David Ayer Writing The Completely New Scarface

For Universal's latest updateYou might recall that, in September, Universal made a decision to risk the wrath in the anti idea-recycling crowd by announcing it might take another shot at Scarface, that's been introduced for the screen two occasions already. In individuals days, only producer Martin Bregman (who aided usher John P Palma's 1983 Al Pacino version to cinemas) was attached, busily winding up in authors to discover a fresh take. Well, he's found one exactly the same shape as David Ayer. The man who written Training Day and Dark Blue and contains since gone onto write and direct Harsh Occasions, Street Nobleman as well as the approaching Finish Of Watch knows a couple of reasons for criminal types and violent corruption, and chased the job: "This is often a fantasy personally, I am in a position to still remember once i saw the film at 13 plus it blew my ideas,Inch he notifies Deadline. "I looked for this I assaulted that it is hard. I notice since the story in the American dream, getting a personality whose moral compass points in the different direction. That puts it during my wheelhouse. I examined both original Ben Hecht-Howard Hawks movie as well as the P Palma-Pacino version and situated some universal styles."But though he thinks he's found the styles, he continues to have not cracked their very own practice it simply yet. "I'm still beneath the hood identifying the wiring that will translate, but both films stood a specificity of place, there's unapologetic violence, together with a principal character who socially scared the shit from people, but who had their very own moral code. Each was faithful for the underworld of time. You will discover enough options inside the real existence today that provide an chance to accomplish this right. Whether or not this only decided to be an attempt to remake the 1983 film, which will never work."There's not sure yet on whether Ayer will direct what he produces, but chances are Universal might offer him the gig once the studio likes his script...

HBO Sets Eastbound & Down Return, Life's Too Short Premiere

Eastbound & Down Kenny Powers is back! Eastbound & Down, starring Danny McBride as a former major league baseball player, will return Sunday, Feb. 19 at 10/9c, followed by the premiere of Ricky Gervais' mockumentary Life's Too Short at 10:30/9:30c on HBO. Check out the rest of today's news The new series stars Harry Potter's Warwick Davis as a fictionalized version of himself as he tries to hustle his way back into the spotlight. Johnny Depp, Sting and Steve Carell are all set to make appearances. The third season of Down will see Powers return to his hometown of Shelby, N.C., after a stint playing south of the border. Are you excited for the show's return?

Seth Rogen Thinks the Oscars Screwed Over James Franco

If there’s one thing we still need to discuss, it’s the 2011 Oscars and how co-host James Franco bungled them up. (If you believe that, I have bunch of leftover Sarah Palin jokes I’d like to fly for you.) Fellow Freaks and Geeks alum Seth Rogen responded to a question regarding Mr. Franco, and he finally weighed in on the Oscars’ decision to hire young hosts. Specifically, he thinks the Academy screwed James Franco over. In an interview with Shortlist.com, Rogen considered the circumstances surrounding Franco’s dubious hosting gig. James Franco’s a friend of yours. Would you ever host the Oscars like he did? Not now [laughs]. I think when you agree to do something like that, you put a certain amount of faith in the institution, hoping that they’ll take care of you, and I feel like they didn’t [take care of him]. Why hire James Franco and then give him Billy Crystal’s monologue? It was like, “Oh, we’ll hire these young hosts and then we’ll just do the same sh*t we do every f*cking year.” Which to me was really odd. I think they just approached it wrong. They didn’t think it through, and they were way underprepared. I think they hung him out to dry. So I wouldn’t do it unless they hired some better writers [laughs]. I think the better question is, “Why hire James Franco to recite patter at all?” Even smoother thespians like Jon Hamm and Ryan Gosling would’ve had a tough time remaining buoyant and perky for 210 minutes. An Oscar host must be vaudevillian. There’s no getting around it. Hugh Jackman, I eagerly await your return to the dais. Mind you, if Franco decided to host the Razzies next year, my respect for him would likely quintuple. Seth Rogen interview [Shortlist]

Jared Harris Cast as Ulysses S. Grant in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln'

