Snapchat Shutters Original Content Channel, Lays Off Team
Company is laying off members of a team assigned to a channel on its Discover platform devoted to original programming, dubbed Snap Channel. The closure has prompted the exit of Marcus Wiley, a former executive with broadcast network Fox who was brought on to figure out how Snapchat would build up its programming lineup. Wiley led a group of 15 that has been disbanded, with some being pink-slipped and others being reassigned in the company. (VAR)
Wes Anderson Wrangles a Rather Impressive Voice Cast For His Next Stop-Motion Animated Film
Jeff Goldblum spilled the beans in an interview that he’ll be joining Bob Balaban, Edward Norton, and Bryan Cranston in the cast of the film from Anderson, which will feature dogs as the lead characters. Anderson previously helmed the stop-motion adaptation of Fantastic Mr. Fox. (TP)
MGM’s Ronda Rousey-Led ‘Road House’ Remake Gets a Writer-Director In Nick Cassavetes
Director of The Notebook has closed a deal for the new take on Rowdy Herrington’s film that saw Patrick Swayze’s character Dalton put his impressive fighting skills to work as a bouncer at a small-town bar. He soon runs afoul of the town’s corrupt businessman who has a legion of henchmen at his beck and call to make trouble for Dalton and his friends. Rousey is expected to immediately begin prepping for a first-quarter 2016 shoot. (COL)
Lionsgate and Fox Make a Deal To Push the Former’s Robin Hood Reboot For Taron Egerton
Egerton, who broke through with the Matthew Vaughn-directed comic book adaptation Kingsman: The Secret Service, had been caught between the dueling schedules of Liongate’s Robin Hood reboot and Kingsman 2. Now, that dust has settled. Hood will shoot, with Egerton, after Kingsman wraps, likely at the end of summer 2016. (HV)
Felicity Huffman To Produce and Possibly Star In ABC Fashion Biz Comedic Drama
Network given a put pilot commitment to House Of Moore, a darkly comedic one-hour project set in the fashion world, which is executive produced by Huffman. The project, from creators Daniel and Ben Barnz, ABC Studios and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment, is designed as a starring vehicle for American Crime leading lady Huffman. (DH)
Busy as Matthew Vaughn May Be, He’s Not Too Busy To Get Involved In Producing Spec Sci Fi Script ‘Ascension’ For 20th Century Fox
The spec script written by Shannon Triplett is being pitched as a large-scale sci-fi disaster movie in which a scientist must save the world when gravity is somehow removed from Earth. Vaughn is in talks to produce the film for the studio and possibly direct, though no deal is yet in place. (EMP)
Steve Zahn Fans Rejoice! He Has Joined the ‘War For the Planet Of the Apes’
Beloved character actor Zahn will take on the role of one of the titular primates in the film. He’s joining Andy Serkis, who will reprise the role of Caesar. On the human side, the cast will include Gabriel Chavarria and Woody Harrelson. Matt Reeves, who directed last year’s Dawn, will return for the sequel, the script for which he is co-writing with Mark Bomback. It’s scheduled for release on July 14th, 2017. (CS)
Ten Movies That Prove How Nothing Is More Awesome Than Science
There are many, many things to appreciate about The Martian, but as terrific as the whole thing is, perhaps its greatest contribution is its incredible approach to science-based problem solving, and its ability to basically educate viewers about space travel while also being ridiculously entertaining. Here are 10 other movies that are just as impressive with their scientific know how. (CB)
Trailer Buzz: ‘Outcast’
Cinemax has released the first look at the new series from The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman. Starring Patrick Fugit and Philip Glenister, the demonic possession-based horror drama premieres in 2016. (SF)
Online Film School: Seven Filmmaking Tips From Danny Boyle
With his new film Steve Jobs in theaters, the Oscar-winning director is back in our collective consciousness. He has announced a long-awaited sequel to his hit film Trainspotting, and seems to be firing on all cylinders. Whenever someone like Boyle speaks, prospective filmmakers should take note. (FSR)