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Today's casting roundup reveals that Vegas is getting a scam artist, New Jersey's getting some regular additions, and Jerry from Parks and Recreation might actually get some respect from a mentalist. Read on for all that and more!
Blue Bloods has gone down to the reservoir (dog!) and cast Michael Madsen in an upcoming storyline--playing the bad guy to Donne Wahlberg's good cop. Madsen plays John, a professional criminal that Danny Reagan arrested, subsequently ruining his life. So Madsen's John, who has just been released from prison, has some bones (get it? Bones? Dog? As in, Reservoir Dogs, that movie Madsen was in? We've got jokes!) to pick with Reagan. This comes as an addition to the news that Sebastian Sozzi will recur as Vinny Cruz, the new hot-shot partner of Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), coming in from one of the toughest precincts in the city.
Over in Vegas, Sarah Jones moves from Alcatraz to Sin City as series regular Mia Rizzo. Rizzo is a scam artist, picking off money in the casino's Count Room to funnel cash back to her hometown, Chicago.
LOST's Ken Leung is now a Person of Interest and will kick off his stint on the show during the season premiere next month.
Aww shucks, it's all sorts of motherly love on the set of NCIS: Los Angeles, where the real-life moms of stars Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen will appear in an episode of the show with their kids. How sweet!
Made in Jersey adds two more Jersey girls to its series regular count, with Kristoffer Polaha and Megalyn Echikunwoke joining the cast.
And last but certainly not least, The Mentalist has added two recurring characters in Ivan Sergei as a dreamy-but-tough FBI Agent, and Polly Walker as another tough-but-dreamy FBI Agent (though apparently Walker is more senior). And damn it, Jerry! Jim O’Heir is taking a break from his days in Pawnee at Parks and Recreation to guest star in the season premiere. His character will play someone who is actually useful and not a punching bag for an entire department. Go Jerry!
[EW]
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It happens: life. You know? Those moments we all experience where the timing is unfortunate, when something happens that makes you look and feel a little bit uncomfortable. It changes the perception and the like, right? Well, that sometimes happens to movies, too! And not just to The Watch, which is out in theaters now.
You know The Watch, right? It's that movie that used to be called Neighborhood Watch. The one that, on Feb. 29, released its poster picturing gunshots (comedically?) bandied about a "neighborhood watch" sign. Yes, that's right: The poster was released on Feb. 29, a mere three days after the controversial shooting death of Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman. Yep. Woops. Needless to say, the coincidence was a little too close for most people and felt a bit in poor taste given the circumstances. People were fairly glad to see those marketing materials removed that March.
So a new strategy was born, and that's why now we have jolly middle-aged men engaging in hijinks and general tomfoolery while wearing matching track jackets and being generally overly serious about an extracurricular activity wherein they have no real authority. It's like a bait and switch from the editing room.
Though this awkward fate was not only bestowed on Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill, Vince Vaughn and Co. No, quite the opposite, I'm afraid: There have been more uncomfortable moments in movie history, and we've made a list of the most awkward ones. Because it's better if we have a moment of silence for each of them. Their awkward fates were sealed not of their own volition. It's always better with a little time, a little space.
Awkward! The Most Poorly-Timed Movies: Gallery
[Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox]
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Eric Dane certainly joined the show with an, ahem...bang, and his departure announcement hits Grey's Anatomy fans with a bang of a different sort. It was reported by TVLine that creator Shonda Rhimes confirmed McSteamy (aka Mark Sloan)'s departure from the series after the upcoming season at Seattle Grace.
Rhimes explained further in a statement: "We’re a big family here at Grey’s with a long history together and Eric will always remain an important part of our family. I wish him the best and I look forward to watching him as he continues to steam up the big and small screen." Driving home that the parting was not on sour terms, Rhimes continued to say that " [Dane] did not come to this decision lightly, but after much consideration and conversations, he and I have decided that this is the right time for his storyline to end."
Dane added in his own statement that "I am extremely grateful to everyone at Grey's, ABC and Shondaland for the experience and memories I have had over the course of this run. It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes."
