Bolstering my excitement for what is already rapidly becoming my most anticipated project currently in development, Deadline report that Ridley Scott is commited to make ‘The Counselor’ his next film after ‘Prometheus.’ The screenplay comes from one of my favourite authors, Cormac McCarthy, whose critically acclaimed books have been adapted into ‘No Country for Old Men, ‘The Road,’ and ‘All The Pretty Horses.’ ‘The Councelor’ is the Pulitzer Prize-winning authors first screenplay. Insiders are describing it as “No Country For Old Men on steroids.” While details are sparse, the story is said to follow a lawyer who gets embroiled in the drug trade, and ends up fighting for his life.

To further add to my excitement for ‘The Councelor,’ the publications sources point towards Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ star Michael Fassbender playing the title role. While a formal offer hasn’t been made, they believe there’s a high likelihood that the actor will star in the film. Scott is apparently eyeing a May 1st start date, and he is talking to a number of high-profile actors to take part in the film. Producer Steve Schwartz has said the following about the ‘The Counselor’: “Since McCarthy himself wrote the script, we get his own muscular prose directly, with its sexual obsessions. It’s a masculine world into which, unusually, two women intrude to play leading roles. McCarthy’s wit and humor in the dialogue make the nightmare even scarier. This may be one of McCarthy’s most disturbing and powerful works.”

Deadline are reporting that Samantha Barks has landed the much coveted role of Eponine in Tom Hooper’s (The King’s Speech) live-action adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and stage musical ‘Les Misérables.’ While Barks is a newcomer to the big screen, she starred as Eponine in the London production of Les Misérables in 2010 and reprised the role in the 25th anniversary concert held at the O2 Arena last year. The cast for the film is top-notch, it features Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. Both Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are rumoured to be joining the musical epic as Monsieur Thenardierto and Madame Thénardier respectively. ‘Les Misérables’ is scheduled for release December 7th in the US, and January 11th in the UK.

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech‘s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, with further casting to be announced.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs–including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”–Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

This first poster has emerged online for James Marsh’s upcoming IRA espionage thriller ‘Shadow Dancer.’ The film stars the likes of Clive Owen, up-and-coming British actress Andrea Riseborough (Made in Dagenham, Brighton Rock), Aidan Gillen (The Wire) and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files).

I’ve been keeping a keen eye on this project, James Marsh was the man behind the fantastic Oscar-winning documentary ‘Man on Wire.’ The story follows Colette McVeigh (Riseborough), a young mother who is heavily involved in the Irish Republican movement, and who loses her younger brother at the hands of the British security forces. Owen plays Mac, an MI5 officer who recruits Colette after she is arrested following an aborted bombing attempt in London. In order to turn her, Mac gives Colette a choice either to inform on her family and see her son again, or stay silent and spend the rest of her life in prison. The film is based on Tom Bradby’s 1998 novel of the same name.

On the promotional campaign for ‘Underworld: Awakening,’ Len Wiseman opened up to Comingsoon about his upcoming action thriller ‘Total Recall.’ The filmmaker revealed that he’s turning in his director’s cut this Sunday;“I’m very close to handing over my cut. It’s going really well. The combination of mystery and emotion and action, it’s coming together. Colin [Farrell] is a large part of that and I’m really happy with him.”

Wiseman also shed some light on what he found the most surprising and challenging aspects of the material: “I think the complexity of the dual stories was the most surprising and challenging thing. When you see Total Recall, the [Paul] Verhoeven film you experience it, it’s finished. When you’re involved in diving into the material again and going back into the Philip K. Dick story, you realize there is so much to be discussed about the dual stories. There’s the reality story and there’s the fantasy element. They’re running parallel together, so you always have to keep those two alive. That’s the inherent nature of the concept and what makes the concept so cool. I will say, at the same time, this made all of the conversation I had with my cast fun. “Every little detail has to apply to both scenarios. My actors would ask, ‘So, in this scene, am I – because I know that I’m lying, because I’m the double agent – how well do I act? It sounds like a silly question, but do you want the other character to see through that or am I so good as a double agent that you would never suspect I’m the best buddy or the wife.’ It’s all of those little things. So, that’s my long way of saying the dual nature of the story was the best thing about this.”

Starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston, and Ethan Hawke, ‘Total Recall’ is based on the Philip K. Dick story, “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.”  The original ‘Total Recall’ followed a man (Arnold Schwarzenegger) haunted by a recurring dream of journeying to Mars who buys a literal dream vacation from a company called Rekall Inc., which sells implanted memories. The man comes to believe he is a secret agent and ends up on a Martian colony, where he fights to overthrow a despotic ruler controlling the production of air. The new story ditches the Martian storyline and instead involves nation states Euromerica and New Shanghai, with Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) a factory worker in the latter who begins to believe he is a spy, although he doesn’t know for which side. Vilos Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston) is the leader of Euromerica who, under the cover of protecting his people, is secretly readying an invasion of New Shanghai. Jessica Biel plays Melina, while Kate Beckinsale plays Lori. ‘Total Recall’ is scheduled for release August 3rd.

“Total Recall is an action thriller about reality and memory, inspired anew by the famous short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick. Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he’s got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life – real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police – controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world – Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate.”

