Radar Watch: Sherlock costars reunite on Hobbit, Spielberg begins Jurassic Park talks, and more!
It’s been mostly quiet again on the news front, but I’m stopping by to leave a couple of juicy tidbits I heard about this week. First, some exciting casting news for fans of Sherlock and The Hobbit. Then, in true Hollywood fashion, they’re talking about bringing back another one of our childhood favorites to the big screen. Of course, no idea on whether it’ll actually be good or not, but I can still be excited about it, right?
There’s also two new series I think you’ll find interesting that have begun development at Starz and HBO. Plus, two new television shows are premiering this week in the U.S. that I really suggest you don’t miss.
Casting
Martin Freeman wasn’t lying when he said his Sherlock costar would be joining him in The Hobbit. Benedict Cumberbatch has now been cast as the voice of Smaug. This doesn’t really mean much to me as I haven’t read the books, but I still think it’s pretty cool anyway.
In Development
If you don’t mind your childhood favorites being redone for better or worse, then you may also like this next tidbit. Last week I mentioned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Daredevil where in development for new movies. Well, this week we hear Spielberg has begun talks to make Jurassic Park 4. Now, it’s still way too early to say, but wouldn’t it be cool if they had a good story and combined it with the SFX of today to bring it back?
Also, in development are a couple of new television shows. Starz has picked up Sam Raimi’s new female assassin drama called Noir. Having more females kicking ass on television is always a good thing. I love Aronofsky, and magic is also my cup of tea, so I’m also excited to see him come onboard this new HBO series called Hobgoblin.
Add this and stir, Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles’ Josh Friedman, despite not getting his new show Locke & Key picked up by FOX, has signed a new deal with 20th Century Fox and will be helping them on the Bones spinoff series, The Finder. Here’s to seeing more of his work in the future!
News
Fresh of The Chicago Code and Terra Nova, Angel alum Tim Minear will be helping out Ryan Murphy on his new FX series, American Horror Story. He did an interview with Assignment X this week on what he’s been working on and some tidbits on this new show. Speaking of Tim Minear, I’m excited to say I’m going to be seeing him at a writing panel tomorrow along with Steven DeKnight.
And speaking of Ryan Murphy, now that he’ll have an extra show on the air, he’s finally hired a writing staff for Glee. Frankly, I think it’s a little late for saving Glee, but I’m just reporting the news. And I’m not sure the addition of Marti Noxon as Co-EP will help matters much either. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Our two current Sunday staples on television, Game of Thrones and The Killing, will both be back for second seasons. AMC finally renewed The Killing this past week, and Game of Thrones begins production on July 25 in Ireland.
Premieres
The season finales of both shows are this Sunday though, so we’re going to need something soon to fill the void. I want to suggest to everyone to watch Falling Skies, which premieres this Sunday on TNT. I was skeptical at first after seeing Noah Wyle in the lead, but I’ve been hearing lots of good reviews. Including a good review from TheFutonCritic, who are usually right on the money in their opinions. So, sit down for Father’s Day this Sunday and watch some alien invasion. Just don’t forget to watch next week too before you make a decision on the series.
It was also announced this week that the BAFTA award-winning British series Misfits will be premiering in the US on June 20th through Hulu. It think it’s a pretty good show, particularly season two, so let me know what you think.