Dane's departure comes after an emotionally-charged, highly-discussed finale wherein his character's girlfriend Lexie passed away from injuries she sustained in the plane crash that affected many of the doctors on the show. Dr. Sloan was forced to look on helplessly as she passed, a plot point that caused a lot of discussion and controversy with fans of the medical drama.
Hollywood.com has reached out for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
[TVLine]
[Image Credit: ABC]
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Eric Dane
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Ryan Murphy's uber-mysterious miniseries-slash-horror-show, American Horror Story has its dancing shoes on with their most recent casting of Adam Levine's better half. And who better than Channing Tatum's wife, Jenna Dewan to get in on the freak(y) show? Dewan joins Levine and a truly stellar cast list that includes Jessica Lange, James Cromwell, Joseph Fiennes, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Zachary Quinto, Chloë Sevigny and Lizzie Brochere, to bring the show to life (in death?) in its entirely new second season.
We wonder if there will be any musical numbers taking place at the East Coast "horror institution" where the show is set this time around, since Levine and Dewan are known for their happy feet. The art of the dance is strong with this one: Dewan started her career as a noted dancer. Even before her Step Up days, Dewan had a very impressive career as a back-up dancer for Justin Timberlake and a bevy of other musical acts. And (of course) who could forget Levine's declaration of his moves being like that of Jagger's? Give us a musical episode or give us death, Murphy! Although if you turn it into another Glee-ful after-school special, we might be less than accepting.
What do you think of the casting choice? Do you think Dewan can convince Tatum to make an appearance (we think a dead and/or crazy stripper is exactly the character choice to boost this show up to perfection)? Sound off in the comments!
[EW]
[Image Credit: Lionsgate]
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In a movie that was already looking like one of the most interestingly-casted films we'd heard of in awhile, Robert Rodriguez added yet another outlandish name to his Machete Kills cast list: Lady Gaga. Now, if having a cameo role in one of Rodriguez's exploitation films isn't a natural progression for her image and general aesthetic, we're not sure what is, really. Playing a character named La Chameleón, Gaga joins fellow attractive ladies Sofía Vergara and Jessica Alba, as well as a couple scandalebrities like Charlie Sheen, Mel Gibson, and Michelle Rodriguez. Eyebrows, they are a-raisin'. And how does her character look? Well, see for yourself:
Dang, Gaga! They certainly can't call this yellow mellow. Not when you're packing heat like that. PETA are probably minutes away from a s**t fit, but it certainly leaves us wondering what sort of woman has the, well, balls to waltz around with a head-on wolf fur in life. We're sure some of you will be howling (can't help myself, sorry) over this image for awhile. Though we now have more questions then answers about her character's role within the film. According to productions notes, there is another similarly-named character listed in the film: La Camaleon, and he (yes, HE!) is played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. What is going on here? Color us very intrigued, Rodriguez.
Either way, the choice of project falls very much in line with Gaga's world. Who could forget her Tarantino-homage-tinged Telephone video (Quentin Tarantino and Rodriguez are notorious buddies, plus Gaga featured the "Pussy Wagon" from Kill Bill in the video)? Homegirl is certainly known for her over-the-top drama and performances: both things that work very well in the exploitation scene.
Check out what Rodriguez has to say about Gaga below.
I just finished working with @LadyGaga on @MacheteKills , she kicked SO MUCH ASS! Holy Smokes. Blown away! yfrog.com/kezw3dnj— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 26, 2012
Gaga also took to Twitter to discuss her excitement on her first movie role:
Yes its true, I will be making my debut as an actress ln the amazing MACHETE KILLS BY @RODRIGUEZ IM SO EXCITED!!! AH! Filming was insane.— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2012
Does Gaga's surprise role in the film leaving you wanting more, or totally over it? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow Alicia on Twitter @alicialutes
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Don't you just hate it when your mom catches you about to do it with someone? Isn't it just the worst when that someone is your dad's best friend? Who's married? And your families do everything together? Welcome to The Oranges. The film, starring House star Hugh Laurie, as well as a bevy of other very well and good actors, tells that story, and yes, it is as delightfully uncomfortable and seemingly strange as that all might sound.