THR report that Aaron Tveit (Howl, Gossip Girl) has been cast as Enjolras in Tom Hooper’s (The King’s Speech) live-action adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and stage musical ‘Les Misérables.’  The cast for the film is top-notch, it already features Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. Both Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are rumoured to be joining the musical epic as Monsieur Thenardierto and Madame Thénardier respectively. ‘Les Misérables’ is scheduled for release December 7th, joining a month stacked with anticipated films in Ang Lee’s ‘Life Of Pi,’ Quentin Tarantino‘s ‘Django Unchained,’ ‘World War Z,’ ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.’

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech‘s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, with further casting to be announced.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs–including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”–Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

Sony Pictures has made available this first official synopsis for Len Wiseman’s upcoming action thriller ‘Total Recall.’ Starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston, and Ethan Hawke, the film is based on the Philip K. Dick story, “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.”  The original ‘Total Recall’ followed a man (Arnold Schwarzenegger) haunted by a recurring dream of journeying to Mars who buys a literal dream vacation from a company called Rekall Inc., which sells implanted memories. The man comes to believe he is a secret agent and ends up on a Martian colony, where he fights to overthrow a despotic ruler controlling the production of air. The new story ditches the Martian storyline and instead involves nation states Euromerica and New Shanghai, with Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) a factory worker in the latter who begins to believe he is a spy, although he doesn’t know for which side. Vilos Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston) is the leader of Euromerica who, under the cover of protecting his people, is secretly readying an invasion of New Shanghai. Jessica Biel plays Melina, while Kate Beckinsale plays Lori. ‘Total Recall’ is scheduled for release August 3rd. Check out the new synopsis below:

“Total Recall is an action thriller about reality and memory, inspired anew by the famous short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick. Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he’s got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life – real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police – controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world – Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate.”

Universal Pictures has released this first official synopsis for Tom Hooper’s (The King’s Speech) live-action adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and stage musical ‘Les Misérables.’  The cast for the film is stellar, it already features Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. Both Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are rumoured to be joining the musical epic as Monsieur Thenardierto and Madame Thénardier respectively. Amanda Seyfried is reportedly in final negotiations to play Cosette. ‘Les Misérables’ is scheduled for release December 7th, joining a month stacked with anticipated films in Ang Lee’s ‘Life Of Pi,’ Quentin Tarantino‘s ‘Django Unchained,’ ‘World War Z,’ ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.’  Sir Cameron Mackintosh will produce alongside Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Debra Hayward for Working Title.

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech‘s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, with further casting to be announced.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs–including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”–Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

Whilst Nick Love’s upcoming adaptation of cult TV Show ‘The Sweeney’ won’t be hitting the big screen until September 21st,  Screen Daily bring word that Vertigo Films and Nick Love are already planning the films sequel: ‘[Nick Love] is in talks with Winstone and Drew to make a sequel which would be more international in flavour and could be a prequel story charting how Regan and Carter met. The sequel would be produced by Vertigo Films [which Love co-founded].’

Set in present day England, ‘The Sweeney’ follows Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan, (originally played John Thaw,) George Carter (originally played by Dennis Waterman) and their team. In this adaptation Ray Winstone will play Flying Squad detective Jack Regan and Ben Drew (aka Plan B) will play George Carter. They are joined by Hayley Atwell (Captain America), Damien Lewis (The Escapist), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans) and Paul Anderson (The Firm).

This debut image has emerged online from James Marsh’s upcoming IRA espionage thriller ‘Shadow Dancer.’ The film stars the likes of Clive Owen, up-and-coming British actress Andrea Riseborough (Made in Dagenham, Brighton Rock) as the female lead, Aidan Gillen (The Wire) and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files).

I’ve been keeping a keen eye on this project, James Marsh was the man behind the fantastic Oscar-winning documentary ‘Man on Wire.’ The story follows Colette McVeigh (Riseborough), a young mother who is heavily involved in the Irish Republican movement, and who loses her younger brother at the hands of the British security forces. Owen plays Mac, an MI5 officer who recruits Colette after she is arrested following an aborted bombing attempt in London. In order to turn her, Mac gives Colette a choice either to inform on her family and see her son again, or stay silent and spend the rest of her life in prison. The film is based on Tom Bradby’s 1998 novel of the same name.

Entertainment One UK has today announced the acquisition of all UK and Irish rights to the explosive feature film adaptation of cult TV Show ‘The Sweeney’ – directed by Nick Love (The Football Factory, The Firm) and co-written by Bafta Winner John Hodge (Trainspotting).

Set in present day England, ‘The Sweeney’ will be packed full of fast cars, action and wise cracks as it follows Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan, (originally played John Thaw,) George Carter (original played by Dennis Waterman) and their team. In this adaptation Ray Winstone will play Flying Squad detective Jack Regan and Ben Drew (aka Plan B) will play George Carter. They are joined by Hayley Atwell (Captain America), Damien Lewis (The Escapist), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans) and Paul Anderson (The Firm).

The film, set to start shooting in and around London on October 30th, will be released in Autumn 2012. Producer Allan Niblo of Vertigo states: “We are delighted to be working with Alex Hamilton and his team at Entertainment One UK for the UK release of the movie. They have an instinctive understanding of the UK market and a phenomenal track record for releasing high-grossing movies, ‘The Sweeney’ is sure to be one of the biggest hits of 2012.”