Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Kendrick Sampson (Greek) and actress Olga Fonda (Nikita and How I Met Your Mother) will both have recurring roles on The Vampire Diaries this fall. Sampson will play Jesse, a fellow student who Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Carolina (Candice Accola) meet on their first day at Whitmore College. Whereas, Fonda will play a mysterious European beauty who follows Rebekah (Claire Holt) and Matt (Zach Roerig) back to Mystic Falls. The Vampire Diaries is back on The CW on October 17. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)

Actress Virigina Madsen has joined the cast of the upcoming new Lifetime drama Witches of East End, appearing in a multi-episode arc. The series centers on Joanna Beauchamp (Julia Ormond) and her two adult daughters Freya (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) and Ingrid (Rachel Boston), both of whom unknowingly are their family’s next generation of witches. Madsen will play Penelope Gardiner, the mother of Freya’s fiancé Dash (Eric Winter). Witches of East End has yet to be given an official airdate by Lifetime. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Looks like ABC Family has cancelled The Lying Game. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

HBO has renewed True Blood for a 7th season. (The Wrap)

Hit the Floor, the new VH1 drama, has been given a second season order. (The Futon Critic)

Actress Mira Sorvino will appear in a multi-episode arc on Psych when the show returns for its 8th (and likely final) season. She will play the Santa Barbara Police Department’s newest head detective, Betsy Brannigan, an incredibly sweet, adorably reserved and yet certified badass. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

CONDOLENCES

The sad news hit over the weekend that Glee cast member Cory Montheith was found dead in a Vancouver hotel. He was only 31 years old. (Twitter)

NOTE: Rest in peace, Cory. Condolences are extended to his family, friends and fans.

MOMENT OF SILENCE, PLEASE…

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 movies for this past weekend courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

1. Despicable Me 2 – 44.7 million
2. Grown Ups 2 – 42.5 million
3. Pacific Rim – 38.3 million
4. The Heat – 14 million
5. The Lone Ranger – 11.1 million
6. Monsters University – 10.6 million
7. World War Z – 9.4 million
8. White House Down – 6.2 million
9. Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain – 5 million
10. Man of Steel – 4.8 million

BOX OFFICE TRAILERS

Hot Teaser Trailer: ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2′

More Incredible Martial Arts in Second US Trailer for ‘The Grandmaster’

That’s it. Enjoy!

PS: I leave for the San Diego Comic Con 2013 tomorrow so there will be no more daily news updates until July 24.

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Justin Hartley (Smallville and Emily Owens, M.D.) has been cast in a multi-episode arc on Revenge, playing Patrick, the long lost son of Victoria Grayson (series lead Madeleine Stowe). (Kristin Dos Santos at E! Entertainment)

Actress Sonya Walger (Lost and Common Law) will have a recurring role on Parenthood this fall, playing Meredith, an architect who is working for Joel (series regular Sam Jaeger) on a two-year project. (James Hibberd at Entertainment Weekly)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Melissa Benoist (Glee) will appear in the box office film called Imagine, playing Jamie, a desk clerk at a hotel frequented by one of her favorite rock stars of all time. (The Deadline Team)

Actress Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) has joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming box office film Posh that follows two first-year students determined to join the infamous Riot Club, where reputations can be made or destroyed in one night. (The Deadline Team)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Watch: First UK Teaser Trailer for ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend.

PS: I will be at Comic Con 2013 most of next week and part of the following week so daily updates will be few and far between until on or around July 24.

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Chi McBride (Golden Boy and Pushing Daisies) will guest star in the season premiere of Hawaii Five-0 on September 27, playing SWAT Captain Lou Grover, a character that first appeared in an episode of the original series. (Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Actress Cote de Pablo is leaving the long-running CBS series NCIS after the season premiere this fall. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actress Carla Gugino (Political Animals) has landed the lead role in the upcoming FOX event series called Wayward Pines. The 10-episode drama is based on the best-selling novel by Blake Crouch that revolves around Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon), a Secret Service agent who arrives in the bucolic town of Wayward Pines, Idaho on a mission to find two missing federal agents. But instead of answers, Ethan’s investigation only turns up more questions. Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan further from the life he knew, from the husband and father he was, until he must face the terrifying reality that he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive. Gugino will play Kate Hewson, Ethan’s ex-Secret Service partner and a resident of Wayward Pines. The cast also includes Oscar winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter) and will be overseen by Chad Hodge (The Playboy Club) and M. Night Shyamalan. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Watch the First Trailer for Disney’s ‘Saving Mr. Banks’

