John Leguizamo’s Twitters about a new movie with Hayden!!! View below!
Movie News
July 24th, 2009New York, I Love You News
July 9th, 2009Blake Lively, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Shia LeBouf, Orlando Bloom, Natalie Portman, Christina Ricci, Ethan Hawke. This list of names may sound like the lineup for featured articles in a teen magazine. It isn’t. It is the amazing list of actors cast in the film, New York, I Love You.
The film has not one, not two, but thirteen directors. The fact that the film was completed without falling apart over a battle of creative differences is a miracle within itself, proving the filmmakers put their heart into getting New York, I Love You onto the screen. It was shot in a little over a month’s time, a very short principal photography schedule, and will open October 16, 2009.
Natalie Portman was one of the writers on the screenplay as well as one of the stars in the film. The movie is made up of many stories, an alliance of many talented, new writers.
Love is at the center of each story, each one an exhilarating tale of the union of the heart with the backdrop of the city that never sleeps. Humorous, smart and sensuous, this film leaves a lingering ache of empathy for each character’s relationship that unfolds. Although each plot has the same core, the stories are a sundry tapestry set in New York City.
With such a talented collaboration, this film promises to be more than a teen-scene.
Quantum Quest at Comic-Con
July 9th, 200912:00-1:00 Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey— Key production personnel and cast members discuss the making of Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey, the 3D, CGI Large Format film that combines beautiful animated sequences with actual space imagery captured during seven ongoing NASA and NASA/ESA space missions. Featuring a stellar voice cast that includes Neil Armstrong, Chris Pine, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayden Christensen, Amanda Peet, Robert Picardo, Jason Alexander, Tom Kenny, Sandra Oh, Brent Spiner, James Earl Jones, Williams Shatner, Mark Hamill, Doug Jones, Abigail Breslin and Gary Graham, Quantum Quest has been endorsed by the X Prize Organization, the International Space University, Challenge Center for Space Science Education, and the Young Astronauts Council. Producer, screenwriter, and co-director Dr. Harry Kloor, whose writing credits include Star Trek: Voyager, the animated series Godzilla, and Earth: Final Conflict, is joined by co-director Daniel St. Pierre (co-director, Everyone’s Hero, production designer, A Shark’s Tale, art director, Tarzan), space scientists, and key cast members. The panel will offer new work-in-progress clips and an in-depth exploration of the science behind the film. Ballroom 20.
Hidden Gem: Factory Girl
July 1st, 2009Amazingly Factory Girl was savaged by the critics when it received a limited release in 2007 but what do they know. If you are a fan of the sixties then this movie is definitely worth a watch and still, in my humble opinion remaims Miller’s best on screen performance.
Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller) is a spoilt little rich girl who is running from the past that haunts her. In a bid to further her art career she heads for New York City.
Here she meets Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce), who craves fame and attention, and with the beautiful Edie on his arm he gets what he wants.
As the drug culture explodes Edie embraces it until she finds herself caught between two men Warhol and a musician (Hayden Christensen).
Abandoned by the musician and shunned by Warhol Edie’s life and drug habit spirals out of control.
Director George Hickenlooper has produced a beautifully moving film of the life of Edie Sedgwick who’ fifteen minutes of fame were cut tragically short after she overdosed at the age of twenty eight.
The film flicks between the colour of Hickenlooper’s movie intertwined with the black and white scenes shot by Guy Pearce’s Andy Warhol. This makes the film appear more like a documentary of the socialite’s life.
But the film’s real plus point is its powerful cast who all produce career defining performances.
Spoilt rich girl who is famed obsessed sounds right up Sienna Miller’s street and many may ask the question is she actually acting?
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However Miller plays Edie as a wide eyed, hopeful young woman who is deeply troubled by her past, with suggestions she was sexually abused by her father.
And the transformation from naïve hopeful to New York’s biggest diva and then an out of control, drug dependent individual surely cements Miller as more than just a support actress.
Guy Pearce is also superb as Andy Warhol as the chillingly self absorbed icon who viewed humans as mere commodities who could be enjoyed for their aesthetic purposes, used for what they had to offer before being disregarded and replaced.
Warhol was a man who wanted to appear one dimensional and Pearce captures his lake of emotion in two key scenes: when Edie’s father calls him a ‘fag’ and towards the end of the film when Edie screams at him in public for letting her down.
