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Not So Fast, All You Hobbit Rumor-Spreaders!

Ever since Lord of the Rings fans learned that Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro would be making two films based on The Hobbit (and other pre-Fellowship of the Ring Tolkien mythologies), rumors have run rampant about which actors (and maybe a few actresses) might be lucky enough to join the cast of these sure-to-be mega-blockbusters.  When Locke reported that Andy Serkis would definitely be reprising his role as the slithery schizophrenic Gollum, and that Hugo Weaving and Ian McKellen would also be back as Elrond and Gandalf, respectively, he asked redblog readers who they'd like to see as Bilbo. 

There had already been speculation at that point in time that James McAvoy (Wanted, Atonement) was the front-runner for this lead role.  In my opinion, he would make an absolutely stellar choice, for not only the reasons Locke mentioned in June, but also because I'm in love with him and don't feel the need to explain myself any further.  So my vote is still for James.

But out of the blue today, two other contenders' names hit the blogosphere with a vengeance: Daniel Radcliffe (Mr. Harry Potter himself) and David Tennant.  Everyone knows who Radcliffe is, and everyone also seems to be think it would be highly unlikely that he'd join another huge fantasy franchise right on the heels of the Potter films (especially since he still has a year of work ahead on those and The Hobbit might begin filming in the meantime).  But what about this Tennant guy?

Unless you're Locke, Katy (a redblog reader who voiced support for Tennant way before it was all the rage) or a fan of the BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, you probably don't even know who Tennant is.  Coincidentally, he was in one of the Harry Potter movies; he played Death Eater Barty Crouch, Jr. in Goblet of Fire.  And, like McAvoy, he's Scottish.  But most importantly, he's going to be at Comic-Con next week (to promote Doctor Who)... as is Peter Jackson (to promote District 9). So all of the conspiracy theorists out there put two and two together and thought, "A ha!  Comic-Con would be the perfect opportunity for Jackson to announce Tennant as Bilbo!  Yay for us!  We figured it out!"

Except that Jackson says it ain't gonna happen.  In a recent chat with Empire magazine, the Kiwi director stated that they haven't finished the script for the first film yet, and that he wouldn't think it wise to approach an actor for a role before he had a finished script.  Further, he specifically said that the first draft wouldn't be finished by Comic-Con.  Now, could he be bluffing?  Might The Man Who Will Be The Hobbit be revealed at the San Diego geekfest?  There's probably a small chance, but your guess is as good as mine.

Quite frankly, however, Jackson may have bigger fish to fry at the moment.  Tolkien's heirs are suing MGM and New Line Cinema, and if it gets ugly, the lawsuit could grind plans for The Hobbit to a screeching halt.  So let's not jinx this whole thing by counting our dragon eggs before they're hatched, fellow LOTR fans.  It would be awful to go from debating who would be the best Bilbo to fretting over whether the adaptation was even going to happen at all.  The thought of that makes me want to drown myself in a huge mug of the Prancing Pony's finest ale.   

Sounds Like Somebody Needs to STOP Trusting Her Own Judgment

The laughs started early today when, over my morning cup o' tea, I read that Heather Graham's role in The Hangover -- you know, the surprise hit of the summer whose revenue has already passed the $200 million mark -- was originally offered to none other than Lindsay Lohan.  But Lohan turned director Todd Phillips down because (and this is the best part) she believed the script "had no potential." 

What is going on in that head of hers?  She thought that the direct-to-DVD Labor Pains was worth her time, that appearing in the über-bizarre Fornarina commercial was a good idea and that turning teenagers across the land orange with her spray tan line (over which she's being sued) is a valiant undertaking, yet she's getting all snippy about playing a stripper in a Vegas bachelor party film?  Was the role not big enough?  Were her co-stars not cool enough?  What exactly did she think was wrong with what we now know is a hilarious story?  Was she perhaps scared she'd get typecast because -- as you probably don't remember because nobody saw it -- she also played a stripper in I Know Who Killed Me (which won a record-breaking eight Golden Raspberry Awards)?  I'm calling it now: despite her keen business sense and fantastic judgment, there will be no career comeback for LiLo.  And I don't think I'm the only one who's absolutely fine with never seeing her on the big screen again.

Psst, Did You Hear?