Q&A SECTION (with Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question:  Do you have any Regina-related scoop for Once Upon a Time Season 3? –ZsaZsa

Mitovich: And how! With an eye on the upcoming run, series co-creator Adam Horowitz tells us, “We may find out that perhaps, just perhaps, there is a special someone out there for Regina.”Qu

Question:  Can you confirm any stars returning for Defiance Season 2? –Sally

Mitovich: I shan’t, but instead will tell you about a new series regular. The Syfy hit is casting the role of Niles Pottinger, a “provisional mayor” installed into office by E-Rep. This 40something gent is described as both “a man of manners who is rarely in public without cufflinks and freshly polished shoes” and a “sociopath.” We’re also going to meet Rafe’s wife Pilar, whom as you know was sent away years ago after almost killing their children during a bipolar fugue.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Jason George (Mistresses and Grey’s Anatomy) has joined the cast of the new upcoming Lifetime drama Witches of East End in the recurring role of Adam, the love interest for Ingrid (Rachel Boston from American Dreams and In Plain Sight), one of two daughters of Joanna Beauchamp (Julia Ormond), who learn they are from a long line of witches. (Kimberly Roots at TV Line)

Actress Summer Glau (Firefly, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and The Cape) has joined the cast of The CW series Arrow for its second season. She will have the recurring role of Isabel Rochev, the VP of Acquisitions for Steelmoor International, a company looking to take over Queen Consolidated; and an adversary to Oliver aka The Hood aka Arrow. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actress Lisa Edelstein (House) will make a multi-episode appearance on Castle this fall, playing Rachel McCord, a tough and highly-skilled Federal Investigator whose appearance plays a vital role in Beckett’s decisions about her future. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Actress Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg) will make a guest appearance on Royal Pains in the August 28. She will play Lacy, a reformed party girl who believes life can still be a party — even if you’re not partying. When Hank and Evan’s father Eddie calls upon her for some family advice, she offers surprising insight into the Lawson clan. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actor Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings franchise) has joined the cast of the FX drama pilot The Strain that is based on the vampire novel trilogy by director Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. The pilot will tell the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll from House of Cards), the head of the Centers for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. Details on what character Astin will play, though, are being kept under wraps. (The Deadline Team)

A one-hour drama at FOX has been put into development based on the Alan Moore/Kevin O’Neill graphic novel League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Neither men are involved in the project, however; and no other details are available at this time. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Janine Turner (Northern Exposure) has joined the cast of the upcoming supernatural thriller flick Solace that is set to star Anthony Hopkins as retired doctor and FBI psychic John Clancy, who’s tasked with helping hunt down a killer (Colin Farrell). Turner will play Elizabeth Clancy, wife of Hopkins’ character. Sharon Lawrence, Abbie Cornish and Jeffrey Dean Morgan will star in the film. (Jen Yamato at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Jeff Bridges Faces Down A Dragon In The Seventh Son Trailer

Q&A SECTION (with Natalie Abrams and Adam Bryant at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Question: I’m going to miss Ashley on Revenge! Have we already seen the last of her? — Kate

NATALIE: No, Ashley will definitely be back, at least for the season premiere, in which she pops up at one of Emily’s big parties. Look for her to share an awkward encounter with her ex Daniel, just as he seems to be as in love with Emily as he ever was. Meanwhile, Jack will be hitting the bottle extra-hard now that he’s a single dad and knows the truth about Emily.

Question: Love the scoop on Nashville. Got any other tidbits about what’s next for Rayna and Deacon? — Kristy

ADAM: Both might find dates where they least expect them. We hear that the show is casting for a hot, no-nonsense attorney who, while trying to convince Deacon to sue Rayna, decides to let him into her legal briefs. Meanwhile, Rayna will confront the new head of her record label, whom she suspects of rushing the release of her new album to capitalize on the publicity of her car accident. His response? Let’s go to dinner!