Hayden Christensen has the most interesting role. He is labelled in the credits as just ‘the musician’ but he is playing the role of Bob Dylan.
However the fact that the film implies that Dylan played a hand in Edie’s downfall angered the singer and due to legal pressures all references to him were moved from the film. So sadly this key relationship to Edie in the film is now not much more than a nameless cameo.
Christensen’s character provides sanctuary and safety for Edie from Warhol’s aggressive puppetering. Christensen gives a great performance as he slowly moves away from his Star Wars tag.
In all Factory Girl is a tragic story of a young girl who placed her trust in a man who used and betrayed her, playing a huge part in her downfall.
But the real strength of this movie is the superb casting with Sienna Miller and Hayden Christensen in particular producing career boosting performances.
The Lacoste Challenge Press Release
June 24th, 2009LACOSTE CHALLENGE
” Never Resist the Call of the Game”
Challenge is the invigorating new fragrance for men from Lacoste; a positively energizing scent which captures the youthful dynamism of today assertive male urbanites. Epitomizing the tenacious attitude and effortless panache of the brand’s founding father, tennis legend Ren” Lacoste, this energetic new scent is aptly named, having been designed to inspire the wearer to confidently embrace whatever challenges or surprises life throws at him its motto: “Never resist the call of the game”.
Steadfast and purposeful, Ren (C) Lacoste consistently rose to the challenge with a polished flair and grace which underpins the image of relaxed elegance that is synonymous with the Lacoste brand. Featuring an uplifting composition of fresh, aromatic top notes juxtaposed with a complex, solid woody base, Lacoste Challenge proudly reflects this heritage while bringing a modern, edgy twist via its contemporary olfactory structure and trendy packaging design the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
The face of the fragrance, and star of the TV and print advertising campaign, is popular Canadian actor, Hayden Christensen, whose playful charm, active persona and natural style make him the perfect embodiment of the brand’s youthful, modern edge.
We’re delighted to be working with Hayden as the face of the new male fragrance from LACOSTE as he perfectly captures the modern spirit of the brand. He’s young, stylish and dynamic, with a charismatic twinkle in his eye that perfectly brings to life the ethos of the new fragrance. Andreas Gerber, Global Marketing Director, LACOSTE Fragrances.
LACOSTE Challenge | The Fragrance
Subtly blending classic and modern ingredients, the unique olfactory structure of the scent serves as a sophisticated metaphor for the distinctive style of play for which Ren (C) Lacoste was renowned. Cool, focused and always clear-headed, Lacoste’s game-play was characterized by tenacious durability at the base line, punctuated with energetic bursts and an exhilarating lightness of touch.
Precise and determined, he would never run after a ball unnecessarily, which adroitly reinforces the spirit of casual elegance that remains at the heart of the brand. It was this trademark tenacity and consistency on the courts that earned Ren (C) Lacoste his famous Crocodile moniker “he never lets go of his prey which in turn inspired the iconic logo that has become synonymous with the brand, and one of the most recognizable emblems in the world.
Top Note ” THE SERVE
The fragrance opens strongly with fresh and energetic notes of tangerine and lemon, augmented by a burst of aromatic lavender one of the most classic ingredients in masculine perfumery which works to sustain the citric zing of the top notes into the heart of the scent.
Middle Accord ” THE VOLLEY
The energy of the middle accord is driven by spices including ginger, aptly representing Ren (C) Lacoste’s formidable skills at the net, which he used sparingly to sting opponents when least expected, bringing an exciting kick to his overall game play.
Base Note ” THE BASELINE
Just as the legend was renowned for his stamina at the base line; so the base notes are powerful, steady and consistent. Precious rosewood brings a modern edge to the scent, teak has an almost antique quality that reinforces the distinguished heritage of the brand, and the blackness of ebony corresponds to the slick modern design of the flacon. Together they create a sustained strength, giving the fragrance its solid foundation.
LACOSTE Challenge | The Bottle & Packaging
An inspired inventor, Ren (C) Lacoste continually made innovative adjustments to his rackets to make them more efficient and easier to handle. In the 1920s, he shipped hundreds of rolls of sticking plaster from the US to wrap around the handle of his racket to improve the grip. The idea quickly caught on and soon became used throughout the sport.
