Skype gets Deadly in Trailer for Horror 'Unfriended'

It doesn't matter how far technology evolves, Hollywood will find a way to turn it into a horror movie. We've already seen how the Internet can be used for everything from stalking to "catfishing" to bullying, and now in the new film Unfriended we're learning that even Skype can be made into something nefarious.

A twist on the found-footage horror, but not totally unlike the recent thriller Open Windows, Unfriended takes place totally over a computer screen in real time. It begins when a video of a high schooler named Lara is uploaded to the Internet, showing her drunk, passed out, and possibly sexually assaulted. Soon after she's captured on tape committing suicide, but months later a group of friends in a Skype group call are terrorized by a user who knows way too much about everything.

It's a pretty clever setup from director Levan Gabriadze but the trick will be keeping the stylistic touches interesting for the duration. Given the idea was hatched by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) and is produced by Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity), there's every reason to think Unfriended could be a sleeper hit when it boots up on April 17th.


Unfriended : première bande annonce (VO) by Fan Actu

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Ben Stiller May Direct Thomas Edison Film, 'The Current War'

Although it's not what most people think of when the subject of Ben Stiller comes up, he's always been a successful filmmaker in his own right. Today saw the release of the trailer for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which Stiller both stars in and directs, and the response was so strong many are starting to look at it as a potential Oscar favorite. And it seems like Stiller is ready to take his directing career to another level, as he's already working with Robert Downey Jr. on Pinocchio, and now he's taking on a project based on two of our most famous inventors.

Last year, Timur Bekmambetov became attached to helm The Current War, based on a Black List script by Michael Mitnick that chronicles the public war between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to supply stable electric current. Bekmambetov has now stepped down, moving solely into a producer role, and Stiller is one of a handful of names circling the directing gig.

It sounds like potential awards bait, fitting for producers The Weinstein Company and Steve Zaillian. The other names vying for the job have yet to be revealed, but hopefully we'll hear more soon.[THR]

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Timur Bekmambetov to direct Michael Bay-produced action flick 'Heatseekers'

Russia's Timur Bekmambetov is generally considered a top special effects wiz, and for very good reason. From 9 to Wanted, up to and including last year's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, his films are always slick and look incredible, even if the whole package doesn't amount to much. For his next effort behind the camera, he'll be working alongside a guy many have had many the same criticisms about.

Bekmambetov will direct Heatseekers, an action flick produced by Michael Bay and Chris Morgan(Fast and the Furious) for Platinum Dunes. Paramount spent a hefty six-figure sum on George Mahaffey's spec script, which follows an "ex-military pilot who takes on a group of aerial pirates."

This will either be insanely awesome or a high-flying wreck, but the premise is unique enough to be of some interest. An aerial pirates movie could be very cool. No word on when it will shoot or who may star, but expect news to arrive soon. [THR]

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A new female character to be introduced in 'Wanted 2'

"An unbelievable thing happened three weeks ago. Because we stopped, we didn't know what to do for three or four years. Three weeks ago I came up with a great idea and I pitched this idea and everybody fell in love with it. And now I think we're on track. Right now the writer is working on the script, and it will be shocking. It's a continuation of the story, with Wesley Gibson. Other people are dead, you know, we can't bring them back. The story is the same character, same mythology, but it's got a great twist."

That was what director Timur Bekmambetov told us a few months ago when asked about the state of Wanted 2, which has been stuck in place for a few years while they try to figure out how best to tackle the sequel. After courting Angelina Jolie to return, she ultimately refused, and practically no movement was made on it since. James McAvoy was obligated to come back, and there were rumors at one point that Kristen Stewart could come aboard as a new female character. Whether or not Stewart does it is anyone's guess(probably not), but the idea of a new female lead seems to have stuck.

Screenwriter Derek Haas was asked by Hollywood.com about the film, and he revealed the story picks up four years later, with Wesley facing a very familiar situation....

Haas: "The only thing I can tell you is that Wesley [James McAvoy] is now, four years later, recruiting a young woman who is in his situation in the first movie. She's got a sh**ty life. He's sort of in the Fox role. This new girl is brought into the world"

Does anybody still care about a Wanted sequel at this point? It's been four years already and that film was very much a product of the moment, like many Mark Millar stories tend to be.  Although it made over $340M, there hasn't been much of a clamor for a follow-up, and without Jolie attached I doubt it will draw much attention.

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'Wanted 2' is definitely happening, and it will be "shocking"

Ever since Wanted turned out to be a bigger than expected hit, grossing over $340M for a film based on comic book series few had read, it seemed logical that a sequel would follow. While the talk picked up pretty quickly, there's been very little genuine progress. Angelina Jolie repeatedly rebuffed attempts to lure her back, meaning that the biggest star had now been lost. Original scribes Derek Haas and Michael Brandt came aboard last September to pen the follow-up, although word has been pretty quiet. Lastly, there's the way the previous film ended, with practically every character that mattered(including Jolie's Fox) left for dead.