Question: How will Elena deal with college on The Vampire Diaries? — Jonah

NATALIE: Elena and Caroline will find college to be much more difficult than they anticipated when they stumble into a class led by a hot, but not-so-nice professor who knows more about Mystic Falls than he’s letting on. Does it scare anyone else that his true passion is research that he believes will help humanity?

Question: What’s coming up on Longmire? — Anna

NATALIE: When Cady gets into a nasty car accident that lands her in the hospital, Walt and Vic do everything in their power to get the bottom of it, but it’s actually Branch who suspects foul play closer to home.

Question: I still can’t believe that Peter was arrested for murder on White Collar! Where will the case stand when the show returns? — Chad

ADAM: Although Peter will be back at work at the FBI, he’ll still have to appear in court for a grand-jury hearing scheduled to decide whether to indict him. He thinks he’s doing the right thing by testifying on his own behalf, but damning new evidence might make him regret his decision.

Question: I am so thrilled that Falling Skies wound up renewed! Any scoop to add to my celebration? –Chelsea

Ausiello: Try this casting item on for size: Jennifer Ferrin (The Following) guest-stars in the July 21 episode…. as Tom’s wife. Also, are you eagle-eyed enough to spy Doug Jones in the same episode out of his Cochise get-up?

Question: Any NCIS tidbits to share on the new season? —Cheryl

Ausiello: There’s some serious WTF?! buzz surrounding the CBS smash’s Sept. 24 premiere, and here’s why: The episode is titled “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.” (Trend alert: This is the third instance in recent memory of an hour-long drama using this expression as an episode title, following Scandal and The Good Wife.) Maybe the title is a nod to the insane workload dropped on the desk of the I.T. department’s newest hire Ozzy, a towering figure who’s tasked with digging up information on an intruder and tracking down a potential hacker.

Question: Any news on whether or not Lana Parrilla will be on Once Upon A Time panel at Comic-Con? –Callie

Ausiello: Though Parrilla was not among the first batch of RSVPs, I have just learned that thanks to a bit of “hocus pocus,” she will materialize at the panel after all.

Question: You’ve been conspicuously quiet about Castle Season 6. —Charlie

Ausiello: The show is casting a handful of new detectives who I’m guessing will be Beckett’s new D.C.-based colleagues in the U.S. Attorney General’s office. One of them — a character named Matt, who’s intelligent and driven — will recur, so either Kate’s putting down roots in the nation’s capital or this guy’s going to follow her back to the Big Apple or…

Question: Are the rumors true about Once Upon a Time introducing Tinker Bell? —Bonnie

Ausiello: I’ll answer that question by describing to you the new character of Violet and letting you draw your own conclusions. How about that? Vi is a mischievous twentysomething whose penchant for troublemaking belies the heart of a true survivor. (Interesting side note, especially for Hook if she is Tinkerbell: She never lets a slight go unpunished!)

Question: Thanks for the Nashville scoop last week. —Tara

Ausiello: We almost lost Rayna! It’s true. We’ll learn in the season premiere that she nearly perished in the finale’s cheesetacular car accident, but the silver lining is the near-death experience sent her album sales soaring. Jump ahead several months to the opener and her career’s still on an upswing and she’s the apple in the eye of her label’s new top exec, the very good looking and incredibly charming Jeff. You thinking what I’m thinking? ‘Cause I’m thinking these two crazy kids are going to mix in a little pleasure with their business

Question: Any scoop on Hart of Dixie? —Cornelia

Ausiello: The premiere, titled “Southern Comfort Zone,” will introduce two new recurring characters. One is Joel, a quintessential New York artist who passes through Bluebell to get some inspiration for his latest book and becomes enamored with the small town’s charms. The other’s Lynly, Lavon’s spoiled, clueless cousin who arrives to town in the hopes of mending her broken heart. News flash: Girlfriend’s not as dumb as she lets on.

