January 29, 2011

"The Dark Knight Rises" has booked Tom Hardy to play Batman's nemesis Bane, but it does not stop speculation about casting for another villainous role. Robin Williams is now reported to play Hugo Strange after Batman-on-Film (via IGN) tweeted on January 28, "RW as Strange?"

Strange itself is one of Batman's first recurring villains in the comic books. He is a villain in the mad-scientist mold and possesses genius-level IQ and is a master of psychology. Strange learns Batman's secret identity but keeps it to himself. He eventually becomes obsessed with Batman that he starts dressing up like the Gotham hero. Hardy was once rumored to take this role in the upcoming film.

Following the exit of Skeet Ulrich, Regina Hall and Megan Boone, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is going to welcome Alana De La Garza. The depicter of Connie Rubirosa in "Law & Order" is set to reprise her Assistant District Attorney role in the spin-off.

"I hope fans of the 'Mothership' will be happy to see the return of Alana's character, Connie Rubirosa, one of the longest-running assistant prosecutors on Law & Order," creator Dick Wolf told TV Guide. "Alana has a huge following and it will be interesting to follow her character as she comes to terms with Los Angeles justice."

Two other films from After Dark, "Prowl" and "Re-Kill", have gotten a trailer each. Filled with bloody and gory scenes, the trailer for "Prowl" follows some youngsters trapped in a barn and trying to survive from blood-thirsty creatures while the sneak peek for "Re-Kill" sees a battle between some soldiers and the living-dead.

"Prowl" centers its story on Amber who persuades her friends to accompany her apartment-hunting in the big city. When their transportation breaks down, Amber and friends gratefully accept a ride in the back of a semi. But the driver mysteriously refuses to stop and soon they find themselves trapped in a dark, abandoned warehouse where blood-thirsty creatures learn to hunt human prey, which the friends realize is what they have now become.

Lea Michele is going to the upcoming Super Bowl. The Rachel Berry of "Glee" is confirmed to perform a rendition of "America the Beautiful" before the NFL showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers, so E! Online confirmed.

Also coming to the event on February 6 at Cowboys Stadium in North Texas are Christina Aguilera and Black Eyed Peas. The former is going to sing the National Anthem, and the latter will cater sport mania during the halftime show.

"Glee" star Matthew Morrison feared he was destroying Sir Elton John's classics when they teamed up to record new versions of the superstar's songs - because he was "so used" to hearing the originals. The singer/actor landed the special collaboration for his upcoming solo album, "Bringing It to the Masses", and recently hit the studio with John to complete the tracks.

But Morrison admits he was star-struck the whole time they were working - and he was convinced his vocals were not up to par. He tells People.com, "(It was) an out-of-body experience. I didn't really believe it was actually happening."

R&B star Bruno Mars has landed a plea deal with Las Vegas prosecutors over his drug arrest last September - he will avoid a conviction if he stays out of trouble until 2012. The "Grenade" hitmaker, real name Peter Hernandez, was facing a felony drug charge after a bathroom attendant at the Hard Rock Hotel allegedly caught him with a bag of white powder, which tested positive for cocaine.

He was due to appear in a Sin City court to answer the count on February 4, but he has now dodged having the incident listed on his criminal record, according to TMZ.com. The website claims the District Attorney in Clark County has agreed to a "deferred adjudication", allowing Mars to have the charge dismissed if he isn't arrested in the next 12 months.

Brooke Shields will show off her musical comedy skills on the New York stage next month in a one-woman cabaret show. The actress and singer will talk about growing up as child star and discuss how she keeps her career going strong in new musical revue "In My Life", which incorporates popular songs and show tunes.

The production, which Shields has written and produced herself, will run at New York's infamous Feinstein's at Loews Regency theater on February 1-10.

U.S. oil heir Jason Davis has been arrested on suspicion of drug possession, a day after declaring he was clean during a live episode of hit reality show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew". The grandson of billionaire businessman Marvin Davis was a patient on counselor-to-the-stars Dr. Drew Pinsky's TV treatment show, which saw him receive help fighting his drink and drug demons at the Pasadena Recovery Center last year.

