The Kingdom Stays Shut Until September
Universal Pictures has decided to put back the release for Peter Berg's terrorist drama The Kingdom, but in a good way. According to a spokesman for the studio, the Michael Mann produced, Middle East-set film has tested so well at early screenings that the marketing boffins now believe they can significantly increase their weekend box-office figures if they roll it out over the Columbus Day long weekend. That means a six month wait for fans, who previously only had eight more weeks to cross off of the calendar.
That's Not An Authorised Use Of A Lucasfilm Trademark
A Chewbacca impersonator was arrested earlier this week for head-butting a Hollywood tour guide. According to Australia's ABC News Online, several other movie character and cartoon impersonators witnessed the incident which occurred outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The 1.96 metre-tall man (presumably wearing a Wookiee costume) was heard to say "Nobody tells this Wookiee what to do," before attacking the guide after they warned the impersonator off of harassing two Japanese tourists. Apparently it's not uncommon for some of them to get angry if they don't receive a tip after posing for photographs. Two years ago, Mr Incredible, Elmo, and the killer from Scream were arrested for 'aggressive begging'. If anyone has an authentic picture of Elmo being bundled into the back of a police van, we'd love to see it.
Ye Gods, No!
According to Chud.com, someone at the American press junket for Joel Schumacher's The Number 23 asked the director – who, never forget, was responsible for Batman And Robin – if there was a comic book franchise that he would really like to adapt for the big screen. A chill more scary than anything in his most recent thriller ran down the spine of every comic lover within vibeshot when Schumacher replied "Sandman." Hope and pray with all your might that this never happens. No questions, just do it!