Tom Cruise Talks Jack Reacher Casting

Exclusive: 'I'm very attentive to it.'There are casting calls so questionable they appear vulnerable to decrease the internet with a smoking wasteland of charred avatars and ashen memes. Michael Keaton as Batman, Difficulties as Bond, The Ultimate Airbender... that kind of factor. It's fair to convey that a choice of Tom Cruise to see Lee Child's towering do-gooder Jack Reacher over evening has smoke flowing on the internet again. While using movie presently filming in Pittsburgh, Empire supervised the man lower to request in regards to the farrago. "To begin with, I'm very attentive to it," Cruise referred to, revealing that Child found watch his bloodstream pressure dimensions. "That is Lee's book and Lee's character. Him giving me his blessing is what assisted me take action. If he'd not i rapidly wouldn't made it happen.Inch And what in the discrepancy tall - Cruise offering more than a few inches for the clock-brained legend? "Lee described the main reason he written him that size (6' 5") is really because that was just one element to his character, which opened up in the entrance in my opinion playing him."As Cruise themselves is quick to point, he's no stranger to questionable casting. His pick to playLestat in Neil Jordan's Interview While Using Vampire may have been pre-trolling, nevertheless it still triggered a stink with fans of Anne Rice's novel - and, briefly, while using author herself. No-you need to doubt the actor's persistence for the role, though. "Reacher is actually a great character," he excited. "He doesn't have a very cell phone, he doesn't have email. He's in the energy power grid. He covers things in cash. People have a look at things using the prism in the colours from the existence, but Jack Reacher does things the means by which you need to sometimes. Because sense he's type of a Dirty Harry, a Jason Bourne, a Josey Wales."Obtain a duplicate of Empire's December problem from Thursday for further from Cruise on one Shot which is mythical, mind-punching protagonist.

NBC creates Whitened House comedy

WinerLovettNBC has given a put-pilot resolve for a comedy occur the Whitened House having a real-existence former presidential speech author aboard being an executive producer. twentieth century Fox TV has offered single-camera half-hour "1600 Penn," including Jon Lovett, who left the Federal government within the summer time to pursue a writing career in Hollywood. He's became a member of by "Modern Family" director Jason Winer and "It of Mormon" star Josh Gad as executive producers."Penn" concentrates on the lighter side of the imaginary president's dysfunctional family living in the show's titular address. While primetime has investigated the dramatic side of Whitened House existence with NBC's "West Wing" and ABC's "Commander in Chief," the comedy side of this world continues to be consigned to some short-resided Comedy Central series, "That's My Rose bush," which lampooned the sitting leader having a lookalike actor. UPN did a retro version from the comedy concept occur the era of Abraham Lincoln subsequently with "The Key Existence of Desmond Pfeiffer." NBC has provided only a number of put-pilot obligations for that 2012-13 season, including another 20th comedy from "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy and Alison Adler in regards to a gay couple along with a Warner Bros. Television project starring Portia DiRossi, who executive produces with Don Todd. The new sony Pictures Television comedy occur an elementary school from "Easy A" director Will Gluck includes a pilot production commitment. Gad already includes a project in development at NBC, a higher-concept comedy in regards to a family on the highway, with Gary Sanchez Prods. and Universal Television. Winer already includes a single-camera comedy setup at ABC from 20th having a script commitment plus penalty. Lovett is represent by CAA, Variety, and Shaun Frankel of McKuin Frankel Whitehead. Gad is repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Winer is repped by ICM. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

ShowEast Hall of Fame 2011

Posted: Mon., Oct. 24, 2011, 4:00am PTBy VianeCarrollZeltnerSeddonCiaramelloAt the Wednesday ceremony in Miami/Hollywood, Fla., honorees will include Walt Disney Co.'s Chuck Viane, Warner Bros.' Frank Carroll, Clearview Cinemas' Craig Zeltner, CMCI Booking's Danny Seddon and Coca-Cola Co.'s Kathleen Ciaramello. Marty Zeidman and Steve Friedstrom will be honored posthumously. Chuck Viane, who retired in July after 25 years at the Walt Disney Co., was most recently prexy of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Frank Carroll, Warner Bros. Pictures' senior VP for domestic distribution's eastern division, has been with Warners since 1973 and has worked on distributing the "Harry Potter," and "Hangover" franchises. Craig Zeltner, who is in his 14th year as Clearview Cinemas' VP of film, has spent 46 years in the entertainment industry, following in the footsteps of his father who was with MGM for 42 years. Danny Seddon, prexy of CMCI Booking (the film-buying division of Belmont Capital, has been with the company for 30 years. Kathleen Ciaramello was responsible for Coca-Cola's partnerships with the entertainment industry as VP of strategic partnership marketing. Now she's VP of the company's east region.SHOWEAST 2011 Five 3D myths that will not dieHonoreesShow "E" Award: Jim Amos | Al Shapiro Distinguished Service Award: John C. Hall | Salah M. Hassanein Humanitarian Award: Kurt Hall | ShowEast Hall of Fame 2011 Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Eric Bana to experience Elvis in 'Elvis & Nixon'