You see, the story is that The Ostroff and Walling families of West Orange, NJ, are super close. They do all sorts of things together all the time! (It nearly looks like a Big Love-type situation.) But then--and here comes the woopsie--Walling patriarch David (Laurie) falls for Ostroff daughter Nina (Leighton Meester, XOXO), which makes things kind of awkward! And definitely weird.
Supported by an eclectic-but-good cast made up of Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Adam Brody, Allison Janney, and Alia Shawkat, the film looks like a quirky-but-serious dramedy with a nice little bouncy soundtrack attached. The story is unexpected, but familiar enough to seem like it will play out well. Plus who can say no to Hugh Laurie and his heartily-convincing American accent, right?
Check out the trailer below:
The film looks like a fine and entertaining romp, and has a limited US release on October 5, 2012.
Follow Alicia on Twitter @alicialutes
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Earlier today it was reported that TJ Jackson (Tito's son), was named temporary guardian of the late singer Michael Jackson's three children Wednesday.
In the unfolding saga that seems to be the Jackson family, it was declared that Katherine Jackson (Michael's mother) was being kept against her will from seeing the children and, making her unable to fulfill her guardian duties. Confused yet? Well, it doesn't help that reports from members of the family all seem to confuse rather than clarify--they all say something different. But it all becomes part of an even bigger picture, as drama unfolds about Michael's will.
RELATED: Police Respond: Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's Mother, Reported 'Missing'
It seems as though some allege the will is fake, or a forgery--in it, the children are given Michael's estate control exclusively. But the date Jackson allegedly signed the will, he was in New York, not California where his executors live. Suspicious! The will stated that upon Katherine Jackson’s death, her portion of the estate passes to Paris, Prince, and Michael Jr., leaving Michael's father and siblings with nothing.
Is this a power-play to gain control over the estate and therefore Michael's money? Not so, says L.A. Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff. Merely an injunction to make sure the kids are properly taken care of, though they say different. Jackson's daughter Paris took to Twitter, saying "8 days and counting . something is really off , this isn’t like her at all .. i wanna[sic] talk directly to my grandmother!!," adding fuel to the fire that something more else is going on here. So naturally, the aunts and uncles decided to stop by the house and start videotaping their talking to the kids on camera phones. (Because that is a very normal way to interact with your family!)
RELATED: Michael Jackson's Family: Police Called for Feud at Matriarch Katherine's House
To further propagate (though seemingly unintentionally) the confusion, Michael's brother Randy went on Good Morning America to explain that this was all just to tell the kids that they can see their grandmother whenever they want. What? So are they against the children or the executors here, or the will? Check out Randy's conversation below:
RELATED: Pepsi Is Taking Michael Jackson on Tour: Hologram Next?
So now we are left to wonder...is Katherine OK? Why haven't the kids seen the person that is allegedly their guardian? Are they (or Katherine) being manipulated by the executors? Or by the aunts and uncles? Is this all part of a storyline to some secret reality show we don't know they're filming? Only time will seemingly tell. It seems as though once the will's authenticity is invalidated (or not), the rest of the story will unfold. In the meantime, TJ Jackson will be making all decisions involving the kids until this whole situation is sorted out.
What do you think about the unfolding Jackson drama? Are you worried for Michael's kids or Katherine Jackson? Let us know in the comments.
[Image Credit: WENN]
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As we reported earlier today, all six of the adult lead cast members on ABC's Modern Family, including Ty Burrell, Sofia Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Julie Bowen and Ed O'Neill have filed a suit today to void their contracts with 20th Century Fox Television. And while this came as a surprise to some (co-executive producer Danny Zuker tweeted after the story broke: "So, anything interesting happen at YOUR office today...?"), it is not an entirely unsurprising move. In the history of television, there are many instances of cast members banding together in order to receive the pay they feel justly entitled to, and oftentimes, it works. Don't believe us? Check out some highly-publicized contract disputes from television's past below!