The Lacoste Challenge flacon is directly inspired by this remarkable innovation. Emulating the shape of a tennis racket handle, the solid glass bottle is encased in a lustrous black soft touch grip emblazoned with the iconic Lacoste crocodile logo, while the juice is a bright, eye-catching yellow. The color scheme is also a direct reference to the world of tennis in general, with its classic bright yellow balls and black racket grips. The outer packaging mirrors the flacon with a simple two tone design enhanced by the use of luxurious materials, including a glossy yellow finish contrasted with a soft touch matt black effect, elegantly set off by an embossed white crocodile logo with silver hotfoildetailing.
The overall result is a striking, modern reinterpretation of the brand’s youthful, sportive image, which pays tribute to the long-standing heritage of pioneering creativity that originated with its founder.
LACOSTE Challenge| The Line-Up
Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.6 fl. oz. $40.00
Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.5 fl. oz. $50.00
Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.0 fl. oz. $60.00
After Shave Lotion, 2.5 fl. oz. $42.00
After Shave Balm, 2.5 fl. oz. $37.00
Shower Gel, 5.0 fl. oz. $27.00
Deodorant Stick, 2.4 oz. net wt. $21.00
LACOSTE Challenge | Availability
Better Department Stores Nationwide
Summer 2009
LACOSTE Challenge | Press Contacts
Shane English, 212.299.3788
P&G Prestige Products, Inc.
Yasmine Afshar, 646.654.3447
NIKE Communications, Inc.
Hayden Christensen’s New Challenge: Face of Lacoste Fragrance
June 15th, 2009Make a little room Josh Hartnett, James Franco and Justin Timberlake there’s a new celebrity fragrance model on the rise. Lacoste has just announced that Hayden Christensen will be the face of their new scent, Challenge. And PEOPLE.com has a first look at the star’s sporty campaign. The altar-bound actor, who is engaged to Rachel Bilson, embodies the brand’s preppy spirit for the men’s fragrance which will launch in August. Check back for more details as they come in.
Source
Interview with Hayden Christensen- Glamour (Paris) .Com
June 11th, 2009Hayden Christensen is the new muse signed Lacoste perfume. The opportunity for us to meet the star to learn more about his projects and his private life. Source.
Hayden Feels The Force on Alex’s List
June 5th, 2009As the infectiously enthusiastic frontman of Alex Zane’s Guest List, the DJ and presenter brings his love of all things silver screen to one-on-one’s with the biggest and best celebs, every Thursday at 7.30pm on Sky Movies Premiere & HD.
In a film spin on Desert Island Discs (Desert Island DVDs?), guests choose four of their all time favourite movies playing on Sky Movies and Sky Box Office, and sit down for some clued-up chat with the self-confessed Burt Reynolds addict.
Hayden Christensen may always be known as Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequels.
But, holding court on Alex Zane’s Guest List this week, he reveals why Jumper proved a more hazardous shoot, leaving him with the nickname “One big eye”, and both he and Alex relive the time they (separately) attempted to “do a Cool Hand Luke” and munch through 50 hard boiled eggs.
Hayden decided 15 was un oeuf, while Alex coughed up a “eggy furball”.
Amidst the movie banter, Christensen proving his good taste by choosing four class films currently playing on Sky Movies, the actor reveals a fondness for pot-bellied pigs. Apparently they smile when you tickle their tummies…
To catch this quality chat just click on the videos below or make a date with Sky Movies Premiere & HD on Thursday 4th June at 7.30pm. The interview will also be available on Sky Anytime from Sunday 6.
You can also catch Hayden Christensen in the following films currently playing on Sky Movies:
Awake - Sky Movies Premiere & HD
Wednesday 3rd June - 10pm
Thursday 4th June & Friday 5th - 6pm
Jumper - Sky Movies Screen 2 & HD
Saturday 6th June - 3.15pm & 9pm
Factory Girl - Sky Movies Indie
Saturday 6th June - 12.50pm & 11.50pm
Source
Former Vader Joining Brad Anderson’s Latest?
June 3rd, 2009ShockTillYouDrop.com has learned Hayden Christensen (Star Wars, Jumper) is in talks to co-star in Vanishing on 7th Street, the latest picture from Brad Anderson, the director of Session 9 and The Machinist.
Christensen will join previously rumored cast members John Leguizamo and Thandie Newton. The three play survivors of a mysterious phenomenon in which, during a blackout most of the population disappears. Holed up in a tavern, they try to piece together what’s happening before the “darkness” returns.
