Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster and Pablo Schreiber will join the previously announced Alan Ritchson in the action thriller “Motor City.”
Potsy Ponciroli will direct the picture. Production begins July 10 in New Jersey and AlUla, Saudi Arabia as part of Stampede Ventures’ 10-picture slate deal with Film AlUla.
Greg Silverman and Jon Berg will produce for Stampede Ventures, alongside Rohini Singh, Paramdeep Singh and Manmeet Singh of Astro Lion Pictures, and Cliff Roberts and Chad St. John, who also penned the script. Mike Tadross Jr. and Eric Hedayat will executive produce.
Black Bear represents international rights with WME Independent co-representing domestic rights with Stampede, and Sacker Entertainment Law overseeing production legal.
“Motor City” follows John Miller (Ritchson), a Detroit auto-worker whose life and girlfriend (Woodley) are taken away from him when he’s framed by a local gangster (Foster) and sent to prison. On his release, Miller unleashes a maelstrom of...
Potsy Ponciroli will direct the picture. Production begins July 10 in New Jersey and AlUla, Saudi Arabia as part of Stampede Ventures’ 10-picture slate deal with Film AlUla.
Greg Silverman and Jon Berg will produce for Stampede Ventures, alongside Rohini Singh, Paramdeep Singh and Manmeet Singh of Astro Lion Pictures, and Cliff Roberts and Chad St. John, who also penned the script. Mike Tadross Jr. and Eric Hedayat will executive produce.
Black Bear represents international rights with WME Independent co-representing domestic rights with Stampede, and Sacker Entertainment Law overseeing production legal.
“Motor City” follows John Miller (Ritchson), a Detroit auto-worker whose life and girlfriend (Woodley) are taken away from him when he’s framed by a local gangster (Foster) and sent to prison. On his release, Miller unleashes a maelstrom of...
- 5/10/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Jim Meenaghan, the former UTA partner and co-head of UTA Independent Film Group, has joined Stampede Ventures as COO and general counsel.
In the newly formed COO position, Meenaghan will oversee Stampede’s day-to-day operations across all areas, and lead efforts to expand strategic relations across film and television, including the recently announced $350m three-year deal with Film AlUla studios.
He will also work closely with joint venture partner RedBird Capital on the multiplatform children’s and family content company Hidden Pigeon Company, and UTA joint venture Happy Nest.
Meenaghan will report directly to founder and CEO Greg Silverman.
Menaghan...
In the newly formed COO position, Meenaghan will oversee Stampede’s day-to-day operations across all areas, and lead efforts to expand strategic relations across film and television, including the recently announced $350m three-year deal with Film AlUla studios.
He will also work closely with joint venture partner RedBird Capital on the multiplatform children’s and family content company Hidden Pigeon Company, and UTA joint venture Happy Nest.
Meenaghan will report directly to founder and CEO Greg Silverman.
Menaghan...
- 5/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
A fascinating combination of stars is coming down the chimney for the family comedy The Man With The Bag. Who better to lead a festive film with wholesome fun than action behemoths Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson? The Man With The Bag is Schwarzenegger’s first feature since wrapping his part for Kung Fury 2, while Ritchson’s cache is overflowing after starring in Reacher, with projects like Playdate, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Motor City on the way.
Adam Shankman directs The Man With The Bag from a script by Allan Rice. The holiday-themed project hails from Amazon MGM Studios. According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, the logline for The Man With the Bag reads: “When Santa’s magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him get it back. Along with his daughter, Santa, and a group of misfit elves,...
Adam Shankman directs The Man With The Bag from a script by Allan Rice. The holiday-themed project hails from Amazon MGM Studios. According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, the logline for The Man With the Bag reads: “When Santa’s magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him get it back. Along with his daughter, Santa, and a group of misfit elves,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Two shady figures walk into a club, raising the suspicions of Detective Axel Foley. Foley needs help to deal with both men, but the pair of officers keeping an eye on him — Sergeant Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) — don’t trust him. Furthermore, he’s in a public place, which means that his actions could harm civilians.
After his pleading convinces Taggart and Rosewood to help out, Axel approaches one of the potential troublemakers.
“Phillip!” Foley shouts, adopting the stagger and slurred speech patterns of a drunk man as he approaches the confused suspect. Foley continues the act even after the suspect pulls a gun and threatens the patrons, which allows him to get close enough to yank the weapon away.
You probably recognize the above scene as one of the standout moments of 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop, in which Foley shows off his keen detective...
After his pleading convinces Taggart and Rosewood to help out, Axel approaches one of the potential troublemakers.
“Phillip!” Foley shouts, adopting the stagger and slurred speech patterns of a drunk man as he approaches the confused suspect. Foley continues the act even after the suspect pulls a gun and threatens the patrons, which allows him to get close enough to yank the weapon away.
You probably recognize the above scene as one of the standout moments of 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop, in which Foley shows off his keen detective...
- 2/12/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “Justified: City Primeval” Episode 8, “The Question” — the season, or series, finale.]
In the end, Timothy Olyphant’s scrupulous U.S. Marshal wants what every other beleaguered public servant wants at the end of a long, hard day: a good night’s sleep. That’s it. That’s all he asks. Yet whether it’s his conscience stirring him to action or the recurring call of duty blaring from his phone, Raylan Givens isn’t resting easy — not yet, anyway. The enduring assumption that one more case closed, one more bad man cuffed, or one more just act in an unjust world will allow him to hang up his hat for good lingers over the “Justified: City Primeval” finale, as well as its preceding episodes, in a way that suggests satisfaction is little more than a myth. Even when he’s not just doing it for himself (he’s doing it...