It's only Monday, but there's already tons of celeb gossip to report -- from babies to marriages to courtroom drama, here's a roundup of what has tongues wagging in Hollywood:

- Matthew McConaughey is expecting another child with his girlfriend, model Camila Alves.  Their adorable son Levi will turn one next month and, if recent tabloid photos are any indication, he's already sharing his father's fondness for hanging out bare-chested at the beach.  (Note to Matthew: with more mouths to feed you better get some plum roles lined up -- your take from Ghosts of Girlfriends Past can't possibly keep up with diaper expenses...)

- After her latest film, Private Valentine, went straight to DVD, it seems that Jessica Simpson has given up her aspirations for big-screen stardom (or at least that's what I'm hoping): the singer is returning to reality TV with a show about what's considered beautiful in other cultures.  Interesting concept -- too bad Simpson's involved.  I might have tuned in otherwise.

- On a 20/20 episode airing this Friday, Ryan O'Neal tells Barbara Walters that he and longtime partner Farrah Fawcett, who is battling terminal cancer, finally plan to get married.  Something tells me this interview is going to bring on the waterworks...

-  Singer/actor Chris Brown (This Christmas) avoided a confrontation with his ex-girlfriend Rihanna by pleading guilty at the last minute this afternoon (right before preliminary court hearing was set to begin) to assault charges filed after the couple had a violent altercation after a pre-Grammy party in early February.  Brown will be on probation for five years, enroll in an anti-domestic violence program and perform additional community service.  And Bone Deep will probably have to move on without him... not that that's a bad thing.

Let's end things on a lighter note, shall we?  Transformers star Megan Fox broke this little boy's heart.  But then she apologized for it.  (Did anyone else find that picture hilarious?  No?  I'm the only meanie?)

Penn Reprioritizes

Sean Penn has been called many things over his thirty-five-year acting career: Mr. Madonna, bad boy, controversial and outspoken political activist, journalist, director, restaurant co-owner, Hurricane Katrina rescue volunteer, Golden Globe winner, two-time Oscar® winner -- as well as a lot of names that aren't fit for this blog -- but I don't think anyone has ever described him as a "family man."

Looks like he's wanting to change his reputation. News broke today that Sean has dropped out of The Three Stooges as well as the mob thriller Cartel in order to spend more time with his two teenagers, daughter Dylan and son Hopper.

Rumors swirled at the end of last year and continued into the beginning of 2009 that Penn was fooling around with wild-child actress Lindsay Lohan.  And just as recently as last month the tabloids proclaimed that a torrid secret affair was raging between Penn and fellow Cannes 2008 judge, actress Natalie Portman.  The gossip became so overwhelming for Portman that she was moved to make a public statement denying any romantic relationship with Penn.  

While all of that drama was ensuing, Sean's marriage to Robin Wright Penn was on the rocks (duh) for the second time in two years (and for the gazillionth time since they said "I do" in 1996).  They'd filed and the rescinded divorce papers in late 2007... and then did the exact same thing once again in the spring of this year. 

So will Sean stick to his decision to stay the heck out of Hollywood and focus on his family in the near-term -- is he truly a changed man?  We'll obviously have to wait and see, but in the meantime there are at least two studios scrambling to figure out what to do with the projects Penn was attached to.  Word is that the Farrelly brothers are weighing the opportunity cost of waiting for Penn to return to The Three Stooges versus possibly losing Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro if production doesn't stick to the original schedule.  And then of course there are tons of other people who are hoping that Sean's stunt will just completely kill the film.  Count me in that camp. 

Ah, the Problems of the Rich and Famous

I haven't reported on any fluffy celeb gossip for a while, but today several headlines inspired me to whip up a post about a few of the more ridiculous goings-on in Hollywood:

- When the first still from Nine hit the web last fall, I worried that we might have to endure several months of hearing about how hard it was for Fergie to lose the thirteen pounds she gained for her role as a prostitute in the Rob Marshall musical.  Then, almost exactly a month ago when Nine's impressive trailer debuted, I realized that the tabloids never ended up following any tales of weight-loss woe from Mrs. Josh Duhamel.  Until today, that is.  Those tricky rags, they were just waiting to bombard us with this news until the film's premiere date drew closer! 

On the front page of USWeekly's web site there's a story about how the Glamorous One ate everything she could find in order to gain the seventeen (gasp! up from the earlier reported thirteen!) pounds mandated by her director.  And now she plans to share with the world (via the cover of Allure and who knows what other magazines) the pain of facing speculation that she was pregnant simply because she downed a cheeseburger.  Thankfully, as she eerily prophesied in her 2006 hit "Fergalicious," the singer's "body stays vicious" because of her penchant to "be up at the gym just workin' on her fitness."   So the pounds came off and now she's flaunting her rock-hard abs in a skimpy bikini and making women around the world hate her even more.  Well played, Fergie-Ferg, well played.