Shooting is expected to begin later this month in Spokane, Washington and New York.
Lacoste Challenge Launch
May 31st, 2009Is really a coincidence, while others cover the booth of “soon LACOSTE Anakin Skywalker comes to the booth” with information. “LACOSTE”. I’d love to see it and LACOSTE booth. When you arrive at the front booth, occupying the front row of the 10 girls in their teens. LACOSTE. And only momently, LACOSTE were waiting for the new image model for men’s perfume. The front row is the rope had been extended, and almost anything you want in a girl shifted to the position of the rope in the stealing of a little booth staff. I know. But far too much BAREMASHITA. Back to back. They are great at giving up. Progress had been re-calculating.
The aim of all, LACOSTE perfume for men “LACOSTE CHALLENGE” image model HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN (Hayden Christensen). Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader when young) as you may know the role. Staff and spectators gathered in the actual interview everyone, “Anna was a child I come Kin! What did I name it is?” Situation. If you did not know even heard the name, please be assured. Many others.
All told to wait about 20 minutes. 3 SP tough people has arrived surrounded by Hayden Christensen.
Attendant (?), A man of cool, and wander about which is which. In this case, the front row of girls age 10 and IKKIRI light yellow to cheer up was
just practice. “KYA ~! ~!!”" KYA, look at me!”
Maine planning of this event was that of a perfume gift to the winner. Hayden Christensen’s Pick something that you mentioned the name on the back of postcards in advance.
This incident occurred. The winner of two events and not the venue. “If not next to the coffee!” That began with noisy venue, take in the phone, there is something OSAMARIMASHITA. Girls “to take picture, I want!” Disaffected. Certainly, if you have a direct hand in the perfume, you might want it for men.
Then, the much-awaited signing. 10. 10 girls in almost every age had received a shrewd signing. This power. I want it a little.
I only have 10 minutes to start, “now get back to” the voice of the fans of Hayden Christensen was left were surrounded by SP.
Here is a story of struggle when I took pictures. SP’s so well built, but they remarkably than Hayden Christensen in Maine when I took pictures.
I was embarrassed.
Hayden Christensen played for Lacoste Challenge
May 28th, 2009The three-time winner at Roland-Garros and the star of the trilogy “Star Wars” exchanged a few rounds to promote the new fragrance Lacoste.
Mats Wilander won a match on Thursday. Not at Roland Garros as in the best years that have enabled him to win the tournament in 1982, 1985 and 1988 but a few hundred meters away, on the courts of the Tennis Club de Paris. Wilander faced one who played Anakin Skywalker in the trilogy “Star Wars” by George Lucas, Hayden Christiensen. The two stars are in two tie-breaks to promote the new fragrance Lacoste Challenge. And logically, the Swede who won.
Settle In For A Weekend With MTV, ‘Star Wars’ And ‘Behind The Screen’
May 22nd, 2009What are you doing this weekend? Actually, don’t answer that. I’ll tell you what you’re doing this weekend. As a Memorial Day weekend treat and lead-in to this Sunday’s episode of ‘Behind the Screen,’ MTV will be running all six “Star Wars” movies between Saturday and Monday. If you’ve seen George Lucas’s epic space fantasy, then you know exactly why you should be tuning in. If you don’t… well… here are all the reasons you need to settle in with some popcorn for a long, lazy weekend in front of the TV.
Darth Vader livesThe Fall of Anakin Skywalker
Hardcore “Star Wars” fans like me have some issues with George Lucas’s approach to the most recent trilogy, starting with 1999’s “The Phantom Menace.” Wherever your opinions fall with regards to the new movies, it’s hard to say a foul word against Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) beautifully orchestrated descent into the Dark Side of the Force. In addition to be able to witness the birth of Darth Vader, “Revenge of the Sith’s” climactic lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Skywalker, his former pupil, adds new context to “A New Hope’s” — the first movie released in the series — rematch saber duel.
Han Solo and ChewbaccaHan Solo and Chewbacca
Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his Wookiee first mate Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) are truly a buddy duo for the ages. Han is an unabashed rogue, a charmer, gambler, smuggler, con artist and all-around scoundrel. The stream of arrogant bluster that issues forth from his mouth is so constant that you barely notice how unintelligible his pal Chewbacca is. Chewie is the duo’s heart, a big lug of a walking carpet who makes up for his language barriers with fiercely loyal actions.
