Welcome to the first installment of “Casting Call!” This is the news that will affect your entertainment options tomorrow, as actors and actresses land in-demand roles and begin the long process of production. So sit back, relax, and read up on the latest news from Hollywood:
TV News:
Andy Samberg fans rejoice! The actor just signed on to play a cop in a new Fox comedy from the creators of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Samberg, creator of the SNL Digital Shorts and one-third of the Lonely Island crew, agreed to the starring role just weeks after leaving his seven year stint on Saturday Night Live.
She’s known as a legendary movie star, but now it’s time for Jane Fonda to move to the smaller screen, via the ABC comedy “Now What?” After wrapping her guest-starring role on HBO’s drama “The Newsroom,” Fonda has apparently found television to be a good fit. She is going to star in the sitcom as a disgruntled mother who confronts her daughter for posting a blog entitled “Dear Mom, Here’s Why I Hate You…” Her method of confrontation? Moving in with her daughter until they reconcile. The new show sounds like it could bring the laughs, and Fonda’s fans will be happy to see her on a regular basis.
Movie News:
Angelina Jolie is working on playing the evil queen “Maleficent” in a remake of “Sleeping Beauty,” but she isn’t the only one in her family to join the cast. No, her baby daddy Brad Pitt isn’t playing the dashing Prince Philip, but their 4-year-old daughter, Vivienne, will be appearing as a young Aurora. The lovely Elle Fanning will play the older version of Aurora. Two of their other children, Pax, 8, and Zahara, 7 will also have small roles in the upcoming film. I guess you start your movie career young when your parents are two of the most famous (and attractive) movie stars in the world.
Anna Kendrick can currently be seen on the big screen belting out the high notes in “Pitch Perfect,” but the in-demand actress has already landed her next part. The “Up In the Air” Oscar nominee signed on recently to another music-heavy role that will showcase her vocal talent, taking the lead in a movie adaptation of the off-Broadway musical “The Last Five Years.” The love story follows a couple named Jamie and Cathy through their tumultuous five-year relationship, from their first date to the inevitable break up. The catch is that Kendrick begins her story the break up and works retroactively, while the other character starts on the first date and moves forward. It sounds like “500 Days of Summer,” but with both parties reflecting on their relationship. The two story lines overlap when they meet in the middle on their wedding day. The film will be directed by Richard LaGravenese, the man behind “P.S. I Love You” and “Freedom Writers.” Kendrick’s leading man has yet to be cast, but be sure to check back with us for more updates.