Question: Production of Season 5 of Vampire Diaries officially started this week. I realize it’s a tad early but is there a way we can find out how much Delena sexiness is shippers can expect in the premiere!? —Ana

Ausiello: Can’t help you on the Delena front, but there’s buzz that the show is casting a male doctor who knows alllllll of Damon’s secrets.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today, few though they are:

TELEVISION

Scottish actor Sam Heughan has been cast in the lead role of the upcoming Starz TV series adaptation of the popular Diana Gabaldon best-selling book series Outlander. He will play lead character Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous young Scottish warrior. Heughan has appeared in the Hallmark Channel made-for-TV movie A Princess for Christmas alongside Merlin alum Katie McGrath and the PBS mini-series Any Human Heart. (Starz Public Relations)

BOX OFFICE MOVIES

Actress Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and actor Martin Sheen (The West Wing are set to star in the box office movie called – of all things – Trash that is being adapted from the Andy Mulligan novel. Sheen will play Father Juilliard while Mara will play Olivia, an NGO worker, in a tale about three poverty-stricken boys who discover something unusual, mysterious and dangerous in a city dump in the Third World-set story. (The Deadline Team)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Keri Russell and Jennifer Coolidge charm in first ‘Austenland’ trailer

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Welcome back to reality after that nice, long holiday weekend, right?!

Here are the news items for the holiday weekend and today:

TELEVISION

Actor Chris Carmack (The O.C.) and siblings Lennon and Maisy Stella have been promoted to full-time series regulars on Nashville for its upcoming second season on ABC. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

INTERNATIONAL MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

A “one-off” movie called Legacy has been ordered by the BBC Two that will star actress Romola Garai (The Hour) and Charlie Cox (Boardwalk Empire) in a story that will be set in 1970s London during the height of the Cold War when a young spy discovers the disturbing truth about his father’s complex past. (Nancy Tartaglione at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past holiday weekend (estimates based on information gathered as of Sunday by Deadline)

1. Despicable Me 2 – 82.5 million
2. The Lone Ranger – 29.4 million
3. The Heat – 25 million
4. Monsters University – 19.5 million
5. World War Z – 18.2 million
6. White House Down – 13.5 million
7. Man of Steel – 11.4 million
8. Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain – 10.1 million
9. This Is The End – 5.8 million
10. Now You See Me – 2.7 million

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Watch: Kristen Bell Goes Poolside in Trailer for Indie ‘The Lifeguard’

NOTE: The young guy who is the “love interest” for Kristen’s character is David Lambert, who plays Brandon on the ABC Family drama The Fosters.

Q&A SECTION/SPOILER ROOM (with Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: Will Nick’s precarious situation be resolved in the first five minutes of the new season by a rescue, or will he actually be taking an unscheduled trip to Europe? I noticed that Renard was last seen watching his brother leave the hotel, with the implication that he was going to follow him, but I’m not sure whether that was intentional. — Isaac

Sandra: Don’t expect a quick resolution in the case of Nick’s zombiefication at all. In fact, Kouf tells me, “It’s going to take a couple of scripts to get Nick back into shape. Gotta say, he’s having a tough time. It hasn’t been easy on him,” he says. He adds that it will take a huge group effort to help Nick, who will definitely be a changed man after his experience. “Like with any near-death experience or medical issue that someone deals with, it kind of changes their lives. You have a new perspective on things, so Nick is going to have to deal with the residual effects,” he teases.

Question: I have been a faithful Grimm watcher since the first episode! Since season 2, you have converted me to a major Juliett/Renard shipper. Please tell me there is still hope all of us J/R shippers in season 3! — Megan

Sandra: “No plans but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” Kouf reports. “We allow the characters to kind of develop in a natural way. As we create the characters and we work them through the story, sometimes, suddenly someone has a different need that we didn’t know they had. And we allow ourselves to play those needs out.” In sum, he says, “You just never know, and we don’t always necessarily know. The characters speak to us. We try to let them behave and tell us what they want.”

Question: Any scoop on what’s up with Hank this season on Grimm? — Gail

Sandra: “He’s been kind of single for a while,” Kouf says, “so we plan to get him hooked up again.” Now accepting casting suggestions!

Question: Teen Wolf! PLEASE!! — Lauren

Sandra: Scott’s guilt over Derek’s “death” is going to weigh heavily on him in episode 6, resulting in what Tyler Posey calls his favorite episode of the season. “It shows a side of Scott you’ve never seen before and it was a lot of fun to play and very emotional and everyone on set was crying,” he said. “So get ready with those tissues.” Yes, guys, get ready for a full-on Scott break down. But who will be there for him during this tough time? Well, his bestie of course! “Stiles steps up and becomes the man and shows Scott the right way to go.”