A live reunion episode of "Celebrity Rehab" aired in the U.S. on Wednesday, January 26, when Davis claimed he had managed to stay sober. But he appears to have slipped back into his wild ways and was picked up by cops in Newport Beach, California on Thursday night, January 27.

Wiz Khalifa's brand new song called "Roll Up" makes its way out on the web. Rumor has it, it serves as the second single from his upcoming studio album "Rolling Papers" which is scheduled to come out in the U.S. on March 29.

"Whenever you need me, whenever you want me/ You know you can call me, I'll be there shortly/ Don't care what your friends say 'cause they don't know me/ I can be your best friend, and you be my homie," he sings on the hook. "I ain't gonna flex, I'm not gonna front/ You know if I ball, then we all gonna stunt/ Send her my way, she ain't gotta hold up/ Whenever you call baby, I'll roll up."

Rihanna continues to tease her upcoming music video for single "S&M". This time around, the Bajan songstress brings forward a closer look at behind the scenes of the filming. In the art department, Natalie Groce shows that they have handcuffs and whip among the props. Some naughty scenes, including the one featuring her clutching a ragged doll, are teased as well.

The music video is directed by Melina Matsoukas and will be premiered next week on February 1. The storyline is still scarce, but one thing for sure it will be as naughty as the song which has R-rated lyrics. Proud of her latest work, RiRi once tweeted, "I'm great! Had a fantastic weekend shooting my best/favorite video EVER!!!!"

20th Century Fox has generously shared the first two minutes of "Rio" via Bing Videos. It gives sneak peek to the jungle of Rio where some colorful birds live and is presented in a musical style with the birds dancing and flying to the song featured. It ends with a look at a little blue bird which falls from a tree after attempting to fly.

In another promotional effort, Fox held a press day for the upcoming movie at Zanuck Theater at 20th Century Fox Lot in Los Angeles. Seen coming to the Friday, January 28 event were voice cast Anne Hathaway, George Lopez and Jamie Foxx, as well as director Carlos Saldanha.

Like other lovebirds, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber enjoy a movie date during their outing. The alleged lovers were caught on camera after watching R-rated romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" starring Natalie Portman at a Burbank movie theater on Thursday night, January 27, TMZ said.

They were followed by paparazzi during their way to the parking lot and when asked to address the nature of their relationship, Justin shouted "Never Say Never", which also refers to his upcoming movie. Selena kept walking with her head down as she looked slightly embarrassed by all the attention.

Susan Sarandon was disappointed when she wasn't asked to do the Time Warp again in the "Glee" episode which paid tribute to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". The cult 1975 movie became the focus of a recent installment of the hit musical show, with the cast re-enacting the songs and dance moves from the film that helped launch Sarandon 's career.

The Hollywood veteran had been rumored to have been offered a cameo appearance in the tribute episode, but she insists "Glee" bosses never approached her. She tells E! Online, "What I saw I thought was so fabulous."

Former "Chips" star Larry Wilcox has been sentenced to three years probation for securities fraud. The former TV cop, who starred alongside Erik Estrada in the 1970s U.S. TV series, pleaded guilty to securities fraud conspiracy back in November.

The Securities and Exchange Commission accused the actor of being involved in a bogus company created to generate fake stock sales. The organizers of the scheme were caught in a sting operation conducted by America's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Next Friday on "Fringe", a shocking crime will uncover a terror attack and the only one who can stop it is a man who can see into a mind. Titled "Concentrate and Ask Again", the upcoming episode of the J.J. Abrams-directed sci-fi TV drama will air February 4.

When a scientist falls dead after ingesting a lethal cloud of blue powder and his bones disintegrate in his body, the CDC suspects a biological attack. As the Fringe Team investigates further, a subject from Walter's past with ties to Olivia reluctantly agrees to assist with the intense case.

"The Beaver" has faced a rocky road when its release was put on hold due to Mel Gibson's personal issues. Now, it is hit with another problem as a copy of the not-yet-released film is missing from the actor's house and appears to have been stolen.

