Damon Houx
‘The Lone Ranger’ Featurette: Johnny Depp Fell Off His Horse
'The Lone Ranger' will be hitting theaters in a little over two weeks. Right now it doesn't feel like one of the summer's biggest tentpole films; perhaps it was waiting for some of the big superhero films to hit screens before going for the full-court ad press. But unlike its comic book competition, this film wants you to know many of its big set pieces were done practically.
Disney Updates Their Calendar and Gives ‘The Muppets 2′ a New Title
On top of the news about two untitled Marvel movies, Disney has updated their calendar, and changed the title of 'The Muppets' sequel, which is now going by the name 'The Muppets Most Wanted.'
‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5′ Lands Duo for Directors
'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' was a done deal when the fourth film in the franchise, 'On Stranger Tides,' grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. But it was unknown who would helm the fifth entry. And instead of returning to original franchise helmer Gore Verbinski or 'Tides' director Rob Marshall, it was just announced that the job has gone to Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg.
Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are Officially Out of ‘American Idol’
As had been rumored for a while, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj have both publicly confirmed that they are leaving 'American Idol' after this season, following the announcement that Randy Jackson was also retiring. This leaves Keith Urban as the last judge standing, though perhaps not for long.
‘Bond 24′ May Get Sam Mendes to Return
Earlier today, a short list of the possible directors for 'Bond 24' was released. It missed a name. Sam Mendes, who helmed 'Skyfall,' is now back in the running to take on the next James Bond adventure.
‘Mission: Impossible 5′ Attracts ‘Iron Man 3′ Writer
'Mission: Impossible 5' is quickly moving forward now that Tom Cruise has signed the dotted line for a fourth sequel. And to speed things up, 'Iron Man 3' screenwriter Drew Pearce has been brought in to pen the latest installment.
Will ‘Avengers 2′ and ‘Iron Man 4′ Lose Robert Downey, Jr. Because of Money?
In one of the most public contract negotiations of the modern era, Robert Downey Jr. has let it be known that he finished his contractual obligations to Marvel and to playing Tony Stark and Iron Man. Which means his future involvement with both 'The Avengers' and 'Iron Man' will depend on how much Marvel is willing to pony up.
‘Mission: Impossible 5′ Will Move Forward Starring Tom Cruise
Though Tom Cruise may have gone through a rough patch in his career, that's now completely over as he's being brought back to star in 'Mission: Impossible 5' for Paramount. This has been rumored for a while, but it was confirmed today.
Al Pacino Exits This Summer’s ‘Despicable Me 2,’ Benjamin Bratt Enters
In one of the strangest exits in recent memory, Al Pacino has left the production of 'Despicable Me 2,' which is set to hit theaters July 3. But it was just announced that Benjamin Bratt is replacing him. They'll have to work pretty quick if they want to hit theaters exactly two months from today.
‘The Croods 2′ Is Happening Because…It Made Money
Though DreamWorks Animation has had some hits ('Shrek 2,' believe it or not, is one of the top ten highest grossing films of all time), their last film at Paramount ,'Rise of the Guardians,' was such a flop that it caused the studio to reduce ranks. Fortunately that may have just been some bad luck as their most recent film 'The Croods' is so successful that the studio has just announced a sequel.