In the end, Timothy Olyphant’s scrupulous U.S. Marshal wants what every other beleaguered public servant wants at the end of a long, hard day: a good night’s sleep. That’s it. That’s all he asks. Yet whether it’s his conscience stirring him to action or the recurring call of duty blaring from his phone, Raylan Givens isn’t resting easy — not yet, anyway. The enduring assumption that one more case closed, one more bad man cuffed, or one more just act in an unjust world will allow him to hang up his hat for good lingers over the “Justified: City Primeval” finale, as well as its preceding episodes, in a way that suggests satisfaction is little more than a myth. Even when he’s not just doing it for himself (he’s doing it...
- 8/30/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Anyone who knows beloved crime novelist Elmore Leonard only through Justified, the 2010 TV adaptation of his work, might be confused as to why its reboot, Justified: City Primeval, moves the action from the hollers of Harlan County, Kentucky to the rust belt of Detroit, Michigan.
That confusion is understandable as Justified enjoys one of the most richly-realized settings in modern television history. Despite filming nearly the entirety of its six-season run in Southern California (the pilot was shot in Pittsburgh), FX‘s saga about an anachronistic stetson-wearing lawman was absolutely steeped in Appalachian realness. Indeed, the entire premise of the show revolved around Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) being forced to relocate back to his troubled Kentucky hometown following a questionably “justified” shooting of a crime lord in Miami.
Justified quite simply does not work without its Harlan County setting. The weight of history bears down on...
That confusion is understandable as Justified enjoys one of the most richly-realized settings in modern television history. Despite filming nearly the entirety of its six-season run in Southern California (the pilot was shot in Pittsburgh), FX‘s saga about an anachronistic stetson-wearing lawman was absolutely steeped in Appalachian realness. Indeed, the entire premise of the show revolved around Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) being forced to relocate back to his troubled Kentucky hometown following a questionably “justified” shooting of a crime lord in Miami.
Justified quite simply does not work without its Harlan County setting. The weight of history bears down on...
- 7/25/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Starting today, you can already find Fast X available on digital. One of the movie’s newest addition to the ensemble is Reacher star Alan Ritchson. The rising star not only leads the popular series for Prime Video, but Ritchson has also signed a three-picture deal with the studio. One of the upcoming films under this deal is a holiday heist comedy from director Adam Shankman titled The Man with the Bag. Shankman is known for comedies such as Hairspray and Bringing Down the House.
The synopsis for The Man with the Bag, according to Deadline, outlines that the film “picks up following the theft of Santa’s magic bag, as he turns to his naughty list to find Vance (Ritchson), a former thief who will help him get it back. Along with his daughter, Santa and a group of misfit elves, Vance will have to pull off the greatest...
The synopsis for The Man with the Bag, according to Deadline, outlines that the film “picks up following the theft of Santa’s magic bag, as he turns to his naughty list to find Vance (Ritchson), a former thief who will help him get it back. Along with his daughter, Santa and a group of misfit elves, Vance will have to pull off the greatest...
- 6/9/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Fresh off starring in Season 2 of HBO’s The White Lotus, Theo James has been set to lead horror movie The Monkey, based on the short story by Stephen King.
The team behind the buzzy project includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises.
Wan is producing with Atomic Monster partner Michael Clear (M3GAN), and C2 Motion Picture Group’s Jason Cloth (Joker) and Dave Caplan (Babylon). The supernatural story has been adapted for the screen by genre specialist Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), who also will direct.
Black Bear International is launching the project ahead of the Cannes market, where it will be among hot titles.
In The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide...
The team behind the buzzy project includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises.
Wan is producing with Atomic Monster partner Michael Clear (M3GAN), and C2 Motion Picture Group’s Jason Cloth (Joker) and Dave Caplan (Babylon). The supernatural story has been adapted for the screen by genre specialist Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), who also will direct.
Black Bear International is launching the project ahead of the Cannes market, where it will be among hot titles.
In The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide...
- 5/9/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew McConaughey is set to star in “The Rivals of Amziah King,” a crime thriller that takes place in rural Oklahoma.
Black Bear Pictures, which backed “I Care a Lot” and “The Imitation Game,” is fully financing the film. Black Bear International will launch international sales in Cannes, with WME Independent representing the U.S rights.
Andrew Patterson (“The Vast of Night”) is writing and directing “The Rivals of Amziah King.” Plot details are being kept under wraps, but a press release describes the film as a “deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma.” McConaughey will star in the titular role of Amziah King.
“Black Bear is thrilled to partner with our friends at Heyday in supporting the bold creation that will be ‘The Rivals of Amziah King,'” Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman said. “Andrew Patterson’s visionary filmmaking and Matthew McConaughey’s...
Black Bear Pictures, which backed “I Care a Lot” and “The Imitation Game,” is fully financing the film. Black Bear International will launch international sales in Cannes, with WME Independent representing the U.S rights.
Andrew Patterson (“The Vast of Night”) is writing and directing “The Rivals of Amziah King.” Plot details are being kept under wraps, but a press release describes the film as a “deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma.” McConaughey will star in the titular role of Amziah King.
“Black Bear is thrilled to partner with our friends at Heyday in supporting the bold creation that will be ‘The Rivals of Amziah King,'” Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman said. “Andrew Patterson’s visionary filmmaking and Matthew McConaughey’s...