Eric Bana is placed to experience Elvis within the feature film Elvis & Nixon, which marks the directorial debut of Cary Elwes. Bana will also executive produce. Danny Huston is within final discussions to experience Leader Richard M. Nixon within the movie, which focuses on a 12 ,. 21, 1970, visit that Presley compensated to Nixon in the Whitened House. The meeting was started by Presley, who authored Nixon a six-page letter asking for a trip and recommending he be produced a "Federal Agent-at-Large" within the Bureau of Drugs and Harmful Drugs. Presley introduced with him family photos along with a Colt 45 pistol like a personal gift towards the leader. Elwes authored the script together with Joey Sagal and Hanala Sagal. Michael Benaroya (Margin Call) and Carol Wiersma (Bobby) will produce. Australian actor Bana will professional produce through his production company Truck Pictures (Love the Animal), that will mark the organization's first U.S. production. The film, that will shoot in Shreveport, La., and La, has been funded byMichael Benaroya's Benaroya Pictures. Bana, repped by WME and attorney Robert Offer, lately became a member of the Lakeshore Entertainment gemstone-heist thriller Brilliant and merely wrapped shooting Blackbird. Huston, repped by ICM and Julian Belfrage Affiliates, will reprise his role of Poseidon within the approaching Clash from the Leaders follow up. Elwes' recent credits include No Strings Attached and also the approaching The Adventures of Tintin: The Key from the Unicorn. Related Subjects Cary Elwes Eric Bana Movie Casting

A&E renews 'The Glades'

A&E has restored Matt Passmore starrer "The Glades" for just about any 10-episode third season, scheduled for summer season 2012. Throughout its second season, which went for 13 episodes from June to September, "The Glades" averaged 3.87 million audiences per episode entirely-week Dvr playback and shown growth and development of 12% among grownups 18-49 when compared with 2010's season one. Furthermore for the return of "Breakout Nobleman," A&E may even launch scripted drama "Longmire" getting a ten-episode season in 2012. Series creator Clifton Campbell professional produces "The Glades" for Innuendo Prods. with Gary Randall of Grand Prods. Fox Television Art galleries produces. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Coriolanus Premieres Within The LFF

Take advantage of Fiennes directorial debut debutsBut soft!What light through yonder projector breaks?It is a new Shakespeare adaptation, and Take advantage of Fiennes might be the director!* Coriolanus opened up last evening within the BFILondon Film Festival, while using former Voldemort inside the driving chair.The play stars Fiennes since the titular Roman general, with Vanessa Redgrave as his proud mother and John Cox as his politician friend. Both were attending last evening, although sadly Gerard Butler, who plays his fierce military rival, wasn't around.Fiennes, sporting a beard worth Captain Birdseye (for his turn onstage inside the Tempest, which he's finishing at this time) was on fine form, as well as the cast was grew to become an associate of by his composer, Ilan Eshkeri, and film author John Logan. Coriolanus is going around the month of the month of january 20, 2012, as well as the BFILondonFilmFestival is certainly going ahead now.*Yes, everyone knows we're calculating the wrong play. You proceed and check up a handily-recognisable quote from Coriolanus we'll wait.