Jared Harris may be British, but he retains the acting chops to see a classic U.S. general and leader. According to Variety, Harris been cast as Ulysses S. Grant in Steven Spielberg's historic biopic, 'Lincoln.' The film focuses on Abraham Lincoln subsequently subsequently (Daniel Day Lewis) through the finish in the Civil War. Harris, most recently recognized for his role as Lane Pryce in 'Mad Males,' has starred in many films, for instance 'The Curious Situation of Benjamin Button,' Mr. Deeds' and 'Natural Born Killings.' In 'Lincoln,' he'll play Grant before he increased being leader (Lincoln subsequently subsequently was the 16th, Grant the 18th). Harris is seen starring opposite Robert Downey Junior. in this particular December's 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title Title of Shadows' 'Lincoln' presently doesn't include the official release date, but you could expect it in theaters following a presidential election in 2012. [via Variety] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

NBC News President Defends Hiring Chelsea Clinton

On Nov. 17, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that it was reopening the case of actress Natalie Wood's Nov. 19, 1981, death after 30 years.our editor recommendsHow Natalie Wood Seduced Her Way Into 'Rebel Without a Cause'Natalie Wood's Sister 'Frightened' of Death Investigation Outcome (Video)Natalie Wood 'Ear Witness' Says She Was Threatened Three Days After The Actress DiedChristopher Walken Hires Lawyer to Handle Natalie Wood Investigation (Exclusive)Christopher Walken Offered Natalie Wood Death Theory in Past InterviewNatalie Wood's Death: 10 Developments During Week 1 of the Reinvestigation Related Topics•Natalie Wood•Obituaries Investigators revealed that new information had been received and was the cause of the reinvestigation. The 43-year-old actress, whose death was ruled an accidental drowning at the time, disappeared from her yacht, Splendour, which was floating just off the coast of Southern California's Catalina Island. She was on board with husband Robert Wagner and Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths As the case enters its third week,The Hollywood Reporter takes a look back at last week's new developments. 1. A new "ear witness" comes forward. Marilyn Wayne, who was moored 50 feet from Wood's Splendour the night she drowned, says she heard cries for help and three days later received a handwritten note warning her to keep quiet. Wayne said in a statement to the Sheriff's Department that she heard a woman's voice yelling, "'Help me, someone please help me, I'm drowning' we heard repeatedly. Alarmed, I called out to my son, who also heard the cries, and looked athis new digital watch: it was just minutes after 11:00 P.M." Wayne says she soon her a "man's voice slurred, and in aggravated tone, say something to the effect of, 'Oh, hold on,we're coming to get you,' and not long after, the cries for help subsided, but we heard the cries for upto 15 minutes." 2. Splendour captain passes polygraph test.Dennis Davern, whosaid he believes Wagner had something to do with the actress' deathand claimed to have heard Wood and her husband arguing on the boat after Walken went to bed (a story that conflicts with Wagner's account), takes a lie detector test and passes. ExaminerHoward Templeperforms the exam and says that the results of the polygraph "indicated he was telling the truth," reported ABC News."Davern made the statement that he stayed at the Wagner home ... [was] told not to talk ...Wagner paid for his therapy, and Davern could not leave the estate without bodyguards," Temple said. STORY: Natalie Wood's Death: 10 Developments During Week 1 of the Reinvestigation 3. Criminal experts outline a path for the case.Robert Wittman, former senior investigator for the FBI, tells THR the investigation will rely on improved forensic technology and a more skeptical re-examination of the evidence."You are looking at it from a different set of assumptions -- that something nefarious happened," he revealed, adding,"You are not looking to prove the theory that she fell in, you are looking to prove a homicide." 