- 5/8/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy-winner Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) will star alongside Oscar-nominee Kate Hudson (Glass Onion) and actress and model Kaia Gerber (Babylon) in psychological thriller Shell from director Max Minghella (Teen Spirit).
The film, which will reunite The Handmaid’s Tale co-stars Moss and Minghella, is set in a near future when humanity’s cultural obsession with youth and beauty has been taken to new extremes.
Black Bear International will be introducing the project to international buyers in Cannes and distributing directly in the UK and Ireland. CAA Media Finance and WME Independent are co-repping domestic rights.
Pic is being produced by Automatik’s Fred Berger (La La Land) and Brian Kavanaugh Jones (Insidious), alongside Minghella for Blank Tape (Teen Spirit), Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus for Love & Squalor Pictures (Shining Girls) and Alicia Van Couvering (Cop Car), from a script penned by Jack Stanley (Lou). Jamie Bell will be executive producer.
The film, which will reunite The Handmaid’s Tale co-stars Moss and Minghella, is set in a near future when humanity’s cultural obsession with youth and beauty has been taken to new extremes.
Black Bear International will be introducing the project to international buyers in Cannes and distributing directly in the UK and Ireland. CAA Media Finance and WME Independent are co-repping domestic rights.
Pic is being produced by Automatik’s Fred Berger (La La Land) and Brian Kavanaugh Jones (Insidious), alongside Minghella for Blank Tape (Teen Spirit), Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus for Love & Squalor Pictures (Shining Girls) and Alicia Van Couvering (Cop Car), from a script penned by Jack Stanley (Lou). Jamie Bell will be executive producer.
- 5/4/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers Randall Emmett and George Furla were sued this week for allegedly failing to pay the second-unit director from "Motor City," a film that was canceled before shooting even began. Charles Parish is suing the producers (above), their company Emmett/Furla Films and the limited liability companies set up for the production for $65,000 in damages. He alleges breach of oral and written agreements and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, according to court documents obtained by TheWrap. In the suit, filed in California Superior Court, Parish claims...
- 8/16/2013
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
He's jumped genres, decades and mediums throughout his 20-plus year career and on March 23, Thomas Jane's work -- The Punisher in particular -- will be celebrated at The Gasparilla Film Festival when they bestow him with their International Career Achievement Award.
Jane, who will accept his award following a screening of The Punisher (which was filmed 10 years ago in Florida), recently sat down with ETonline to talk about this unexpected honor, explain how he perfected The Punisher and reflect upon the very intentional diversity of his career.
ETonline: First of all, congratulations on the Career Achievement Award!
Thomas Jane: Thank you. I have to say, I was very surprised. A lifetime achievement award is not something I ever expected ... isn't that the kind of stuff they give you when you're an old man? Maybe I'm underestimating how old I am [laughs]. I just feel like I have a lot left to do.
ETonline: Well, you...
Jane, who will accept his award following a screening of The Punisher (which was filmed 10 years ago in Florida), recently sat down with ETonline to talk about this unexpected honor, explain how he perfected The Punisher and reflect upon the very intentional diversity of his career.
ETonline: First of all, congratulations on the Career Achievement Award!
Thomas Jane: Thank you. I have to say, I was very surprised. A lifetime achievement award is not something I ever expected ... isn't that the kind of stuff they give you when you're an old man? Maybe I'm underestimating how old I am [laughs]. I just feel like I have a lot left to do.
ETonline: Well, you...
- 3/12/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
Gerard Butler is suing the producers of "Motor City" for $5.1 million in damages, claiming he was not paid after the film was scrapped last summer. Butler is alleging breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in a suit filed this month in California Superior Court. Randall Emmett and George Furla's Emmett/Furla Films, which financed "Motor City," is named as a defendant, as is the limited liability company, Motor City Productions, that was established for the film. Also read: Vendors, Crew Angry Over Money Owed on...
- 2/16/2013
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Movie or no movie, Gerard Butler wants what he claims is his promised payout. The star, who is considered "one of the most sought after and bankable actors in Hollywood," filed a lawsuit against the producers from the film Motor City for breach of contract after cancelling his movie and failing to pay him $4 million, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court this month. Butler and Comrie Inc., a management company, are suing Randall Emmett and George Furla's Emmett/Furla Films after Butler agreed to be the lead actor for revenge thriller, where he was offered a fixed guaranteed compensation of $4 million. Exclusive: Gerard Butler on almost dying, rehab:...
- 2/15/2013
- E! Online
Last September, production on Motor City was suddenly halted just as it was about to begin shooting. The film was to be directed by Albert Hughes (Menace II Society, Book of Eli) and had stars Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody attached. Perhaps most importantly, it had the backing of Randall Emmet/George Furla Productions, which has become an important producer in Hollywood. Less than six months after production on Motor City was suspended thanks to scheduling difficulties, Randall Emmet/George Furla Productions is now facing multiple legal actions for the move. Video: Gerard Butler Protects the president in 'Olympus Has
read more...
read more...
- 2/14/2013
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gerard Butler is suing the producers of scrapped crime drama Motor City.
Butler, who was attached to play the lead role of a small-time crook who sets out for revenge after being framed for a crime, alleges that he was never paid after the film stalled last summer when its backing fell through.
The Wrap reports that he is suing the producers for $5.1 million in damages, alleging breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
The defendants are named as Randall Emmett and George Furla's Emmett/Furla Films, which financed Motor City, and limited liability company Motor City Productions which was established solely for the film.
Joel Silver was also a producer on Motor City while Warner Bros were set to distribute, but neither party is named as a defendant in the suit.
