Joseph Gordon-Levitt to be Riddler in Third Batman ?!!?

After quietly raising his star power and nabbing a role in “Inception,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt may be cast in another career making role. Levitt is one of the few child stars to actually make a career for himself past the age 9. Currently he has nearly 60 appearances on tv and film on his resume.

As a third installment to Christopher Nolan’s Batman machine begins to take shape, casting rumors are running amok. The villain that will torture the Christian Bale’s hero hasn’t been announced but insiders are swearing it will be The Riddler.

Via First Showing:

“We’ve gotten word from a reliable inside source with a studio casting grid that The Riddler is listed as a character for Chris Nolan’s highly anticipated to the sequel to The Dark Knight, which is still called Batman 3 at Warner Bros. Even more interesting, the actor currently listed in the same grid to play the assumed villain is none other than Joseph Gordon-Levitt, whose status is just listed as ‘interested.’”

Many names have been thrown around for roles in the third installment. Many characters have also been theorized. You may have heard Johnny Depp was after the Riddler role along with a long list of actresses after the Catwoman role. Even a delicious rumor feature Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin circulated. Currently, Christopher Nolan and his brother, Jonathan Nolan along with David Groyer are still rumored to be working on the screenplay.

So is there any validity to this rumor? Perhaps. Levitt wisely spoke highly of Nolan after working with him in the latest hit film “Inception.” They reportedly got along very well and he’d be stupid turn his nose up at an opportunity like this. In my opinion, I would walk away confident that the Riddler will be a villain in the much anticipated third Batman.

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Images Via: WENN.com

Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Pattinson, Chris Pine Battle for Lance Armstrong Biopic

lance-armstrong-biopic-battle

Jake Gyllenhaal and Matthew McConaughey were both rumored to become BFF’s with Lance Armstrong to score the lead role in the cyclist’s biopic. The threesome were constantly photographed together in what appeared to be a bromance involving spandex and beach workouts. The project had momentum in 2006 and Jake was said to have scored the role of Lance. Suddenly Matthew was kicked out of their workout club. Reps and even Gyllenhaal himself danced around questions asked about his involvement with the film.

The biopic never got off the ground and steam behind the press train vanished. However, E! is reheating the rumor and throwing more names into the ring. Chris Pine and Robert Pattinson are said to be in the running after their recent rise to fame. Risky Business Blog also states that Matt Damon is interested in the role.

Who do you think is the best man for the job?

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Images Via: Getty, E!, AP Photos, Faded Youth

Michael Sheen Cast as Aro Volturi in ‘New Moon’ – Photos

It was reported Sunday that British actor Michael Sheen has landed the role of Aro in the “Twilight” sequel, “New Moon”. Sheen, who is best known for his roles as Tony Blair in “The Queen” and David Frost in “Frost/Nixon” was eagerly pursued by “New Moon” director Chris Weitz.

Via The Daily Mail:

“Sheen, 40, who made his name with uncannily realistic portrayals of well-known figures in Oscar-winning films…will get his biggest pay [check] yet, a reported £5 million, to star in ‘New Moon’.”

This comes on the cusp of further “New Moon” casting updates. Read about the actors playing the Wolf Pack here and the actress chosen to play Emily (and photos from the “New Moon” set) by clicking here.

If you don’t know Sheen from his award winning movies, you may know him as Lucian, the Lycan (or as Twilighters would say, werewolf) in the “Underworld” films. It was while making “Underworld” that Sheen met, fell in love with, and knocked-up actress Kate Beckinsale. They had a short romance before she dropped Sheen for “Underworld” director Len Wiseman. The two have a daughter.

For those of you out there who aren’t British, £5 million is a little over $7 million US. “New Moon” stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson will each earn a reported $10 million. Though no information has been released regarding earnings for Taylor Lautner, whose role in “New Moon” is significantly greater than that of Sheen’s, we can assume it is less than $7 million.

What do you think Twilighters? Is Summit paying Sheen too much for such a small role? Or does he deserve the money due to his acting acclaim and notoriety?

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Images Via: Splash, WireImage

America’s Next Top Model Stampede – Video

Casting for the next season of Tyra Banks schools some models nearly killed a couple of model hopefuls. While a huge herd of wannabes waited to get their turn to try out for “America’s Next Top Model,” a car overheated and backfired. This caused model mayhem.

As you can see in the video, screaming erupted after some idiot yelled to the crowd that there was bomb. Obviously there was no bomb. Fencing was knocked down as thousands of women scrambled to get out of the area. A total of 6 women were injured.

Via NY Daily News:

“The girls were running like it was 9/11 part two,” said Jennifer Brown, 27, of Kensington, Brooklyn. “I feared for my life.” Another stated: “The metal barricade fell down,” said Kiara McCarthy, 19, of Levittown, L.I. “All of a sudden we heard this roar from behind us and we looked behind us and there’s a wave of people falling on top of us.”

Then after the scare, the remaining models were forced to stay in line no matter what.

“I had to pee in a cup and change my clothes in the street,” said Mona Knight, 18, of the Bronx, who arrived at 11:30 p.m. Friday night. “There was no organization whatsoever.”

“Everyone was so compressed, I don’t think they could breathe,” said Alex Saavedra, 23, who escorted his girlfriend to the audition. “Then they started passing out.”

Soon the auditions were shut down after the riot caused the stampede. The 6 injured women are currently in the hospital and in stable condition.

This is a great idea. A bunch of short models who are already living on 3 cheese cubes, Diet Coke and cigarettes were herded into a confined area. Yup. I can tell Tyra was the brains behind this.

Official “New Moon” Title And Artwork Released

Last night, I received a message that MTV Movie News would be releasing some very exclusive and important information regarding the high anticipated sequel to “Twilight”, “New Moon”. Because I am committed to bringing you all the latest gossip (not to mention my commitment of undying love and lust to Robert Pattinson), I stayed up to receive the exclusive news.

While waiting, I and the other Twi-hards sat contemplating the upcoming announcement: Would they finally tell us who is playing Aro? Would they finally confirm Dakota Fanning and AnnaLynne McCord? Would they release Sparklepants’ elicit email to me professing his love? Nope. Not even close. And don’t worry Rob, I printed that sucker and took it off my hard drive immediately. It’s well hidden.

MTV’s big news was simply release the official title and art for the film. Twi-hards will be excited to learn that the movie will not simply be called “New Moon.” Instead, producers have opted for the longer title: “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” This makes sense since they want to directly link the sequel to the successful initial film. However, it’s long for me to type, so I will still be calling it “New Moon”.

The powers-that-be have also opted out of using the same shade of blue for the title font that was used for the first film choosing a shade of orange for the sequel. Oohh, scandal. What color will they use for “Eclipse”? What about “Breaking Dawn”?

The best news in my opinion is that the release date is still listed as November 20, 2009. This gives me plenty of time to think of a really good excuse to miss that day of work.

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Images Via: MTV

Lucy Hale at War with Dakota Fanning for “New Moon”

Just when you think there couldn’t be anymore “New Moon” drama, another possible star of the film has leaked. Apparently “Privileged” star Lucy Hale auditioned for the role of Jane in the “Twilight” sequel prior to director Chris Weitz’s decision to offer the role outright to nearly 15-year-old actress Dakota Fanning.

Hale tells Twist Magazine:

“Well, I did read [for the role of Jane]. We had some talks about it. But I think they just offered it to Dakota Fanning, the role I was interested in. Which is great – I’m a huge fan of her! So, I think she’ll probably take that. And I mean, as of right now, I’m not sure if it’s going to work out. But I’m definitely still going to see it!”

Sometimes I feel badly for actors and the fact that they have to express enthusiasm when another actor is given a role they auditioned for. Can you imagine having to do that in the real world? I wish I had gotten that job, but Joe will make an excellent garbage collector. I’m really happy he was given work and I was left to collect unemployment.

Don’t worry about Lucy, though. When asked if she would be interested in another role in the movie she replied:

“I’d take any role! Leah Clearwater, but I think there’s already talks with somebody else. I think they’ve already offered it to someone. I mean, we’ll see. If not, it’s all good.”

Apparently Lucy is still under the impression that Vanessa Hudgens, the once rumored candidate for the role of Leah Clearwater, is still in the running. Perhaps Lucy should read Hollywood Dame more often.

Images Via: WireImage

Vanessa Hudgens to Join ‘New Moon’ Cast ?

Could “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens be trading in her Disney Magic for some Vampire Magic instead?

Entertainmentwise has sparked rumors are circulating that the 20 year old Disney alum might sign on to play the coveted role of Leah Clearwater in the “Twilight” sequel “New Moon.” The character of Leah is a Native American teenage girl and also a werewolf. Leah is the older sister to Seth, one of Jacob Black’s friends, who are all a part of the pack. Camilla Belle and Brenda Song are also to be rumored to be up for the part as well. With the filming to begin in March, it won’t be long before we find out who the role goes to!

Belle has been rumored to be romancing Robert Pattinson these days. [You can see that Pattinson, Belle, Kristen Stewart Love Triangle story HERE] I am sure that if she wants it bad enough all she has to do is bat her eyelashes at Sparklepants. This should at least make some on set romance rumors worth it if Camilla is cast.

Written by Holly Stafford

Taylor Lautner Screen Test for ‘New Moon’ Role

The clock is ticking on the “Twilight” sequel, “New Moon.” Filming begins in March and the role of Jacob Black is still undecided.

The original cast member, Taylor Lautner, has been fighting to keep his place in the films. The character undergoes a major physical transformation and Summit Entertainment has been entertaining the idea of recasting the role. The worry is that Michael Copon is currently his biggest competition. However, fans are standing behind Lautner.

This week we will have answer according to EW. The screen writer for the films, Melissa Rosenberg confirmed today that:

”Jacob is a totally different character in New Moon. He’s a foot taller and huge — and he’s supposed to look 25. It’s really a question of whether or not the same actor can play the role. He has to play a romantic lead against Robert Pattinson, who’s a 22-year-old man. That’s a tall order.” Rosenberg is quick to add, however, that ”everyone would love to keep him. We all think he’s the loveliest person ever.”

As of now, Taylor has gained around 19 pounds and “promises to pack on 10 more” by the time filming starts. Currently insiders say that he is screen testing with Kristen Stewart, Bella Swan, for their chemistry level. This is a VERY good sign.

So keep your fingers crossed if you are pulling for Sharkboy!

‘New Moon’ Altered for Robert Pattinson

The next installment to the vampire saga that is on every hot list is going to be a labor of love. Rumors are running rampant that Summit is concerned about the film’s success. While there is little to no doubt the film will do well, concerns are focused on the monumental following Robert Pattinson is pulling.

The “Twilight” sequel, “New Moon,” focuses on Bella Swan’s best friend, Jacob Black. There is drama in the casting department for Jacob, but beyond that there is a lack of the heartthrob factor of Edward Cullen. Summit fears that the lack of Robert and his character in the film will leave the audience unhappy and won’t bring the numbers they are hoping for.

So spies are squealing that the plot and script are being altered to give Pattinson more screen time.

“They want to find a way to give Robert a bigger role than the book calls for without making major changes to the story line.”

Currently Taylor Lautner is still fighting for his role as Jacob, but Michael Copon is pulling ahead according to Life and Style.

Images Via: IMBD, Wire Image

Taylor Lautner Losing ‘New Moon’ Role

My friends over a Gossip Teen have reported new rumblings in the Taylor Lautner VS. Michael Copon for the role of Jacob Black. The “Twilight” sequel is getting off to a rough start. With a change up in the director’s change and rumors (which are complete crap) that Robert Pattinson has a drinking problem, “New Moon” will be a tumultuous project.

Taylor is desperately fighting to keep his role as Bella Swan’s best friend and second love interest, Jacob Black. However, Summit Entertainment is worried that he will not look old enough to carry off the transformation his character undergoes. Rumors that he has been replaced by Michael Copon to better fit the build of a 27 year old man have been running for months. The new director, Christopher Weitz is said to be leaning toward casting Copon as a replacement for Lautner.

Fans have voiced a very strong preference for Taylor. He has a large teen fan base that is a force to be reckoned with. But, as you might recall, when Robert Pattinson was cast as Edward Cullen fans of the “Twilight” saga were disappointed with the choice. Now ol’ Sparklepants is the new tween heroin.

But Lautner isn’t going quietly into the night. He has been packing on muscle and trying to shed his teenage physique. Taylor has had several meetings with Weitz to fight for his role as Jacob.