Boba FettBoba Fett
The only thing cooler than a Jedi-killing bounty hunter is a Jedi-killing bounty hunter in Mandalorian armor. Boba Fett’s menacing appearance can be credited almost entirely to the ancient armor he wears, which is fully equipped with a jetpack, wrist-mounted rocket launcher and all manner of other gadgets. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he carries a nasty-looking disintegrator blaster, or that he wears locks of Wookiee fur as trophies of his previous kills. Anyone who can take down multiple 6-plus-foot-tall humanoid beasts with sharp fangs and retractable claws is someone you should steer clear of. Unless you happen to be close to a Sarlacc Pit, that is.
Darth MaulDarth Maul
I’m not afraid to say that “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is the worst of the six “Star Wars” movies. A lot of you will probably agree. I’m also not afraid to say that “Phantom” features the best of the movies’ lightsaber duels, even topping Yoda’s throwdown with Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) in “Episode II” and the Obi-Wan/Anakin showdown from “Episode III.” This has everything to do with “Phantom’s”Darth Maul (Ray Park), who wields a double-bladed lightsaber and a considerable array of martial arts skills. He takes on two Jedi at “Episode I’s” climax, both of them master swordsmen: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). The fight maintains a respectable action pace until its final moments, when Obi-Wan, stricken with grief, advances on Maul with unbound fury. It’s a standout moment for the series, and it even makes the otherwise unbearable “Phantom Menace” worth watching.
Lightsabers are coolLightsabers
Forget “Star Wars” for a moment. Lightsabers may very well be sci-fi’s single-coolest gadget, period. They appear to be little more than a long, metal cylinder; turn one on and a brightly colored energy blade issues forth from what turns out to be a sword hilt. Lightsabers are the trademark tools of the Jedi Order. There are scant few to be seen in the original trilogy, after the Order has fallen, but the newer trilogy serves up a lightsaber overload as we get to see Jedi Knights and Masters wielding the “elegant weapon” before the dark days of the Galactic Empire.
There’s one final reason you should tune in for this weekend’s “Star Wars” marathon on MTV. On Sunday night at 11pm, right after “Episode IV” ends, you’ll be able to get some insider Hollywood scoops on the latest episode of “Behind the Screen.” You’ll be able to catch “Land of the Lost” cast interviews with Will Ferrell and Danny McBride, the broadcast premiere of Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Brüno” trailer, a visit to the set of “Get Him to the Greek” with Russell Brand and two exclusive clip premieres, for Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” follow-up, “H2.” So tune in to MTV for an epic weekend of classic sci-fi and exclusive first looks.
Source: MTV.Com
New York, I love You: With Every Director Possible
May 22nd, 2009What does it take to make a movie a mainstream hit? A star-studded cast? Check. Creative and unique story lines? Check. A directorial debut by Scarlett Johansson? Check. Following in the same unique structure of its unofficial predecessor, Paris, Je T’Aime, New York, I love you is comprised of 12 films that take place in the 5 boroughs of New York. Each film is different but they all have one thing in common; they are about finding love in New York.
New York, I love you has an all-star cast which includes Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman, Irrfan Khan, Emilie Ohana, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thilrlby, Blake Lively, Drea de Matteo, Julie Christie, John Hurt, Shia LaBeouf, Ugur Yucel, Taylor Geare, Carlos Acosta, Jacinda Barrett, Shu Qi, Burt Young, Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn, Eva Ammuri, Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman.
The best part of the movie, other than the talented cast, is the fact that it is created by some of today’s most imaginative filmmakers from all over the word. For example, Jian Wen, Mira Nair, Shunji Iwai, Yvan Attal, Brett Ratner, Allen Hughes, Shekhar Khapur, Natalie Portman (another newbie in the directorial world), Fatih Akin, Joshua Marston and Randy Balsmyer. Each filmmaker brings to the movie, his or her own vision, his or her own take on love in New York.
On the other hand, having all those big name actors can take away from the message of the movie. People go to see the movie in order to catch a glimpse of Shia LaBeouf and Blake Lively more than for the love story line taking place on-screen. Then there are all the no-name stars who have to compete with these big stars and have to make their segments of the movie just as compelling for audience members.