Butler's salary reportedly included a $4 million pay-or-play clause, meaning that...
Butler, who was attached to play the lead role of a small-time crook who sets out for revenge after being framed for a crime, alleges that he was never paid after the film stalled last summer when its backing fell through.
The Wrap reports that he is suing the producers for $5.1 million in damages, alleging breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
The defendants are named as Randall Emmett and George Furla's Emmett/Furla Films, which financed Motor City, and limited liability company Motor City Productions which was established solely for the film.
Joel Silver was also a producer on Motor City while Warner Bros were set to distribute, but neither party is named as a defendant in the suit.
Butler's salary reportedly included a $4 million pay-or-play clause, meaning that...
- 2/14/2013
- Digital Spy
With Albert Hughes' Motor City stalled (halted by producers, because the studio - Warner Bros - gave them a delivery date that they just could not meet), the director has moved on to other projects, understandably; Starting with this one... Hughes has teamed up with gaming companies Crytek and EA to produce what they're calling an episodic cinematic web series, inspired by the upcoming video game shooter Crysis 3. The web series, which Hughes is helming, will be titled 7 Wonders Of Crysis 3, with the episodes setting the stage for the world & story of the video game, Crysis 3, serving really as marketing for the upcoming release of the...
- 12/11/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Crew members and vendors on the thwarted Gerard Butler thriller "Motor City" are angry that two months after the production abruptly shut down they still have not been paid about $500,000 in overdue bills. According to documents obtained by TheWrap, "Motor City"s' debts range from sums as low as $50 to nearly six figures. Among other outstanding bills are more than $88,000 owed to the city of Atlanta, $22,000 to second-unit director Charles Parish, $8,434 to Sycamore Communications Corporation, $2,200 to Congo Transportation Company and $555 to Burban Rentals. Also read: Indie Film...
- 11/13/2012
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Gangster Squad director Ruben Fleischer may be gearing up to direct his next film. According to Vulture, the Zombieland director has signed on to direct and executive produce an adaptation of Spy Hunter, the classic 1983 Bally Midway video game, for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Apparently, several writers and directors have tried to lift this project off the ground, but each attempt has failed. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was first attached to the project back in 2004 with John Woo and Paul W.S. Anderson set to direct at several points, but that obviously didn’t happen. Then, in 2010, a script was written by Chad St. John, who recently wrote the script for the now shut-down Motor City.
Thankfully, Fleischer has his head on straight, so he’s on the hunt to get himself a new writer to pen the script. The film is based on the Midway Arcade game of the 1980s and...
Apparently, several writers and directors have tried to lift this project off the ground, but each attempt has failed. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was first attached to the project back in 2004 with John Woo and Paul W.S. Anderson set to direct at several points, but that obviously didn’t happen. Then, in 2010, a script was written by Chad St. John, who recently wrote the script for the now shut-down Motor City.
Thankfully, Fleischer has his head on straight, so he’s on the hunt to get himself a new writer to pen the script. The film is based on the Midway Arcade game of the 1980s and...
- 9/25/2012
- by Jessica
- We Got This Covered
Spy Hunter is a cabinet-style 1983 arcade game developed and released by Bally Midway, first in a popular coin version.
Ruben Fleischer whose Zombieland we liked so much is currently finishing up the period crime drama Gangster Squad, and for his next move, Fleischer will take on this video game.
He has signed on to direct and executive produce an adaptation of Spy Hunter for Warner Bros. Pictures and will recruit new scribes to set up the treatment that has been stuck in limbo at studio for years. There was a Spy Hunter script from Chad St. John, who penned the recently halted Albert Hughes revenge thriller Motor City.
John Woo was attached to direct with Dwayne Johnson attached to star before Paul W.S. Anderson loosely got in the driver’s seat.
Spy Hunter is actually returning this fall to the Nintendo 3Ds and PlayStation Vita and it’s an opportunity to make a movie.
Ruben Fleischer whose Zombieland we liked so much is currently finishing up the period crime drama Gangster Squad, and for his next move, Fleischer will take on this video game.
He has signed on to direct and executive produce an adaptation of Spy Hunter for Warner Bros. Pictures and will recruit new scribes to set up the treatment that has been stuck in limbo at studio for years. There was a Spy Hunter script from Chad St. John, who penned the recently halted Albert Hughes revenge thriller Motor City.
John Woo was attached to direct with Dwayne Johnson attached to star before Paul W.S. Anderson loosely got in the driver’s seat.
Spy Hunter is actually returning this fall to the Nintendo 3Ds and PlayStation Vita and it’s an opportunity to make a movie.
- 9/25/2012
- by Nick Martin
- Filmofilia
Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer has signed on to direct the big screen feature film adaptation of the classic 1983 arcade game Spy Hunter for Warner Bros.
A film adaptation of this game has been trying to get made for years. Over the years, the film has attracted talent such as John Woo, Dwayne Johnson and Paul W.S. Anderson. The movie could have gone to anyone, but I'm happy to see it in the hands of someone like Fleisher who most recently directed the period Los Angeles period police drama Gangster Squad.
The story follows a highly trained spy whose job it is to eliminate rogue agents when they become liabilities to their governments. He travels in the G-6155 Interceptor, a sports car tricked out with an array of weapons that frequently is challenged by enemy vehicles. The question is, will Fleischer try to bring on Ryan Gosling to take on the lead role?...
A film adaptation of this game has been trying to get made for years. Over the years, the film has attracted talent such as John Woo, Dwayne Johnson and Paul W.S. Anderson. The movie could have gone to anyone, but I'm happy to see it in the hands of someone like Fleisher who most recently directed the period Los Angeles period police drama Gangster Squad.