Show: Friends
Complaint: The stars (Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Courtney Cox, and Matthew Perry) knew that Warner Brothers (who bragged about it publicly) were making tons of money off the show--at the time it was one of the most profitable television shows ever--and decided to do a joint holdout (much like the cast of Modern Family did) in order to bargain for more money. They were originally bringing in $40,000 per episode.
Amount Requested: About $100,000 per episode, though Warner Brothers was trying to negotiate down to $75,000.
Amount Earned: They got their $100,000 and went on to reportedly bring home an astounding $1,000,000 an episode by the end of the series' run. Yowza! Those guys really took that Rembrandt's song to heart. Looks like it paid off!
Show: The Simpsons
Complaint: The longest-running show on television almost ended early when contract negotiations began during the 23rd season. Twentieth Century Fox claimed that unless voice actors--namely principals Harry Shearer, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith and Hank Azaria--took a 45% pay cut, the should would be unable to continue.
Amount Requested: The actors fought back, with several alleged deals being volleyed around. Shearer claimed that he would take a 70% pay cut if he could have access to a portion of the marketing, consumer product, and syndication money (which made the company an estimated $8 billion per year at the time).
Amount Earned: In the end, Twentieth Century Fox wouldn't budge on the money participation, but the actors did accept a 30% pay cut to keep the show on the air, and the fans rejoiced!
Show: Jersey Shore
Complaint: The cast of Jersey Shore aren't as dumb as they look when it comes to contract negotiations. They, similarly to the cast of Friends also did a joint holdout on signing onto season three of the hit show in order to ensure everyone received the same amount. It is reported that the cast originally made $10,000 an episode for season two and $30,000 an episode for season three.
Amount Requested: It is unknown how much the cast officially requested, but it was alleged that Snooki, The Situation, Pauly D, JWOWW, Ronnie, Vinny, Sammi, and Deena requested somewhere in the $150,000 range.
Amount Earned: In the end, the cast signed into season three of the show making a handsome $100,000 per episode. Remember: never fall in love at the Jersey Shore, it's all about business!
Show: West Wing
Complaint: In 2001, the cast of the Aaron Sorkin show had a very public dispute about contract negotiations as it was uncovered how much more some stars were making than others. Because of this, stars Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and John Spencer banded together to renegotiate what they were bringing home.
Amount Requested: The four actors requested that their salaries be tripled.
Amount Earned: In the end, Warner Brothers agreed to double their salaries, bringing them each $70,000 per episode (they were originally making $30,000 per episode). However star Rob Lowe wasn't so lucky: he reportedly was making between $75,000 - $100,000 an episode, but the company refused to consider a pay raise for the actor, so he left the show.
Show: The Real Housewives of New York
Complaint: Heading into season three, the original gals (minus Kelly Bensimon) bandied together to request a six-figure salary per episode. Bensimon, who was still new to the series, signed onto a smaller contract without hesitation.
Amount Requested: It was rumored that the girls requested somewhere in the low $100,000 per episode.
Amount Earned: While details are scarce as to exact numbers, the girls did end up with something in the low six-figures to continue onto the next season. It wouldn't last though, as several of the ladies contracts (including Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, and Alex McCord) were later fired before season five.
Show: The Big Bang Theory
Complaint: The show, it can be argued, has a very similar level of notoriety, success, and critical acclaim to the first one on our list, Friends. And it's also run by the Warner Brothers folks. So it's no surprise that the three lead castmembers (Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki) initially tried to negotiable in their footsteps, by negotiating as a unit. However, that strategy (for whatever reason) quickly crumbled as Emmy-winning Parsons made an about-face and negotiated on his own.
Amount Requested: It is currently unknown what the request was, but there is speculation it was in the $300,000 - $400,000 range
Amount Earned: In the end, Parsons' strategy didn't work, so he, Cuoco and Galecki ended up earning roughly $200,000 per episode last season, which was still a huge increase from $60,000 the season prior. They also managed to secure $50,000 bumps each year over the next three years, AND syndication profits. Oh those brainiac nerds! So good with the numbers.
What do you think about the contract negotiations going on with the Modern Family cast? Do you think their raises are warranted? Let us know what you think below in the comments.
