February 25, 2012

Bill Pullman and Brittany Snow will have father and daughter relationship on a new NBC pilot, "1600 Penn". It has been announced that Pullman is slated to play a U.S. President named Dale Gilchrist in the comedy project, while Snow is the First Daughter named Becca.

Created by Josh Gad (Book of Mormon), Jason Winer (Modern Family) and Jon Lovett, "1600 Penn" is a "dysfunctional family comedy where the out-of-control oldest son (Gad) returns home and becomes not only it's biggest liability but also the glue holding everyone together. The twist is that this family resides in the White House".

Less than a month after cutting her hair super short, Willow Smith changed the color of her locks. The daughter of celebrity couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith ditched her brunette locks for honey-colored hair.

11-year-old Willow showed off her blonde hair when hanging out with her friends at Subway. During the outing, the pint-sized pop singer rocked a red-and-black sweater and a cream-colored top, and completed her look with a pair of oversized glasses.

Kim Kardashian paid homage to her late father, Robert, on the day he would have turned 68. The 31-year-old reality TV star took to Twitter to share old pictures of her family. "Wonder if they celebrate birthdays in heaven...if so I'm sure my dad is having the best birthday ever! Happy birthday dad," she wrote.

One of the pictures posted on Wednesday, February 22 showed her father and her brother Rob Kardashian. Another image saw her younger self and her dad along with her mother Kris Jenner and sister Khloe Kardashian donning swimsuits. "Taking it back old school... Me, Mom, Dad & Khloe," she put a caption on it.

"Downton Abbey" could toughen the competition for best drama series at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards. It has just been reported that the period drama, which won Best Miniseries or Television Film kudo at 2012 Golden Globe Awards, will switch category from Outstanding Miniseries or Movie to Outstanding Drama Series at this year's Emmys.

"After starting out as a miniseries, 'Downton Abbey' caught fire and so now it moves over to drama series category as it plans for future TV seasons," TV academy awards chief John Leverence tells Gold Derby. "It follows the trajectory of previous shows like 'The Starter Wife' that started out as a miniseries and then became a regular series."

Jose Padilha's "RoboCop" might be close to find its lead actor. Deadline reported that MGM has made an offer to "The Killing" actor Joel Kinnaman to tackle the titular character in the remake movie.

It is said that the dealmaking with Kinnaman is expected to begin immediately. Before Kinnaman's name emerged as the new frontliner, it was long-rumored that Michael Fassbender was eyed to star as the cyborg police.

Two weeks after getting bitten by a dog on a live TV show, Kyle Dyer has finally talked about the incident. In an interview with KUSA-TV, a local station which she works for, the news anchor showed a positive mind as she said she has never blamed Max, the Argentine mastiff which bit her in the lips earlier this month. "I never felt any ill toward Max," she said.

"I'm glad the dog's back home with his family. I never wanted anything but, you know, it was an accident," she added. "And it just kind of all snowballed. And then all that followed. I'm doing better. The dog's back with its family, it's time to move on. I'm glad to be home too and want to move on and to heal."

Before attending the upcoming 84th Annual Academy Awards this coming weekend, some big stars in movie industry celebrated the prestigious event at Women In Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party. Among those who stole attention upon arriving at the bash was Selena Gomez.

The girlfriend of Justin Bieber opted for a cute-yet-mature look in a daring dark-colored bustier which she matched with a short nude-colored skirt and a pair of matching high heels. The 19-year-old star wore her hair down and styled it in soft curls.

While he's currently under investigation for allegedly stealing a woman's iPhone, Chris Brown insisted that he is innocent in the case. Radar Online reported that the R&B star has told his close friends and associates that he "has done nothing wrong" and hopes that he will not be prosecuted.

A insider said, "Chris is telling friends that he has done nothing wrong." The source who is close to the situation added, "Chris is hopeful that the evidence and the true facts of the case will result in no charge being made against him."

A music video for a remix of Tyga's chart-busting single "Rack City" has come out. The clip is a star-studded one with T.I., Young Jeezy, Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill sharing the screen with Cash Money/Young Money rapper.

Talking about how he's involved in the star-studded remix, T.I. once told MTV, "For me, I got reached out to. They told me to add my two cents in, so I did just that." He added, "When they told me the video was coming, I picked out an outfit."

Walt Disney Pictures has debuted a new extended clip from "John Carter". The sneak-peek video offers a much longer look at the titular hero as he is forced to risk his life in a Barsoomian version of gladiator game. Along with his wounded alien friend, Tars Tarkas, the hero must defeat not just one but two ferocious White Apes in the fight-to-the-death battle.