The story follows a highly trained spy whose job it is to eliminate rogue agents when they become liabilities to their governments. He travels in the G-6155 Interceptor, a sports car tricked out with an array of weapons that frequently is challenged by enemy vehicles. The question is, will Fleischer try to bring on Ryan Gosling to take on the lead role?...
- 9/25/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Well, it can't be said that Ruben Fleischer is being predictable with his movie choices. After breaking out with the horror comedy "Zombieland," he's gone on to direct a zany buddy movie in "30 Minutes Or Less," and is currently finishing up the period gangster flick "Gangster Squad," which recently underwent reshoots following the tragic events in Aurora, Colorado over the summer. And for his next move, Fleischer will take on a video game. Vulture reports that the helmer has signed on to produce and direct the long developing "Spy Hunter" for Warner Bros. This one has been kicking around the studio lot for a while now, attracting directors and stars like John Woo, Paul W. S. Anderson and Dwayne Johnson over the years but never getting anywhere. Back in 2010, Chad St. John of "Motor City" fame (the movie that just sputtered out at the studio) penned a draft, but Fleischer...
- 9/25/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
While his brother Albert Hughes is having serious trouble getting a new project going, having both the live-action remake of Akira and Motor City go belly up, Allen Hughes is wasting no time finding his next project. Having just recently finished production on the upcoming thriller Broken City with Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe, the filmmaker is now attached to direct A Bittersweet Life, a remake of the Jee-woon Kim film of the same name from 2005. Deadline, which broke the story, adds that Anthony Peckham, who wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Jack Ryan reboot as well as Sherlock Holmes, Invictus and Don't Say A Word, has been brought on board to write the script for the project. The story follows a high-ranking mobster (originally played by Lee Byung-hun) who is given what appears to be a simple errand: his boss, Kang, wants him to escort Kang's young mistress around...
- 9/21/2012
- cinemablend.com
As brother Albert Hughes' Motor City stalls, twin brother Allen Hughes is on a roll, onto his next project after recently wrapping principal photography on Broken City with Mark Wahlberg starring; the movie is scheduled for a Januarty 2013 release. And that project is a remake of the 2005 South Korean gangster film, A Bittersweet Life, which was directed and written by Kim Ji-woon, which premiered at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and went on to receive rave reviews from critics across the globe (currently at a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes). Described as a violent crime drama, the synopsis for A Bittersweet Life reads: Sun-woo is a...
- 9/21/2012
- by Courtney
- ShadowAndAct
Mickey Rourke
With both Albert Hughes’ Motor City and Robert Rodriguez’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For moving forward, Deadline reports that actor Mickey Rourke is in talks to join the cast of both projects, in the latter case reprising his role as Marv.
Starring Gerard Butler, Motor City is about an ex-convict (Butler) tracking down those that framed him so that he can exact revenge.
Meanwhile, Rourke told Shh last year that despite his dislike of prosthetics, he was interesting in reprising the role of Marv for the Sin City sequel.
“It depends,” he said, “It depends on how bad they want me. You feel me?… I did [like the character], but I’m claustrophobic, so the the hours of makeup — You have to keep it on for about 13 or 14 hours a day. It’s latex and glue and that stuff that gets my eyes all red…”
Both projects are set to begin production soon.
With both Albert Hughes’ Motor City and Robert Rodriguez’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For moving forward, Deadline reports that actor Mickey Rourke is in talks to join the cast of both projects, in the latter case reprising his role as Marv.
Starring Gerard Butler, Motor City is about an ex-convict (Butler) tracking down those that framed him so that he can exact revenge.
Meanwhile, Rourke told Shh last year that despite his dislike of prosthetics, he was interesting in reprising the role of Marv for the Sin City sequel.
“It depends,” he said, “It depends on how bad they want me. You feel me?… I did [like the character], but I’m claustrophobic, so the the hours of makeup — You have to keep it on for about 13 or 14 hours a day. It’s latex and glue and that stuff that gets my eyes all red…”
Both projects are set to begin production soon.
- 9/20/2012
- by Robert Falconer
- CinemaSpy
The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Douglas Urbanski (who as well as being the manager of stars like Gary Oldman, has also produced films such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Motor City) has joined the cast of MGM's RoboCop remake. You may remember him as 'Larry Summers', the president of Harvard in David Fincher's The Social Network, and sources reportedly say that he was offered the role as the mayor of Detroit in this film directly by director Jose Padhila. "I think every agent, every manager should do this to see what the other side is like," he said of being offered the role. "This way, they will never think a client is crazy when they get a call from the set with crazy demands." Urbanski will star opposite Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish and Michael Keaton. RoboCop is currently expected to be released on August 9th,...
- 9/11/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
Albert Hughes has been having a rough go of it as of late. While he was originally set up to helm the live-action remake of Akira, he ended up losing that job, and most recently his latest project, Motor City, fell apart and got pushed back. Albert's brother Allen, however, isn't having the same kind of struggle. While in past years that two have made a go at projects together, directing movies like From Hell, The Book of Eli and Menace II Society, Allen is out on his own now and recently completed his solo film Motor City, starring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. The movie won't be coming to theaters until 2013, but today we have our first look. Entertainment Weekly has posted the first official stills from the movie, and while they aren't exactly thrilling, they do at least give us an impression of the characters' individual style. Check...
