow-up “Catching Fire,” actor Woody Harrelson (who portrays oft-tipsy Haymitch Abernathy) was instead in Canada supporting his upcoming release “Seven Psychopaths” at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The actor, who said he was days away from flying to Georgia to film the dystopian drama, spoke with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz about how his portrayal of the District 12 mentor could change under new director Francis Lawrence‘s vision and how he prepped for the sequel.

But first things first: Has the actor even had the chance to read the script?

“Yeah, I read the script,” Harrelson answered rather incredulously. “I took a gander at the script, sure. … It’s good that you get to do that before they start shooting.”

All sarcasm aside, Harrelson revealed that he’s very pleased with the material, especially given the tight turnaround needed after Lawrence took over directing duties from Gary Ross in May.

“I think that it’s a really good script, a really strong script, so I feel good about that,” he said. “That’s the big question mark, since there was so little time to get that script together.”

As for his preparation process, Harrelson said he took an even deeper dive into Haymitch’s fragile, post-Games psyche.

“Francis had asked me if I had studied PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder — and I actually did in college. I was a psychology minor. So I met a guy who has PTSD in Maui,” Harrelson said. “You know, I like the way Francis is very thorough, very on top of everything. I really feel great. I loved Gary. I thought Gary did an incredible job with the first one, but I do think Francis is going to do great with this.”

If Harrelson had one (albeit small) complaint about the first installment, it was that Ross didn’t allow him to go the full Haymitch — literally falling-down drunk. He hopes to remedy that in the sequel.

“I talked with Francis about that,” Harrelson said with a chuckle. “I’m going to try to go as far as possible. You know me. I’ll try to take it over the top.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games :Catching Fire.”

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

Gary Ross Will Direct ‘Peter And The Starcatchers’ Next

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a2f06 gary ross hunger Gary Ross Will Direct Peter And The Starcatchers Next

Gary Ross has finally settled on a follow-up project to his massively successful adaptation of “The Hunger Games.” The director considered a handful of possibilities, but Deadline is reporting that Ross has decided to direct “Peter and the Starcatchers.”

The film will be based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, which acts a prequel to the Peter Pan story we are all familiar with.

Ross was reportedly also considering “The Secret Life of Houdini,” but the Deadline report claimed that a deal was not close for that project.

Learn more about “Peter and the Starcatchers” after the jump!

According to Deadline, “Peter and the Starcatchers” has a little ways to go before getting in front of the camera. Screenwriter Jeese Wigutow still has to deliver his latest draft of the script, and there is not a budget in place yet.

But Gary Ross reportedly wants to get moving quickly, hoping to get the film going as soon as possible in 2013.

Do you think Gary Ross is a good fit for “Peter and the Starcatchers”? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

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Exclusive Clip: ‘Hunger Games’ Blu-Ray Sneak Peek!

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Alright tributes, the long wait for the arrival of the “Hunger Games” Blu-ray and DVD is almost over. We have less than a week to get our hands on one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and as we found out via a early screening of the Blu-ray/DVD, there are several versions from which to choose, depending on which special features you want most with your home viewing experience.

MTV News has a special treat for you in the form of an exclusive clip from the Blu-ray in which the principal castmembers, Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Elizabeth Banks signed autographs for the children who served as extras for the emotional reaping scene in District 12.

“This is Liam, he’s very handsome,” Banks says to an enthusiastic extra about her co-star seated next to her, as she signs an autograph.

“This is Elizabeth. She’s also very handsome,” Hemsworth adds with a smile on his face.

The cast and crew endured extreme temperatures while filming the reaping, and in the clip, we see that the stars and the extras were set up in a tent to keep them in the shade. Everyone seemed in good spirits and the castmembers had no problem joking around with one another.

“It was the least we could do,” Lawrence said of the experience, during which we see her explain to a young extra that she is Katniss, after which Hutcherson introduces himself as Peeta. “It was so hot, and so many of them had driven for so many hours to be there. It was the least we could do to sign autographs and kind of thank everybody.”

“The Hunger Games” is available August 18 at 12:01 a.m. on a two-disc DVD (plus digital copy), a two-disc Blu-ray (plus digital copy), VOD and a digital download with three hours of previously unavailable bonus materials that include the eight-part documentary, “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games,” a sit-down conversation with director Gary Ross. Numerous featurettes examine the global success of the books, the creation of the control room in the film and the filmmakers’ motivation behind creating new scenes that were not in the book, plus much more.