Susan Sarandon Calls the Pope a Nazi at the Hamptons Film Festival

Susan Sarandon slammed Pope Benedict XVI at The Hamptons Film Festival over the weekend.our editor recommendsMichael Moore, Susan Sarandon Make Appearances at Wall Street ProtestsSUNDANCE: Susan Sarandon Open to 'Bull Durham' Sequel PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street Sarandon was interviewed by Bob Balaban at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor on Saturday. She said she sent the pope a copy of the anti death penalty book, Dead Man Walking, authored by Sister Helen Prejean. Sarandon starred in the 1995 big-screen adaptation. "The last one," she said, "not this Nazi one we have now." PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Los Angeles Balaban tried to dance around the comment, but Sarandon just made it again, Newsday reports. The audience also laughed. PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate Sarandon also discussed Occupy Wall Street and her run-ins with the NY police Department over the controversial Amadou Diallo case. (Diallo, an immigrant, was shot and killed by four plainclothes police in 1999, sparking outcry of brutality and racial profiling.) Related Topics Susan Sarandon Occupy

'Monster' Director Jenkins Assumes 'Thor 2'

La (AP) Hollywood has registered its first female director for any major super hero movie.Marvel Galleries introduced Thursday that Patty Jenkins will direct "Thor 2," the follow up to last summer's hit that's due in theaters November. 15, 2013.Jenkins is better-noted for writing and pointing 2003's "Monster," which gained Charlize Theron the very best-actress Academy Award. Her credits likewise incorporate instances of "Entourage" and "Arrested Development."Chris Hemsworth will reprise his title role in "Thor 2" because the Norse god of thunder, with co-stars Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston also coming back.The very first "Thor," directed by Kenneth Branagh, required in $448 million worldwide.Another female filmmaker, Lexi Alexander, made the low-allocated Marvel movie "The Punisher: Combat ZoneInch in 2008. But Jenkins may be the first lady to direct a blockbuster super hero franchise.Copyright 2011 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The Walking Dead

Shot in Georgia by Circle of Confusion, Valhalla Entertainment, Darkwood Prods. and AMC Galleries. Executive producers, Frank Darabont, Gale Anne Hurd, Glen Mazzara, David Alpert, Robert Kirkman co-executive producers, Greg Nicotero, Evan Reilly producers, Scott Gimple, Denise Huth, Tom Luse company directors, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Ernest Dickerson author, Ardeth Bey in line with the graphic novel series by Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie AdlardRick Grimes - Andrew LincolnShane Walsh - Jon BernthalLori Grimes - Sarah Wayne CalliesAndrea - Laurie HoldenDale - Jeffrey DeMunnGlenn - Steve YeunCarl Grimes - Chandler RiggsDaryl Dixon - Norman ReedusT-Dog - Robert "IronE" SingletonCarol - Melissa McBrideSophia - Madison LintzThe behind-the-moments tumult surrounding "The Walking Dead" and departure of showrunner Frank Darabont certainly is not apparent in the first couple of episodes, together with a 90-minute premiere that niftily reestablishes the premise and figures while that contains one sequence this is a modern jewel of prolonged suspense. As constituted, the series may be the oddest of constructs -- a publish-apocalyptic cleaning soap opera, essentially, with a reasonable "ick" step to attract males. Ambling in sufficient time for Halloween, one suspects the rankings will even provide AMC by having an early Christmas present. It's not hard to forget there have been only six instances of "Dead's" maiden run, a brief order that most likely assisted immeasurably by not overstaying the show's welcome. Among individuals who will not be adhering around is Darabont, whose script for that opener is credited towards the pseudonym "Ardeth Bey," a.k.a. the Mummy. Backstage drama notwithstanding, the brand new batch (and staying away from spoilers comes down to writing with one hands gnawed off by zombies) continues too explore the strained group dynamics, challenge maintaining belief when confronted with horror and questions if the central band can ever find anything approaching peace and security. (Answer: Less lengthy once we require more episodes, so suck up, whiners!) For their credit, the producers adapting the graphic novel have handled to produce tension on two distinct fronts: One involves staying away from the ravenous zombies walking our planet, and also the other focuses on the fate of Sheriff Ron Grimes (Andrew Lincoln subsequently) and the wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), who were built with a dalliance with Rick's friend and partner, Shane (Jon Bernthal), when she thought her husband dead. Individuals unsettled situations persist, and it is a positive thing, because in reality, "The Walking Dead" meanders for lengthy stretches with little really happening. The constant threat -- zombies around every corner, Lori and Shane's past being uncovered -- moves irritatingly over everything. Beyond a few truly stomach-churning moments thanks to the special-Forex magicians, the 2nd season showcases the topnotch cast the producers have put together, along with the program's skill pushing terror in broad daylight. Possibly the greatest hurdle facing "Walking Dead" is the fact that with no ray of hope -- some "Omega Guy"-like possibility of survival -- the series turns into a bleak dying march, waiting to determine what if the regular figures are expendable, or maybe the casualties is going to be limited to bit gamers and guest stars, such as the red-colored-shirted crewmen on "Star Trek." For the time being, though, this AMC drama deftly straddles individuals lines -- and, for any show with "Dead" within the title, seems to possess a good deal of existence still inside it.digital camera, David Boyd production designer, Greg Melton Ardeth Bey editors, Julius Ramsay, Hunter M. Via music, Bear McCreary makeup Forex, Nicotero, Howard Berger casting, Sharon Bialy, Sherry Thomas. 90 MIN. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