- 9/10/2012
- cinemablend.com
While Albert Hughes is having some issues getting Motor City with off the ground, his brother Allen Hughes is already working on Broken City with Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film follows an ex-cop-turned-private detective who is hired by the mayor (Crowe) to see if his wife is cheating on him. The private eye (Wahlberg) confirms those suspicions, and when the mayor's wife's cheating partner ends up dead, the private eye immerses himself in the mayor's business and uncovers a real estate scandal that involves the official dealing himself city-owned properties. Now we have a first look at Broken City and an intriguing project starring Jessica Chastain and produced by Guillermo del Toro. Here's our first look at Allen Hughes thriller Broken City via EW: And here's the first photo from Andres Muschietti's Mama also from EW:...
- 9/10/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
The new Gerard Butler drama Motor City was supposed to start filming September 17th, but that no longer is the case.
The film’s financiers took a look at the schedule and after realizing that the release date set by Warner Bros. was a drop dead date – meaning: a date that cannot legally change without severe consequences – the production team was told to pack their bags because, for the time being, the movie just ain’t happening.
Why jump ship a few weeks away from principal photography?
The filmmakers do not believe they have sufficient time for post-production with the current release date.
A spokesperson said:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg...
The film’s financiers took a look at the schedule and after realizing that the release date set by Warner Bros. was a drop dead date – meaning: a date that cannot legally change without severe consequences – the production team was told to pack their bags because, for the time being, the movie just ain’t happening.
Why jump ship a few weeks away from principal photography?
The filmmakers do not believe they have sufficient time for post-production with the current release date.
A spokesperson said:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg...
- 9/4/2012
- by Matt Granados
- LRMonline.com
The Hughes Brothers have been in the biz since their entry with Menace II Society in 1993, but in almost 20 years, they've only produced/directed 5 feature films; the last one being The Book Of Eli in 2010. Most recently, the pair was attached to helm (Albert was to direct) a live-action adaptation of Akira, but eventually moved on thanks to creative differences with the studio (Warner Bros). Allen recently wrapped production on Broken City with Mark Wahlberg starring; the movie is scheduled for a Januarty 2013 release. However, Albert, who was scheduled to begin principal photography on Motor City, with Gerard Butler starring, on September 17, hasn't been so lucky. ...
- 9/4/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Well this is an annoying way to start my day. I've written up quite a bit covering the various developments on Albert Hughes' Motor City, and seeing as how the man is a passionate director with a solid visual awareness I've been definitely looking forward to his take on the tried and true tropes of Motor City's simple revenge tale. Which may of course still happen, but the prognosis isn't at all what it could be. It seems that as casting dragged on, what with the lead role...
- 9/4/2012
- by Alejandro Stepenberg
- JoBlo.com
It feels like Albert Hughes’ revenge drama “Motor City” was always doomed to failure. The film has gone through some major casting changes, including three leading men, and the lead villain since it was announced back in late 2011. Really, it seems like everyone in Hollywood, at one point or another, wanted to be in this movie … then changed their minds. That uncertainty around the project, combined with a short post-production schedule given to them by Warner Bros., has led the film’s backers to taking the drastic decision to shut down production ahead of “Motor City’s” expected September 17th start date. As a result, the crew assembled to work on the picture has been “told to go home”. Here’s the official word from the producers: Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back...
- 9/3/2012
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Even though the the gestating action thriller Motor City just gained a new villain after Adrien Brody replaced Gary Oldman, the film from Albert Hughes has had a lot of trouble casting the film. Names like Jake Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Renner and Dominic Cooper were linked to the lead role, but they all fell away from the project. Gerard Butler stuck with the project as it worked towards their production start date on September 17th, but now it appears the film is completely dead before the cameras started rolling. Deadline reports the film was still in pre-production, but the crew has been told to go home. So what is going on? Well, apparently the film's financiers Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Mark Damon’s Foresight Entertainment realized that the 2013 release date Warner Bros had already set wasn't going to work out. The schedule was only going to allow for 12 weeks...
- 9/3/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Production has been abruptly shut down on Albert Hughes' revenge drama "Motor City" at Warner Bros. Pictures. Crew members have been advised to return home says Deadline.
Shooting was to kick off on September 17th with Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody starring in the story of man who gets out of prison and is bent on revenge against those who framed him. It's a unique film in that the script has less than a dozen lines of spoken words across 70 pages.
So why the halt? The film's backers - including Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Foresight Entertainment - reportedly realised that the "hard release date" that Warners had given them meant the film could only have twelve weeks of post-production.
That's not nearly enough time to complete the complicated visual effects. As a result it was "impossible to meet the firm March 31st delivery date without...
Shooting was to kick off on September 17th with Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody starring in the story of man who gets out of prison and is bent on revenge against those who framed him. It's a unique film in that the script has less than a dozen lines of spoken words across 70 pages.
So why the halt? The film's backers - including Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Foresight Entertainment - reportedly realised that the "hard release date" that Warners had given them meant the film could only have twelve weeks of post-production.
That's not nearly enough time to complete the complicated visual effects. As a result it was "impossible to meet the firm March 31st delivery date without...
- 9/3/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
We've spent months writing stories about Albert Hughes's action film Motor City, and they've all fallen on pretty similar lines-- first we write about an actor who might star in the film, then we write about him leaving, then about another actor replacing him, then about that actor dropping out. The film had been sputtering to the start line for over a year before Gerard Butler recently signed on to play the lead, and with production set to start in mid-September, they seemed all set to finally get going. until the bottom, suddenly, fell out again. And this time, it's a much bigger problem than just finding an actor to replace. According to Deadline, the film's financiers at Emmet/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment and Foresight Entertainment have pulled their support, realizing that the "drop-dead" April 2013 release date mandated by Warner Bros. would be impossible to reach. The film, which...
