Sony Hacking Scandal Reveals 'Ghostbusters' Reboot News

The recent Sony hacking scandal is certainly revealing lots of shocking Hollywood details and despite its seediness, we're getting info on some projects we've been wondering about. Namely, the Ghostbusters reboot.

Over at the Daily Beast, they reveal the (alleged) content of emails between Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and original Ghostbusters director/producer, Ivan Reitman regarding casting considerations for the reboot.

Also, there's a more yucky-feeling email from David Steinberg, head of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s legal department, to Leah Weil, SPE’s general counsel. This particular one from October 31, 2013 reveals potential legal action against Bill Murray due to his reluctance to star in the female-centric film. Because of course he's totally obligated to be in that film, right? No.

Here is the content of the Bill Murray email:

'The Avengers Sing Christmas Carols' Will Bring You Marvelous Cheer

It's always fun when the Avengers assemble, right? Well, not always but this time they've come to spread some holiday cheer with a little guest spot from Groot. It's short and adorable and cheery so give it a watch or we'll tell Ultron.

The video is courtesy of James Covenant's YouTube.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Honest Trailers Blasts 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Those crazy cats over at Screen Junkies did it now! They brought us a trailer for "Space Avengers"...no, "Guardians of the Galaxy." Yes it's funny and they dig on the fact that Marvel can do no wrong and that DC needs to catch up. It's an amusing trailer overall, so give it a look and let us know what you think. Also, what do you suggest be their next Honest Trailer?



-Larissa Mrykalo

Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis Cast in Ryan Murphy's 'Scream Queens'

Photo courtesy Fox via THR

It looks like a lot of screaming will be done in the fall of 2015. Not only will MTV be airing a reboot of "Scream" but Ryan Murphy is bringing us a 15-episode horror/comedy anthology series called "Scream Queens." The series order was announced in October and now we have two leading ladies cast. Appropriately, one is an iconic scream queen herself.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "American Horror Story" alum and current 'Freak Show' cast member, Emma Roberts and horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis will star in the hour-long "horrody" Fox series that will premiere next fall. Character details are being kept hidden but THR learned that the first season will be "revolving around a college campus that's rocked by a series of murders." Sounding a lot like American Horror Story,  "New settings and storylines will be featured in subsequent seasons of the anthology series."

Murphy caused some controversy when this was announced when he stated,“We hope to create a whole new genre — comedy-horror — and the idea is for every season to revolve around two female leads. We’ve already begun a nationwide search for those women, as well as 10 other supporting roles, and we’re very grateful to [Fox TV Group chairmen and CEOs] Dana [Walden] and Gary [Newman] for their enthusiastic support.” Why controversial? Comedy-horror is far from a "whole new genre" but hey, we'll give it a watch and report back on just how fresh an idea this series might be.

Let us know what you think of the idea behind the series and the casting news. We'll keep you posted on any further developments, including the premiere date.

-Larissa Mrykalo

SNL Gets Geriatric with 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Parody

This week's "Saturday Night Live" not only featured James Franco but also their take on waking up the force. In an alliance between the new and (very) old, the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer got the SNL treatment.

Han orders the early bird special, Leia gets frustrated with all the crazy new-fangled technology in her world, Luke attends to the disturbance in the force with his kick ass lightsaber walker and Lando sure as hell doesn't think he should have to do chores in his cape. Overall, it's pretty damn funny so give it a watch and let us know what you think.

-Larissa Mrykalo

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Trailer Gets Re-Imagined...Again

After the recent release of the official trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the internet has seen quite a few different takes on it. If you search Google, or your feelings, you will know this to be true.

So far it has been re-imagined with Lego, Space Balls, as a Wes Anderson movie and, an unfortunately hilarious Michael Bay version. However, this new one is actually brilliant. It is a shot for shot remake of the new trailer using footage from the original series, cut with the voice over from Episode VII.

Take a gander and let us know what you think, and thanks to the Chicks With Lightsabers Facebook page for sharing this! 

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Air Time and More!

BBC One has just released their Christmas schedule line up, which means one very important thing; Whovians now know when to shrug their familial holiday duties and turn on the telly!

This year's special, "Last Christmas," will be airing Christmas day on BBC One at 6:15PM across the pond and BBC America at 9/8C stateside. Come to think of it, with rumors of Jenna Coleman's impending exit, the title "Last Christmas" seems a little foreboding.

Fans of the show received a sneak peak at the special during the season finale, "Death in Heaven," when Nick Frost showed up in the TARDIS dressed as Santa Claus. Who, by the way, is perfect for this role in every single way. Frost will be returning as Saint Nick to join Clara and the Doctor for their (alleged) last adventure. Trapped on an Arctic base (i.e the North Pole), the trio set out to help a group of scientists that are under a deadly, alien attack. Making an appearance in the episode will be Patrick Troughton's son, Michael Troughton, as Professor Albert.

