Here’s the latest smaller stories coming out of Hollywood…
It seems that both Anna Faris and Jennifer Garner have attached themselves to the comedy, The Batchelorette Party. The film, which has been in development for years, is about a recently left-at-the-altar high-school teacher, charged with putting on a massive batcherlorette bash for her uptight cousin, who’s marrying the teacher’s best friend. However, when the cousin sleeps with someone else, the teacher has to decide where her loyalties lie. While Nicole Kidman was previously set to star, she’s now left the picture, which is based on Karen Lutz’s novel. No director has been announced yet, and there are also scheduling issues with both stars, so don’t expect this one to start filming any time soon. (Source: Pajiba)
Warner has announced that they plan to make a movie based on US manners maven, Emily Post. Post’s book, Etiquette, first published in 1922 and now in its 17th Edition, has spawned a minor empire, including further books, newspaper columns, seminars and life coaching. The studio isn’t planning a biopic however, they want a romantic comedy about an Emily Post Etiquette Coach charged with turning a rough-around-the-edges guy into a proper gentleman (basically My Fair Lady in reverse). The Emily Post Institute will co-operate with the film’s development. (Source: Variety)
Although the words ‘cancer comedy’ seem an oxymoron, a film which is just that (formerly known as I’m With Cancer) continues its journey to the big screen with the news that Anjelica Huston and Philip Baker Hall have both signed up for supporting roles. The movie, partially based on the life of Da Ali G Show producer Will Resier (who also wrote the script), is about a young man (James McAvoy), who learns he has cancer and has to deal with the disease over several years. Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick will also star, with Jonathan Levine directing. Shooting starts at the end of the month. (Source: Variety)
Serenity Entertainment has snagged the rights to the book Without A Badge, about a young New Jersey cop who goes undercover into the world of international drug trafficking. Written by Jerry Speziale and Mark Seal, Without A Badge is based on Speziale’s work for the DEA, where he tried to bring down Colombian drug lords in the 1990s. (Source: Variety)
In our report yesterday about the fact Odeon is refusing to show Alice In Wonderland in the UK due to their objection to Disney wanting to bring out the DVD only 12 weeks after the movie hit cinemas, we said that while it was believed Vue would show the film, they hadn’t made an official announcement. Well now they have, and they have indeed reached a deal with Disney and will screen Alice In Wonderland in 3D from March 5th. It means that while the UK’s largest cinema chain is still holding out, the 2nd and 3rd biggest, Cineworld and Vue, have now both said they’ll show Tim Burton’s movie. (Source: Vue Cinemas)
Screenwriter Gary Goldstein has optioned the sports biography Up and Running: The Jami Goldman Story, with plans to turn it into a film. The book charts Goldman’s struggle after losing both her legs below the knee when she got trapped in a blizzard for 11 days at the age of 19. Following numerous surgeries and learning to walk on prosthetic limbs, she graduated from college, became a teacher and motivational speaker, as well as competing for a spot as a sprinter on the US Paralympic team. (Source: THR)
Andy Fickman is set to direct The Undomestic Goddess, based on Sophie Kinsella’s best-selling book. Adapted by Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada), Kinsella’s book centers on a workaholic female attorney who, believing she wrecked her chances of being named partner at her London firm, has a meltdown and ends up in the English countryside. After stopping at a large house to ask directions, she is mistaken as a candidate for a maid position and takes a housekeeping job. The film version has been in development for nearly five years, but it’s hoped The Game Plan and She’s The Man director Fickman can finally get it in front of the camera. (Source: THR)
Eric Balfour and Donald Faison have joined the sci-fi thriller, Skyline, alongside Scottie Thompson and Brittany Daniel. Written by Joshua Cordes and Liam O’Donnell, the story takes place in a Los Angeles high-rise where a small group of survivors brave a mysterious attack of otherworldly origins. Faison is playing an entrepreneur who lures his longtime friend (Balfour) to the West Coast. After a night of partying, both wake to find a strange force is swallowing humanity off the face of the earth. The film, directed by special effects whizzes Greg and Colin Strause, has already started filming. (Source: THR)
With the Farelly Brothers’ new flick, Hall Pass, set to start filming in the next few weeks, two more cast members have been announced, this time Scrubs star Nicky Whelan and Sundance short-film winner Derek Waters. They’ll join Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Amanda Bynes, Jenna Fischer and J.B. Smoove in the film about two men who get a free pass from their wives to have a debaucherous weekend of ilicit encounters. Whelan will play a woman who tempts Wilson’s character, while Waters will be a DJ who becomes an obstacle to the pairing. (Source: THR)