Although, Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut was given the boot, according to producer Emmanuel Benbihy, because it was different and didn’t fit in with the rest of the movie; not because it was bad, you still have the star-studded cast and unique plot structure. The movie comes out on October 16th and is the second of a series of “Cities of Love” movies conceived by Benbihy.
Will the movie be a success? Only time can tell. Either way, this romantic drama will entertain you and give you a diverse take on love, from all five boroughs of New York. Source
UPDATE: Hayden Christensen Is NOT Starring In ‘Mandrake’
May 20th, 2009Yesterday afternoon, word hit the wire that “Star Wars” prequel star Hayden Christensen had signed on for a live-action film based on the “Mandrake the Magician” comic strip created by Lee Falk. After speaking with a representative of Christensen, however, MTV News has been told that he is not attached to the “Mandrake” movie.
The initial announcement had claimed that Christensen and “Gladiator” actor Djimon Hounsou would have lead roles in a movie about the “underground magician and escapologist” who is approached by the CIA for a special operation. In a conversation with MTV News, Christensen’s representative denied the report, saying that the actor will not be starring in the film.
Little else is known about the “Mandrake” movie, which is currently scheduled for release in 2010. Movie site IMDB still lists the original actor announced for the lead role, Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Source
Hayden Christensen And Djimon Hounsou To Star In ‘Mandrake The Magician’ Adaptation
May 19th, 2009It turns out that Sci Fi Network’s revamp of “The Phantom” isn’t the only classic Lee Falk comic currently bouncing around a production workshop. Anakin Skywalker himself, Hayden Christensen, has now been announced as the lead in Mimi Leder’s “Mandrake,” based on Falk’s slightly less famous strip “Mandrake the Magician.”
The movie, co-starring Djimon Hounsou, will follow Christensen’s character, an “underground magician and escapologist” who is approached by the CIA to do some work after “a daring escape from an SUV that has been dropped out of an plane at the Burning Man Festival,” according to SuperHeroHype.com. Hounsou will presumably be taking on the role of Mandrake’s assistant, Lothar.
Mandrake and Lothar will be a familiar characters to any watchers of the 1986 cartoon series “Defenders of the Earth,” which starred the pair alongside Flash Gordon and The Phantom.
The top-hatted hero — and possibly his sidekick — will be tasked with breaking a deep-cover agent named Xi Shing Lung out from a heavily fortified prison in the new movie, and according to the film’s synopsis they’ll have to do it Jack Bauer-style with a 24-hour deadline. Everything, of course, will turn out to not be as it seems, and Mandrake will end up finding himself at odds with a government agency gone rotten.
Leder takes over the director’s seat which was previously reported to be filled by “Scorpion King” director Chuck Russell a couple of years ago.
Christensen, Hounsou to Star in Mandrake
May 19th, 2009Hayden Christensen (Jumper, “Star Wars” prequels) and Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, Amistad) will star in Mandrake, the adaptation of Lee Falk’s comic strip “Mandrake the Magician.”
Mimi Leder (Deep Impact, The Peacemaker) will directed the film, written by Josh Oppenheimer and Thomas Dean Donnelly, JV Hart, and Ian Jeffers. The film is based on an original story by Kevin Bernhardt.
In the film, Jackson Mandrake lives life on the edge. Working as an underground magician and escapologist, his act has grown increasingly dangerous. Following a daring escape from an SUV that has been dropped out of an plane at the Burning Man Festival, he is coerced by the CIA into breaking a deep-cover agent named Xi Shing Lung out of a maximum security jail. Hypnosis, contortion, distraction and technical wizardry all come into play as Mandrake breaks the agent out from the inside within a 24-hour deadline.
But back on the outside, Mandrake learns that it was all a set-up. Xi is a CIA agent gone bad. He offers Mandrake the chance to join his crime ring. When Mandrake refuses, he’s a marked man. He must escape his would-be-killers and also the real CIA who accuse him of being in league with Xi. His quest to clear his name leads him into all sorts of dangers, which he must overcome with daredevil escapes that require all his conjuring skills. And along the way, Mandrake is forced to confront his past and the girl he left behind… Source
Hayden Christensen is MANDRAKE
May 19th, 2009‘Mandrake the Magician’ has been one of those projects that’s been in play for a long time and seen many false starts and backslides.
Today comes the stealth announcement that the project is once again showing signs of life.
