Ledger's insurance firm sued over nonpayment

Source: Yahoo!

Heath Ledger's insurance company has been sued in Los Angeles for not paying out $10 million in benefits to his daughter, claiming the actor may have committed suicide, according to court papers. The 28-year-old Australian star of "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Dark Knight" was found dead in his New York apartment in January in what officials ruled was an accidental death from an overdose of painkillers and other medicines. (more)

Daniel Craig Decided Bond Film Name

Source: Showbiz Spy

DANIEL CRAIG chose the name of the forthcoming JAMES BOND movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE - because he didn't want a grisly title with "death" in it. The British actor rejected several potential names during a brainstorming session with producers - before insisting they go with the title of a short story by Bond creator Ian Fleming. (more)

Russell Crowe is Robin Hood AND the Sheriff?!

Source: Cinematical

The wires (yes, I still think of them like that) were buzzing all weekend with MTV's big scoop -- the network cornered them about the long-delayed Nottingham, Scott's revisionist Robin Hood story. There have been a lot of names attached to the role of Robin Hood, ranging from Christian Bale to newcomer Sam Riley. Forget all of that because now, from Scott himself, comes the announcement that Crowe will be playing both (Hood AND The Sheriff) roles. (more)

Ack! They're Making 'Blade Runner 2'!?

Source: Cinematical

...the writer, Travis Wright, said that he and his partner John Glenn were working through "various treatments for a Blade Runner sequel over the last couple years." Apparently, they've been working alongside Blade Runner co-executive producer Bud Yorkin, and all of this has been done outside the studio system -- meaning this is in no way a done deal, only that these writers are trying to put together their best package in the hopes a studio will bite. (more)

News Bites: 'Transformers 2' Goes IMAX, Mary Jane Returns and More

Source: Cinematical

Will there be another Men in Black? According to Parade magazine, who sat down with someone who's "close" with producer Walter Parkes, we may be looking at a third alien-infested flick...And here I almost forgot they were making a Pink Panther 2? Guess this poster to the right means it's just about finished and ready to change our lives this February. (more)

First Look at Bill Moseley in 'The Tortured'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Last week we broke the news that Twisted Pictures had finally given their untitled thriller the title The Tortured, now we've got the first two images from the film, both which feature star Bill Moseley! The film follows a young professional couple’s perfect life is shattered when their young son is abducted by a murderer who slips through the judicial system, forcing them to create their own justice. (more)

EXCLUSIVE Christina Ricci Enters The 'After.Life'!

Source: Bloody Disgusting

We just learned of some pretty sweet casting news that some of you are going love. Our regular tipster (who is always 100% dead-on) tells us that the beautiful Christina Ricci (Cursed, The Addam's Family, Sleep Hollow) has signed on to star in Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo's After.Life...The story chronicles a young woman in a transitional state between life and death who fights to avoid being buried alive and the funeral director who holds her fate in his hands. (more)

EXCLUSIVE First Look: Official One Sheet For 'The Uninvited'!

Source: Bloody Disgusting

This afternoon DreamWorks Pictures provided Bloody Disgusting with an exclusive first look at the official one sheet for The Uninvited, their remake of the Korean horror film A TALE OF TWO SISTERS. In addition, inside you'll find the final synopsis for the film, which arrives in theaters January 30, 2009. "The Uninvited" revolves around Anna (Emily Browning), who returns home after spending time in the hospital following the tragic death of her mother. Her recovery suffers a setback when she discovers her father (David Strathairn) has become engaged to her mother's former nurse, Rachel (Elizabeth Banks). That night, Anna is visited by her mother's ghost, who warns her of Rachel's intentions. (more)

Screamfest '08: 'Keepsake' Trailer, Poster, Stills and More

Source: Bloody Disgusting

This year's Screamfest Film Festival is getting closer and one of the main indie films we're being told to keep an eye on Paul Moore's KEEPSAKE, which will be premiering on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7PM (purchase tickets). Inside you'll find not only the first synopsis, but also the new one sheet and trailer for the film. Janine is a young woman on her way to a new life when a freak accident strands her on a deserted highway and a call for help soon becomes a fight for survival. Janine soon finds herself trapped in a world of torture and depravity. (more)

MPAA Approved 'My Bloody Valentine 3D' Poster... What?