4. Former LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman said the inquiry's next step could be to reclassify the case as a homicide."It's a mind-set of 'this person died at the hands of another.'" Last week, authorities said neither Walken,nor Wagner is considered a suspect, though, as THR first reported, Walken did hire an attorney. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood 5. The Christopher Walken impersonator comments on the Associated Press mistaking him for the actor. Matt Sterne, who does his impression of the actor on the Washington, D.C.-based ESPN 980, while giving fantasy football advice, said: "Christopher Walken hasn't spoken about this in 30 years, do they really think he's calling into a D.C. sports show, to talk about Natalie Wood, and then, by the way, give fantasy football tips? It was absurd." The AP retracted its story, but not until it was widely picked up by news organizations."Let's be honest: I'm sure Julia Roberts does a better Christopher Walken than I do, and I'm embarrassed for the AP reporter," said Sterne. 6. Robert Wagner guest stars on NCIS as murder suspect. In the episode, which aired Nov. 22, Wagner played Anthony DiNozzo Sr., the father of Tony DiNozzo Jr. (Michael Weatherly). The show's -- perhaps inconveniently timed -- plot line follows Wagner's character, who is found in a car with a dead body in the trunk and no memory of the previous night. It wasn't the actor's first time on the show: He also played the role in NCIS' 150th episode in January 2010. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Deaths and Surprises 7. Lifeguard captain says he still believes Natalie Wood "could have been saved." Former county supervising rescue boat captain Roger Smith, who pulled Wood's body from the water in 1981, said he hopes the reopened investigation will provide answers as to why there was a time lapse before lifeguards were called."Based on the condition of her body when we pulled her from the water, I believe she survived for sometime in the water and was blown out to sea. She probably cried for help for hours," Smith said. "I've always believed she could have been saved. Her fingers were still pliable when she was pulled from the water, suggesting she had not been dead for hours." VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles 8. Wayne also claims to have received a threatening note days after Wood's death."I had a 'client box' designed for clients to drop off their messages through a slot in the front,"she says. "The boxes were opened in the back, labeled by broker name on each end. Three days after Natalie died, I found a scribbled message on a torn piece of paper in my box that read, 'If you value your life, keep quiet about what you know.' I immediately suspected it was related to Natalie Wood's death because that's all anyone had been talking about. I was disturbed and even told an attorney about the threat." 9. Wood's sister says she's "frightened" of the outcome of the investigation. Lana Wood appears on NBC's Today, where she tells Matt Lauer that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department had alerted her the case was going to be in the spotlight again and that she was nervous about it: "I'm scared, I'm nervous, I'm happy, I think. I'm so ambivalent, it's almost like having to relive her death again." 10. Lana Wood reveals she believes Wagner might have been involved in the death. In her Today appearance, the actress' sister says she subscribes to the theory put forth by Davern. "Unfortunately I do," she says, adding: "I've never known him to lie. He certainly never has to me." She says Davern had contacted her frequently about the incident over the years. "He had called me many years ago very upset, crying, obviously had been drinking and unburdening himself. Little bits and pieces had always filtered over to me. There were so many things that were always bothering me." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Natalie Wood: A Hollywood Icon Remembered Related Topics Christopher Walken Obituaries Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

