Those damn dirty apes are back. "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" has started filming with Andy Serkis reprising his role as Caesar, directed by Matt Reeves ("Let Me In"). We knew that effects company WETA would return to create the same realistic, expressive apes from the first film that will be unleashed in theaters on May 23, and now plot details have emerged for the new chapter.
The film takes place 15 years after "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." Caesar leads a band of genetically evolved apes, but the humans that survived the deadly virus a decade earlier threaten their existence. A truce is formed, but things quickly spin out of control as war breaks out in the fight for dominance. Jason Clarke ("Zero Dark Thirty"), Gary Oldman ("The Dark Knight Rises"), Keri Russell ("Mission Impossible III"), Judy Greer ("The Descendants") also star, with Toby Kebbell ("RocknRolla") and Enrique Murciano ("Traffic") newly added to the cast. Who are you siding with during the uprising?
Sequel to 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' Announced
"The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones" doesn't arrive in theaters until August 23, but Variety reports that a sequel to the dark fantasy tale has already appeared. "The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes" will see the same crew, including cast leads Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell. "City of Bones" is adapted from Cassandra Clare's young adult fantasy novel and follows Clary Fray (Collins) as she uncovers the secrets of her past while searching for her mom who is abducted by a demon. "City of Ashes" finds Clary as a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, contending with new dark family secrets, and falling in love. Read the full plot details on Variety if you don't care about spoilers, and let us know if you've read the books.
'Dracula' Casting Continues
It looks like Dominic Cooper may join "Dracula." Variety reports the "Captain America" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" actor would star opposite Luke Evans in Universal's twist on Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Evans will play the title character, but we don't have word yet on Cooper's potential part. The story will focus on the fanged fiend's origins as a young prince, historically known as Vlad the Impaler, but the film adds its own mythology to the bloody mix.
Luke Evans Talks His Part in 'The Crow'
Speaking of Luke Evans, the actor has also been cast in the upcoming "Crow" remake. Relativity Media has revamped the story based on the James O'Barr comic book series that was adapted into a 1994 film starring the late Brandon Lee. The "Fast and Furious 6" villain has a lot to live up to in the cult role, but the actor recently spoke about his connection to the part of the undead musician that returns to avenge his girlfriend's death. He also spoke of his support for the remake after a less than flattering script review popped up online a few days ago:
"'[The Crow]' was a very poignant film from my childhood, which I remember vividly. The soundtrack, also. It was such a solid performance that Brandon Lee gave. It was a very tragic end for somebody that probably would have had a very promising career... I'm Eric Draven. I'm the same character. Obviously, he's been refreshed and brought up to date. We're reimagining it to a certain extent, but the story and the plot is mostly the same."
"Crow" fans: are you still feeling nervous about this one, or has Evans reassured you?
New Still from 'I Spit on Your Grave 2'
The first still from Anchor Bay's "I Spit on Your Grave 2" has appeared. The 2010 remake of the 1978 cult film "Day of the Woman" ("I Spit on Your Grave") divided audiences (namely fans of the original), but the studio is starting a new chapter in the rape revenge series. We don't really want to know what star Jemma Dallender is doing with that nasty-looking torture device, but we can guess. The Steven R. Monroe-directed movie will be released in the fall.
