Guy Pearce Joins Johnny Depp's 'Black Mass,' Hal Hartley's 'Ned Rifle' Adds Aubrey Plaza & More

Guy Pearce

We’re only three actors in, and “Black Mass” is already serving up an abundance of dudes we really like. When he’s not falling over backwards into Helena Bonham Carter‘s closet for costumes, Johnny Depp does some of his most fascinating work, while Joel Edgerton usually owns whatever he’s in. And with the pair already signed up for the gangster pic “Black Mass,” they’re letting one more major talent into their midst.

Guy Pearce has joined the Whitey Bulger flick, slated to play the mob boss’ brother, Billy Bulger. Yes, Depp and Pearce will be legit bros in a movie. The movie gods are smiling down. Scott Cooper will direct the film about the notorious Boston criminal who both evaded and conspired with the FBI, in a story that’s too good to be true but actually is. [Variety]

In case you missed the news, indie hero Hal Hartley is closing off his trilogy that started with the wickedly underrated Cannes screenplay winner “Henry Fool,” and was followed by the less satisfying “Fay Grim.” And he’s got an actress on board for “Ned Rifle” who is tailor made for his witty, distinct dialogue. Aubrey Plaza has joined Parker PoseyLiam Aiken and Thomas J. Ryan in the film, and will play a lost love of Henry Fool. We reckon she’s subbing in for Gemma Arterton who was first linked to the project. Production kicks off next month. [Variety]

Rising stars Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke and Jai Courtney are getting a seasoned veteran actor alongside their ranks in “Terminator: Genesis.” J.K. Simmons has joined the reboot, playing “a weary and alcoholic detective who has followed a bizarre case involving Sarah Connor and robots for more than three decades.” Fucking hell, can we just skip ‘Genesis’ and a get whole movie about that character? Alan Taylor directs with explosions on movie sets happening this spring. [THR]

Yes, there is a movie called “Scouts vs. Zombies,” but if there has be a movie called “Scouts vs. Zombies,” we’re at least glad Tye Sheridan (“The Tree Of Life,” “Mud,” “Joe“) is in it. Christopher Landon is directing the movie that “centers on three high school Boy Scouts who must use their skills to battle vicious zombies after their small town faces a zombie outbreak.” Shooting begins in May. [THR]