[Image Credit: ABC]
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After coming in second place for Emily Maynard's heart on The Bachelorette, questions arose about Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s potential to be the man du jour on their other show, The Bachelor (from which The Bachelorette spin-off originated). And as is the natural course for the ABC family of romantic hopefuls after a season ends, comes the speculation about which of the contestants may get their chance at finding love again. Enter attractive race car driver and runner-up: Arie. Not only does he have an already established career (with a high-enough profile image to bring in fans from his other career), but he has plenty of fans from the show who wouldn't hate watching him make-out a little bit more on national television.
But he's not the only fellow from Emily's season with buzz on him with Bachelor potential: another runner-up, Sean Lowe is also fan favorite for the chance to hand out roses.
Hollywood.com got a chance to chat with Arie, as well as loved-up fiancés/Kewpie dolls Emily and Jef Holm about all of this, and their answers might surprise you.
As far as Arie goes on the Bachelor rumors, he's pretty tight-lipped, explaining that it would be a "very tough decision and I'd really have to put a lot of thought to that." And while "months have gone by since the taping," Arie still has a bit of mending to do regarding the break-up. "It is a very emotional journey. And it would be a very tough decision for me ... I have to give it a lot of thought."
But does Arie believe in the show's ability to find love, especially when so many couples in its past have not been able to really make it last? Well, yes! He explained that he "realize[ed] through the experience, I did find love. And it was a really great experience for me because it opened me up and it really allowed me to self reflect a lot." Arie's words are only vaguely similar to Sean's, who--when we spoke to him earlier in the season--felt strongly on both ends of the spectrum: "It was so emotionally taxing and I don’t know if could go through that again. On the flip side of the coin, I understand that the process works. I believe in the process and ultimately if I were to find my wife, it would certainly all be worth it."
So would Arie do it? While he explained that he "would be very flattered if they asked," he did admit that he was unsure "what the future holds" for him at this point, but does admit he thinks he could be a good fit--along with his fellow former contestant, Sean. "Sean is a great guy," Arie explained, "and I think we'd both be great. But I think it's a tough decision. And once you've been through it and realized how emotional it is, it is a very unique experience, it's a very hard decision to make. I think Sean or myself would be good for that."
When it comes to which team Jef and Emily are on, though, they're both pretty mum, but agree that Arie would be a good choice:"I think Arie is so funny, and I think it would be entertaining just as a viewer of the show ... I got to know them both, and so did Jef just living with them. I think they both would be so much fun to watch in different ways. They are both very different from each other, you can't go wrong." Jef agreed about Arie as a potential Bachelor man, and added "I would love it!"
But would it be weird, watching someone you used to kiss on the mouth kiss a bunch of other girls on the mouth? Not so, says Emily: "It wouldn't be hard for me at all." Sounds like Arie has some potential viewers if he were to be cast on the show to look for love once more.
What do you think about Arie's chances of being The Bachelor? Would you watch if he was on, or are you more of a Sean fan? Sound off in the comments!
Reporting by Lindsey DiMattina
Follow Alicia on Twitter @alicialutes
[Photo Credit: ABC]
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It looks like Jonathan Rhys Meyers is moving from one epic castle to another. Deadline is reporting that NBC has put in an order for a series based around the very un-sparkly vampire, Dracula. The show received a script-to-series order, because executives at the network were apparently so pleased with the script, they didn't need to see a pilot to be convinced it was the show for them.
The plot revolves around Dracula (Meyers), who comes to Victorian-era London, pretending to be an American. He positions himself as an entrepreneur fixed on bringing modernity and science to the town. However his motives are not so genuine in truth: instead his plan is to seek revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries prior. There is also talk of a love interest who Dracula feels may be a reincarnation of his dead wife. Sounds saucy!
Initial reports on the series described it as a combination of Dangerous Liaisons and Meyers' last television venture, The Tudors. Well then, if that doesn't sound like a destined fit for Meyers, we don't know what does.
Are you excited to see Jonathan Rhys Meyers return to television? Let us know in the comments!
[Deadline]
[Image Credit: The Weinstein Company]
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