Despite much excitement over the opportunity to direct a film, Matt Damon has decided to pass off directing responsibilities for the upcoming untitled flick he co-wrote with John Krasinski. Meanwhile, Bret McKenzie teases his "The Hobbit" cameo, Kevin Smith updates fans on "Hit Somebody" and Emma Stone finds a "Little White Corvette."
Today is January 5, and you're tuning into today's daily news round up.
Matt Damon Passes On Directing His Directorial Debut
This is a bit of a bummer. Vulture is reporting that Matt Damon is no longer planning on directing the film that was going to be his directorial debut, though he is still planning on starring in it. According to sources close to the project, Damon is pulling back because of "script issues," which is a bit weird because he and John Krasinski co-wrote the script off an idea Krasinski and David Eggers came up with. Whatever the cause, Vulture says the film likely isn't dead in the water because of all the big-name talent still attached to it.
Bret McKenzie Talks "The Hobbit" Cameo
"The Hobbit" includes a number of exciting appearances by big name actors, but one of the funniest and most random additions to the cast has got to "Flight of the Concords" star Bret McKenzie. The New Zealand-born actor was an extra in "Fellowship of the Ring" and scored one line in "Return of the King," and the fan response to his inclusion was so great (pre-"Flight") that director Peter Jackson made sure he cast McKenzie in "The Hobbit" as well. McKenzie dished to ComingSoon.net that he'll play a character named Lindir who is a friend of Elrond's and has a few lines in Elvish. When asked if this is the same character as the one fans dubbed "Figwit" from the "Lord of the Rings" films, McKenzie said no. "You'll probably see, I've got slightly different ears," he said with a laugh. "That's how I differentiate my elf characters. The big difference for this character is that he's in 3D. He's a character that's a lot more three dimensional."
"Avatar" Second-Unit Director To Take On Tornados
Steven Quale, the second-unit director on "Avatar" and "Titanic," is in final negotiations with New Line to direct an upcoming found-footage film documenting a hurricane called "Category Six." Vulture has the exclusive, saying that Quale's involvement likely means the film will be shot in 3D because he was responsible for "much of the envelope-pushing 3D in 'Avatar.'" Quale recently made his directorial debut with New Line with the film "Final Destination 5."
Kevin Smith Tweets "Hit Somebody" Updates
Kevin Smith took to his Twitter this morning to post some new news about his upcoming -- and final -- film, "Hit Somebody." Apparently he's squashed his plans to split the story into two films, and is just going to make one long flick to go out with a bang. His guess is that it will probably clock in at 150 total running time, including credits. Smith is working on a second script for the project right now, and said he's expecting to get the film in front of the camera in June with a planned premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Emma Stone Cruises To "Little White Corvette"
Deadline is reporting that Emma Stone is on board to star in the upcoming movie "Little White Corvette," which was just acquired by GK Films for $1 million. She'll likely be playing the character of the older sister in the film. "Little White Corvette" follows two siblings who travel to Miami to try to sell the million-dollar stash of '70s cocaine they found in the trunk of their late father's car, according to Deadline. Shooting will begin in the late summer.
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