Signs of the Apocalypse From the 2011-12 Awards Season

The penultimate film in Summit Entertainment's Twilight franchise nearly matched the box office brawn of New Moon in its opening weekend, but just one week after Breaking Dawn Part 1 was released in theaters reports are surfacing that it has been causing seizures.our editor recommendsBox Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' and 'Muppets' Rule Thanksgiving'Breaking Dawn' Wedding: Luxury Brand Product Placement Draws Criticism For Mis-Targeting 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn's' Taylor Lautner on His Most Challenging Scene and Jacob's Massive Transformation (Video) 'Breaking Dawn's' Taylor Lautner Draws Affection From Overzealous Male Fan at Film's PremiereBox Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Scores $9.9 Mil on Monday'Breaking Dawn' Fan Blames Drunk Driving on Boyfriend's Refusal to See Film A California man, Brandon Gephart, was reportedly rushed to the hospital after getting sick while watching Breaking Dawn's birth scene.The screening ended when paramedics arrived to help Gephart. PHOTOS: New Images of 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' "He was convulsing, snorting, trying to breathe," Gephart's girlfriend Kelly Bauman told CBS Sacramento. "He scared me big time." Gephart admitted that he has no interest in seeing how the movie ends. A Salt Lake City man also suffered a similar seizure while watching Breaking Dawn, ABC4 reports. PHOTOS: The Evolution of Film Vampires "I didn't really remember what happened after that," he said. "I think I blacked out. According to [my wife] I was shaking and mumbling different noises." His wife explained further: "I was kneeling in front of him and slapping his face." The man's name was not given because he was afraid he would lose his job. Breaking Dawn features Bella's violent pregnancy of her child with her significant other, vampire Edward. PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years "Bella turns pale and gaunt and seems in danger of wasting away; it appears the fetus is taking all of the nutrients for itself and leaving nothing for Mom, who can no longer eat normal food," writes THR's chief film critic Todd McCarthy. Medical experts said that the film's birth scene -- which features red, white and black images -- could have triggered episodes of photosensitive epilepsy. "It's like a light going off because it hits your brain all at once," Dr. Michael G. Chez tells CBS Sacramento. "The trouble with theaters is that they're so dark, the light flashing in there is more like a strobe light." This isn't the first instance of a film causing moviegoers to feel uncomfortable. During screenings of Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, which tells the story of climber Aron Ralston whose arm is trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon, it has caused some moviegoers to vomit and faint, with one taken out of the theater and an ambulance called. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1' Black Carpet Premiere Arrivals Related Topics Twilight

Ali Landry & Alison Sweeney Dish On Their New Reality Show

First Published: November 23, 2011 4:45 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Access Hollywood Live: Ali Landry & Alison Sweeney Get Revealing On Hollywood Moms Night LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As mothers with hectic work schedules, friends Ali Landry and Alison Sweeney treasure their ladies nights, and now, the actresses have parlayed their need for female bonding into a new reality show, Hollywood Moms Night. It started with moms in the business just because, you know, were all sort of in the same place in our lives with kids, Ali Landry explained to Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Wednesdays Access Hollywood Live of how their monthly supper club came to be. Just to get together, have a girls night, gossip, have a good time, get away from the children and the hubby. And we cook, Alison added. We do a potluck, so everybody has to bring something and we try to do a theme. Among their group of Hollywood Moms are Denise Richards, LaLa Vasquez and Niecy Nash the latter of which has a penchant for getting the gals to spill the beans on touchy topics. There are things I didnt want to talk about [on camera], but Niecy drags it out of you, Alison told Billy and Kit. Next thing you know, youre driving home wondering, Whoa should I have said that? In addition to typical ladies night fodder, the women bond over showbiz blunders, such as fashion mistakes and red carpet drama. We talk about what its like to be in a magazine and be made fun of, or teased on camera when you didnt wear an outfit right, or something went terribly wrong on the red carpet, Alison added. See the ladies in action when Hollywood Moms Night premieres on Sunday at 8 PM on the TV Guide Network. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Endemol creditors reject Time Warner bid

ROME -Time Warner's $1.4 billion bid for Endemol remains rejected by loan providers in the Nederlander unscripted TV giant, according to sources with direct understanding in the matter. They confirmed research in Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday saying with debt Endemol has written to Time Warner to exhibit lower its bid, because Endemol creditors think the information customers are worth more earnings. Endemol creditors, including equity finance funds Apollo Management, Centerbridge and Providence Equity Partners, have recently extended their capital restructuring deadline to 12 ,. 13. Endemol on Monday declined discuss time Warner offer, but was upbeat about its overall situation. "The discussions with this particular loan providers regarding our capital restructuring are ongoing to produce excellent progress," mentioned Endemol representative Charlie Gardner. In 2007 an investor group introduced by Endemol founder John p Mol, and including Italy's Mediaset and Goldman Sachs, paid out some $3.5 billion to obtain Telefonica's controlling stake inside the "GovernmentInch producer. Nonetheless they largely used utilized financial financial loans that now weigh heavily on Endemol, whose other formats include "Deal or No Deal" and "Extreme Transformation: Home Edition." Endemol is becoming pushing ahead with talks to possess a debt for equity swap which will cut its current $3.7 billion debt close to $670 million. Mediaset and Italian equity fund Clessidra have apparently decided to inject $268 million in Endemol to enhance their current 33% stake to 51%, with loan providers having the relaxation from the minority interests. The larger debt for equity swap now available prefer to dilute Mediaset's stake to have an thought 10%-12% share. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

'Abduction' Exclusive VOD Trailer: Rachelle Lefervre Invades Your House In December!