Showrunner Steven Moffat promises that he hasn't lost his mind, but freely admits that this is the craziest episode he has written. In an interview with Radio Times, he says "It's The Thing meets Miracle on 34th Street – the movie we've all been waiting for. It's certainly the strangest bloody thing I've ever written." He doesn't want fans to write the episode off, however, saying "I sense that the very people who think they might hate this, won't hate it at all. Of all the Christmas specials I've done, it's the one most like the paradigm Doctor Who episode."

If you haven't watched the trailer for the episode yet, consider this my early gift to you. While you're at it, see if you can spot Dan Starkey out of his Sontaran garb!



-Nowal Massari

Benedict Cumberbatch Officially Announced as "Doctor Strange"

Image Courtesy of Nerd Reactor

With rumors swirling for some time now,  Marvel has officially announced Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead in "Doctor Strange." The "Sherlock" star was reportedly cast in the role back in October, however it was pure speculation at the time. According to the rumor-mill, Cumberbatch became a possibility for the role as far back as June, when talks with Joaquin Phoenix fell through.

In the official statement, Marvel studio head, Kevin Feige stated that "Stephen Strange's story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity [...] In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character."

The newest addition to the Marvel movie-verse will be directed by Scott Derrickson and penned by Jon Spaihts.

"Doctor Strange" is scheduled for release on November 4, 2016.

-Nowal Massari

Full 'Terminator Genisys' Trailer Released

He's back just as promised and now we're officially able to get a two-and-a-half-minute glimpse of the future with the just-released full trailer for Paramount Pictures' "Terminator Genisys." It looks like in the fifth installment of the franchise, the end is nigh and Emilia Clarke has put her dragons in daycare to kick some ass as Sarah Connor. Oh and yes, Arnold is filling up the screen as a little bit older T-800 (cyborgs age?) and he does utter that iconic line as he jumps from a plane, so that was cool.

The Alan Taylor film also stars Jason Clarke as John Connor, Jai Courtney (as Kyle Reese), J.K. Simmons, Matt Smith (was he even in the trailer?), Byung-hun Lee, Aaron V. Williamson, and Dayo Okeniyi.

Check it out and let us know if you're digging the war that will begin on July 1, 2015.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Funny or Die's 'The Walking Fred' Breaks Down 'Coda'

Courtesy Deadline

It's been two days since the mid-season finale of "The Walking Dead" so we can talk about it now, right? Why write up a big recap when The Walking Fred can dissect Sunday's episode, "Coda?" Check out the video below for all the juicy bits and pieces from the episode. Thanks to Deadline for sharing the video which is written by and stars Luke Barnett as zombie vlogger Fred.

The mid-season premiere is Sunday, February 8.

-Larissa Mrykalo

The Walking Fred S5 EP 8 Recap from thewalkingfred

'Sleepy Hollow' Recap: 'The Akeda'

Courtesy Fox

BY DAWN FEAKES

It's time for the second half of the mid-season finale. Let's do this.

Time is running short and Abbie and Crane are in a hurry so of course power surges disrupt all electronics. What's a pair of Witnesses to do? Continue on via motorcycle of course to the manor where Katrina was (is) being held captive. There's a model of the town and with dots connected it looks suspiciously like a pentagram as described in Washington's bible. Drink. But is it too late? Well if by 'too late' you mean that your wife has been chained in a fiery pentagram by the Horseman of Death, then yes. Crane is having none of that nonsense though and takes on Headless with Methusela's sword, besting him. With Headless "looking" at the business end of the sword, it's make or break time for Katrina: you gonna stop your husband from killing Abraham or do you need a few more minutes to decide where your loyalties lie?

Headless or not, Abraham doesn't want to die again (still) and stalls with the bomb drop that all magic has a cost and the sword will claim the bearer's soul. Huh. That could be a problem. She'll need time to research the claim. Of course. But in the meantime, lock him up. Y'all remember how well that worked last season, right? Now Katrina,work your 'magic' and gather intelligence. And I just sprained my eyes by rolling them too hard. Shockingly enough, Jenny comes through with the research confirming Abraham's story, relegating Katrina once again to 'trophy-the-boys-are-fighting-over-and-no-one-understands-why.' Let me get this straight: they can't use the sword without killing themselves? How will that help? But what about someone whose soul was already claimed? Could they use it? Yo, Captain Irving: how you feel about a little payback? But more importantly, can Crane and Katrina keep out of the way if it becomes necessary to kill Henry to get to Moloch? Spoiler alert: not so much.