Director Timur Bekmambetov has been making the press rounds hyping up Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and along the way he was asked about the progress on Wanted 2, and he seems to think they've finally cracked the story code...

Bekmambetov: "An unbelievable thing happened three weeks ago. Because we stopped, we didn't know what to do for three or four years. Three weeks ago I came up with a great idea and I pitched this idea and everybody fell in love with it. And now I think we're on track. Right now the writer is working on the script, and it will be shocking."

That leads to some interesting questions, not the least of which is what the frig have Haas and Brandt been doing all this time if Bekmambetov just came up with the idea three weeks ago? Really? It sounds like bullcrap to me, or maybe the writers were relieved of duty and nobody bothered to announce it. He doesn't give away much in the way of details in regards to the plot, but does reveal it will revolve around the Wesley Gibson character, played by James McAvoy, who has been confirmed to return since 2009.....

Bekmambetov: "It's a continuation of the story, with Wesley Gibson. Other people are dead, you know, we can't bring them back. The story is the same character, same mythology, but it's got a great twist."

 In other words, don't expect to see Jolie or Morgan Freeman coming back in anything other than a flashback or cameo. I'm much more curious about those old rumors that had Kristen Stewart taking over the female lead, although that's probably far fetched at this point.  Honestly, does anybody really care if they make a sequel? The first film was brash and loud, but ultimately a very empty experience. So much of what made Mark Millar's comic series so good was the premise, which had the bad guys in the world finally defeating the heroes and taking over. The film jettisoned all of that in favor of something totally unoriginal, yet still maintained Millar's trademark arrogance.

I think Wanted 2 will eventually happen, but nobody will care if Jolie's not on board. It's a sequel to a forgettable film, and probably best left to the dustbins of history. [ThePlaylist]

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Sure Shots: Rashida Jones; Sharlto Copley; Timur Bekmambetov

* As if Cuban Fury couldn't get any better, the Nick Frost/Chris O'Dowd salsa dancing comedy has just added Rashida Jones(I Love You, Man) and Olivia Colman(Tyrannosaur) to the cast. Frost will play a former salsa prodigy who loses his passion for it, but hopes to reignite it in order to impress his attractive American boss. O'Dowd will play his bitter rival, and while it's not spelled out by THR, I'm guessing Jones will play the boss. We'll find out soon enough.

* Make it three big time projects for Sharlto Copley this week alone. After recently joining Spike Lee's Oldboy remake, and the thriller Open Grave, he'll now jump into a blockbuster starring the most famous actress in the world. Deadline reports he'll play King Stefan in Maleficent, the live-action Sleeping Beauty adaptation seen from the evil fairy's perspective. Robert Stromberg is directing, based on a script by Disney vet, Linda Woolverton(Beauty and the Beast).

* Russian special effects wiz, Timur Bekmambetov(Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), is attached to direct The Current War, a historic flick based on a Black List script by Michael Mitnick. The story doesn't exactly sound like typical Bekmambetov, as it deals with Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse's race to complete the first stable electric current. Riveting!! Well, it may be, but for now it sounds like epic boredom. Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly interested in playing Edison, which would be interesting to say the least. No offers have been made, however. [Variety]

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Original writers brought back for 'Wanted' sequel

It's been a long time since we heard anything about a sequel to Wanted. Part of the reason is...well, I don't think anybody's actually dying to see one. Sure the original turned out to be a balls out, 4th wall breaking action hit, launching the Hollywood career of Mark Millar(Kick-Ass) and evolving him from a loud mouth comic book writer into a loud mouth wannabe filmmaker. In March of last year, the ever talkative Millar said that filming was set to take place later in the year, with a plan for the sequel to hit theaters at the end of 2011. That ain't happenin'. Production hit a stumbling block when Angelina Jolie quite openly refused attempts to be brought back, making the headshot her character took at the end of the first film more fatal than I think was intended. Rumors have been swirling that Kristen Stewart might take over, with James McAvoy legally bound to return.

Despite all the snags, it looks like Wanted 2 is definitely going to happen. Derek Haas, one of the writers of the original film along with Michael Brandt, tweeted that they'd been hired back to pen the sequel. He then went on to tell The Wrap that it will “pick up Wesley a few years later and go back in for another round.” Um, ok.

That doesn't tell us who else of the original cast may return. Would Common come back as the Gunsmith? And what about director Timur Bekmambetov? The more I think about it, the more I'm digging the idea of Stewart stealing the co-lead from McAvoy, if only to see how she handles her weapons.