Director Andrew Stanton once explained that the White Ape is one of the magnets in the anticipated novel-adapted movie. Offering details about the creatures, he told Entertainment Weekly, "They're sort of an oversized gorilla in the books, and they're kind of ubiquitous. They're littered everywhere through at least the first several novels."

Olly Murs and fellow U.K. act Labrinth release a new music video each. The former premieres a love-story clip to support his single "Oh My Goodness", while the latter debuts intergalactic visuals to promote his track "Last Time".

Olly is smitten by a girl from the instant he lays his eyes on her at a mall, and then the runner-up of "The X Factor" season six starts searching for her. Labrinth, meanwhile, sends an alien to a young boy's room, and the extraterritorial creature takes him to another world.

Though remaining mum on their alleged engagement, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel might be quietly preparing their wedding. A so-called insider has spilled that the on-and-off couple plans to walk down the aisle "this summer at a private estate."

Offering another detail, the insider said the Capt. Charisa Sosa of "The A-Team" lists Monique Lhuillier as her first choice for the dress. The designer has previously designed wedding dresses for such stars as Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Minnillo and Shannen Doherty.

Successfully helping launch careers of such artists as Rihanna, J. Cole and Willow Smith, Jay-Z now introduces his newest protege, Rita Ora. Just in time for summer kick-off, the U.K.-born singer debuts her first U.S. single in a form of a fun upbeat tune called "Party and Bullsh*t".

"You look so sweet while you're dreaming/ Holding your bottle of Tanqueray/ It isn't even the weekend/ Baby that's, how I know, you're the one for me, I wanna party and bullsh*t," she declares her enthusiasm for a good party over the head-bopping beat.

Sacha Baron Cohen is eventually allowed to appear as Admiral General Aladeen, his eccentric character in "The Dictator", on the red carpet of the 2012 Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26. Upon hearing the good news, the British actor's alter-ego released a statement to announce his "victory" for conquering the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

In a Twitter feed for Aladeen's fictional country, The Republic Of Wadiya, the character stated, "VICTORY IS OURS! Today the Mighty Nation of Wadiya triumphed over the Zionist snakes of Hollywood."

LeAnn Rimes has addressed the reports which put her in contention to be one of the new judges of "The X Factor (US)". Asked by E! Online about the possibility of her joining the show's sophomore season, the "Northern Lights" star admitted she is "open" to the gig.

"I love the show. I mean, I love all the shows," the 29-year-old actress/singer said when met at Bovet 1922's Hollywood Domino Gala & Tournament at the Sunset Tower Hotel. She coyly added, "There are a lot of unknowns, but I'm always open. Always open to many, many different things."

Kid Cudi lost his cool during a recent gathering in New York City where he played his new album "WZRD" for a select crowd. The rapper was upset during a Q&A session when his demand for total silence was ignored by people in the room.

"You guys are so full of s**t, whoever's talking, you're so full of s**t and I f**kin hate you...I'll snuff you!" an irritated Cudi said as quoted by HipHopWired. "I'm not a f**king substitute teacher. I'm not the principal of a school...I just hear b***hes."

Seal has been open about the end of his nearly seven years of marriage to Heidi Klum, and he recently explained the reason why. During a Thursday, February 23 interview on Australian radio show Fifi and Jules, the four-time Grammy winner said he believes people deserve to get explanation about their split.

"When you publicize your marriage as much as our marriage was publicized, when you renew wedding vows, when you do all those things, what you are saying to people is...you're giving people a picture of an ideal relationship that people aspire to," the 49-year-old singer, who's in the Land Down Under to work on the country's version of "The Voice", began his explanation.

Neal gets a good chance of being freed based on a new clip from "White Collar" season 3 finale. In the sneak peek, a woman in charge of the case gives him a good review during an initial hearing after learning how he's provided so much help for the FBI.

However, things could turn for the worse in the next few days when the decision would be made. As hinted in another newly-released clip, agent Kramer will be one of the people interviewed in Neal's commutation and he might not give a good recommendation for the former con-man.

After winning multiple prestigious awards internationally, "The Artist" continued to collect more prizes in its homeland, France. The acclaimed silent drama has grabbed six trophies, including the coveted Best Film, at the 37th annual Cesar Awards on Friday night, February 24 in Paris.

In addition to the Best Film gong, the critics' darling movie took home Best Director kudo for Michel Hazanivicus. "This is a film that started out at the very bottom, it's a film nobody wanted to make, and now we are right at the top," said the filmmaker upon receiving his award. "It's a beautiful story."

DMX didn't hold his tongue when being asked to comment on some of the biggest names in the game. In a radio interview recently, the "I Don't Dance" rhymer blatantly blasted fellow rappers Drake, Rick Ross and Jay-Z.

DMX loathed everything about Drizzy. "I don't like anything about Drake. I don't like his f**king voice. I don't like what he talks about. I don't like his face. I don't like the way he walks. Nothing," he said before adding, "I don't like his haircut."

