FCC Approves Net Neutrality, More Info On Paramount Situation, Sarah Jones Trial Update, Film Development For 2/26/15

SSN ORIGINALS

Film Development For 2/26/15: Richard Linklater To Direct Film For Annapurna, ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Casting News, and More

A whole host of action this week, with various writers, directors and actors all joining established projects — like The Huntsman, The LEGO Movie Sequel and the Tomb Raider reboot — as well as a few new projects, including something for Will Ferrell, a YA adaptation, and an untitled Kung Fu Space Western. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

A Big Day For Us All: FCC Approves New Rules For Net Neutrality

The Federal Communications Commission approved robust rules of the road for the Internet this afternoon, a move that supporters believe will prevent conglomerates from consolidating control over the flow of online content, but that critics characterize as a huge regulatory overreach. The FCC’s approach is one favored by many public interest groups and web companies: It is reclassifying Internet service as a Title II telecommunications service, a regulatory designation akin to that of a utility. (VAR)

A Little More Info Has Come Out About Adam Goodman Leaving Paramount

While the studio hasn't necessarily suffered a major financial box-office bomb of late, Paramount chairman and CEO Brad Grey and vice chairman Rob Moore apparently aren't satisfied with the controls on production costs. No word yet on when, exactly, Goodman will vacate his position. (THR)

‘Midnight Rider’s Hillary Schwartz Separated From Colleagues’ Trial; Could Be Called As Witness

The film’s first assistant director, who was seeking to have the criminal trespass and manslaughter charges against her dismissed in the on-set death of Sarah Jones, will have to wait until a later date to find out if that will be possible; her pre-trial hearing on that motion was continued. However, her lawyer succeeded in having her case severed from that of her former colleagues who have also been charged, which means that she could be called as a witness in the trial that begins March 9th. (DH)

Ang Lee Finds His Billy Lynn For That ‘Long Halftime Walk’

Newcomer Joe Alwyn will play the lead role in the film, adapted by Simon Beaufoy from Ben Fountain's novel. Story follows the titular 19-year-old soldier, who along with his squad has survived a tough battle in Iraq that made headlines and turned the troops into instant celebrities. They end up at a Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving Day on a promotional tour. Film then cuts back and forth between the game and the battle that made them heroes. (EMP)

J. Lo’s New NBC Drama Just Added a Pair Of Very High Profile Names

Ray Liotta and Drea De Matteo join cop drama Shades of Blue, which centers on Harlee McCord (Lopez) and follows a tight-knit crew of police officers who are effective at keeping the streets safe but also corrupt when it comes to lining their pockets and protecting their own. When one of the officers is forced to become a federal informant, she must decide between her own family's welfare and that of her police family. (TVL)

Another Sign That Rosamund Pike Is Hollywood’s Hottest Actress: She Lands Female Lead For ‘The Deep Blue Good-by’

Oscar-nominated actress is set to join the Fox film, starring Christian Bale and directed by James Mangold, based on the John D. MacDonald’s 1964 novel. Book is first in a series of 21 books that follow "savage consultant" Travis McGee (Bale), a bachelor who recovers other people's property for money and gets mixed up with women and criminals along the way. (TOH)

Sequel News: Neill Blomkamp’s Upcoming ‘Alien’ Movie Will Pretend ‘Alien3’ and ‘Alien: Resurrection’ Never Happened

Following in the footsteps of Superman Returns, which ignores the events of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, the new film will be a direct sequel to James Cameron’s Aliens, and “give Ripley a proper ending.”  (UR)

Trailer Buzz: ‘While We’re Young’

The latest look at the upcoming film from Oscar-nominated writer-director Noah Baumbach, this ensemble comedy from A24 stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a happily married middle-aged couple going through a collective midlife crisis. Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried co-star. Film opens in select theaters March 27th. (IW)

Video Blog Buzz: ‘Spectre’

Director Sam Mendes takes filmgoers behind the scenes of the upcoming James Bond adventure, once again starring Daniel Craig as Agent 007. In the vlog, Mendes discusses details of the plot, as well as what we can expect about the film, in theaters November 6th. Spectre also stars Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Rory Kinnear, Andrew Scott, and Monica Bellucci. (COL)