Question: Any Teen Wolf scoop for me? Maybe something on the midseason finale. — Jenna

Sandra: Here’s what The Posey told me about the midseason finale, which sounds like a doozy. “It’s going to be the biggest thing in Teen Wolf history so far,” he says. “And Scott is going to finally show why he’s the lead of the show.”

Question: I need Downton scoop. PLEASE! — Marie

Sandra: How about some scoop on Gary Carr’s Jack Ross, who we got a first peek at in some new pictures that surfaced this week! When I caught up with executive producer Gareth Neame, he dished on the jazz musician’s addition and what we’d be seeing between Ross and cousin Rose (Lily James), who meet in a London club. “We know she’s a bit of a wild child, right? She’s a bit rebellious, and she likes the boyfriends,” he teased.

Question: Would love some Orphan Black scoop! — Shelly

Sandra: While possible Emmy contender Tatiana Maslany and Co. don’t report back for season 2 until fall, there’s one thing she’s almost certain of: Helena is for sure dead and gone. “I think that’s the best thing,” she says. “If you invest in a character and then they’re gone, that’s real life. That’s what happens. I think it raises the stakes for the series. You see these clones as fallible and human — even Helena who seems to defy humanity can die…We don’t know what’s going to happen to any of the clones now. They’re all up for grabs now.”

Question: I’m SO sad Orphan Black is gone. PLEASE tell me you have info on S2? — Jenny

Sandra: While Maslany can’t say how many new clones will be introduced next year (because she doesn’t know), when asked how many more she thinks she can take on, she jokes, “17!” “I’m just excited to see what they bring forward,” she says. “I have no clue what kind of characters they’re going to create or what were going to explore. I trust [the exec producers] implicitly and I’m just kinda like, ‘Whatever you guys want to throw at me, I’ll try to defend that character as much as I can and play with it and have fun.’ I’m really up for whatever’s coming.” And while she has yet to think about what accents she might want to practice over hiatus, she says, “There are loads of accents I’d be interested in doing and lots that would terrify me as well.” My humble suggestion? Let’s meet an Aussie!

Question: Any information on the Switched at Birth ‘what-if’ episode? — Jordan

Sandra: Airing tonight (July 8), the episode, which explores what would have happened if Regina had told the hospital about the switch when the girls were still young, is pretty fun, but will also leave you fuming at alt-John and alt-Kathryn. Why? Let’s just say their actions have huge consequences in the alt-world.

Question: I need some White Collar scoop!!! — Lizbeth

Sandra: Here’s some five-alarm scoop: Thought Magic Mike was the last time we’d see Matt Bomer in a fireman’s outfit? Think again. I hear he’ll suit up again around the sixth episode of the fifth season. Bonus scoop: The show is currently casting a bit part as a crisis negotiator. This person’s task at hand? Talking MOZZI off the ledge of a building.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

TNT has renewed Falling Skies for a 10-episode fourth season, which will air next summer. (Tim Kennally at The Wrap)

Q&A SECTION (with Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Question: I can’t wait for Nashville to return! Any scoop about Juliette? — Emily

ADAM: The starlet had a rough first season, culminating in her mother’s death, and it doesn’t look like things will get any easier next season. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see a time when she’s not screwing up something for herself,” creator Callie Khouri tells us, specifically citing her love life. “Having to fend for herself all the time, she has some serious trust issues.”

Question: Does Julia now suspect Barbie of killing her husband on Under the Dome? — Charlie

NATALIE: Not yet, but that doesn’t mean that forbidden love will bloom between the killer and his victim’s wife. Instead, another woman will threaten to reveal the truth to an already suspicious Julia. “Julia’s a journalist and she’ll start digging in many ways next week,” executive producer Neal Baer says.

Question: Have any scoop on the Defiance finale? —Jessica

NATALIE: The Grim Reaper will be paying a visit! At least two major characters will face death. A loved one’s sacrifice will save one of them. For the other, there’s definitely love lost.