Source: Bloody Disgusting

What does the MPAA do? Really? Today Lionsgate released the approved domestic poster for My Bloody Valentine 3D, which is the exact same as the San Diego Comic Con/international poster that was released this past July - only toned down a little. It's literally the same bloody heart image, with the red color drowned out a bit. What's the point? (more)

Promo Teaser Art For 'Burning Bright'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Today some early promo art was discovered for Sobini Films' Burning Bright, which is now being directed by James Marsh from a screenplay by Christine Coyle Johnson and Julie Prendiville Roux. The insane sounding script centers on a 20-year-old and her autistic little brother who are trapped in a house with a ravenous tiger during a hurricane. (more)

EXCLUSIVE Preliminary Prosthetics Mockup From 'Sorority Row'!!

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Now this is some cool stuff, and before I go any further, be warned that there are some major spoilers that follow. We've been scoring goodies left and right from Summit Entertainment's Sorority Row, which is set to be directed by Stewart Hendler next month. What we have for you beyond the break are three preliminary prosthetics mockup stills that feature the death of one of the stars... (more)

EXCLUSIVE 'Train' Director Talks NC-17 Gore!

Source: Bloody Disgusting

This weekend we posted our exclusive interview with Gideon Raff, the writer-director of Lionsgate's Train, which will be screening at Screamfest on October 16th (in NC-17!) If you click here you can read not only about how the remake of TERROR TRAIN evolved into its own beast, but also about how bloody the film is! (more)

Kirsten Dunst Talks ‘Spider-Man 4,’ So Is She In Or Out?

Source: MTV

For quite some time now, “Spider-Man” star Kirsten Dunst has had one major condition as to whether or not she’d sign-up for any future sequels of the franchise — that director Sam Raimi and co-star Tobey Maguire be signed on as well. “I’m in,” said the actress matter of factly. However, when pressed to make the announcement official, Dunst quickly changed her tone, and rather cryptically added, “I’m not saying anything, I know there’s rumors…” (more)

Ghost Hosts To Open Inn

Source: SciFi Wire

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, hosts of SCI FI Channel's Ghost Hunters, told reporters that they are going into the bed-and-breakfast business--but in a well-known haunted inn, natch. Hawes and Grant--who founded the Atlantic Paranormal Society, or TAPS--said they are in the process of acquiring the Spalding Inn in Whitefield, New Hampshire. (more)

Transformers 2, Others To Use IMAX

The six IMAX sequences in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight have encouraged other filmmakers to get studios to pony up the production dollars for similar shots, Variety reported. Michael Bay will film at least three action set pieces in the large-screen format for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which is currently shooting. (more)

Cameron Denies Terminator Blessing

Source: SciFi Wire

Contrary to statements by Terminator Salvation director McG that he had original Terminator creator James Cameron's blessing, Cameron himself told the Canadian National Post that he never signed off on the film. "It could be a big steaming pile, or it could be brilliant," Cameron said Sept. 6 at a ceremony in Toronto for Canada's Walk of Fame. "Sam Worthington is in ... Avatar and the new Terminator, and he likes the script, but I never saw it. There was no blessing involved." (more)

Payne Wins PG-13

Source: SciFi Wire

Shack News reported that director John Moore has won a PG-13 rating for Max Payne. The violent video-game adaptation starring Mark Wahlberg had initially been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. (more)

Spooked: Our Real-Life Ghost Hunt

Source: SciFi Wire

I'll be upfront: I don't believe in ghosts. But. So here I am at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., on Sept. 27. It's a white-and-red wedding cake of a Victorian resort hotel nestled in a lovely if overdeveloped alpine valley in the Rockies outside Denver. Besides being a venue for weddings (I observed no fewer than three on Saturday), the hotel derives much of its cachet from being the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining and is one of the supposedly most haunted places in the United States. (more)

