Hey All,
It’s a big night of television, especially for the fans (myself included) of The Vampire Diaries on the CW. What will happen next on there? Tune in to find out or enjoy whatever other programming that you will be watching tonight.
Meanwhile, here are the news items for today:
TELEVISION
Laura Prepon (That 70’s Show) will appear on Castle (early next year) as Natalie Gray, the actress who has been cast as Nikki Heat in the movie version of Richard Castle’s (Nathan Fillion) book Heat Wave. The book is, of course, based on Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic). (Michael Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly)
HBO announced earlier today that their series Big Love will end after this upcoming fifth season. (Michael Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly)
Starz has booked Spartacus: Gods of the Arena for January 21 at 10 PM. This is the six-episode prequel to last year’s Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Here are the details of this “prequel” (of sorts):
Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed through the gates onto the sand. This six-part mini-series follows the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus (Dustin Clare) in a more ruthless time before Spartacus’ arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena. The new series adds to the cast Jaime Murray as Capua’s sexy social climber Gaia and Marisa Ramirez as Melitta, a beautiful slave who must face the ultimate decision of the heart. Jeffrey Thomas plays Batiatus’s father Titus, the traditional and cautious Lanista, head of the Ludus. They join returning cast members John Hannah (Quintus Batiatus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus, before he becomes Doctore, the gladiator trainer) and Manu Bennett (Crixus). (The Futon Critic)
CONDOLENCES
Original Hawaii Five-0 actor James MacArthur passed away this morning, at the age of 72. No cause of death was given. (Kate Ward at Entertainment Weekly)
ME: Rest in Peace, Mr. MacArthur. Condolences are extended to his family, friends and family. Moment of silence, please…
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Looks like Charlie’s Angels is heading back to the small screen, courtesy of Smallville creators Miles Millar and Al Gough, who will executive produce alongside Drew Barrymore, Nancy Juvonen, and Leonard Goldberg. ABC has given the pilot the official greenlight with production slated to begin roughly in mid-January. Here is a casting breakdown of the three angels:
First there is Kate Prince, the team’s gorgeous African-American Angel, a former cop. Kate is an incredible athlete and possesses a razor-sharp intellect. Although the most serious of our three Angels, she also knows how to let her hair down and have a great time. Kate is an ex-cop, a master of martial arts and a strict vegetarian.
Next is Abby Sampson, the youngest of the Angels (and likely the blondest) whose street skills are at odds with her upbringing. Her beauty has always turned heads, but it’s her quick wit and quirky sense of humor that makes her stand out. She grew up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and is the daughter of a notorious Wall Street crook a la Bernie Madoff. She is an expert thief, con artist and is trained in the deadly art of Krav Maga.
Lastly, there is Marisa Valdez, the exotic Latina beauty with a buff physique and a knowledge of weaponry. She’s an orphan, an immigrant and a former U.S. Marine. She is a weapons expert and is trained in all forms of hand-to-hand combat. Marisa has a no-nonsense attitude, is a Play Station addict and self-confessed neat freak.
No word on breakdowns for Bosley or the mysterious Charlie–always heard and never seen–himself. (Televisionary)
Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) has signed up to play the lead role in TNT’s new dramatic pilot Perception, which is the working title. The series centers on Dr. Geoffrey Pierce, an eccentric neuroscientist who uses his unique outlook to help the federal government solve complex cases. With an intimate knowledge of human behavior and a masterful understanding of the mind, this quirky, crime-solving professor pulls lessons from an odd and imaginative view of the world. (The Futon Critic)
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Looks like Ryan Gosling will star in the political drama based on the Broadway play Farragut North by Beau Willimon. The film is to be called The Ides of March and follows a young, idealistic press spokesman (Gosling) who works for an inspiring, though unorthodox, presidential candidate (George Clooney). During the campaign, his career is done in by more seasoned politicos who thrive on poisonous partisan politics, dirty tricks and back-stabbing. Among the co-stars are Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. (Dark Horizons)
Legendary actress Angela Lansbury has joined the cast of the family comedy film Mr. Popper’s Penguins, which is an adaptation of the beloved 1938 children’s book by Richard and Florence Atwater. Jim Carrey plays a high-powered, New York business man named Popper who suddenly inherits six penguins. Taking care of the animals is difficult and he encounters many hurdles, but he soon learns the value of family and friendship both human and animal. Lansbury will play the owner of a local tavern that Mr. Popper is trying to buy. Carla Gugino, Ophelia Lovibond, James Tupper, Clark Gregg and Philip Baker Hall also star. (Variety and Dark Horizons)
Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) has been cast to play serial killer Charles Manson in an upcoming film titled The Family, which will center on Manson and the murders he and his followers committed. (The Wrap and TV Guide)
Q&A SECTION (with Michael Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly)
Question: Could you please give some spoilers on Psych regarding Shawn and Juliet? —Steve
Ausiello: The show’s fall premiere (airing Nov. 10) will pick up shortly after the couple’s big kiss in the finale. “Our viewers are probably a little unsure of what that kiss meant,” says exec producer Steve Franks. “Will Juliet still take some time away on the Amalfi coast with Declan, or did the kiss change her mind? In the 5.5 premiere, she is still on her way to Italy, and Shawn is on his way to Canada at the request of convicted thief Pierre Despereaux [a returning Cary Elwes]. Their divergent travel plans may have derailed their romantic momentum, until Juliet unexpectedly shows up in Vancouver for Despereaux’s extradition and that spark becomes a fire. The question is, Do Shawn and Juliet believe ‘what happens in Canada, stays in Canada’? Stay tuned.”
Question: Do you know any Vampire Diaries scoop? —Savannah
Ausiello: Trent Ford and Daniel Gillies have joined the show along with Lauren Cohan as centuries-old vampires Trevor, Elijah, and Rose. “They have deep ties to Katerina Petrova,” reveals exec producer Julie Plec. “They will be heavily featured in November sweeps episodes ‘Rose’ and ‘Katerina.’
That’s it. Enjoy!
Read Full Post »
Rueben's Ramblings 