Question: Is Manolo Cardona’s character the new Big Bad on Covert Affairs? — Elena

ADAM: Not exactly. Cardona’s Teo Braga, a rebel leader in Colombia where the season premiere takes place, is involved in some suspicious dealings, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Speaking of “meets,” while we’re just meeting Teo for the first time, he actually has quite a history with the DPD.

Question: I hear Chef Jeff is returning to Switched at Birth! —Kate

NATALIE: Justin Bruening will return, but don’t expect (or fear) a reunion with Daphne. “Jeff comes in to throw a wrench into Daphne and Jace’s relationship, but maybe not in the way you might expect,” Katie LeClerc says. “He’s only back for one episode just to mix things up a bit. She’s not running away with him or anything!”

Question: I really like Shelby on Royal Pains! Will there be any sparks between her and Hank? — Marc

ADAM: Love will be in the Hamptons air, but not between Shelby and Hank. While she takes a shine to frequent HankMed patient Ken Keller, Hank will also find a new love: pain killers! Talk about a dependent relationship!

Question: Any Vampire Diaries scoop? Will Tyler be back this season? Thanks! — Mary Kate

Ausiello: Tyler who? There’s nothing like a cute older college boy to make you temporarily forget the show’s MIA hybrid hunk. That’s what happens when Caroline meets Jesse, a hot, smart, confident and disarmingly sweet upperclassman at Whitmore. Among the other fresh faces in the season opener: smartypants Megan, who attends Mystic Falls High’s 1950s dance and attempts to charm the pants off Jeremy, and Eastern European beauty Nadia, who crosses paths with Matt and Rebekah at a Prague bar — and comes on to both of them?! — before delivering an ominous warning to Stefan about The Originals.

Question: Please let me know when Once Upon a Time Season 3 starts! I’m addicted to this series and can’t wait to find out what happens next. –Logan

Ausiello: ABC — the last broadcaster to announce its fall premiere dates — isn’t in any rush to do so, so instead can I placate you with a plum piece of scoop? Sources tell me that Robin Hood will resurface in Season 3, but will be played by a different, yet-to-be-cast actor, seeing as Tom Ellis (Merlin) isn’t available for a recurring run. Who’s your pick to “rob” Ellis of his role? Anyone know what Matt Smith’s up to these days?

Question: Any chance Fred will put in an appearance this season on Drop Dead Diva? —Christy

Ausiello: Exec producer Josh Berman says he’s trying to “make that work,” adding, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him again.” In the meantime, Berman teases that the angel’s ex, Stacy, “may find someone that [fans] love even more than Fred… I think you’ll be surprised where Stacy’s life goes this season.”

Question: Any hints on Nashville Season 2? —JJ

Ausiello: How about some intel on two new females bound for Music City? The first, Zoey, is Scarlett’s childhood best friend who wants to make it as a singer. She’ll take the blonde’s old waitressing gig at The Bluebird. The second, Layla, is the winner of an American Idol-type music competition who’s so driven to be a country star that she downplays her Northeastern roots, high level of education and stable family life. This youngin’ (she’s about 20) comes across as sweet at first, but her darker side will show itself over time. Both roles are heavy recurring… which makes me think Juliette might want to release her follow-up single real fast.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today, few though they are:

TELEVISION

Brat Pack actress Mare Winningham (Hatfields & McCoys) will make a mysterious guest appearance on the new CBS summer series Under the Dome, playing a character named Agatha, a deceptively warm caretaker who welcomes Big Jim (series regular Dean Norris) into the Chester’s Mill home she’s looking after, but it quickly becomes apparent that her intentions are anything but pure. She will appear in an August episode. (Megan Masters at TV Line)

Actor Patrick Heusinger (Royal Pains and Gossip Girl) will have a recurring role on Revolution, playing Adam, a handsome and outgoing thirtysomething. Revolution will be back this fall for its second season on NBC. (The Deadline Team)