- 9/3/2012
- cinemablend.com
Motor City got so close. They had a script, Albert Hughes was behind the camera, a mostly-full cast — Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke*, and Adrien Brody — had been assembled, and a start lined up for this month. After months of behind-the-scenes troubles, they had it aching to go. Now it might be back to square one.
Unfortunately, Deadline reports that Motor City‘s financial backers — specifically, Emmet/Furla Films, Foresight Entertainment, and Envision Entertainment — panicked at an April 2013 release picked out by Warner Bros. and Dark Castle. With shooting set to kick-off on September 17th, it became apparent — just now, for some reason — that their schedule would only allow for 12 weeks of post-production. This was not to their liking, so here we are.
Here’s their statement on the development:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to...
Unfortunately, Deadline reports that Motor City‘s financial backers — specifically, Emmet/Furla Films, Foresight Entertainment, and Envision Entertainment — panicked at an April 2013 release picked out by Warner Bros. and Dark Castle. With shooting set to kick-off on September 17th, it became apparent — just now, for some reason — that their schedule would only allow for 12 weeks of post-production. This was not to their liking, so here we are.
Here’s their statement on the development:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to...
- 9/2/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Blimey. If Albert Hughes’ new thriller Motor City were an actual car, it would be sitting in the repair bay of a dodgy mechanic’s shop with a grease-stained bloke tutting at the engine and talking about how the parts are on back order. We say that because Motor City has been shut down just as it was set to finally start shooting.The action-thriller, which was to have starred Gerard Butler as a man who gets out of prison burning for revenge against the people who put him there, has not exactly had the easiest road to production. Leading men including Jake Gyllenhaal and Dominic Cooper have come and gone and more recently, Gary Oldman dropped out. Things seemed to be going smoothly at last with Hughes gearing up to shoot this month, but now the crew has been told to go home after the film’s backers at Emmett / Furla Films,...
- 9/2/2012
- EmpireOnline
Production on Gerard Butler's Motor City has halted after its financial backers pulled out of the project. The revenge drama was to star Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody in a tale about a recently-released convict seeking out the criminals who had him framed. Deadline reports that Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment and Foresight Entertainment have stepped away from financing the film, stating that they would not be able to meet the release date set by Warner Bros. A spokesperson said in a statement: "Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special (more)...
- 9/2/2012
- by By Zeba Blay
- Digital Spy
According to Deadline, "Motor City," the revenge thriller from solo Hughes brother Albert Hughes that was originally set to star Dominic Cooper… Then Jake Gyllenhaal… Then Gerard Butler… Has been shut down for good, with the cast being sent home over the weekend. We're pretty sure that this movie accidentally ran over a young gypsy while on vacation in Europe because this shit seems cursed. Most of the difficulties surrounding "Motor City" had to do with casting, with a whole host of Hollywood's hottest both coming and (mostly) going from the project, including but not limited to Gary Oldman (who was ultimately replaced in what can only be defined as a "downgrade" by Adrien Brody), Amber Heard, Clive Owen, and Jeremy Renner. We were pretty sure that Mickey Rourke had left the project with half of Hollywood but Deadline reports that, at its time of death, Rourke was still a part of the film.
- 9/2/2012
- by Drew Taylor
- The Playlist
Pre-production of Motor City, which is set to star Gerard Butler and Adrien Brody, has been halted. The crew of the Albert Hughes revenge thriller was sent home today after its financial backers — Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Mark Damon’s Foresight Entertainment — determined that they could not meet the "drop dead" release date set by the studio, Warner Bros., and would therefore not be able to secure a bond for the film. In a statement, a spokesperson explained: Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg which is currently in production and Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor which is in pre-production. The circumstances surrounding this project made it impossible to meet...
- 9/1/2012
- by Caroline Bankoff
- Vulture
Deadline is reporting that Albert Hughes’ revenge drama Motor City, set to star Gerard Butler, has been halted. Co-starring Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody, the film was undergoing pre-production when the crew was told to go home.
Set to start shooting in three weeks, the reason for shutting down production wasn’t due to money, despite what you may think. Apparently, it was a timing issue as the March 31st release date was too soon and the quality of the film would have been compromised had they stuck with that date. Realizing this, the film couldn’t receive a bond to move forward.
Check out what an insider told Deadline:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring...
Set to start shooting in three weeks, the reason for shutting down production wasn’t due to money, despite what you may think. Apparently, it was a timing issue as the March 31st release date was too soon and the quality of the film would have been compromised had they stuck with that date. Realizing this, the film couldn’t receive a bond to move forward.
Check out what an insider told Deadline:
“Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring...
- 9/1/2012
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Exclusive: The plug was pulled this morning on Motor City, the revenge drama that was scheduled to start production late this month with Albert Hughes directing and Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody starring. The film was in pre-production, and the crew was just told to go home. It is an abrupt and chaotic development. Insiders tell me that Motor City stalled after the film’s backers, Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Mark Damon’s Foresight Entertainment, realized at the last moment that the release date given them by Warner Bros through its deal with Joel Silver’s Dark Castle turned out to be a drop dead date. Production was to start September 17th, meaning the film could only have 12 weeks of post production. It wasn’t enough time. They needed that studio release to justify all of the foreign distribution deals made for the film by Damon.
