New Interactive Trailer for Sherlock Series Three

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Season 3 of BBC’s “Sherlock” is finally almost here and BBC One has revealed a new interactive trailer for the upcoming third season.  The third season will premiere on BBC One on January 1st with “The Empty Hearse.” The third season will kick-off in the United States on January 19th on PBS.

After the New Year’s Day premiere, the second episode will air on Sunday, January 5th, followed by the third and final part on Sunday, January 12th. Those episodes are titled “The Sign of Three” and “His Last Vow.” All three episodes will run at 90 minutes each.

“Sherlock” is a British television crime drama that presents a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson. Six episodes have been produced, the first three of which aired in 2010. Series two aired in 2012, and a third series began production in March 2013. The series has been sold to over 180 territories.

The series depicts Sherlock depicts “consulting detective” Holmes, assisting the Metropolitan Police Service, primarily Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade (Rupert Graves), in solving various crimes. Holmes is assisted by his flatmate, Dr John Watson, who has returned from military service in Afghanistan. Although the series depicts a variety of crimes and perpetrators, Holmes’ conflict with his archnemesis Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott) is a recurring feature. Pathologist Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) assists Holmes in her laboratory. Other recurring roles include Una Stubbs as Mrs. Hudson, Holmes and Watson’s landlady; and co-creator Mark Gatiss as Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft Holmes.

Peyton Reed Plans The Fifth Beatle Adaptation

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Peyton Reed, most known for directing Down With Love and Being It On, is planning to helm the big screen adaptation of Vivek J. Tiwary’s recent graphic novel” The Fifth Beatle.” The graphic novel was written by Tiwary and features artwork by Andrew C. Robinson. Tiwary will produce alongside Bruce Cohen with production targeted to begin next year.

“The Fifth Beatle” is a graphic novel and feature film recounting the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the brilliant visionary who discovered the Beatles in a cellar in Liverpool, nurtured, protected, and guided them to international stardom, and died extremely successful and painfully lonely at the age of 32. It’s a human story about the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds—Brian was homosexual when it was a felony to be so, Jewish at a time of anti-Semitism, and from Liverpool when it was just a dingy port town. It’s a story about staggering ambition yielding staggering success, through a desire to change the world by messages of love and peace. A story about being an outsider and trying desperately to belong. A story about speed, triumph, and tragedy. A story whose themes resonate deeply across generations, sexes, and sexual preferences. A story full of dreams and music… The greatest music of all time.

The Fifth Beatle charts Brian Epstein’s discovery of The Beatles and his work to sharpen them into the stars they became—crafting their infectious image and presentation from truly rough and tough beginnings, securing a record deal when no one wanted to touch them, successfully bringing them to a world stage with a scale and scope no music impresario had ever attempted, and eventually proving through “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” that pop music could be an inspirational art form. Brian Epstein’s boast—”The Beatles will be bigger than Elvis!”— seemed absurd in 1961, but proved not just prophetic but humble by 1967.

Yet behind this “behind the music” story, The Fifth Beatle also follows Brian’s personal struggles and his desire to be “one of the boys”—a true “Fifth Beatle” if you will—in the face of crushing personal obstacles and loneliness from never having fallen in Love. His struggles with rapid, overwhelming success in the face of his simple human desire to belong. “The Fifth Beatle” will leave us passionately inspired but equally forced to question the last song on the last Beatles album when it suggests: “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

You can check out a trailer for the graphic novel version of the story in the player below:

Veronica’s Room to Hit The Big Screen

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Ira Levin, the writer behind the unsettling tales “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Stepford Wives,” has another work heading to film. Levin’s 1970’s Broadway thriller “Veronica’s Room” will be adapted thanks to Bob and Harvey Weinstein. They’ll produce, finance and distribute the feature adaptation under the TWC-Dimension label.

Similarly to his previous works of terror, “Veronica’s Room” explores the thin line between fantasy and reality. Students Susan and Larry find themselves enticed to an old New England mansion by its caretakers to meet the sole surviving member of the family. They insist that Susan bears a striking resemblance to Veronica, the family member’s long-dead sister. They believe her presence will comfort the dementia-afflicted woman and allow her to die in peace. But what begins as a simple errand of mercy quickly spirals into a nightmare cycle of guilt, sacrifice, and murder.

“From ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ to ‘Deathtrap,’ Harvey and I have been admirers of Ira Levin, as he has created some of the greatest thrillers in film history,” commented TWC & Dimension Films’ Co-Chairmen Bob Weinstein. “With ‘Veronica’s Room’ we have discovered a hidden gem that is going to reintroduce Ira’s genius to a new generation. It will also provide a fantastic opportunity for top tier actors and actresses to embody Ira Levin’s fascinating, complicated characters.”

No word yet on when production will begin on “Veronica’s Room.”