Enlightened (Series Cinemax)

Laura Dern and Luke Wilson in HBO's "Enlightened" Credits: Shot in La and Hawaii by Rip Cord. Executive producers, Mike Whitened, Laura Dern co-executive producers, Miguel Arteta, Edward Saxon producers, David Bernad, Jason Weinberg, Timothy Marx co-producer, Gianna Wise author-director, Whitened story by Whitened, Dern.Amy Jellicoe - Laura Dern Levi - Luke Wilson Helen - Diane Ladd Krista - Sarah Burns Dougie - Timm Sharp Judy - Amy Hill Tyler - Mike WhiteShowtime has excelled in a certain type of attention-getting half-hour -- high-concept series featuring large-title female leads, with styles (cancer substance abuse multiple personas) that practically market themselves. By comparison, it's difficult to think about a lesser concept than HBO's "Enlightened," an offbeat showcase for Laura Dern that, after watching four episodes, still is not completely obvious regarding its intentions. At the disposal of author/co-star Mike Whitened, that isn't entirely bad, however the unorthodox tone and psychologically fragile protagonist suggest this strange journey of self-discovery will harbor narrow appeal even by pay TV's refined standards. Dern's Amy includes a jaw-shedding meltdown at the office within the opening moments, getting been moved from her job in a large corporation after an affair gone wrong together with her married boss (Timm Sharp). An idyllic, existence-altering interlude in a counseling retreat in Hawaii follows, where she cavorts with ocean turtles, finds inner-peace and starts soothingly narrating her very own spiritual reclamation. "I'll change. And I'll be a real estate agent of change," Amy states in voice-over, following her epiphany. Upon her return, though, Amy's harmony is examined repeatedly. Her former assistant (Sarah Burns) continues to be marketed, while she has been consigned towards the bowels of the organization, encircled by other nonwinners (included in this one performed by Whitened). Her ex-husband (Luke Wilson), while mostly supportive, does not wish to accomplish much but sit around smoking pot and her mother (Diane Ladd, Dern's real-existence mother) examines her like she just beamed lower in the Enterprise. Can Amy maintain her new-found tranquility and discover -- or maintain -- the peace she professes to possess accomplished, especially inside a conglomerate that cares not really a whit about her? Whitened appears going to test that time, with Amy's unnervingly upbeat exterior (which recalls the religiously converted in Michael Tolkin's "The Rapture") from time to time giving method to fits of rage that suggest her Modern transformation has not fully taken hold. It's possible to understand why Dern (who shares story credit with Whitened) was attracted towards the role -- and possibly even why Cinemax would gamble on somebody as notoriously idiosyncratic because the director, whose indie-film sensibility (see "Chuck & Buck" and "The Great Girl") has pay-TV written throughout it. Nevertheless, it's tough to determine to whom "Enlightened" is supposed, concurrently mocking and exalting the self-help movement, without really showing precisely where it stands. With that measure, the show's ethereal characteristics are interesting in places but never particularly informative, and it is pairing with HBO's cool but considerably larger "Bored to Dying" -- within the latest make an effort to expand the channel's original-series footprint to Monday nights -- feels as though a particularly low-wattage combination. Ultimately, "Enlightened" creates its quixotic mission -- the lengthy uphill slog of creating a set around making the crowd uncomfortable. Personal growth may be within the cards for Dern's broken heroine. Altering the laws and regulations of TV gravity is most likely another matter entirely.Camera, Lawrence Sher production designer, Richard Hoover editor, Take advantage of Frazen music, Carter Burwell casting, Cami Patton, Jennifer Lare. 30 MIN. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com