Will you be lining up for the “Hunger Games” release August 18? Pledge your die-hard fanship in the comments

‘Catching Fire’: Finnick Is Just One Casting Mystery

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There’s no denying that “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is heating up. In the past eight days alone, four tributes have been reaped for the sequel’s highly anticipated Quarter Quell. There’s District 4 octogenarian Mags (Lynn Cohen), District 2′s toothy Enobaria (Meta Golding), District 2′s vicious Brutus (Bruno Gunn) and District 1′s gorgeous Gloss (Alan Ritchson).

However, don’t be fooled by this flurry of casting activity: We still have a ways to go before Panem’s populace is complete.

To wit, we’ve compiled something of a call sheet for the remaining characters to be cast before production begins this fall. May the odds be in all of our favors:

Named Tributes
Cashmere, District 1: The blond bombshell of the Quarter Quell has a close alliance with her fellow tribute from the well-to-do region — probably because he’s her brother.

Beetee, District 3: Nicknamed “Volts” thanks to his prowess with all things powered, this male tribute keeps close watch over his eccentric ally Wiress.

Finnick, District 4: Undoubtedly the most anticipating casting of the follow-up, Finnick is a bronzed babe revered for his godlike looks and affable charm. Just about every actor under the age of 30 has been rumored to be in the running for this plum role, but the most recent chatter indicates the part will likely go to “Snow White and the Huntsman” actor Sam Claflin.

Blight, District 7: Johanna Mason‘s male counterpart is so disinterested with being reaped for the Quarter Quell that he doesn’t even show up for training.

Cecelia and Woof, District 8: NBC could make one hell of a tear-jerking human-interest story out of these two. Cecelia is a mother of three while Woof is the oldest tribute in the 75th Games, save for Mags.

Chaff and Seeder, District 11: Chaff is basically the Haymitch of his district (read: heavy consumer of alcohol) and he also has the added impediment of a missing hand. His female counterpart, Seeder, bonds with Katniss over former District 11 tributes Rue and Thresh.

Unnamed Tributes
This subhead could also read “People Who Die So Fast You Wouldn’t Even Be Able to Pick Them Out of a Lineup.” Expect the male and female tributes from Districts 5, 9 and 10 to get very little screen time. Then again, they do get the privilege of putting “Died in ‘Catching Fire’ ” on their CVs, so there is that.

Panem Peers
Here’s where things get tricky. According to the “Hunger Games” casting page, there’s only one yet-identified character slot left to fill beyond the tributes listed above. But if you’ve read Suzanne Collins‘ source material, you know there are plenty of other supporting players wandering the districts.

It’s probable that, much like Gary Ross before him, director Francis Lawrence will cut minor characters to streamline the film’s plot. To wit, our friends at the fan site Victors Village posted a speculative piece Wednesday, wondering whose faces we won’t see in the follow-up. Rumors have been swirling about the inclusion of at least one character: the unforgiving Head Peacekeeper Romulus Thread, who beats Gale to a bloody pulp. (Variety reported that “Sons of Anarchy” actor Patrick St. Esprit was in talks.) Beyond that, well, maybe we should put in a call to Greasy Sae’s Psychic Hotline.

Will Finnick’s girlfriend, Annie Cresta, make an appearance? How about Peacekeeper Darius? Or Gale’s family? Stick with MTV News as this story develops …

Which characters are you eagerly awaiting to be cast? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier “Hunger Games” columns:
» ‘Catching Fire‘ Casting: Who Is Mags?
» ‘Mockingjay’ Dissected: Enough Material For Two Movies?
» Comic-Con 2012: A Guide For ‘Hunger Games‘ Fans
» “Hunger Games“: The Week In Casting Rumors

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

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

Gary Ross In Talks For Disney’s ‘Peter And The Starcatchers’

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df2de gary ross hunger Gary Ross In Talks For Disneys Peter And The Starcatchers

It seems like Gary Ross might have found that different project he wanted to pursue that caused him to turn down a directing gig on “Catching Fire.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The Hunger Games” director is in talks to trade in Panem for Neverland. He is reportedly negotiating to direct Disney’s upcoming adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s children’s novel “Peter and the Starcatchers,” which serves as a prequel of sorts to “Peter Pan.”