'Bugmaster' to get N. American run

Source: Variety

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired various North American rights to "Mushi-shi" (Bugmaster), a live-action pic by anime auture Katsauhiro Otomo. It will screen the pic theatrically and release it on DVD in 2009. Based on a comic by manga artist Yuki Urushibara, the pic stars Joe Odagiri as a natural healer with power over mysterious creatures called Mushi. (more)

Superhero support available at Dell

Source: THR

PC manufacturer Dell and Paramount Pictures are opening a new front in digital distribution Tuesday with an offering allowing consumers to order "Iron Man" preloaded into newly purchased computers. (more)

Paramount, Marvel ink new distrib deal

Source: THR

Paramount just added a lot more Iron to its diet. The Melrose Avenue studio has signed an agreement with Marvel Studios that locks Paramount in as the worldwide distributor of Marvel's next five self-produced feature films. The properties earmarked for inclusion in the deal are "Iron Man 2" (May 7, 2010) and "Iron Man 3," as well as "Thor" (July 16, 2010), "The First Avenger: Captain America" (May 6, 2011) and "The Avengers" (July 15, 2011). (more)

Danielle Panabaker cast in 'Prodigy'

Source: THR

Danielle Panabaker has been cast as the female lead in "Prodigy," director Chuck Russell's sci-fi action film from Intrepid Pictures and Kincine. "Prodigy" centers on an elite prep school that promises to turn teenagers into geniuses through a drug-and-diet regimen for a half-million-dollar tuition. When several alumni turn up dead, the school's valedictorian is assigned to investigate the murders, leading him to a rebellious student (Max Theriot). (more)

McFarland Talks Dr. Manhattan Effects

Source: Superhero Hype

UGO talked to Alan McFarland (Iron Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man), who was responsible for the special lighting effects for Dr. Manhattan in Zack Snyder's Watchmen. Here's a quote from the interview: (more)

Green Lantern Eyeing Spring Start

Source: SuperHero Hype

FirstShowing.net caught up with producer Donald De Line, who says the Greg Berlanti-directed Green Lantern is nearing principal photography...The Warner Bros. Pictures project is based on the comic that was created in 1940 by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell. (more)

First Image From Fox's 'Wrong Turn 3'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

B-D reader 'Joey M.' just discovered the first ever pic from Fox Home Video's Wrong Turn 3, which features star Janet Montgomery. Fonda and her friends go to the woods for a couple of days. Her friends are killed by the wild, now staple mutant killer, Three Finger, who of course cannibalizes them. She is left to fend for herself, but not for long. (more)

'Vacancy: The First Cut' Gets R-Rating

Source: Bloody Disgusting

The prequel to Sony Screen Gems' VACANCY has been given the official title Vacancy: The First Cut, according to Videota.com. In addition, the film has officially been rated R for strong violence and terror, language and some sexual content. (more)

The Trailer Park: Roadside Attractions' 'House'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Update: Trailer also now available at BDTV: Inside you'll find the first official trailer for Roadside Attractions House, which begins its limited theatrical run on November 14th (probably just NY and LA). From the best-selling novel by legendary authors Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker comes a story unlike any you've ever seen. (more)

Event Report: Universal Halloween Horror Nights Florida

Source: Bloody Disgusting

This past weekend David Harley, Horror Guy Keenan and Tex had the chance to attend the opening night festivities for Universal Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Florida where they had the chance to check out all of the new events that will be running through November 1st (ticket info). You can read all about it thanks to David by reading beyond the break. If you had the chance to attend in Florida, feel free to chime in the comments below. (more)

UPDATED: See Jason Unmasked in New 'Friday the 13th' Pics

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Update: Even more pictures have been added to the link inside! B-D reader 'Scream110' just tipped us off to several behind-the-scenes images from the set of Friday the 13th, where you can check out your new Jason Voorhees in action. In the images you'll see various still of Derek Mears on the set with his mask on and off from the remake, which arrives in theaters February 13, 2009. (more)

