July 21, 2011

Just hours before San Diego Comic Con was due to begin its first day, Peter Jackson announced that "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will not take part at the fan convention. The director delivered the bad news via Facebook but healed fans' wound with the third video diary of the film's shoot.

"New Line and Warner Bros were very happy to support a presentation, but I declined, simply because I felt it was too early. There's so much more of the films still to shoot. I just wanted to get that out there, because I've seen various references to the possibility of something Hobbity at Comic Con. Hate to disappoint anyone. But something tells me we will be there in force next year," Jackson wrote.

Speculations have been flowing out since Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony announced that they are separating after seven years earlier this month. No reason of split has come out of the estranged couple's lips but a source said their problem stemmed back from an incident on board a private plane in 2009.

Two years ago, Jennifer and Marc came close to splitting when he allegedly had a fling with a flight attendant. "Marc and Jennifer almost split up over it," the source told Us. Another insider added, "Jennifer was going to leave him then, but Marc begged her to stay. They went to marriage counseling and she decided to give it another shot. He was someone she truly loved."

Lindsay Lohan is not dodging court anytime soon. Following a court order to report her progress on 480 hours of community service for shoplifting case, Lindsay is served a legal paper by the rehab staff whom she got in confrontation with last December.

Lindsay, according to TMZ, "isn't shocked one bit that Dawn Holland is suing her over the Betty Ford incident." She believes the fired staffer is only trying to earn some cash from the case by making up the accusations.

Pusha T recently premiered a music video for his single "Trouble on My Mind" which features Tyler, The Creator. Presented by Red Bull, it features the duo wearing mask while driving around the town and wreaking havoc in their every step of the way.

The music video comes from direction hands of Jason Goldwatch. Pusha and the Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All member play troublemakers. The twosome are seen throwing eggs at innocent bystanders and trashing hotel room among other doing silly things.

Initially recording her new song "Greatest Thing" as a solo track, Cher will now have it turned into a duet with Lady GaGa. The "Burlesque" songstress recently tweeted, "Can't wait till GaGa puts her Voice on 'The Greatest Thing' SHE WILL ROCK IT SO FKNG HARD!"

The "Greatest Thing" reportedly is a song the Mother Monster wrote a long ago but never used. The track is given to Cher as a material for her comeback album, and has been recorded by the 65-year-old singer with RedOne earlier this month.

Sofia Vergara could end up being a politician's girlfriend. Nick Loeb, the boyfriend of the "Modern Family" actress, is considering to enter himself to the 2012 race for a U.S. Senate seat from Florida, but won't be making any decision before September 18 because Sofia is still vying for Best Actress in a Comedy at this year's Emmy Awards.

"I probably won't be making a decision until sometime after Labor Day," the banking heir and environmental consultant told the Palm Beach Post about his plans. "I would say more toward the end of September...The Emmys are Sept. 18 and I'll probably make a decision after that. Right now I'm supporting Sofia and her career."

A first look at Emile Hirsch as Lukie in an upcoming science-fiction thriller "The Darkest Hour" has been unveiled. In the photo, a frightened Hirsch is seen hiding behind a car. The picture also shows the famous St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow as the background.

In the movie, Hirsch portrays one among five young Americans who get stranded in the capital of Russia. They are forced to fight to keep surviving after an alien invasion. Beside offering a thrilling plot, the film also highlights the beauty of Moscow scenery that is combined with remarkable special effects done by visionary filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov and director Chris Gorak.

It seems that Eminem and Royce Da 5'9" have decided to release Bruno Mars-assisted track "Lighters" as the next Bad Meets Evil single. As an effort to support the song, a music video has already been filmed and is expected to premiere sometime soon.

The Slim Shady and Royce filmed the clip in Los Angeles with director Rich Lee ("Not Afraid"). In a picture taken from the set, it's seen the two rappers will share screen with their featured guest Bruno. The threesome are snapped striking a pose together wearing casual attires.