Taylor Lautner's espionage thriller "Abduction" hit theaters several weeks ago, however the adrenaline ride is not even close to over. In December, the John Singleton directed action flick arrives on cable and digital VOD platforms including Movies when needed, DirectTV / Pay-Per-View, iTunes and much more however it will not be there for lengthy. "Abduction" is going to be available for rental to have an exclusive two-week window from December 22 through The month of january 4, giving fans the opportunity to begin to see the Lautner-starring action vehicle within the holidays. Additionally fully movie, an "Abduction" featurette may also be available when needed, providing you with added understanding of Lautner's latest pulse-pounding adventure. Take a look at a trailer for that new "Abduction" VOD release below, and tell us that which you think about the announcement within the comments section as well as on Twitter! Lautner stars in "Abduction" as Nathan Harper, an ordinary teen living an ordinary existence together with his normal parents (Jason Isaac and Maria Bello) except they are not his parents in the end. Through a number of deadly occasions, Nathan realizes that he isn't who he thinks he's, leading him on the harmful path of self-discovery that's certain to burn the criminals lower along the way. Additionally to Lautner, "Abduction" features an exciting-star cast which includes "Aliens" hero Sigourney Weaver, "Spider-Guy" villain Alfred Molina, and "Mirror Mirror" lead Lily Collins. Exactly what do you think about the brand new "Abduction" trailer? Are you watching the Lautner-starring movie if this hits VOD from December 22 through The month of january 4? Tell us within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Fox To Sneak We Bought A Zoo Four Weeks Early On Thanksgiving Weekend

Obviously 20th Century Fox must be excited about Cameron Crowe’s We Bought A Zoo because the studio has just decided to sneak it four weeks ahead of the film’s December 23rd bow.Thenationwide sneaks of the holiday picturewill take place on Saturday, November 26th during Thanksgiving Weekend, one of the busiest moviegoing times of the year as well as Christmas when there’s a lot of releases all at once.In a statement,Oren Aviv, the studios president and chief marketing officer: Once in a while, were lucky enough to have a picture to which audiences of all kinds and all ages respond so strongly, that it demands a big and unexpected event. We Bought A Zoo is that kind of picture and Thanksgiving is a great time to share it via this special very early preview. The idea is to generate very early word of mouth, so necessary in these times of slumping box office.The studio claims test screenings of the film in both major cities and the heartland have produced “exceptional responses across wide-ranging demographics so the Studio is using one family holiday to prime the release for the next holiday”. How Fox is going about the sneaks is different than usual, using social media outreach. The studio is partnering with the social media service TOUT for a TOUT Takeover. Attendees can TOUT their reviews of the film, and present their own experiences involving 20 Seconds of Courage playing off a key theme of the movie.OneTOUT entry will win a trip for four, to the San Diego Zoos Ultimate Zoo Experience. The social media outreach will also include a live chat with Cameron Crowe following the film showings, and tie-ins with Twitter, Facebook, and AMC Theatres. Crowe said in a statement, “Im really excited about these sneaks. Holding previews so far ahead of our opening is a bold move but thats one of the many reasons I like it.” We Bought A Zoo starsMatt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, and Thomas Haden Church, andwas co-written by Crowewith Aline Brosh McKenna, and produced with Julie Yorn and Rick Yorn.