EXCLUSIVE Bloody Pics of Malachai and Isaac in 'Children of the Corn'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

Thanks to B-D reader 'von Thun' we've got some bloody behind-the-scenes images from the set of Children of the Corn, which was lensing in Lost Nation, IA. The images feature Daniel Newman as Malachai and Preston Bailey as the new Isaac. Directed by original producer Donald P. Borchers from his own screenplay, the film is slated to air on the Sci Fi Channel next year. (more)

March 2009 Release For MGM's 'A Perfect Getaway'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

MGM has slated A Perfect Getaway for release on March 13, 2009. Directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black), the film stars Timothy Olyphant, Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich and Kiele Sanchez. (more)

Dozens of New Images From 'Saw V'!

Source: Bloody Disgusting

The traps have been set and the games have been played, now we finally get to see the aftermath on October 24th from Lionsgate released Saw V in theaters everywhere. Today we received an e-mail from a blogger who got his hands on dozens of new stills from the film via the official website. (more)

Images From Roadside Attraction's 'House'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

From the best-selling novel by legendary authors Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker comes a story unlike any you've ever seen. Enter House - where you'll find yourself thrown into a killer's deadly game in which the only way to win is to lose...and the only way out is in. The film is slated for release on November 14th in limited theaters by Roadside Attractions. Inside you'll find the first four official stills from the film... (more)

Branagh May Helm Thor

Source: SciFi Wire

Henry V helmer Kenneth Branagh surprised onlookers by entering talks to direct Thor, a superhero movie and the next Marvel Comics property to be adapted as a live-action feature by Marvel Studios, Variety reported. The movie will be released in 2010. (more)

Exclusive: Trek Writer Picks Faves

Source: SciFi Wire

With a new Star Trek movie coming out, who better than an original Star Trek writer to pick the best episodes of the original series? Below is D.C. Fontana's list, in her own words (and they are great ones). She let us know that these are in alphabetic order and not necessarily in the order of closeness to her heart. (more)

Hutchison Reveals Lost Return

Source: SciFi Wire

"I'm lost!" actor Doug Hutchison revealed with a laugh in an interview with SCIFI WIRE, referring to the return of his character, Horace Goodspeed, to ABC's SF series Lost in the upcoming fifth season for at least a four-episode arc. Hutchison will reprise the role of the hippie Dharma Initiative member, who was apparently killed in an earlier season. He begins shooting sometime in the next two weeks. (more)

Ronan: Ember Faithful To Book

Source: Scifi Wire

Saoirse Ronan, the 14-year-old Irish star of the upcoming fantasy film City of Ember, told SCI FI Wire that director Gil Kenan strived to remain as faithful as possible to the Jeanne DuPrau youth novel on which it's based. (more)

Exhibs, majors near d-cinema deal

Source: THR

A consortium of the nation's top movie-theater chains will announce within two weeks a $1 billion-plus financing agreement with four major studios to equip more than 15,000 screens nationwide with digital-projection systems during the next three years. Universal, Paramount, Disney and Fox -- with financing backing from JPMorgan Securities -- are expected to announce the funding of systems to be rolled out by New York-based Digital Cinema Implementation Partners. Regal Cinemas, AMC Entertainment and Cinemark formed DCIP more than a year ago, but it's taken until recently to get a majority of the major studios to sign off on so-called virtual print fee agreements to fund the digital rollout. (more)

GigaPix, Vanguard are 'College' pals

Source: THR

GigaPix Studios and Vanguard Entertainment Group are going back to school. The production/co-financing entity has picked up "The Old College Try" from Brett Gursky and Scott Herbst, with Gursky attached to direct from the pair's script. The time-travel comedy centers on a thirtysomething commitment-phobic man who finds himself transported back to his college days at Syracuse University, where he can alter his romantic fate in what is described as a modern "Peggy Sue Got Married." (more)

Check Out Some Cool Iron Man Concept Art!