Shannen Doherty is back on small screen with a new reality series. The Brenda Walsh of "Beverly Hills, 90210" is set to be followed by camera for not-yet-titled unscripted show on WEtv which will chronicle the 40-year-old actress and her celebrity photographer fiance Kurt Iswarienko's wedding preparation.

The project will feature the former contestant of "Dancing with the Stars" meeting with wedding planners, choosing a venue, picking a dress as well as renovating her new Malibu home. "People will see a side of Shannen they never expected to see," WEtv executive John Miller teases what is special about the show.

Alexander Skarsgard has become a Doctor in real life. On Wednesday, July 20, the actor known for his portrayal of Eric Northman on "True Blood" was presented with an honorary doctorate degree in the arts. He was one of nine honorees to receive an honorary doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Upon collecting the degree, the 34-year-old said, "I am delighted to receive this award today and am honored to be back here in Leeds." He added, "I received great support here 14 years ago when I was studying a language course and great support from the university when I decided to re-ignite my passion for acting."

A Comic Con trailer for "Nikita" has been made available for viewing pleasure just a day before the convention will be kicked off. Released via E! Online, it teases a new rivalry that will possibly occur between Nikita and her former biggest ally Alex in season 2 now that the two have gone separate ways.

Alex depicter Lyndsy Fonseca has previously hinted that her character will undergo some changes. She revealed Alex will "find an inner strength that we all should be very, very scared of" and that could also be a problem for Nikita and Michael.

Matt Damon has gone bald. The "Bourne Identity" actor shaved his head completely for his role in Neill Blomkamp-directed movie "Elysium", and he was spotted showing off his new look when taking a break from shooting the film in Vancouver earlier this week.

Scheduled for March 1, 2013 U.S. release, "Elysium" is a science fiction flick which contains "many socio-political ideas". It's set 150 years in the future and has the social allegory elements ala "District 9". Joining Damon in the cast ensemble include Sharlto Copley, Jodie Foster and Alice Braga.

Another celebrity is being asked to the Marine Corps Ball. After Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake and Betty White got their invitation, it is now Miley Cyrus' turn. Private First Class Hart recently put up a YouTube video asking the former "Hannah Montana" star to be his date.

"An amazing tradition has just begun," Hart says. "Marines asking celebrities out to the Marine Corps Ball on November 12, 2011. I, PFC Hart, would like to date, a proud American, Miley Cyrus out to the Marine Corps Ball in beautiful southern California. Please, Miley Cyrus." He adds, "This one's for you, girl," before her "Party in the U.S.A" song takes over.

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for psychological thriller "Dream House". Giving a look at some of the creepy scenes, this brand new preview begins with a scene wherein Daniel Craig and his happy family move into their dream house. The fun quickly turns to horror when creepy things start happening to them.

Cinema Blend suggests that this trailer actually spoils the entire movie. Rumor has it, Universal did so because the production has been long troubled. Sources said that both Daniel and co-star Rachel Weisz are "so unhappy with the movie they may not even do press for it." They also claimed that director Jim Sheridan "lost control of the film to the studio."

Ryan Gosling has literally given a lift to Al Roker on "Today" show on Wednesday morning, July 20. Appearing with his "Crazy, Stupid, Love." co-star Emma Stone to promote the movie, the 30-year-old hunk recreated the famous "Dirty Dancing" air move, which also makes appearance in the Glenn Ficarra and John Requa-directed film, with the anchorman.

Ann Curry was the one who was initially offered to do the stunt with Ryan, but she persistently refused. Al then stepped up to the plate and ran towards Ryan. After two failed attempts, the Dean Pereira of "Blue Valentine" was able to hoist the "Today" co-host above his shoulder. "Nobody puts Ryan in the corner!" Al shouted once he was put down safely.

