Director Gore Verbinski says he’s had enough of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, thank you very much. Despite a 4th film already set for 2010, Verbinski says he won’t be at the ship’s helm. “I had a fantastic time bringing ‘Pirates’ to life, and I am eternally grateful to Jerry [Bruckheimer], Johnny [Depp] and the rest of the creative and production team,” Verbinski said. “I’m looking forward to all of us crossing paths again in the future.” Instead of Pirates, he will adapt the videogame “Bioshock” for the big screen. [Variety]
The trailer for Robert Rodriguez’s “Shorts” has been released. It’s a kids movie for… well, kids. It stars Jon Cryer, James Spader, Leslie Mann, William H. Macy, Kat Dennings, and three mostly unknown boys named Jimmy Bennett, Devon Gearhart and Trevor Gagnon. The multi-hyphenate Rodriguez has written, directed and scored the film all by himself. [Yahoo]
The “Julie & Julia” film about legendary chef and cooking TV personality Julia Childs and her best friend, starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and directed by Nora Ephron, has a poster. [FirstShowing]
Warner Bros. is attempting to block production of “Action Replay” an Indian film that is said to ape the story of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” [AP]
“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” actor Channing Tatum said that before he was hired to play the role of handsome, all-American soldier Duke, he wanted the role of the silent ninja badass, Snake Eyes. Somehow the idea of Tatum not opening his mouth at all in a movie sounds kind of ideal. [Splash]
The Fox Searchlight romantic comedy, “My Life In Ruins,” will close out the Tribeca Film Festival which runs April 22- May 3. The film stars Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) Richard Dreyfuss, and Rachel Dratch. [Variety]