At the Intersection of Geeky and Cool: Hackers in the Movies

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Despite continued efforts on the part of government coalitions and private security firms to stem their activity, hackers continue to present a significant threat to any individual or organization intent on keeping information secure. According to a 2011 survey from the Ponemon Institute, 90 percent of companies claim to have been targeted by hackers. Fortunately, the reach of individual hackers remain far less extensive than what is portrayed in the hottest hacking movies of the past 20 years, but films such as “Hackers” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” still do an excellent job of showing the potential consequences of security breaches.

Hackers

One of the earlier films starring Angelina Jolie, the 1995 cult hit “Hackers” focused on a group of high school computer geniuses attempting to bring down a group of corrupt corporate leaders. Yes, the film’s protagonists were definitely dorky, as reflected in the alias ‘Zero Cool,’ but they also retained the sort of geeky hip status later seen in such real-life figures as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. At the time of its release, the film received some flak for engaging in what many termed as ‘hacksploitation,’ but critic Roger Ebert ultimately viewed it as a valuable contribution to an increasingly prominent film genre.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Based on the hit novel by Stieg Larsson, the American remake of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” movie appealed to British and American audiences, with its casting of Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig. Although the plot failed to completely revolve around hackers, this subculture still played an essential role, allowing protagonists Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist dig up the dirt necessary to solve a deadly mystery. Expect even greater influence from Lisbeth’s hacking friends in such future releases as “The Girl Who Played with Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” Much of the hacking plot from the novelized sequels reflected the reality of circa-2004 hackers and, assuming this subplot is retained in the upcoming films, should give audiences an inside look at the real lives of international hackers.

Live Free Or Die Hard

The fourth installment in the popular “Die Hard” series, “Live Free Or Die Hard” shifted its focus to the efforts of cyber terrorists, a growing concern among audience members in 2007. Despite the liberal interpretation of cybersecurity taken by screenwriters and film producers, many elements of the “Live Free Or Die Hard” plot were based in reality. For example, while critics deride fears concerning the diversion of natural gas as overblown, they do acknowledge the ability of talented individuals to access everything from personal bank accounts to the Social Security Administration, exemplifying the need for experts at LifeLock and identity theft protection companies at large to continue to provide fraud protection and thwart hackers.

The Matrix

In “The Matrix,” hackers are viewed not as villains but as victims of a very punitive and misleading system. But unlike their fellow sufferers, talented characters Trinity and Neo find the means to fight back, utilizing their tech talents for the good of society. Action heroes reflect society at large, which is why Neo and Trinity’s status as computer geeks proved so significant throughout the course of “The Matrix” trilogy.

Guest Post Written by Jerry Holloway

Jerry has a degree in computer science and writes about the ever-evolving world of computers.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Finds a Director in Michael Gracey

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After almost two years in development limbo, Universal Pictures big screen adaptation of Laini Taylor’s fantasy adventure “Daughter of Smoke & Bone” is finally moving forward. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Gracey has signed on to direct the project with a script from Stuart Beattie and original author Taylor.

The first book in the series is officially described as follows:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands”; she speaks many languages–not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. When one of the strangers–beautiful, haunted Akiva–fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Taylor will also produce alongside Joe Roth and Jane Putch while Palek Patel will serve as executive producer. There is no word on when the project will begin production or who the studio is eyeing for the lead role.

CBS Films Plans Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Adaptation

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Prepare for a nostalgia bomb readers over 20. CBS Films has optioned the rights to the children’s book series, “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” written by Alvin Schwartz. You know, those horror anthologies we used to read late at night under the covers or at sleepovers? According to Deadline, the anthology series is being adapted into a film with Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton providing the screenplay. The Sean Daniel Company’s Jason Brown and Sean Daniel are set to produce Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark alongside 1212 Entertainment’s Elizabeth Grave.

“Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” was originally published in 1981 and later became a three book series which included titles “More Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark” and “Scary Stories 3: More Tales To Chill Your Bones.”

This spooky addition to Alvin Schwartz’s popular books on American folklore is filled with tales of eerie horror and dark revenge that will make you jump with fright. There is a story here for everyone — skeletons with torn and tangled flesh who roam the earth; a ghost who takes revenge on her murderer; and a haunted house where every night a bloody head falls down the chimney. Stephen Gammell’s splendidly creepy drawings perfectly capture the mood of more than two dozen scary stories — and even scary songs — all just right for reading alone or for telling aloud in the dark. If You Dare!

The original (incredibly creepy) illustrations from Stephen Gammell were replaced with art by Brett Helquist for a recent 30th anniversary edition of the books. The switch led to some heavy criticism from fans who grew up with the original artists’s truly terrifying images.

There is no word yet on who will be directing the feature or what exactly the film will follow plot-wise. However, if any of the original art comes to life in the film, it will be truly terrifying.

