Tim Robbins has been cast in Martin Campbell’s upcoming adaptation of the DC Comic book, “Green Lantern.”

The Academy Award winning actor will play Senator Hammond, the father of the movie’s villain, Dr. Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard).  The cast also includes Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan / Green Lantern, and Blake Lively as Carol Ferris.

The movie will begin principal photography next month for a 2011 release date.

With the close of the Sundance Film Festival this past weekend the general assessment of things was surprisingly positive.  Speculation concerning the prospects for this year was guarded based on a number of challenges – the continuing economic recession, the marginalization of the independent film market, yet another visit by Paris Hilton – and cinematic pundits had a downcast prognosis.  Considering the 2009 Fest was brutal economically, and only a few select films had breakout performances, the skepticism was understandable.

Overall it has to be said after the awards were handed out that the 2010 iteration was a success, if not a blowout.  While no landmark payouts occurred there were a high number of acquisitions – some actually before opening night – and even bidding wars were staged over a few titles.  However, what had become of the announced step into the future of independent films, the grand experiment that Festival Director John Cooper declared, “Begins a new age of connecting our artists directly to audiences” at the start of the Fest?

Coming Soon caught up with director James Cameron at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.  Cameron had a few things to say about production of future “Avatar” movies.

Cameron confirmed that there will in fact be an “Avatar 2,” though he doesn’t know yet if it will be his next movie.  He also said he has the stories plotted for a second and a possible third film in the series.  He said he is not sure if they will continue past a second film, but also said there might be more than just three.

Considering that “Avatar” is now the most successful film in movie history, it only makes sense that they would want to squeeze every last dime out of the film. 

Two interesting pieces of information have surfaced regarding the upcoming Marvel Comics adaption, “The First Avenger: Captain America.”  While talking to the press for “The Wolfman,” director Joe Johnston discussed particulars about his upcoming comic book movie.

First, according to Collider the villain in the film will be none other than Captain America’s arch nemesis the Red Skull.  CHUD is also reporting that the old World War II superhero team, The Invaders, will play a major role in the film.  According to Johnston, the Invaders will be based out of Europe and be five members strong.

Additionally, the casting of Captain America will be done by March 1^st, and the role should go to an unknown. 

Is work finally starting on the next “Batman” movie?  Nikki Finke over at DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com had an interesting piece of info buried in a larger story involving David Goyer’s exit as showrunner of ABC’s “FlashForward.”

According to Finke: “Now “FlashForward” showrunner David Goyer has left with 5 episodes still to shoot.  Of course, Goyer’s feature career is really heating up, since he co-wrote “Batman Begins” and penned the story for “The Dark Knight, and is now writing the third Batman installment with Chris Nolan’s brother Jonah.

Not sure if that is pure speculation on Finke’s part or not, but if this is true this is outstanding news.  I for one am looking forward to the next “Batman” soon.  They need to get this into production ASAP.

Check out the trailer for Neil Jordan’s “Ondine” starring Colin Farrell.

Note: The following is satire.

To:

     Tom Sherak: President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

CC: Academy Membership

From:

      Michael Bay; Academy Member, Auteur, Producer, Actor, Camera Operator, Various Crew Member, Winner of Gold Lion and Silver Lion – Cannes International Advertising Festival, Grand Prix Clio for “Commercial of the Year”, DGA Award Winner for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials

Dear Mr. Sherak

Upon seeing the release of the Academy Awards nominees this Tuesday morning I felt the need to deliver to you this open letter regarding the selection process.  (I am not entirely sure of the difference between an “open” and a “regular letter, but I declared it open just in case. I’m a film maker, not a stenographer.)  As many have now become aware, the second most successful film in all of 2009 was generally disregarded by the Academy and I write this because I do indeed take exception to the snubs.

Good news for those that were following the production of the upcoming documentary, "The People vs George Lucas."  The film is complete and now there is a release date.  After 2 1/2 years of intense production, 63,686 frequent flier miles, 634 hours of footage, 14TB of drive space, 126 interviews, 719 fan submissions, and countless white nights, "THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS" will finally world premiere, fresh off the editing press, at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas (March 12th to March 21st 2010)! They included the film in their prestigious Spotlight Premiere section, alongside the latest releases from Steven Soderbergh, Michel Gondry, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Shane Meadows!

And be sure to check out the new teaser trailer here:

Universal Pictures is moving ahead on yet another entry in their popular "Fast and the Furious" franchise.

The studio has just signed stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, along with director Justin Lin to return for a fifth film called "Fast Five."  The story, written by Chris Morgan, will see Dom (Vin Diesel) and Brian (Paul Walker) as fugitives on the run from the law. 

The fourth film in the series, "Fast and Furious" was the biggest money maker in the series.  The new film will begin shooting later this year for a planned 2011 release.

After a regime change at DC Comics, in which Paul Levitz was replaced with Dan DiDio, it looks like it is possible that Warner Bros. and DC Comics are thinking of the unthinkable, a sequel to "Watchmen."

Originally intended as one graphic novel by its creators Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the story was not meant to be continued.  Even director Zack Snyder has said that he would not allow a sequel as long as he is in charge. 

But, if you are to believe this report, "Watchmen 2" is a definite possibility.  First of all, "Watchmen" was not the most successful movie of the year, and secondly, are you frigggin' kidding me???  This is a horrible idea, and Dan DiDio over at DC Comics should be ashamed of himself for even considering this.

James Cameron's 'Avatar' pushed past Cameron's very own 'Titanic' today to become the most successful movie of all-time domestically in the U.S. 

As of today, the 3D sci-fi epic has surpassed $601 million, just past 'Titanic's' $600 million haul.  Currently 'Avatar' is also the biggest grossing movie worldwide with over $2 billion in ticket sales.

The only question now is how high will 'Avatar' go?  $700 million?  That certainly seems probable.  What about $800 million???

Bloody-Disgusting is reporting that Kate Beckinsale is confirmed to be starring in 'Underworld 3D.' 

Reportedly Beckinsale is looking for a reduced role in the fourth film in the 'Underworld' franchise.  Her husband, director Len Wiseman looks set to direct. 

What about Scott Speedman?  No word on his involvement.

"With no power comes no responsibility." 

The more and more they show of this, the more I like it.  Check out the latest international red band trailer for "Kick-Ass."  Does this make you want to see it?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced their nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards.  As expected, "Avatar," and "The Hurt Locker" had the most nominations with 9. followed by "Inglourious Basterds" with 8.  Take a look at the nominees in the major categories.  What do you think?

Best Picture
'Avatar'
'The Blind Side'
'District 9'
'An Education'
'The Hurt Locker'
'Inglourious Basterds'
'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire'
'A Serious Man'
'Up'
'Up In the Air'

Ok, I hate remakes.  Let me say that again, I HATE REMAKES!!!  That said, this trailer for the remake of "Clash of the Titans" actually looks good.  If the movie is as good as this looks I might need to rethink my hatred of remakes.   

Check out this interesting trailer for the Ricky Gervais directed comedy, "Cemetery Junction."

Check out this totally uninspired trailer for the comic book adaptation of "The Losers."  Is it just me, or have I seen this trailer at least two dozen times.

Any child of 80's Saturday morning cartoons should have a fondness for "The Smurfs."  Looks like work is finally starting on the long planned big screen version.  UGO has a leaked image from the purported "Smurfs" movie.  What do you think of CG Smurfs?