TMZ was the first which reported that Summit Entertainment gave the final cut of the movie on DVD to Gibson so he could screen it at his home. On Wednesday, January 26 at 10:45 A.M., he put the DVD in his mailbox so a courier could pick it up and return it to Summit. But when the courier showed up at 2:30 P.M., the DVD mas missing from his mailbox.

It has just been revealed that Britney Spears is going to drop her new album across United States on March 15. The release date is unveiled on a leaked one-sheet which is confirmed as accurate by a Jive Records rep to MTV.

According to the sheet, there will be deluxe and standard editions available for purchase with 3 - 4 additional songs featured on the deluxe package. A music video for the already-out single "Hold It Against Me" will be premiered soon. It will be "a sexy, edgy dance piece directed by Jonas Akerlund and showing Britney at peak form and ability."

Sir Elton John has been forced to apologize after swearing during a live radio broadcast in the U.K. on Friday, January 28. The Rocket Man hitmaker turned the air blue during an interview on the BBC's Radio 2 after host Chris Evans told him that British musician Jools Holland likes to start his day by playing the piano.

Sir Elton sighed and remarked, "Oh f**king hell." The singer immediately said sorry for his foul-mouthed slip-up, telling listeners, "Sorry about that. I was just exasperated with that. I can't think of anything worse than getting up and playing the piano. It's what I do (for a living). I do play over 100 shows a year, and I make records. I'm very, very sorry for that awful word that I said. Jools, why do you do that?"

Miley Cyrus took to the stage for an unlikely collaboration this week - she rocked out with Jeremy Piven at the wrap party for her new movie "So Undercover". The teenager stars alongside the "Entourage" actor in the new movie, opposite Kelly Osbourne, and movie bosses threw a celebration for the cast when the cameras stopped rolling.

Cyrus and her castmates danced to a live band at the party, until the singer/actress decided to take the stage herself with Piven on drums for a performance of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll". The "Hannah Montana" star revealed her stage partner in a video message posted on YouTube.com, telling fans, "I can't believe how quick it's gone. We had a really good time. We actually just had a wrap party... They let me and Jeremy Piven (get up on stage)... (he's) in this movie, and so he got up on the drums and we played I Love Rock 'n' Roll."

Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean is "doing very well" in rehab and he's scheduled to be released in a week's time, according to his bandmate Brian Littrell. The 33-year-old singer has battled substance abuse issues for many years and after two stints in clinics in the early 2000s, he sought help again earlier this month.

McLean enrolled in a program "for personal reasons" and his pal Littrell has revealed the pop star is recovering well and has just a week of treatment left.

"The Facts of Life" star Geri Jewell has 'come out' as a lesbian. The actress, best known for playing Geri Tyler in the 1980s sitcom, opens up about her sexuality in her candid autobiography, "I'm Walking As Straight As I Can".

The title of the memoir also refers to Jewell's struggle with cerebral palsy. She made history as the first person with a serious disability to play a recurring role on TV.

American comedian Charlie Callas has died at the age of 86. The veteran funnyman, who worked with Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, passed away on Thursday, January 27 at a care center in Las Vegas, according to Lvrj.com. No further details were available as WENN went to press.

Callas served in the U.S. army during World War II and later worked as a drummer before turning to stand-up comedy. He became well-known for his TV appearances, including regular slots on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson", before he was eventually banned by the host for shoving him in an attempt to generate laughs.

Demi Lovato has completed her stint in a rehab facility in Los Angeles and she looks fresh when spotted in Santa Monica, California on Friday afternoon, January 27. Sporting black hair and nail color, the "Sonny with a Chance" babe smiles and waves to the photographer who takes her pictures while her other hand holds a cup of coffee.

Demi entered the rehabilitation facility in November for "emotional and physical issues," her representative said. But reports linked her decision to a physical fight with Alex Welch, one of the female backup dancers in Jonas Brothers' tour where Demi joined.