NBC Shuts Lower Production on 'Prime Suspect'

Adam Taylor/NBC"Prime Suspect" When production on NBC rookie drama Prime Suspect finishes this month, it might be a lasting goodbye for that cast and crew. A next day of the battling Maria Bello drama remained off NBC's midseason schedule, a resource verifies towards the Hollywood Reporter that production around the series will indeed close at month's finish. STORY: NBC Sets Midseason Schedule, Moves 'Whitney,' 'Up Through The Night,' More As the network in October purchased six additional scripts for that drama, a reboot from the BBC franchise that starred Helen Mirren, the series will probably complete its run prior to the network views its options. Prime Suspectthus far has consistently registered a final-place finish in the Thursday at 10 p.m. slotagainst CBS' The Mentalist and ABC's Private Practice. STORY: 'Prime Suspect' Future Uncertain, 'Community' Is Going To Be Back NBC's experiment in samplingPrime Suspect on different nights on its schedule has additionally not proven fruitful enough. Up to now, the reboot is calculating 4.97 million audiences along with a 1.4 rating following a NBC comedies. Newcomer drama The Firm will require over Prime Suspect's Thursday at 10 p.m. slot beginning Jan. 12. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit Prime Suspect

Kaira Pitt Talks Departing Acting In three years

First Launched: November 14, 2011 10:40 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Kaira Pitt is smiles within the press conference for Moneyball in Tokyo, japan, japan on November 9, 2011 Dont anticipate seeing Kaira Pitt round the silver screen for a lot of longer. In line with the celebrity, hes planning an exit from his leading guy status in a few years. The 47-year-old actor might be near the top of his game, but he revealed in the new interview with Australias an hour or so that she or he is headed behind the digital camera. three years, Kaira mentioned when asked for how extended hed would rather continue acting. I am really experiencing the creating side and progression of tales and putting people pieces together. And achieving tales for the plate that could have observed a harder time otherwise, the Moneyball star referred to. Brads latest a baseball drama about Concord As gm Billy Beane was already getting early Oscar buzz. The film can be a project he attacked and aided get through to the silver screen. By getting an acting retirement pending, will Kaira still expand his family (including Maddox, 10, Pax, 7, Zahara, 6, Shiloh, 5, and Vivienne and Knox, 3) with Jennifer Aniston? I've no clue that have been finished, he revealed. I've no clue yet. I've no clue. Kaira states his six children have affected the projects he takes as well as the actor hopes his kids can look back happily on his body at work. When theyre grownups I wish it to mean something on their behalf, he mentioned of his films. I'd like those to think, Fathers okay. It changes everything. Everything. Which is so damn interesting. The actor also opened up up up about his concerns he's for your Brangelina kids maturing the primary attraction. Their idea is always that after they go out beyond the gate because we should live behind a gate theres people standing there in line with cameras that try to accept picture. Their idea is everyone needs to handle that, he referred to. I worry. It's the only factor I buy hot about, Im ready to fight about. But nevertheless, you realize, its a trade-off, like anything. There's an excellent trade-off. Which we, these males, Im so happy on the account, since they begin to see the planet. In addition to their existence is really overflowing due to it. Adding, It's true that the couple of ours can't stand it. You understand, it normally will not appreciate it and it is the right that will color them in a few interesting way. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Who's to Blame for the 'Tower Heist'-Oscar Debacle? (Analysis)

