Ralph Fiennes in talks for ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’

With all of the casting confusion the internet is producing, we’re happy to set the record straight and report that both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter (THR) have confirmed Ralph Fiennes is in negotiations for Wes Anderon’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. He’s set to play a character named M. Gustave, who serves as the hotel’s perfectly composed concierge. This role was originally reported to be filled by Johnny Depp, but Wes Anderson denied this two months ago. But Anderson’s frequent cronies Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman are in the cast. Couldn’t imagine an Anderson without them. Fiennes recent projects have been acting alongside Daniel Craig in 007: Skyfall and portraying Charles Dickens in The Invisible Woman.

Also, THR has noted that Murder She Wrote‘s Angela Lansbury is no longer involved with the movie due to commitments to a stage version of the Academy-award winning film Driving Miss Daisy (also a Pulitzer Prize winning play). Lansbury has been performing on stage every year for the past six years. Lansbury will be playing alongside James Earl Jones and will open next year at Her Majesty’s Theater. Tickets will be on sale October 22nd.

The Grand Budapest Hotel is set for release in 2014. Keep checking back at RA.com for more updates.

 

Friday News Round-Up 7/27/12


A little light today, but still full of love. We’re in between movies and casting and we’re feeling the strain. Hopefully soon, we’ll hear more about the official cast and plot for #8, which starts filming in the fall. Until then, let’s get down to it:

Friday News Round-Up 6/29/12




Friends, Romans, Countrymen– welcome back into the fold. As you have surely noticed, yes, things are slowing down- down, but not out. There is more to come and much to look forward to: the ever expanding release of Moonrise, award season, more information about Movie #8, films by related artists, and new features (!) on the site. But for now, let’s get to it.

Cousin Ben Hosts a MR Screening

Maybe you haven’t yet heard, but Moonrise Kingdom is still expanding in its platform release. In order to keep up spirits and excite new audiences, Funny or Die produced an exclusive video directed by Wes Anderson with Jason Schwartzman as Cousin Ben hosting a screening for the Khaki Scouts. No spoilers, but a very cute addition to the online exclusives.

Jason Schwartzman Interview from Cannes


We’re a little late to post this one, but don’t let its 6-day age turn you off. Jason Schwartzman, interviewed by Jada Yuan for New York Magazine, is at his best. He talks about his childhood experiences, working with Bill Murray, and his friendship with Wes:

So, when Wes calls, do you just drop everything you’re doing to be in his movies? Do you have a say in what you play?

First of all, let me say this: This is one of my best friends in the whole world and I am very, very lucky for that. There are very few people I could say that are my close people that I really, really care about. And I would say that there are an even smaller amount of them that I could say I actually work with, too. And it’s just very lucky. I met Wes on Rushmore. We made a movie together. We stayed in touch through the years. And then this weird thing happens to you personally and you talk about it and then you keep talking, and then all of a sudden it’s twelve years older and you’re like, “Wow, this is my best friend.”

Read the rest of the interview over at The Vulture.
(image via GQ)

Friday News Round-Up 5/25/12


It’s here, it’s finally here! It’s opening day! Buy your tickets early and often to support Wes and luxuriate in his newest cinematic masterpiece (and confidentially, as few of our editors have already seen the film, we can confirm it’s as wonderful as you had hoped.)

With that said, it’s time to get down to brass tacks, here’s your Friday Round-up:

The Guardian’s Interview of Wes

The Guardian has a nice interview with Wes regarding his style, his critical reception, working with children, and his frequent collaborators. Regarding the last, he says:

“I don’t think any of us are considered ‘normal’ people,” he says. “It’s probably more a family of crazy uncles. But there’s an energy that comes from people who are friends. Whatever chemistry is on set is going to be there in the movie, and you want some electricity that you don’t really control.”

The rest of the interview can be read over at The Guardian.

Moonrise Kingdom set footage and interviews.

For all you Wes Anderson fans that can’t hold back your excitement for Moonrise Kingdom, here are four behind the scenes (b-roll) videos from the set that we know you’ll enjoy. Also, cast interviews with Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton and Bill Murray.

Part: I

See a ton more after the jump.

Continue reading “Moonrise Kingdom set footage and interviews.”

Three New Clips from Moonrise Kingdom

First, from the AV Club, a great clip of Tilda Swinton as the Social Services administrator arrives to stock of the investigation of Sam’s escape with Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp and Edward Norton as Scoutmaster Ward. Embed via The Film Stage.

See two more clips after the jump.

Continue reading “Three New Clips from Moonrise Kingdom”

14 New Stills from Moonrise Kingdom

And the hits just keep on coming! 14 new stills from Moonrise Kingdom have been released, featuring Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman, Ed Norton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray, along with many campers. We’ve included three of our favorites below:



See the rest over at Collider.