- In not-so-surprising news, Robert Pattinson was attacked by crazy fans once again.  This time the mobbing went down in New York City, where he's currently filming the drama Remember Me.  I think the poor guy really needs to double on bodyguards at this point -- I mean, this girl was able to put him in a strangle hold!

- In other not-so-surprising but significantly more depressing news, Lindsay Lohan continues to be knee-deep in drama.  $400,000 worth of jewelry that she wore in a shoot for Elle magazine has been reported missing, and the actress will be interviewed by Scotland Yard detectives as they try to track down the possibly stolen baubles.  But wait, that's not all!  Claiming to be "bored," Lohan Tweeted topless pictures of herself taken during filming for her now infamous Fornarina commercial.  Her release of the private photos came on the heels of what sources described as "erratic behavior" and partying in the Hamptons this past weekend.  Get help, LiLo!

- Let's end things on a lighter note, shall we?  Kate Holmes might make an appearance on So You Think You Can Dance.  I don't think I really need to say anything else except, "Please please please Reality TV Gods, I beg of you, make this happen!"

Mel Gibson's Wife Says "Buh-Bye."

Many people consider celebrity marriages somewhat of a joke, and aren't surprised in the slightest when yet another Hollywood couple calls it quits.  But few Tinseltown unions have lasted twenty-eight years, produced seven children and survived epic scandals, which is why news of Mel and Robyn Gibson's split is quite the shocker. 

Robyn backed her troubled husband during his infamous DUI debacle in 2006, and though there have been rumors that a storm has been brewing between the two for some time, actions always spoke louder than words throughout the years: the Gibsons stayed together.

Until she filed divorce papers and hired high-powered attorney Laura Wasser (who's represented Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie).  Now entertainment media outlets are abuzz over the fact that no prenuptial agreement was drawn when Mel and Robyn exchanged vows nearly three decades ago.  That's a pretty big deal, considering the fact that Mr. Lethal Weapon's net worth was estimated at $900 million in 2006.

What's sad about this situation is that the couple's youngest son turns ten years old tomorrow.  I hope, for his sake, that the proceedings don't turn ugly.

From ER to the Silver Screen (and Vice Versa)

If you own a TV or read any sort of news, you're probably aware that the series finale of ER, the longest-running American medical drama ever (15 seasons!), airs tonight.  I stopped watching the show faithfully after season six, by which time most of the original cast members had moved on.  However, I've tuned in every once in a while over the years, and have made it a point to catch the last few installments (during which almost all of the old familiar faces have made guest appearances) in order to be ready for the big send-off this evening. 

As I thought about the actors and actresses who've been on the show at some point between 1994 and 2009, I was struck by just how many of them went on to have fairly successful movie careers, or who actually started out in film before donning scrubs and stethoscopes at County General.  Even the show's creator and executive producer, the late Michael Crichton, is best known for writing the screenplays for Twister and Jurassic Park (which was based on his own novel). 

But of course the most famous ER alum is George Clooney, aka Dr. Doug Ross.  I don't think I have to remind anyone of all the movies he's been in since leaving the show, but I will say that I thought it was very cool that he returned for an episode a few weeks ago.  Never forget your roots!  (This means that if there's ever a Facts of Life reunion show, he totally has to do it.)

Noah Wyle, who's appeared on ER more than anyone else (254 episodes in total as Dr. John Carter, including the finale tonight), continued his television career with The Librarian miniseries, and also recently had a small role in Oliver Stone's W.  Mekhi Phifer (Dr. Gregory Pratt) joined ER in 2002 -- the same year he appeared alongside Eminem in 8 Mile.  He's also been in Dawn of the Dead and, more recently, This Christmas.  And as I mentioned earlier this week, Scott Grimes (Dr. Archie Morris) has joined Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood project.

But the doctors of ER aren't the only ones who made a foray into feature films.  Maura Tierney (Nurse Abby Lockhart) found a funny bone in Baby Mama and Semi-Pro.

Then there are those who were successful on the big screen before landing roles on the Emmy Award-winning show.  Who can forget Anthony Edwards (Dr. Mark Greene) as "Goose" in 1986's Top Gun?  After his departure from ER, he went on to have a small role in Zodiac, and can soon be seen in Motherhood with Minnie Driver and Uma Thurman.  Parminder Nagra (Dr. Neela Rasgotra) played the lead in the indie favorite Bend it Like Beckham before joining ER a year later.  She's also been in Ella Enchanted alongside It Girl Anne Hathaway. 