This article first appeared in the Nov. 18 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommends'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Issues Apology for Gay SlurBox Office Report: Holdover 'Puss in Boots' Wins in Shocking Upset over Brett Ratner's 'Tower Heist'Tower Heist: Film ReviewEddie Murphy Exits as Oscar HostHow Much Will Eddie Murphy's Oscar Exit Hurt His Career? (Analysis)Brett Ratner Out as Oscar Show Producer (Exclusive)Billy Crystal to Host the OscarsBrian Grazer Replacing Brett Ratner as Oscar Producer (Exclusive)Eddie Murphy's 6 Biggest Missteps Before Bailing on the OscarsRelated Topics•Brett Ratner Tower Heist almost seems to have been born under a bad sign. Its softer-than-expected $24 million opening was tough news for all involved: Universal, stars Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy and hit-hungry producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment. Then there's the Academy, which lost director Brett Ratner as producer of the Oscar show thanks to unseemly remarks he made as the film opened Nov. 4. Murphy departed as host shortly thereafter. COVER STORY: Ben Stiller Reveals 'Zoolander' Sequel Secrets, What He Thinks of 'Tower Heist' Co-Star Eddie Murphy Theories abound as to why Heist, which Universal had hoped would open north of $30 million, instead succumbed to Puss in Boots in its second weekend: YOUNG PEOPLE LIKED IT -- BUT FEW CAME Universal and Imagine hardly needed another dud after Cowboys & Aliens and The Dilemma. According to the studio, the lesson is one that should send chills throughout the business: Younger audiences aren't showing up in force for movies. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Blunders Despite Stiller's family following from the Night at the Museum and Meet the Parents franchises, 73 percent of the audience for the PG-13 Heist was over age 25. The largest segment -- 27 percent -- was over 50. Those under 18 made up only 15 percent of moviegoers, but they liked the movie most, giving it an A- CinemaScore (overall, the picture received a B). Heist wasn't the only victim that weekend: A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, with a passionate young fan base, scraped up only $13 million in its opening weekend, less than the previous Harold & Kumar despite heavy 3D premium charges. IT WAS MURPHY This film was supposed to rescue Murphy from the ghost of Norbit and bad comedies and bring him back to the kind of action-caper role that worked so memorably in Beverly Hills Cop. But a leading agent, citing such flops as Meet Dave and Imagine That, postulates harshly, "Eddie no longer matters." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas "Universal probably should have cast an ingenue in the part, like Paramount did with Eddie in 48 Hrs.," says a veteran producer. "I know Eddie is proud of the movie, as evidenced by how hard he worked to promote it," says his publicist, Arnold Robinson. (Murphy did his first print interview in years for Rolling Stone and appeared on a number of talk shows.) "From the reporting that I've read, people went to see the movie to see Eddie, and the exit polls, from what I understand, were all very positive." Murphy might have been a good partner in promoting the film, but he proved difficult when the studio wanted a new scene to round out the ending. The idea was to reunite him with Stiller, in the vein of the Ocean's Eleven final sequence with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. But sources say Murphy declined to shoot it unless Universal paid him an additional $500,000 (on top of his $7.5 million payday), which the studio elected not to do. VIDEO: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer A producer not involved with Heist says he finds Murphy's demand especially appalling considering Murphy was a producer on the film. IT WAS STILLER -- AT LEAST IN THIS ROLE For Stiller, the heist/caper film represented a move away from his most successful shtick: playing the hapless victim who prevails, as in Museum and Meet the Parents. "Some movie stars are movie stars only in their genre," says a source with ties to the production. "Angelina Jolie without a gun -- not a movie star. Adam Sandler in a drama -- not a movie star. ... Ben Stiller is a movie star in comedies, but is Tower Heist a comedy? The story is markedly more dramatic than Stiller's hits, and the title itself suggests a genre that isn't in Stiller's wheelhouse." Heist put Stiller in a different type of role, but "it's not a U-turn," says a source close to the film. "And if you're talking about comparisons for Ben in PG-13 or R-rated comedies, this opening is not out of left field at all." (Tropic Thunder opened to $26 million, for example, while Along Came Polly bowed to $28 million.) VIDEO: Eddie Murphy Says Brian Grazer Saved 'Tower Heist' WHAT ABOUT RATNER? Industry observers aren't pointing the finger at Ratner for the film's opening, but he didn't do the movie -- or the Academy -- any favors during promotional appearances. On Heist's opening day, Ratner went on Howard Stern's radio show, boasting of his skill at oral sex and of sleeping with a then-very-young Lindsay Lohan. He followed up at a screening of the film that night with his costly remark, "Rehearsals are for fags." Although Ratner apologized (for the "fag" remark), the rest is history. He resigned -- undoubtedly under pressure -- as Oscar producer Nov. 8. "Boy, was Brett stupid," says a source connected to Heist. "When you're already a controversial choice, try keeping your mouth shut." Related Topics Adam Sandler Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Oscars Ben Stiller Oscars 2012 Tower Heist