The full nomination list of the upcoming 2011 MTV Video Music Awards has been revealed on Wednesday night, July 20. Taking the most nods are Katy Perry, Adele and Kanye West. The "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)" singer leads the pack with nine nominations, and the "Rolling in the Deep" hitmaker and the "Heartless" rapper trail behind her with seven each.

Katy and Adele are fighting against each other in all of the seven nods the Brit got. The battles include vying for top honor, Video of the Year. Beside facing off each other, the female singer also has to compete with the likes of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All's member Tyler, The Creator, trio Beastie Boys and crooner Bruno Mars.

Contrary to a recent statement on his old website, Zach Braff is not gay. The actor famous for his role as Dr. John Dorian on "Scrubs" claims to have fallen victim to a hacker after a fake "coming out" letter was posted on the old version of his website on Wednesday morning, July 20.

Zach's publicist was first to clarify that the post was a hoax. To E! News, the rep explained, "He was hacked. The website has not been used since 2006. He is still straight." The 36-year-old actor himself took to his Facebook page and wrote, "My old website got hacked. Someone issued a 'coming out' statement on my behalf."

Demi Lovato is not quietly dating Ryan Phillippe. It was reported recently that the former "Sonny with a Chance" star has secretly hooked up with "The Lincoln Lawyer" actor, but the songstress herself has made use of her first red carpet appearance in over a year to clear up the rumors.

Asked about the truth behind the swirling speculations, Demi told OK! magazine, "No. It's all random stuff." Insisting that she is still single, the 18-year-old stated that she has other things in mind than romance. "Right now I'm taking my music very seriously and I'm just focusing on that," she stressed.

Those craving for new episodes of "Sons of Anarchy" will no longer question when the show will return. FX is set to debut the fourth season of its hit series on Tuesday, September 6 at 10 P.M. with a special 90-minute opener.

The network additionally announces fall premiere dates for other returning shows and one new series. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" will return for a seventh season on Thursday, September 15 at 10 P.M., while "The League" will debut the third season on Thursday, October 6 at 10:30 P.M.

Marvel has just unleashed the first teaser poster of Joss Whedon's anticipated superhero movie "The Avengers". With dark-themed background, the one-sheet gives a close-up shot of The Avengers' logo with a tagline that read "Assemble 2012".

A day before, the studio announced signing schedule with some cast members of the movie at San Diego Comic Con 2011. Chris Evans and Clark Gregg are slated to come to the Marvel Booth (#2329) on Thursday, July 21 and Saturday, July 23 respectively. It is possible that the poster will be brought to the convention.

A brand new song from Kanye West and Jay-Z's upcoming duet album "Watch the Throne" has recently hit the web. Titled "Otis", it features the two high-profile rappers trading verses over the soulful track which samples Otis Redding's classic "Try a Little Tenderness".

"Watch the Throne" is going to be released across the United States on August 2. Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All's member Frank Ocean, Jigga's wife Beyonce Knowles, Kanye's protege Mr. Hudson, and R&B/funk artist Curtis Mayfield are lined up as featured guests.

Break-up speculations have hit rumored couple Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio. Words spread like wild fire recently that the "Gossip Girl" star has been dumped by the "Inception" actor because his mother did not get along well with the 23-year-old actress.

Now magazine cited a close friend as saying, "Blake's a total mess. She tried hard to impress Leo's mum when they met but Irmelin couldn't stand her." The so-called pal added that Irmelin thought the Carol Ferris of "Green Lantern" was "far too up herself for him."

A day after "The Amazing Spider-Man" teaser trailer leaked, Sony Pictures has released the official version online. Containing exactly the same footage seen in the bootleg version, it gives a better look at Peter Parker as a little boy and his parents, who left him with Aunt May and Uncle Ben. The preview also shares scenes when teen Peter has a dinner with Gwen Stacy's family and sews what looks like his Spider-Man costume.