Source: SuperHero Hype

The much-anticipated Iron Man DVD doesn't come out until next Tuesday, September 30, but Yahoo has gotten their hands on some really cool concept art including painted designs by comic artist Adi Granov for some alternate armor, early sketches of the V1 armor, maquettes and breakdowns showing how the armor seals itself once Tony Stark puts it on, and lots more. (more)

Exclusive: The Dark Knight Blu-ray Covers! (UPDATE)

Source: SuperHero Hype

Superhero Hype! has gotten its hands on a couple early images from the upcoming Blu-ray DVD for Christopher Nolan's record-setting action movie Dark Knight, which has grossed over $520 million domestically and another $450 million internationally. (more)

No new "Pirates" for Knightley? - MTV Rough Cut: Keira Knightley

Source: MTV

The "Duchess" actress talks about 18th-century celebrity culture, the future of "Pirates" and why she doesn't deserve her "top pout" title. (more)

Aaron Douglas (Tyrol on BSG) Interview (Spoiler warning)

Source: Cort and Fatboy

Chief Galen Tyrol, Final Fiver and hungover hockey fan, tells tales of Robin Williams hunting him down in LA, Eddie Olmos trying to kill him on set, Bathroom discoveries of his cylon nature, and a secret about Earth in 4.5 that's accidentally shocking... (more)

Spike Lee IDs The Director Of George Lucas' RED TAILS!!

Source: AICN

Straight from Spike Lee: "...this spring George Lucas is finally doin’ his Tuskegee Airmen film, “Redtails." He’s gonna produce it and a young African- American director, Anthony Hemingway, is gonna direct it. He’s done several episodic TVs, and is a young director..." (more)

Exclusive Pirate Commentaries of Child's Play and Fright Night!

Source: Icons of Fright

CHILD'S PLAY Commentary Track with Writer/Director Tom Holland, moderated by Tim Sullivan. (Recorded by Joseph Bishara); FRIGHT NIGHT Commentary Track with Writer/Director Tom Holland, Stars Chris Sarandon (Jerry Dandrige) & Jonathan Stark (Billy Cole), moderated by Tim Sullivan. (Recorded by Joseph Bishara); FRIGHT NIGHT Commentary Track with Writer/Director Tom Holland, Stars William Ragsdale (Charley Brewster), Stephen Geoffreys ("Evil" Ed Thompson) & FX Artist Randall William Cook, moderated by Jeremy Smith (Mr. Beaks from Ain't It Cool News.com) & hosted by Tim Sullivan. (Recorded by Cliff Greenough). (more)

Geek Daily: 'Ghostbusters 3', Secret Marvel Projects, and Gasps From 'Justice League Mortal'

Source: Cinematical

Justice League Mortal is a film that no one outside of its cast or crew seems to want. It's been declared dead more than once, but every once and awhile, it twitches and makes us go back for a second look. (more)

Cops & Killers: 'Lethal Weapon 5: New Recruits' and Lee Child's 'One Shot'

Source: Cinematical

Entertainment Weekly reports that rumors continue to gather around Lethal Weapon 5, particularly with Shane Black's Cold Warrior catching everyone's interest. Seems he's down for writing and directing the fifth installment, though all waits on the approval of Mel Gibson. (more)

New 'Benjamin Button' Trailer Arrives Online!

Source: Cinematical

A brand new trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has just arrived online via Apple (head there to view it in brilliant HD). Directed by David Fincher, Benjamin Button stars Brad Pitt as a man who's born old and slowly begins to age backwards. (more)

Twilight Star First Cast in Clive Barker's 'Dread'

Source: Bloody Disgusting

We learned this afternoon that Jackson Rathbone (S. Darko, Twilight) is toplining Anthony DiBlasi's Dread, which begins filming this October in London from Matador Pictures and Midnight Picture Show. The film, written and to be directed by Anthony DiBlasi, is based on a short story from the famous collection, "Books of Blood" by Clive Barker about people's worst fears or 'Dreads'. (more)