New Line is developing Man That Rocks the Cradle as the first star vehicle for Samuel L. Jackson since the studio signed a deal with the actor’s Uppity Films. Bought as a spec script by Josh Cagan and based on a story by Cagan and Rob McKittrick, the film revolves around an overworked husband and father of four who decides the solution to all his problems is a live-in nanny. Jackson will play the nanny, Marion Delacroix, a reputed “kid whisperer” from the South. Jackson will produce the film with Michael Nash through the Uppity Films. Chris Fenton and McKittrick will be executive producers.
Dimension Films has set Malcolm Lee to direct Soul Men, a road trip comedy to star Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac. The pair will play bickering backup soul singers who haven’t spoken in 20 years but reluctantly travel cross country together for a tribute concert to honor their famous former band leader. Jackson and Mac will do their own musical and dancing performances for the film, which will begin production on January 21. The script was written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone.
Variety is reporting that Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac will star as estranged soul-singing legends on a reunion tour in Soul Men, a Dimension Films comedy that will begin production January 15. Dimension will hire a director within the next two weeks. David Friendly and Steven Greener will produce. The comedy was written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone, the writing team behind Intolerable Cruelty, Life and Man of the House. Jackson and Mac will play two former backup soul singers who are part of a famed group. They haven’t spoken to each other in 20 years but reluctantly agree to travel together for a tribute performance in honor of their recently deceased band leader. Both Jackson and Mac will dance and sing, and the film is negotiating for access to the Stax Records catalog.
Marvel Studios mega-producer Avi Arad confirmed to MTV that 2-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank filmed some top-secret moments for Iron Man, the highly-anticipated superhero flick due in theaters next May. It could be assumed that her role would lay the groundwork for a future, bigger Marvel appearance. The rumor mill first began circulating Swank’s name after director Jon Favreau capitalized the “s” in “Swank” in a MySpace blog post.
“How do you know [about that]?,” a stunned Arad replied when asked about Swank. After a few beats, he admitted: “It’s a cameo.” Following along the lines of secret Iron Man actors, the man behind the Spider-Man and X-Men films dodged a question about Samuel L. Jackson’s foreshadowing scenes as Nick Fury, saying “I can’t talk about that.” Clearly a bit frustrated, Arad then amended himself. “The Sam thing was supposed to be the biggest secret of them all,” he shrugged. “It’s amazing how it got out.” Nevertheless, the existence of Jackson’s hard-boiled superspy reveals a newfound willingness by Marvel to begin mimicking the way its comics mix different characters into each other’s storylines on a regular basis.
Continue reading Avi Arad Confirms Swank And Jackson Iron Man Cameos
Ain’t It Cool News is reporting that the currently-filming Iron Man movie will feature an appearance by Nick Fury that would serve to set-up the rumored Avengers movie. This version of Fury is based off of the Ultimate Avengers comic/movies with Samuel L. Jackson cast for the Iron Man cameo. Ain’t It Cool News believe this is not just rumor, but fact, and that Jackson is filming his scenes this week.
Samuel L. Jackson tells MTV that he is developing a sequel to The Long Kiss Goodnight with director Renny Harlin, who helmed the first pic. The actor says they are currently talking to writers. Don’t expect Geena Davis back in the role of Samantha Caine, however, as the sequel will focus on her daughter. “Actually, we’re thinking, you know, the little girl [Samantha's daughter, Caitlin] is grown up now and possibly got some skills passed onto her by her mom,” Jackson said. “Her mom gets killed and we want to find out who did it.”
New Line Cinema has signed a two-year, first-look production deal with its Snakes on a Plane star Samuel L. Jackson, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jackson and his still-untitled company will set up offices in Los Angeles. He is searching for an executive to run the company and is expected to hire staff soon. New Line approached Jackson after the success of Snakes, which was an Internet phenomenon. While the movie’s box office didn’t match the online hype, it did respectable business, grossing $33.5 million to date.
The company liked Jackson’s eye for commercial material as well as how his resume is filled with movies, ranging from popcorn fare to genre films to more serious subjects. The movies Jackson produces will be a mix of starring vehicles and ones that his company develops. Sources told the trade paper that Jackson will be very hands-on with material.
Continue reading New Line Signs Production Deal With Samuel L. Jackson