- 9/1/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Exclusive: The plug was pulled this morning on Motor City, the revenge drama that was scheduled to start production late this month with Albert Hughes directing and Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody starring. The film was in pre-production, and the crew was just told to go home. It is an abrupt and chaotic development. Insiders tell me that Motor City stalled after the film’s backers, Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment, and Mark Damon’s Foresight Entertainment, realized at the last moment that the release date given them by Warner Bros through its deal with Joel Silver’s Dark Castle turned out to be a drop dead date. Production was to start September 17th, meaning the film could only have 12 weeks of post production. It wasn’t enough time. They needed that studio release to justify all of the foreign distribution deals made for the film by Damon.
- 9/1/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
It's not unheard of for a film's financer to get cold feet on a production, but it's not often when a movie is less than three weeks away from shooting when the plug is pulled and the entire crew is sent home. According to Deadline , that is the case with director Albert Hughes' revenge drama Motor City , starring Gerard Butler, Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody, as the film's producers realized the March 31 delivery date set by Warner Bros. for the movie didn't give them enough time for necessary post-production and have decided to shut the production down. With plans to start filming on September 17, the film's backers Emmett/Furla Films, Envision Entertainment and Mark Damon.s Foresight, saw that it might be a problem finishing the movie in time for the release date set by...
- 9/1/2012
- Comingsoon.net
• Michael Douglas is in talks to play President Ronald Reagan in Reykjavik, an indie drama about the nuclear arms talks between Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Director Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) is also in talks to helm the film from a script by Kevin Hood (Becoming Jane). Ridley Scott is producing. [THR]
• Michael Keaton has joined Robocop as the main villain, Raymond Sellars, the CEO of OmniCorp, the conglomerate that transforms Joel Kinnaman’s Detroit cop into the titular crime-fighting cyborg. Keaton is taking on the role after Hugh Laurie dropped out from the project last week.
• Michael Keaton has joined Robocop as the main villain, Raymond Sellars, the CEO of OmniCorp, the conglomerate that transforms Joel Kinnaman’s Detroit cop into the titular crime-fighting cyborg. Keaton is taking on the role after Hugh Laurie dropped out from the project last week.
- 8/30/2012
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW - Inside Movies
• Lithe rebel Evan Rachel Wood is in talks to star as a female trucker in 18 Wheel Butterfly, a road movie set in 1977 Texas with Twin Falls Idaho’s Michael Polish attached to direct. Scribed by Christian Divine, it’s slated as having a Thelma and Louise feel. Wood would take on the role of falsely accused Rainbeaux, who flees from law enforcement, bounty hunters and other truckers. The movie sounds like a perfect fit for Wood, known for her snarling charm on True Blood and as an intern in last year’s The Ides of March.
• Jennifer Jason Leigh has...
• Jennifer Jason Leigh has...
- 8/29/2012
- by Solvej Schou
- EW - Inside Movies
• Abbie Cornish, in a swift turn from starring in the upcoming RoboCop remake and Seven Psychopaths, has been cast to play the lead role of Betty, a veterinarian who falls for acclaimed Italian director Federico Fellini, in Fellini Black and White, also starring William H. Macy, Terrence Howard and Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage. Henry Bromell is directing from a script he also wrote. In the film, the Australian beauty falls head over heels for Fellini, played by Brazilian actor Wagner Maura, when he’s in Los Angeles for the 1957 Academy Awards, the year he won for sadly beautiful black-and-white dramedy Nights of Cabiria,...
- 8/28/2012
- by Solvej Schou
- EW - Inside Movies
Apparently Dark Castle's action thriller Motor City can't hold on to its cast. The film, which has a Black List script, follows a felon who, after being released from prison, begins tracking down the men who framed him. Stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, Dominic Cooper and Jeremy Renner have come and gone for the lead role, but Gerard Butler seems to be the man who is sticking with the flick. However, Variety reports the villain role has been vacated and filled as Adrien Brody is stepping into the shoes that were going to be filled by Gary Oldman in the film from Albert Hughes, one-half of the sibling directing duo behind The Book of Eli. Brody showed off his action chops in Predators, a role he tried desperately to prove that he could take on, and I wasn't disappointed with his performance or screen presence in the least. However, this is...
- 8/27/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
1.) Steven Spielberg is looking to rival Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty with his own account of Osama Bin Laden's manhunt. Retired Navy Seal Matt Bissonnette, who wrote the memoir "[amazon asin="0525953728" text="No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden"] under the pseudonym Mark Owen, has entered talks with the filmmaker about turning the book into a movie. Bissonnette has also been in discussions with DreamWorks and HBO. Robopocalypse is locked in as Spielberg's next directing gig, so even if he wins the rights we won't see the film for at least a couple years. Even still, it would be interesting to see what this take would add to the story. It would be nice to see a more personal, focused character piece, whereas Bigelow's film seems more operations-based, looking at the hunt from several levels of government intelligence. [NY Post] 2.) Jamie Bell and Connie Nielsen have joined the cast of Lars von Trier's Nymphomaniac, which begins its 11-week shoot in Germany tomorrow.
- 8/27/2012
- by Kevin Blumeyer
- Rope of Silicon
After the brutal-but-sorrowful return to form for Gerard Butler that was his performance in Coriolanus, I was very excited to see him go toe-to-toe with Gary Oldman in Motor City. Alas, such a showdown will have to be postponed for the time being as Gary Oldman was forced to drop out of the film due to scheduling commitments. F***ing Robocop, probably. That being said, Adrien Brody is a lean and mean powerhouse in his own right, so I'm not exactly bummed that he's the man...
- 8/27/2012
- by Alejandro Stepenberg
- JoBlo.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.