Guillermo del Toro’s “The Strain” Teaser Revealed

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Guillermo del Toro and his upcoming new FX series, “The Strain” was teased during the mid-season finale of “The Walking Dead,” though most people probably didn’t realize it. he promo featured “found footage” accounts of rats. The first shot shows a couple dining outdoors until they spot rats scurrying about by a sewer grate. Another shot finds a batch of rats running through the hallway what looks like a City Hall. Then, enigmatically, a tiny phrase appears saying, “He is here.”

They are definitely utilizing the incredibly creepy aspect of found footage in the teaser.

The tale is a high concept thriller that tells the story of “Dr. Ephraim Goodweather” (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself. Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland, and Miguel Gomez also star.

“The Strain” is based on the novel of the same name written by del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Del Toro is also directing the pilot for “The Strain” which kicks off (unfortunately) next July.

You can watch the teaser below:

Sin City TV Series Coming Following A Dame to Kill For?

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The long-awaited sequel to Frank Miller’s 2005 Sin City film adaptation is almost here. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is set for an August 22, 2014 release date but it looks like we may have a television series to look forward to as well.  The Weinstein Company’s Bob Weinstein told The New York Times that they are looking at developing a “Sin City” TV series as well.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Bob Weinstein, interviewed separately from his brother, said he was developing original projects that would be in tune with his horror and action-oriented Dimension brand, along with several shows based on movies he has overseen for the company. He is preparing a pilot based on the “Scream” films for MTV, for instance, and developing a proposed 10-part series with Frank Darabont, based on Dimension’s film version of Stephen King’s “The Mist.”

Mr. Weinstein said he was also hoping to quickly follow the August release of the film “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez, with a “Sin City” television series from Mr. Miller and Mr. Rodriguez.

The “Sin City” franchise is based on the graphic novel series of the same name written by Frank Miller. A Dame to Kill For is a comic book limited series first published by Dark Horse Comics in 1993. It is the second story in Frank Miller’s Sin City series, and the first to be published in miniseries format. It was written and drawn entirely by Miller

 

Edgar Wright Thinks “Ant-Man” Will Surprise People

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Edgar Wright’s upcoming addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man, is fast approaching its 2015 release date but fans actually know very little about the film. Recently, Wright, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the film and why he thinks the film will surprise fans.

Wright said,

“I want to make him into a badass. No, I always liked that comic and I always thought it would be an interesting thing to see in live-action. That’s why I [showed] that Comic-Con test that we did for Marvel, to show this fight scene like a proof of content, like this is what the action is going to look like. I think a lot of people who maybe don’t know the character sort of see that test and go, “Oh, right, I get it. It’s like an action film,” so that’s the idea. I think people will be surprised by what kind of movie it is, and so in that respect it’s something that I know is going to stand out because it’s got a very different story and is a very different movie.”

He also confirmed that the tone of the film would remain in line with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Well, I think the Marvel movies are funny, you know? I think generally the Iron Man films and The Avengers is funny. They’re not ever in the comedy section, but they are funny and entertaining, so I think it’ll be something in a similar vein to that.”

Walt Disney Pictures has scheduled a July 31, 2015 release for the film, which was written by Wright and Joe Cornish.

Witches of East End Renewed for Second Season

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Lifetime has officially renewed their supernatural drama, “Witches of East End” for a second season. The show stars Julia Ormond, Mädchen Amick, Jenna Dewan Tatum and Rachel Boston as a family of witches living in the secluded seaside town of East Haven. Season two will begin in 2014.

Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lifetime, said,

“With its great story telling and amazing cast, ‘Witches of East End’ is leading a full-blown witch renaissance. The show’s perfect mix of premium execution with content that is in the zeitgeist is drawing new viewers to Lifetime and we’re very excited to be bringing it back for a second season.”

“Witches of East End” is based on the novel of the same name written by Melissa de la Cruz. It centers on the mysterious Beauchamp family: free-spirited artist Joanna (Ormond) and her two grown daughters, wild-child bartender Freya (Dewan Tatum) and shy librarian Ingrid (Boston), both of whom are unaware that they are gifted (and cursed) with a magical birthright. Freya is recently engaged to the man of her dreams, wealthy playboy Dash Gardiner (Eric Winter), but when she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Dash’s troubled, enigmatic brother Killian (Daniel DiTomasso), bizarre occurrences begin to manifest. Meanwhile, Joanna’s long-estranged sister Wendy (Amick) shows up with a warning that could change the Beauchamps’ fate forever, forcing Joanna to reveal to her daughters they are, indeed, immortal witches who possess great untapped powers.

“Witches of East End” also stars Jason George and Virginia Madsen. The series’ first season will conclude on Sunday, December 15th, at 10:00pm ET/PT. Produced by Fox 21, “Witches of East End” is executive produced by Maggie Friedman, Jonathan Kaplan, Erwin Stoff and Josh Reims. Kaplan also serves as the producing director on the series.