Ross has never been a director to prefer helming children’s stories over adult ones, so there must be something very special (or very profitable) drawing him towards “Peter and the Starcatchers.” “The Hunger Games” must have been a good way to prep him for the story, though this Disney project likely won’t be nearly as gritty and violent. Ross’s previous two films, “Seabiscuit” and “Pleasantville,” also aren’t great examples of the tone required for an adaptation of “Peter and the Starcatchers,” though it should be noted that Ross did write the screenplays for “Lassie” and “The Tale of the Despereaux.”

It does make sense why Ross would want to tackle the project, though. Disney first optioned the novel back in 2005 but ended up turning it into a Broadway musical first. It took home five Tonys this year and has had great critical reception, so it does seem like the perfect time to bring the story to the big screen. Jesse Wigutow is penning the script.

“Peter and the Starcatchers” tells the story of Peter Pan as he befriends a shipmate named Molly that he meets on a Never Land ship. The two of them set off on an adventure to find a trunk filled with mysterious magical starstuff that they must discover before the evil pirate Black Stache — who will later lose his hand and become Captain Hook — captures it first.

Do you think Ross is a good fit for Disney’s “Peter Pan and the Starcatchers” adaptation? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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‘Mockingjay’ Dissected: Enough Material For Two Movies?

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Following in the footsteps of previous YA juggernauts “Harry Potter” and “The Twilight Saga,” the third novel of Suzanne Collins‘ best-selling “Hunger Games” series, “Mockingjay,” will be split in two for its cinematic re-telling.

It had long been speculated that “Mockingjay” would become a pair of films, though Lionsgate officially confirmed the rumors Tuesday, scheduling Thanksgiving-adjacent release dates for “Part 1″ (November 21, 2014) and “Part 2″ (November 20, 2015).

This news raised plenty of questions among Panem watchers, most notably about where the volume should be split. Our friends over at NextMovie had several suggestions for the perfect cliffhangery cut, but I think there is a more fundamental question here: Is there really enough material to warrant two films? My answer: No… and yes. Let’s break it down:

No: If we look at the material from a numbers perspective (and I’m not talking currency, here), there’s really no need to break up “Mockingjay.” All three volumes in Collins’ trilogy have roughly the same number of pages, give or take 10 or 15, meaning if “The Hunger Games” could be adapted into a single film, so too should “Mockingjay.” Besides, it’s the job of a top-notch director to cut unnecessary details and plot points from what would otherwise be a bloated five-hour adaptation. Gary Ross did just that when he left out Madge Undersee, for example, the daughter of District 12′s mayor and the girl who gives Katniss her signature Mockingjay pin.

Also — and this is point is more a matter of quality rather than quantity — while there are multiple places “Mockingjay” could be split, I’m not sure there is a place it should be split. If you think back to “Breaking Dawn” (forgive me for the “Twilight” reference, but it’s the most recent germane example I have), Bella’s transformation was a logical place to split the book, leaving “Part 1″ essentially about her human life and “Part 2″ essentially about her vampire life. No such point exists in “Mockingjay” — at least for me.

Yes: OK, sure the number of pages in the series’ three installments don’t differ greatly, but you can’t deny there is a lot going on in “Mockingjay,” perhaps more so than “Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire.” To wit, we find our heroes Katniss and Peeta staged in no fewer than three major locations, including Districts 12, 13 and the Capitol. That’s a lot of ground to cover and not feel rushed. Plus, with a double dose of “Mockingjay,” the director (whoever he or she will be) can include fan-favorite moments that may otherwise hit the cutting room floor in a more condensed version.

As to the splitting point, it will also be the director’s job to craft the first film’s narrative in such a way that leaves fans wanting more. A task any talented helmer should be game for.

Do you think “Mockingjay” is meaty enough for two movies? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier “Hunger Games” columns:

» Comic-Con 2012: A Guide For “Hunger Games” Fans
» “Hunger Games“: The Week In Casting Rumors
» “Brave,” “Hunger Games” And The History Of Lady Archers
» “Catching Fire” In IMAX: Time To Embrace The Big, Big Screen?
» “Hunger Games“: Five Things We Learned At Movie Awards