We’ve learned that Mimi Leder (‘The Peacemaker’, ‘Deep Impact’) is now on board to direct the movie, which will star Hayden Crhistensen (‘Star Wars’) and Djimon Hounsou (‘Push’) as Mandrake and Lothar respectively.
Although the movie is based on Lee Falk’s classic comic strip, the fleet of screenwriters on the project (including Josh Oppenheimer, Thomas Dean Donnelly, JV Hart, Ian Jeffers and Kevin Bernhardt) have tweaked and modernized the concept considerably.
Here’s the description of the film:
“Jackson Mandrake lives life on the edge. Working as an underground magician and escapologist, his act has grown increasingly dangerous. Following a daring escape from an SUV that has been dropped out of an aeroplane at the Burning Man Festival, he is coerced by the CIA into breaking a deep-cover agent named Xi Shing Lung out of a maximum security jail. Hypnosis, contortion, distraction and technical wizardry all come into play as Mandrake breaks the agent out from the inside within a 24-hour deadline.
“But back on the outside, Mandrake learns that it was all a set-up. Xi is a CIA agent gone bad. He offers Mandrake the chance to join his crime ring. When Mandrake refuses, he’s a marked man. He must escape his would-be-killers and also the real CIA who accuse him of being in league with Xi. His quest to clear his name leads him into all sorts of dangers, which he must overcome with daredevil escapes that require all his conjuring skills. And along the way, Mandrake is forced to confront his past and the girl he left behind… ”
The film will be produced by China’s Tiger8 Production along with Omega Productions, Inc. Source
Pepper, Preston and Lafevre join the cast of Casino Jack
May 19th, 2009Pepper, Preston and Lafevre join the cast of Casino Jack
Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston and Rachelle Lafevre will join Kevin Spacey on the thriller Casino Jack, which set to begin shooting on May 23 in Toronto.
Hannibal Pictures is handling worldwide sales and Cassian Elwes of William Morris Independent and Andrew Ruf of Paradigm represent US rights here. E1 Entertainment holds Canadian rights.
George Hickenlooper will direct the account of disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Pepper will play the insider’s protégé Michael Scanlon, who teamed with Abramoff to start a casino empire. Preston will play Abramoff’s loyal wife and Lafevre will play Miller’s love interest.
Gary Howsam and George Vitetzakis are producing from an original screenplay by Norman Snider. Hannibal Pictures’ Richard Rionda Del Castro is executive producer alongside Donald Zuckerman, Patricia Eberle, Lewin Webb, Oscar Generale, and Dana Brunetti for Trigger Street Productions. Source
Hayden Christensen is no longer attached to Casino Jack
May 19th, 2009$150 mil Tiger fund finances China films
May 19th, 2009First project to be directed by Mimi Leder
China’s Tiger 8 Media and Wuxi Jinyuan Industry Investment and Development Co. closed its Tiger Portfolio Film Fund (TPF), a revolving $150 million production fund that’s primarily aimed at films to be made in China.
The Chinese city of Wuxi invested $50 million in equity and a private Chinese investor contributed gap financing. The debt facility was arranged by Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong.
TPF’s first pic is a project formerly known as “Mandrake.” Pic, to be helmed by Mimi Leder and written by Kevin Bernhardt, will now be a more modern action-adventure that is no longer based on comicstrip character Mandrake the Magician.
Thesps Hayden Christensen and Djimon Hounsou are in negotiations to board the untitled film, which will lense in the mountain area of Shangri-la and in studios in Beijing.
Warner Bros. is in final negotiations for the domestic rights to the pic.
Producers include Howard and Karen Baldwin and Ashok Amritraj.
TPF is run by Justin Ackerman, Markus Barmettler and Sophie Xu. Omega Entertainment, headed by Peter Rogers and Tom Daniels, will handle TPF’s foreign and domestic sales.
Fund has a $300 million capacity for co-financing and could invest in some 16 films over five years.
“It is the first time Chinese and other investors have joined forces on a motion picture fund of this magnitude,” said Barmettler.
Warner’s distribution proxy Dan Feldman said he expects to “participate in TPF’s and Omega’s significant flow of upcoming productions.”
TPF will open offices in China and Los Angeles and is also involved with the development of a studio facility in the heart of Wuxi. The studios are part of China’s clear air initiatives to bring movie production and other industries to the Yangtze Triangle Region. Source