Britney Spears' Manager Takes New Client: 'Real Average women of recent York's' Kelly Bensimon (Exclusive)

What's Kelly Killoren Bensimon so far that they's not coming back to Bravo's The Actual Average women of NY City? Apparently, the truth star has some large future plans plus they include tapping probably the most well-known managers within the entertainment business.our editor recommends'Real Average women of NY': Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, and Kelly Bensimon Formally Out, Too'Real Average women of NY's' Jill Zarin States Official Goodbye, Teases New ShowMTV Video Music Honours: 10 Things Been sent PHOTOS: VMAs Most Crazy Red-colored Carpet Fashion Bensimon's repetition tellsThe Hollywood Reporter that Ray Rudolph and associateRebecca Lambrecht of ReignDeer Entertainment will work using the reality star. An old attorney, Rudolph wasBritney Spears'original manager and it is credited with molding her right into a star. They separated methods of a short while in 2007, but have since reunited. He's also symbolized a number of other music clients and celebs includingJustin Timberlake, Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson, Pauly Delvecchio, andLindsay Lohan. Bensimon's approaching projects include her shoeline with BBC Worldwide known as "Kelly" debuting this spring along with a new healthy lifestyle book, "I Will Make You Hot!" with St. Martin's Press, which is obtainable in April 2012.Also, her repetition states that they includes a new Television show in development, but was not able to inform THR any more particulars at this time around. She starred around the NY based Bravo reality series from Season 2 through Season 4. She's most widely known by audiences for going foot-to-foot with Bethenny Frankel and showing up to possess a nervous breakdown throughout a dramatic cast vacation on Season 3. Earlier this September, Bravo made the decision to not renew her agreement for Season 5 together with Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, and Cindy Barshop. VIDEO: Super Bowl's Most Legendary Advertisements The first kind model and Elle Add-ons editor was married to famous digital photographer, Gilles Bensimon, from 1997-2007. They've two kids together. THR has approached Rudolph for comment, but he didn't immediately react to our request. Former cast mate, Zarin, has additionally lately signed with new management, former The Hillsides cast member, Lo Bosworth,at Octagon Entertainment. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com Twitter: @TheRealJethro Related Subjects Britney Warrior spears Bravo The Actual Average women of NY City

Attacking Young Boys Announces Donation, Acoustic Concert for Students on 'Ellen' (Video)

Michael Rozman/Warner Bros. Attacking Young Boys stopped through the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday to advertise his new Christmas album even though he was there, he introduced he was giving $100,000 to some Vegas elementary school and can perform an acoustic concert for that students in December. Ellen DeGeneres continues to be highlighting Whitney Elementary School forever of year. Over 70 % from the student human population is presently with no permanent home and DeGeneres has vowed to assist them to, such as the donation of the $100,000 check from Target. Bieber introduced he'd match DeGeneres' gift as well as visit the college to do tunes from Underneath the Mistletoe, that was launched Tuesday. PHOTOS: MTV EMAs Entertainers 2011: Selena Gomez, Attacking Young Boys and Rhianna DeGeneres also spoken to Bieber about all of the photos from the tween singer kissing girlfriend Selena Gomez around the oral cavity. "It appears that you simply and Selena find mistletoe wherever you go,Inch DeGeneres stated. "To begin with, it should be nice to finally not need to hide and try to escape. It should be nice you may be open regarding your relationship." "She's very kissable cheekbones," Bieber responded. "I believe that's really sweet," DeGeneres stated. "Is the fact that simpler that you simply don't need to hide and do things like that any longer?" "You realize I seem like I only live once. It sucks to continually need to hide it. I simply type of do me, I suppose,Inch Bieber stated. "You want to do you," DeGeneres stated. "You're a great person to complete.Inch video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player Ellen DeGeneres Attacking Young Boys