While in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy Peter was seen as a nerd, the new movie depicts him more like an outsider. Talking about this reinvention, "Amazing Spider-Man" director Marc Webb has previously explained, "What was important in those early comics was this notion that Peter Parker is an outsider and how we define that in a contemporary context. That, I think, was one of the challenges for us - getting Peter Parker's outsider status to be current."

How Mary J. Blige will look like in new Adam Shankman-directed movie "Rock of Ages" has been revealed. On Twitter, the director posted a picture of the R&B singer wearing a tube dress and having her blonde hair braided with beads.

In the movie, the "Stronger with Each Tear" singer will play Justice Charlier, the owner of a gentlemen's club. "[I'm] a strip club owner -- but a nice strip club!" so she told ScreenRant when talking about her character and the place where she is working.

Just a few days after announcing her separation from husband of seven years Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez lets people know how she feels. The "On the Floor" hitmaker performed at the wedding of oil tycoon Azam Aslamov's son in Ukraine, and Us Weekly reported she told the crowd gathering she is happy.

Taking the stage on Tuesday night, July 19, J.Lo exclaimed, "Are you happy? I am happy, because I am here with you today!" A friend said that the 41-year-old singer "is looking forward to the future," adding, "She is jumping back into work and being a mom with all her energy and she is really excited. She feels like she has grown leaps and bounds and is a new person now, better than ever!"

R. Kelly is grateful for the supports poured at him by his fans. The R&B crooner announced on Wednesday, July 20 that he had to undergo an emergency throat surgery, and needed to take timeout to recuperate from his illness. Later that day, he wrote on Twitter, "I'd like to thank everybody for their love, concern and support. I WILL BE BACK!"

The "Radio Message" singer hinted his health problem a week ago by tweeting, "I refuse to take another cup of theraflu! I feel like my throat is coming back. I've been in bed sweating like crazy." His publicist then detailed his illness in a press release, "[He's] undergoing an emergency procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital yesterday to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils."

FOX is entangled in a legal battle just when it is about to launch "The X Factor (US)". Simon Fuller is suing the network and FremantleMedia for breaching a contract over the new singing competition show, which allegedly obliges them to recognize Fuller as an executive producer and give him fee on the American version of "The X Factor".

The tension dates back to 2004 when Simon Cowell launched "The X Factor" in England, three years after Fuller debuted "Pop Idol" in the same country. At that time, Fuller accused Cowell of copying his "Idol" format. According to the executive producer of "American Idol", FOX and Fremantle helped settle the case by promising him an executive producer credit on the American "X Factor".

Meryl Streep can now refer to herself as a mother-in-law. Mamie Gummer, the oldest daughter of the actress playing Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady", said her "I do" to actor fiance Benjamin Walker before 150 guests last Saturday, July 16 at her family estate in Connecticut.

The Washington Post reported that the 27-year-old, who stars in ABC's "Off the Map", wore her grandmother's wedding gown for the lake-side ceremony. Among the guests helping to celebrate her nuptials were her "Evening" co-star Claire Danes and other famous friends, such as Tracey Ullman and Laura Linney.

More names are suggested as the potential competitors at season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars". Snooki, Rob Kardashian and Christina Milian reportedly are in talks to shake their hips on the dance floor in favor of a mirror ball trophy.

All the names appeared based on the report by Us Weekly. A source said of Rob, "Rob is such a low-key guy, so it would be interesting to see if he'd come out of his shell." His sister Kim Kardashian competed back in the 2008 season but did not win the prize.

Justin Timberlake, who has been making promotional appearances for "Friends with Benefits", visited "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to continue "History of Rap" with the show's host. Justin first played it coy, telling the audience "It's not going to happen. We can't do it again" when they asked for a reprise of 2010 "History of Rap". But then both of them ascended to the stage and started rapping.

Justin and Jimmy opened the 5 minute performance with Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" and moved on to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message", dancing the robot to the latter. They belted out as well Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise", Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock's "It Takes Two", Salt n' Pepa's "Push It" and stopped mid-track at Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby".