Mr. Gandolfini’s death was confirmed by HBO. He was traveling in Rome, where he was on vacation and was scheduled to attend the Taormina Film Fest. The cause was not immediately announced; an HBO press representative said that Mr. Gandolfini may have had a heart attack. Mr. Gandolfini, who grew up in Park Ridge, in Bergen County, N.J., came to embody the resilience of the Garden State on “The Sopranos,” which made its debut in 1999 and ran for six seasons on HBO.

In its pilot episode viewers were introduced to the complicated life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob kingpin who suffers panic attacks and begins seeing a psychiatrist. Over 86 episodes, audiences followed Mr. Gandolfini in the role as he was tormented by his mother (played by Nancy Marchand), his wife (Edie Falco), rival mobsters, the occasional surreal dream sequence and, in 2007, an ambiguous series finale that left millions of viewers wondering whether Tony Soprano had met his fate at a restaurant table.

The success of “The Sopranos” helped make HBO a dominant player in the competitive field of scripted television programming and transformed Mr. Gandolfini from a character actor into a star. The series, created by David Chase, won two Emmys for outstanding drama series, and Mr. Gandolfini won three Emmys for outstanding lead actor in a drama. He was nominated six times for the award.

HBO said of Mr. Gandolfini in a statement on Wednesday, “He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly, a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect.”

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“Sam’s unique ability to gracefully showcase complex relationships dealing with love, emotion and sexual chemistry make her the ideal director to bring Christian and Anastasia’s relationship to life,” said De Luca. “E L James’ characters and vivid storytelling require a director who is willing to take risks and push the envelope where needed and Sam is a natural fit.”

Taylor-Johnson most recently directed 2009’s Nowhere Boy, the story of John Lennon’s childhood in Liverpool, where his fledgling genius found a kindred spirit in the teenage Paul McCartney. The film garnered two BAFTA nominations, including “Outstanding British Film” and “Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.” Taylor-Johnson also directed the critically acclaimed short Love You More, which was nominated for the Palme D’Or in 2008. She is currently in development on a film for Columbia Pictures based on the novel by Robert Goorlick, “A Reliable Wife,” which is also being produced by De Luca.

“I am excited to be charged with the evolution of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ from page to screen,” said Taylor-Johnson. “For the legions of fans, I want to say that I will honor the power of Erika’s book and the characters of Christian and Anastasia. They are under my skin too.”

Universal Pictures and Focus Features acquired the rights to the three books in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy in March 2012. Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal. “Fifty Shades of Grey” has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in 50 languages worldwide since its release. To date, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it one of the fastest selling book series ever.

Fifty Shades of Grey follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele. Subsequent novels in the series, “Fifty Shades Darker” (September 2011) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (January 2012) explore the couple’s deepening relationship.

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Directed by Marc Forster, the thriller revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

The post Three New TV Spots for World War Z appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Relativity Media has debuted the trailer for Free Birds, the animated comedy opening in theaters on November 1. The film features the voices of Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson Amy Poehler, Dan Fogler, Lesley Nicol, George Takei, Colm Meaney, Keith David, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo and Dwight Howard.

In this buddy comedy for audiences of all ages, directed by Jimmy Hayward (Horton Hears a Who!), two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the Thanksgiving menu for good.

The post First Trailer for Free Birds Is Here! appeared first on Takes On Tech.

After achieving the second-biggest domestic opening in history with $174.1 million, Iron Man 3 crossed the $1 billion threshold globally in 23 days, making it Disney’s sixth billion-dollar and second highest-grossing release of all time, behind only Marvel’s The Avengers.

The film has surpassed the total gross of The Avengers in China, Finland, Hong Kong, Korea, Russia, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand, and Ukraine, as well as Malaysia and Vietnam, where it is the highest-grossing film of all time.

The post Iron Man 3 Crosses $400 Million Domestically, Hits $1.2 Billion Worldwide appeared first on Takes On Tech.

“What’s behind the radioactive containment doors?”

Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, David Strathairn, Bryan Cranston and Sally Hawkins, Godzilla hits the big screen May 16, 2014.

The post New Godzilla Photo Teases Underground Laboratory appeared first on Takes On Tech.

China.org.cn is reporting that a deal has been signed between the producers of the film and Chinese hotel company Beijing Pangu. In exchange for some financing, the flagship building Pangu Plaza Hotel will be featured and destroyed in the upcoming movie. In addition, the National Stadium and Beijing National Aquatic Center will make an appearance in the film, but whether or not they’re reduced to rubble remains to be seen.

Opening in theaters on June 27, 2014, the fourth installment stars Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Sophia Myles, Li Bingbing and T.J. Miller.

The post Transformers 4 Will Be Shot at Several Chinese Landmarks appeared first on Takes On Tech.

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, opening May 2, 2014, for Peter Parker (Garfield), life is busy – between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough. Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away – but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

Day 94. The Arena

Day 95. The Lermanator. #michaellerman

Day 96. Garfield living on the edge

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It’s 1919, and as the stench of cordite that has engulfed the world thins, an Australian father arrives at Gallipoli to recover the bodies of his sons, only to find hope where he thought there was none.

You can read about the origins of the project and the historical evidence that it’s based on at the screenwriters’ official site.

Crowe, who is in theaters now in the part of Jor-El in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, plays the title role in Darren Aronofsky’s Noah, set for release March 28, 2014.

The Water Diviner will be produced by Troy Lum, Andrew Mason and Keith Rodger through Hopscotch Features and Fear of God Films.

The post The Water Diviner Will Be Russell Crowe’s Directorial Debut appeared first on Takes On Tech.

In the sequel, after Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation.

Written and directed by Jeff Wadlow, the film also stars Morris Chestnut, John Leguizamo and Donald Faison.

Kick-Ass 2 will be released in North American theaters on August 16.

The post New International Poster for Kick-Ass 2 Has All the Players appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The original cast in its entirety is in negotiations to reunite for the sequel, including Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, among others. Charles Martin Smith, who directed Dolphin Tale, is set to direct the sequel from his own script.

Alcon will finance and produce the film, which it will release through its output deal with Warner Bros.

Dolphin Tale 2 will tell another true story inspired by the life of Winter, but also involving a new baby dolphin named Hope who was rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2010.

Winter, who still resides at the Aquarium, played herself in the original film and returns in “DT2” and Hope will play herself in the sequel.

The story of Winter was originally brought to Alcon by the Company’s president of worldwide marketing Richard Ingber, who also produced Dolphin Tale with Kosove and Johnson.

The post Dolphin Tale 2 Will Have the Original Cast and Director appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Among the directors committed to the project are Marjane Satrapi (Oscar nominated for Persepolis), Chris Landreth (Oscar-winner for short “Ryan”), Tomm Moore (Oscar nominated for The Secret of Kells), Nina Paley (Berlin Film Festival winner for Sita Sings the Blues), Mohammed Saeed Harib (creator of hit series “Freej“), Michal Socha, Francesco Testa, Joan Gratz (Oscar winner for Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase) and Bill Plympton (Oscar-nominated for Guard Dog and Your Face).

Hayek is also producing along with Clark Peterson and Ron Senkowski. Doha Film Insititute (DFI) is co-financing along with Participant Media, MyGroup Lebanon, FFA Private Bank, JRW Entertainment and Code Red Productions.

The post The Prophet Lands All-Star Voice Cast appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are both slated to reprise their roles.

The original Dumb and Dumber represented one of Carrey’s breakout comedy roles. The film was given a prequel in 2003 with Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, but without the creative involvement of the Farrellys.

The post Back On! Dumber and Dumber To Lives! appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Warner Bros. Pictures has revealed the trailer and poster for The LEGO Movie, coming to theaters on February 7, 2014!

The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Chris Pratt (Moneyball) stars as the voice of Emmet. Will Ferrell (The Campaign) stars as the voice of his primary adversary, President Business, an erudite, anal-retentive CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life; while Liam Neeson (Taken) voices the president’s powerful henchman, known as Bad Cop, who will stop at nothing to catch Emmet.

Starring as Emmet’s fellow travelers are Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), as Vitruvius, an old mystic; Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games), as tough-as-nails Lucy, who mistakes Emmet for the savior of the world and guides him on his quest; Will Arnett (“30 Rock”), as the mysterious Batman, a LEGO minifigure with whom Lucy shares a history; Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) as a craggy, swaggering pirate obsessed with revenge on President Business; and Alison Brie (“Community”) as a sweet, loveable member of the team, with a powerful secret.

Directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (21 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) also wrote the screenplay, from a story by Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. It will incorporate some of the LEGO world’s most popular figures while introducing several new characters, inviting fans who have enjoyed the brand’s innovative toys and hugely popular video games for generations to experience their visually unique LEGO world as never seen before.

The LEGO Movie will be produced by Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) and Roy Lee (The Departed, How to Train Your Dragon).

The LEGO Movie will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

The post Trailer and Poster for The LEGO Movie Are Here! appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Patricia will be playing the enigmatic Chancellor Ava Paige, who is testing children in this dystopian world to find the strongest warriors.

The movie stars Dylan O’Brien from MTV’s “Teen Wolf” as Thomas, who comes out of a place called “The Glade” with no memory how he got there, but he joins up with other boys his own age who start their own makeshift society.

Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Wes Ball, the cast is rounded out by Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter and Blake Cooper.

Most recently, Clarkson could be seen in the eco-terrorist thriller The East.

The Maze Runner is currently scheduled for release on February 14, 2014

The post The Maze Runner Now Has Oscar-Nominated Actress Patricia Clarkson in the Mix appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Two weeks ago saw the release of a photo teasing a “pivotal meeting” inside The White House. The next day saw another photo teasing Vietnam War protestors outside of a French Embassy.

The director has tweeted a photo from what appears to be the setting of a speech from President Nixon.  The speech begins with: “Today we face the gravest threat in our history. What the world witnessed in Paris was not an isolated incident…”

Did Magneto and his brotherhood, mutant gang attack the embassy?   Will Nixon announce the creation of The Sentinels from Trask Industries?

The post Latest Teaser for X-Men: Days of Future Past Is From Nixon’s Desk appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Directed by Marc Forster, the thriller revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

The post Pitt Readies for the Worst in New World War Z Clip appeared first on Takes On Tech.

“Here’s a poster as an appetizer to trailer coming tomorrow. Yes I’m in a kimono smoking a cigar while writing this.”

With the 70′s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) – All of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy…while taking New York’s first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues hits theaters on December 20.

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Ken Levine started as a screenwriter, but why he decided to take some time off his gaming work, is unknown.  For now, there are no details on the direction the story will take, or if it will more closely follow the original book. While classic sci-fi fans should be familiar with the 1976 movie, starring Michael York, it was based on a book written by William F. Nolan & George Clayton Johnson in 1967.

Previously, Bryan Singer and Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) were attached to direct a remake, but both projects fell through. It’s not known who Warner Bros. has in mind for this latest remake attempt.

The post Ken Levine to Write Logan’s Run Reboot Script appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Gad brings his sense of humor and his incomparable personality to Olaf, a fun and lively snowman who joins Anna and Kristoff on their journey to save the kingdom. Fontana provides the voice of Anna’s handsome suitor Hans, who steps in to govern Arendelle when Anna takes off to find her siste. Tudyk gives voice to a prominent duke visiting Arendelle for a coronation ceremony.

The group of actors joins Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff in the epic adventure, directed by Chris Buck (Tarzan, Surf’s Up) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, Wreck-It Ralph), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (Winnie the Pooh, The Princess and the Frog).

Frozen is slated for the big screen Nov. 27, 2013, and will be presented in 3D in select theaters.

The post Josh Gad, Santino Fontana and Alan Tudyk Lean their Voices to Frozen appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The film stars Josh Brolin, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eva Green, Dennis Haysbert, Christopher Meloni, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Chung, Ray Liotta, Juno Temple, Julia Garner and Stacy Keach.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For weaves together two of Frank Miller’s classic stories with new tales in which the town’s most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more repulsive inhabitants.

In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Dwight is hunted down by the only woman he ever loved, Ava Lord, and then watches his life go straight to hell. Chronologically, this story takes place prior to “The Big Fat Kill” (featured in the film Frank Miller’s Sin City) and explains how Dwight came to have a dramatically different face.

The post Sin City: A Dame to Kill Push Out to August 2014 appeared first on Takes On Tech.

In the film, when a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, an amazing and comedic snowman named Olaf, Everest-like conditions and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (Tarzan, Surf’s Up) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, Wreck-It Ralph), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (Winnie the Pooh, The Princess and the Frog).

The post The Teaser Trailer for Disney’s Frozen is Here! appeared first on Takes On Tech.

As some of you may already know, Transcendence is the directorial debut by Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister, a sci-fi film starring Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara and Morgan Freeman, so it’s quite an impressive follow-up for the relative newcomer Paglen.

Although Paglen has been rumored for the gig for some time, Ridley Scott has agreed to his take on the direction for the sequel and negotiations are underway

The original Prometheus was meant as a prequel to Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Alien, the sequel would probably follow-up from the events in Prometheus and branch away from the Alien connections.

Prometheus grossed $403 million worldwide based on a production budget of $130 million and right now it looks like Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender will reprise their roles as Dr. Elizabeth Shan and the android David in Prometheus 2, though this is unconfirmed.

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Although Summit was reportedly going to move forward to find a replacement for Fresnadillo, who developed the reboot for well over a year before departing, the lack of a director may have forced Reynolds’ hand in departing the project himself. Reynolds was meant to play Connor MacLeod, “an immortal Scottish swordsman forced to confront the Kurgan, a brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled ‘Prize.’”

The original Highlander movie, released  back in 1986 and starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, became a cult hit that led to a successful home video release, although the attempted 1991 sequel Highlander II: The Quickening was a box office bomb. Highlander was then turned into a television series in the years that followed and the original movie continued to find an audience during multiple DVD releases in the early 21st century, seemingly making it a viable property for a reboot.

The post Ryan Reynolds Leaves Highlander Reboot appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Besson will both write and direct the sci-fi action tale, which follows a young woman who gains super powers after being forced to work as a drug mule.

Freeman, who recently starred in Now You See Me, will play a professor that Johansson’s Lucy is on a mission to rescue.

Besson, best known for films like Leon: The Professional and The Fifth Element, will release his latest, Malavita, on September 13.

Universal Pictures will distribute the project in the US (and much of the world) with Besson producing through EuropaCorp alongside CEO Christophe Lambert.

The post Morgan Freeman Joins the Cast of Lucy appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, the action adventure stars Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

The July 3 release is a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

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The film is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Idris Elba (Prometheus) stars as Nelson Mandela with Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) directing.

Set for release on November 29, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom also stars Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto.

The post See the New Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Poster appeared first on Takes On Tech.

In the November 27 release, when a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, an amazing and comedic snowman named Olaf, Everest-like conditions and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (Tarzan, Surf’s Up) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, Wreck-It Ralph), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (Winnie the Pooh, The Princess and the Frog).

The post Disney Releases New Images from Frozen appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Justin Nappi and Kevin Turen of Treehouse Pictures produced, along with Scott Aversano and Andrew O’Connor. Treehouse Pictures financed the comedy. Executive producers are Jason Barrett, Manu Gargi, John Friedberg, Michael Simkin, Peter Schlessel and Lia Buman. FilmDistrict plans to distribute the release wide in the U.S. on January 31, 2014.

Peter Schlessel, FilmDistrict’s CEO, said “We are all excited to be involved with ‘Are We Officially Dating?’ and all the rising talent in front of and behind the camera. Tom wrote a script that is as funny as it is heartfelt and we are pleased to release his directorial debut.”

Producer Justin Nappi, Founder and President of Treehouse Pictures, added, “We couldn’t be happier that FilmDistrict will be releasing ‘Are We Officially Dating?’ in the US, ensuring that Tom Gormican’s highly relatable comedy with an amazingly talented cast has the chance to connect with the largest possible audience.”

In Are We Officially Dating?, three guys decide to support a friend devastated by a recent breakup by vowing to maintain their single status for as long as possible. The plan gets derailed when they each fall in love and have to secretly work around their pledge to bachelorhood, while trying to figure out the complications of modern day relationships.

The post FilmDistrict Get the Rights to Are We Officially Dating? appeared first on Takes On Tech.

With Sony Pictures now in production in New York on The Amazing Spider-Man 2, slated for release on May 2, 2014, the studio is planting its flag on two future release dates for one of the most successful franchises in studio history, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, Chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures. The next two films in the story of Peter Parker will be released on June 10, 2016, and on May 4, 2018, respectively.

Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “Spider-Man is our most important, most successful, and most beloved franchise, so we’re thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.”

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner, with a previous draft by James Vanderbilt, and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are the producers. The executive producers are E. Bennett Walsh, Stan Lee, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.

The Amazing Spider-Man took in over $750 million at the worldwide box office last year.

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