Taylor Swift has responded to a prom invitation from Kevin McGuire. In a message left on her Facebook wall on Friday, February 24, the "You Belong with Me" hitmaker apologized for not being able to accept his invite, but she came out with a better offer for her cancer-stricken fan.

The 22-year-old country crooner invited the New Jersey teen to go to the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 1. "Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom," her Facebook message read. "But I was wondering, the ACM Awards are coming up.. Would you be my date?"

How Benedict Cumberbatch will look like as the major villain in "Star Trek" sequel has been unveiled in an on-set photo from the highly anticipated sci-fi movie. MTV has shared the picture that gives a first look at Cumberbatch's antagonist character as he fights Zachary Quinto's Spock on what is said to be "a Space Barge set."

Donning his signature Star Fleet blue uniform, Spock is seen battling the supervillain with his famous Vulcan Death Grip. Cumberbatch, on the other hand, is featured donning a black version of the uniform under his overcoat. It is said that in the fight scene, Cumberbatch's character is "able to overpower the grip and regain upper hand in his struggle against the Star Fleet officer."

"The Walking Dead" has appointed BAFTA Award nominee David Morrissey to be The Governor. The 47-year-old Liverpool-born actor/director, who starred in such films as "Nowhere Boy" and "Centurion", will start playing the evil villain in season three of the AMC series in a regular basis.

In the comic, Rick and his group first meet The Governor when they find a new settlement of survivors in Woodbury. The character, also known as Phillip, has sadistic methods of leadership which are counter-balanced with a personal struggle involving his daughter.

Carrie Underwood has released lead single titled "Good Girl" from her upcoming studio album. In the toe-tapping hand-clap song, the "American Idol" alum warns every good girl that the men they see as a catch might be nothing but a cad, who's really good at lying and hiding their true color.

"His lips are dripping honey/ But he'll sting you like a bee," she sings. "Why, you gotta be so blind?/ Won't you open up your eyes?/ It's just a matter of time till you find/ He's no good, girl, no good for you/ You better get to getting on your goodbye shoes, and go, go, go/ You better listen to me he's low, low, low."

Gerard Butler has returned home after reportedly spending the past three weeks in rehab. Shortly after news broke out that the "Law Abiding Citizen" star sought help for his substance abuse issues at the Betty Ford Center in California, his representative released a statement to the press, offering an update on his status.

In the statement issued on Friday, February 24, a spokesperson for the 42-year-old announced, "Gerard has completed a successful course of treatment and has returned home in good health." While confirming that the actor indeed checked himself into rehab, the rep kept further details under wrap as saying, "We will not be making any further comment at this time."

While his latest movie "Safe House" is still making a buzz at U.S. cinemas, Ryan Reynolds is announced as the lead voice of a DreamWorks Animation project, "Turbo". The cartoon is about a snail who dreams of being the greatest racer in the world, just like his hero, 5-time Indianapolis 500 champ, Guy Gagne.

Reynolds is to fill in the voice of Turbo, backed up by a list of impressive actors such as Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson.

It has been confirmed that Limp Bizkit have joined Lil Wayne's record label Cash Money. The nu metal band's frontman Fred Durst tweeted on Friday, February 24 morning, "The game is missing danger, electricity, and rock n roll!!!! Cash Money Limp Bizkit."

Wayne has also confirmed the signing, revealing the news during a call with New York's 98.7 KissFM on Thursday night. Cash Money in fact is on signing spree with Ashanti on the verge of making the deal official. "We're always listening and looking at acts. Every other day I hear about somebody new just signed to Cash Money," he said. "...The other day I found out Limp Bizkit signed to Cash Money. They're signing everybody."

Jimmy Fallon is the latest to jump into "Linsanity", singing an ode to New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin on his talk show, "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". As Eddie Vedder, Fallon changed the lyrics to Pearl Jam's 1992 Grammy-nominated single "Jeremy".

"At home, shooting free throws and three point shots, waiting for a job/name not yet a pun/Carmelo injury/Came out of nowhere like an Asian Tebow," Fallon sang, referring to NFL quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow. Fallon previously also sang a song about Tebow to David Bowie's "Space Oddity".

Jordin Sparks fought back tears when paying tribute to Whitney Houston, at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood at the Beverly Hills Hotel. At the Thursday, February 23 event, the "American Idol" winner told the audience how Houston inspired her tremendously during the time they filmed "Sparkle" together.

"The first day she got [to the set] she's scolding me, and I'm thinking this is the best day ever," Sparks said with a grin. "She went from being this unreachable supernova pop star to my costar, friend and someone who was like a mentor to me. It was a gift and an honor to play opposite Whitney Houston in the film."