Actress Joey Lauren Adams (Mallrats and Chasing Amy) will appear in two August episodes of Switched at Birth, playing Nikki’s (recurring guest star Cass Thompson) mom. (Kate Stanhope at TV Guide)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The Hallmark Channel is developing yet another backdoor pilot for a potential new scripted drama that will star Ugly Betty alum Eric Mabius. The project currently being called Dead Letters comes from Martha Williamson, the woman behind Touched By An Angel that tells the story of a group of postal detectives whose mission is to deliver letters and packages from the past — which (naturally) arrive when they’re needed the most. The planned two-hour movie will star Mabius as Oliver, the leader of the group, and Kristin Booth (The Kennedy’s) as Shane, the newest member of the Dead Letter Office. The cast will also include Crystal Lowe (Smallville) and Geoff Gustafson (Primeval: New World). (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Jessica Collins (Zero Dark Thirty and House) will have a recurring role on the NBC post-apocalyptic series Revolution this fall, appearing in four episodes as Cynthia, a beautiful young woman of deep faith, whose winning humor and blazing intelligence capture the heart of one of Revolution’s leading characters. Revolution will be back on NBC starting on September 25. (Entertainment Weekly)

Actress Melissa George (Hunted and Alias) will have a recurring role in The Good Wife this fall, playing Marilyn, the newly-elected Governor Florrick’s in-house ethics counsel. The Good Wife is back for its fifth season on September 29 on CBS. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

What was good for the History Channel could turn out to be VERY good for NBC. The network announced they will be working with uber-producer Mark Burnett on the sequel to the 10-part mini-series The Bible that scored high ratings for the cable network. The sequel is currently entitled A.D.: Beyond the Bible. (Lisa De Moraes at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top ten box office movies from this past weekend courtesy of Deadline:

1. Monsters University 3D – $46.1million
2. The Heat – 40 million
3. World War Z 3D – 29.8 million
4. White House Down – 25.7 million
5. Man Of Steel 3D – 20.8 million
6. This Is The End – 8.7 million
7. Now You See Me – 5.5 million
8. Fast & Furious 6 – 2.4 million
9. Star Trek Into Darkness – 2 million
10. The Internship – 1.4 million

Legendary actress Helen Mirren will star in the upcoming box office film to be called The Hundred Foot Journey where she will play eccentric and famous chef Madame Mallory. This film will be the adaptation of the Richard Morais best-selling novel. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy (Covert Affairs and Beauty And the Beast) will also guest on an upcoming episode of Unforgettable, playing Philip, a hardened career criminal who serves as the leader of an elite team of thieves assembled by a mysterious player named “Kilborn.” Unforgettable returns to CBS on July 28. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actress Rebecca Mader will appear in Warehouse 13 for its fifth and final season, but details on what character she will play are being kept under wraps. The penultimate episode of the current season of Warehouse 13 will air on Syfy on July 1. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actor Pedro Pascal (The Good Wife and Graceland) will join the cast of Game of Thrones for its fourth season, playing Prince Oberyn Martell, who is the brash, charming, cunning prince of Dorne (part of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros). (James Hibberd at Entertainment Weekly)

MINI-SERIES NEWS

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (White House Down) will appear in the 8-part Sundance Channel mini-series The Honourable Woman, playing Nessa Stein, who inherits her assassinated Zionist father’s arms smuggling business; but instead of continuing in that vein, she uses its resources to lay down data cable networks between Israel and the West Bank. Later, she finds herself appointed to the House of Lords, the upper house of UK’s Parliament, where her history of trying to broker peace between Israelis and Palestinians creates a storm of international political controversy. The mini-series is expected to air sometime next year. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)

ONLINE SERIES NEWS

The Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, which won’t air online until July 11 has already been picked up for a second season. (The Futon Critic)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Hot Trailer: ‘Escape Plan’

Q&A SECTION (with Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question: Some scoop on what’s to come on Revenge would be nice! I’m burning to find out what’s going to happen next, after that finale. –iMember

Mitovich: You might not find out what happens immediately next, since I’m hearing that a five-month time jump will have taken place when Season 3 opens, affording Jack opportunity to process Emily’s bombshell and for Victoria to reconnect some with her long-lost, yet-to-be-cast son Patrick.

Question: Please, please, please — any Teen Wolf scoop? I’ll be your best friend forever. Or at least make you some chocolate chip cookies. – S.

Mitovich: You may want to hold off on getting your sticks of butter to room temperature, since I’m about to drop this on you: The July 15 episode, titled “Currents,” will see the death of a major character.

