Andrew Stanton’s “John Carter Of Mars” is set to begin shooting next year with the city of Adelaide, Australia scouted as a potential filming location. The fact that Adelaide was also looked at as a filming location when the property was owned by Paramount may provide the story with a little more backbone. The film is based a popular book series by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ and tells the story of a Civil War veteran who is mysteriously transported to Mars and embarks on alien adventures. [Adelaide Now / Moviehole]
Contrary to rumors, representatives of Leonardo DiCaprio reveal that the star is in fact NOT attached to “Button Man,” a violent thriller based off a British comic. [EW’s Hollywood Insider]
Drew Barrymore is set to star opposite former flame, Justin Long, in a romantic comedy called “Uhh, Awkward” “Distance,” set to be directed by Nanette Burstein (The Sundance-approved doc “American Teen”). The film will explores the perils of long distance relationships. [Variety]
Ice Cube is starring in the action-comedy film “Ride Along” where he will portray “a cop with a soft spot for his sister” (they should reword that). After he learns of her engagement, Cube’s character will seek to destroy the union by inviting the future brother-in-law on a… ride along. [Variety]
Empire Magazine has name checked, among others, “Inglourious Basterds” stars Melanie Laurent and Michael Fassbender (“300”), as talent to watch in 2009. Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World”, “Death Proof”) also got a nod. [QT Archives]
Nick Frost has revealed that during his and Simon Pegg’s cameo in the upcoming film “Tintin,” Peter Jackson co-directed them via iChat. The film is, of course, all motion-captured. [The Observer]
Sam Raimi’s “Drag Me To Hell” has a new poster. [ShockTillYouDrop]
Jonathan Levine (“All The Boys Love Mandy Lane”, “The Wackness”) is set to direct “The Sitters,” a story about a college student who experiences a night to remember whilst babysitting a few eccentric kids from his neighborhood after returning home from college suspension. The film has been described as “Superbad” meets “Adventures In Babysitting.” [THR]
Kevin MacDonald (“State Of Play”) will direct a Roman military drama “The Eagle Of The Ninth.” Jamie Bell (“Defiance”, “Jumper”) and Channing Tatum (“Stop-Loss”, “G.I. Joe”) are attached to star. [Variety]
Paul Bettany will play the lead in “Priest.” The film is based off a comic book of the same name and sees Bettany play a priest who seeks revenge against vampires after the kidnapping of his niece. Gerard Butler was once attached to this role. [THR]