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1st look at Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Maybe it's because I haven't read Seth Grahame-Smith's book yet, but I don't know what to think about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. I've heard dismal things about his Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and the adaptation of that novel has had more than a few problems getting underway. On one hand I love the premise, which has Lincoln surviving a vampire attack as a kid and spending the rest of his life(and his time as President) as a secret killer of the bloodsuckers.  Timur Bekmambetov(Wanted, Night Watch) is directing, which is also a positive. The cast rocks: Benjamin Walker, Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jimmi Simpson, Alan Tudyk, and Robin McLeavy are all featured heavily. So what's my issue? Tone.

Bekmambetov describes the film as a cross between D.W. Griffith's Abraham Lincoln(back in 1930) and Noferatu. To me that sounds like a train wreck in the making. Might be a better idea to tackle this thing from a pure camp angle, like Bubba Ho-Tep or something.

We're still more than a year away before the June 22nd 2012 release date hits, but Fox is getting out in front of things by releasing the first image from the historical horror. It comes courtesy of the New York Times(via The Playlist), and doesn't really show much but it does give us our first look at Benjamin Walker as "Honest Abe". 

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Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

As if the concept of ol' Honest Abe slashin' and hackin' vampires isn't cool enough, the cast surrounding Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is starting to look pretty slick as well. Alongside Benjamin Walker as Lincoln comes word that Anthony Mackie(The Hurt Locker) and Dominic Cooper(Mama Mia) have signed on as well.

Mackie will be taking on the role of Will, Lincoln's best friend and fellow vampire hunter. Cooper will be filling the spot recently rumored to be going to Joaquin Phoenix, that of Henry Sturgess, the vampire who helps train Lincoln in the ways of bloodsucker destruction.

Ever since 2006's Half Nelson, where I think he out-acted Ryan Gosling, Mackie has been on fire. Obviously it was The Hurt Locker that really catapulted him into the public eye. He was recently featured on the cover of Vanity Fair, and can next be seen in The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. He's outstanding in that film as well.Cooper will be seen next as Howard Stark(Iron Man's daddy) in Captain America: The First Avenger.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith. Tim Burton is co-producing, along with Timur Bekmambetov who is also on board to direct. It's due out in theaters on June 22nd, 2012.

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Benjamin Walker is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

He turned down the role of Beast in X-Men: First Class in favor of playing our 7th President in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and now he'll get his shot at the 16th. Deadline reports that Benjamin Walker has just been signed to star in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, based on Seth Grahame-Smith's 2010 horror novel.

Walker beat out a number of contenders for the role, including Adrien Brody, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Josh Lucas. Directed by and co-produced by Timur Bekmambetov(Wanted), the story reimagines 'Honest Abe' as a vicious slayer of the bloodsuckers all throughout his presidency. Tim Burton is co-producing as well. Grahame-Smith himself handled the scripting chores, with a planned 3D release already set for June 22nd 2012.

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Kristen Stewart: Wanted?

Kristen Stewart has been feverishly looking for ways to break out of her Twilight shell, and for the most part she's been successful with films like The Yellow Handkerchief and Adventureland. One area she hasn't managed to crack, though, is the realm of action films. It doesn't seem to be her cup of tea.

When Angelina Jolie dropped out of Wanted 2, that pretty much screwed that flick six way to Sunday. The plan was always to center the story around the resurrection of her Fox character, so not having her involved killed that idea. The chances of the entire project ever getting off the ground are slim.  Or are they? Enter Kristen Stewart. E! Online is reporting that director Timur Bekmambetov has been in talks with the starlet to co-star alongside James McAvoy in the sequel, playing a "young, ass-kicking assassin in the Fraternity". 

I'm not going to be like some others and immediately declare this a terrible idea. We've never seen Stewart play that type of character so judging her ability to do so is lazy analysis. What I know is that she's been able to play everything else pretty darn well....ok, except for in Twilight but those movies don't require much.

We might not even get a Wanted 2, anyway, so this could all be moot. 

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Tim Burton + Abe Lincoln = Zombies?

The last time Tim Burton teamed up with Timur Bekmambetov, they brought the gorgeously animated feature, '9'. Despite that film's critical and financial failure, the two obviously must've hit it off because now they're teaming up for an even bigger story. Screen Daily is reporting that the pair have signed on to produce an adaption of Seth Grahame-Smith's crazy novel, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Grahame-Smith will handle his own writing chores on the film. His work has been the subject of much attention lately, as his previous novel Pride & Prejudice and Zombies is also being prepped for production.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter only just hit store shelves today, so here's a look at the promo trailer for the book. Pretty damned hilarious, if you ask me. I'm all in for this one.

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