Nicki Minaj appears alongside Jesse Eisenberg and Kenan Thompson in a promo ad for the upcoming episode of "Saturday Night Live". Introduced by "The Social Network" star as the musical guest, she stands silent next to the two guys. The lady then rolls her eyes when the men ignore her and start to talk to each other.

In an interview with MTV, Minaj said, "Being a part of 'Saturday Night Live' feels absolutely incredible. I still don't even believe it's true, I'm not even going to believe it's really happening until - well, I'm going to DVR it, because I can't watch it, because I'll be on it."

Universal Pictures has dropped the first image from "Dream House" starring Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz. Portraying a married couple, the twosome is pictured together with two girls who are likely their on-screen daughters.

In the film, Craig plays successful publisher Will Atenton who quits a job in New York City to relocate his wife, Weisz's Libby, and two girls to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was the murder scene of a mother and her children. He investigates the tragedy with his only lead coming from a neighbor, Naomi Watts' Ann Paterson.

Grace Jones agreed to sign up for a guest slot on Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs' latest album after a bizarre meeting which almost resulted in the pair getting arrested. The debut record from Combs' band, Diddy-Dirty Money, features a number of collaborations with stars including Jones, Usher, Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake.

The rapper reveals the track with Jones, which appears on "Last Train to Paris", came about after a rowdy party in Brazil - which could have ended with the pair in jail. He tells Britain's The Sun, "We met Grace Jones in Brazil at a performance at Fashion Rocks for Donatella Versace. I nearly got arrested for using my cellphone and security were getting tough."

Hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri has launched his own social-networking website. The Grammy-winning producer has created Global14.com, an online forum which allows fans to interact and also features music news, a blog and fashion advice.

Dupri reveals he became fascinated with the web back in 2006 when he launched an online contest to help promote his ex-girlfriend Janet Jackson's album "20 Y.O.", and the experience inspired him to launch his own internet project. He tells Allhiphop.com, "I created a contest for Janet's album where I went to the internet and asked fans to create an album cover for her. That was the beginning of me engaging people on the internet. It was overwhelming and it was the most records she ever sold in her first week. That let me know the people wanted to be involved."

Australian actress Sophie Monk regrets her decision to go under the knife for cosmetic surgery - insisting she "should have said no". The 31 year old has reportedly undergone a breast enlargement operation, as well as Botox and collagen injections, while she also dated a cosmetic surgeon last year.

Monk now admits she wishes she hadn't changed her body as she pursued an acting career in Hollywood. She tells Who magazine, "I should have said no, but I trusted the doctor."

TV bosses have issued an apology after Tracy Morgan made a lewd remark about former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin on live TV. The "30 Rock" star stunned viewers with the comment about the former Alaskan governor during his appearance on the Inside The NBA broadcast on Thursday, January 27.

Host Charles Barkley asked the funnyman, "Sarah Palin's good looking, isn't she?" prompting Morgan to reply, "Now let me tell you something about Sarah Palin man, she's good masturbation material. The glasses and all that? Great masturbation material."

Troubled star Charlie Sheen has checked into a rehabilitation center, just a day after he was treated in hospital for a hernia. The "Two and a Half Men" actor was admitted to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Hospital on Thursday, January 27 after complaining about abdominal pain, caused by a hiatal hernia.

Reports suggested Sheen had been partying prior to his health emergency. He was discharged later on Thursday to continue his recovery at home, but on Friday, his publicist Stan Rosenfield confirmed the star is seeking professional treatment for unspecified issues.

David Guetta, who produces Rihanna's Doritos commercial "Who's That Chick?", joins the Barbadian singer in its new music video. With the help from director Jonas Akerlund, some new scenes featuring the DJ's outer space adventure are inserted into the day version of RiRi's original clip.

"I'm DJing from a spaceship," he told MTV. "It's actually really funny, because we shot that in Los Angeles in a place where the used to shoot 'Star Trek,' but like the old ones. And so it's kind of retro futuristic, you know? It's like how people were seeing the future back in the '80s. It has a sense of humor in the video."