As for noteworthy guest stars, I'm not gong to list them out because Wikipedia already did that for us here, but needless to say, everyone from my boy Shia LaBeouf to Emile Hirsch to Ewan McGregor to Zac Efron to Susan Sarandon to Lucy Liu to Kirsten Dunst has shown up at the fictional hospital in Chicago. 

And so it will definitely be bittersweet for millions of ER fans to watch the series take its final bow tonight.  Few TV shows have ever attracted the level of talent that this one has, and we can only hope that another quality program takes its place some time soon.  No, Celebrity Apprentice does NOT count. 

Two Reasons to Smile

Keep your fingers crossed!  Word has it that Zac Efron weaseled his way out of his contract to star in the Footloose remake based on some sort of script rewrite technicality... which may mean that the whole ridiculous project could vaporize into thin air.  Or at least that's what I'm hoping it means.  I've been praying that this day would come!  Now I can concentrate all of my energy on willing The Karate Kid remake into non-existence.

In other fantabulous news, Lindsay Lohan may bid adieu to acting -- you're not rejecting her, Hollywood... she's rejecting you!  That's why, you know, she hasn't been in a movie for two years, because she was so busy turning down offers before finally settling on the upcoming (or possibly direct-to-DVD) Labor Pains, which looks, um... definitely not Oscar-worthy. 

Apparently Lilo believes she can have a successful, "fun" career as a model.  If her work in this bizarre Fornarina commercial is any indication, however, I think she needs to keep her options open. 

(Sorry if that strange chant is now in your head for the rest of the day.)

It's Spring, and Love is in the Air...

This weekend, one celebrity couple got married and word leaked that another had made plans to... a month ago. 

It was Bruce Willis (Die Hard, What Just Happened) who tied the knot in the Caribbean with his lingerie model girlfriend of one year, Emma Heming.  Of course, his ex-wife Demi Moore (Ghost, A Few Good Men) and her husband Ashton Kutcher (The Butterfly Effect, What Happens in Vegas) were there for the ceremony, as Demi and Bruce have remained friendly after their thirteen-year marriage ended nine years ago and seem to love to remind everyone of that fact at every possible opportunity. "See? Look at us together!  This isn't weird at all!" Once Willis and his new bride return from the Turks and Caicos islands, they'll make things totally official in California. 

Congrats to Bruce for helping prove to the world that age ain't nuthin' but a number: he's 54 and Emma is 32.  Perhaps they were just following Demi and Ashton's lead, though... she's 46 and the Punk'dster is 31.

Another age-defying couple who will be walking down the aisle in the near future is Harrison Ford, 66, and Calista Flockhart, 44.  He proposed on Valentine's Day weekend after over seven years with the actress who will probably always be best known as Ally McBeal.  This will be the third marriage for the man who brought Han Solo and Indiana Jones to life, and the first for Calista.  Hopefully she can talk some sense into him and discourage him from making -- gulp -- Indiana Jones 5.

Poof! Goes Lindsay's Arrest Warrant

When Mean Girls came out in 2004, I remember thinking that Lindsay Lohan was really going to go places.  She was beautiful, definitely had acting chops, and seemed to have her head on straight.  Fast-forward five years, and I think we all know how far off the mark my initial impression was.  Lohan is pretty much only associated with drama these days: squabbling with co-stars on set, fighting with her girlfriend, DJ Samantha Ronson, or losing alarming amounts of weight. 

This past weekend, a warrant was put out for her arrest.  The reasons remain unclear, but MSNBC reported that Lilo had violated the terms of her parole (from her 2007 DUI) by recently driving herself to Las Vegas for reasons unrelated to work.  Apparently unfazed by this news, Lindsay allegedly went on to do some hard-partying with friends Friday night at the infamous Chateau Marmont, and then sought out the company of none other than Jack Nicholson... at his home.  ?!?

Her lawyer appeared in court on her behalf today, and -- according to UsWeekly -- was successful in getting the warrant dropped.  It was, of course, just "a misunderstanding."  Celebrities' actions sure seem to be misunderstood a lot more than everyone else's, huh?

Anyway, it's great news for Lohan, because now she can focus on more important things, like, you know, that awesome spray-tan line she just launched.  She better hope it does really well, because something tells me her fifteen minutes are almost up.