Question: I have been hooked already by Under the Dome. Can you shed any light on why Barbie killed Julia’s husband? –Cinders

Mitovich: I cannot, but Mike Vogel, who plays the mysterious drifter, can. Sort of. “Tune in to this week’s episode, because it will answer a lot of things. But it’ll also, because of those things, keep Barbie tap dancing even more,” he tells TV Line. “But you’re definitely going to get some answers as to the whole Barbie/Julia’s husband thing.”

Question: Is there any chance Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi might both become regulars on Person of Interest? I just loved the dynamic of that foursome in the season finale, and really like both actresses in their respective roles. Please say it is so! –Caro

Mitovich: Just days after you sent question, Shahi was announced as a series regular for Season 3. As for Acker, we caught up with her Wednesday night at the Saturn Awards, and while she has yet to hear from the show let alone see a new script, she likes Root’s chances for a return. “I was really happy that I got the phone call [from The Machine] at the end,” she said, “so I feel like they have to at least bring me back.” Speaking of the startling phone call, Acker reckons it confirms that “The Machine and Root have a very special connection — at least in her mind. So it’s either perpetuating her fantasies by calling her or [something else]!” As for mixing it up with Shahi’s Shaw some more, Acker effused, “She’s so great, I would love to torture her again any day.”

Question: Any news on what’s ahead for Castle’s Esplanie? –Alyssa

Mitovich: Remember how series boss Andrew W. Marlowe told me he wants to deliver “some hallmarks” for the Espo/Lanie romance in Season 6? You can imagine how delighted Tamala Jones was when we relayed the scoop. “Amen to that!” she responded with a laugh. Offering up some “hallmark” ideas, she went on to say, “I would like to see them have a steamy romance that’s hidden once again from everyone, and somehow they get busted kissing in a closet at work or something. But we’ve teased fans enough. Andrew’s very genius when it comes to ‘putting a little leg out’ and taking it back in, but we’re ready for the leg to come back out now.” Then again, maybe a third party could get involved, seeing as how Javy was eyeballing the cute computer tech gal at season’s end. “He was all up on her, wasn’t he?” Jones remarks. “As a fan, I didn’t like that. And I know Lanie wouldn’t like that either!”

Question: Have you heard anything yet about the Continuum finale? –Rory

Mitovich: Asked to tease the Season 2 finale, which airs Stateside in late August, Lexa Doig, who plays Liber8’s Sonya, shared, “We all got very good at miming. And that’s all I’m going to say.” In the more immediate future, Doig previewed the arrival of The Freelancers (a group that will “raise a lot more questions” and provide “an extra ingredient into the soup that messes everything up”) and teased, without naming names, “a guest performance that is absolutely out-of-this-world amazing.”

Question: NCIS starts shooting in a few weeks. Any info on whether Cote de Pablo will be with us for Season 11? I’m really starting to stress out about this. –Emily

Mitovich: You and me both. I gotta be honest, I’ve been working the phones and the cone of silence surrounding this situation is growing… conspicuous. After all, it’s not like Ziva was left dangling from the ledge of a skyscraper and it’d be a massive spoiler to say De Pablo was on board to return. Then again, show boss Gary Glasberg did say (way back in April), “I’m confident that things will work out” with her deal. We shall see!

Question: I’ve heard the next episode of Switched at Birth is not to be missed — and that gets me worried. Anything to spoil? –Diane

Mitovich: “There’s some crazy twist ending in the next episode,” Katie LeClerc told us at the Saturn Awards. “One that turns the family on its head.”

Question: Any Drop Dead Diva scoop? –Lori

Mitovich: Just this casting item: Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-turned-actress Abigail Klein (CSI, 90210) will guest star in Episode 7 as a beauty pageant contestant who sues the pageant’s owner.

Question: Can we please get more Louis backstory this season on Suits? –Brandon

Mitovich: “As I see it, Louis is such an open book that any story involving him involves some element of backstory,” answers series creator Aaron Korsh. “However, as far as specific Louis information, there are facts about his life peppered into the season.”

Question: Do you have any scoop on the upcoming Suits season (premiering July 16)? So excited that it’s starting up again! –Melissa

Mitovich: What if I told you that a character you didn’t know was gay, is?

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

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