Tyrese on Fast Five's Oscar Chances and His Plans to Change the Universe

You may not have realized it, but Tyrese Gibson had a billion dollar box-office summer. The worldwide grosses of his two blockbusters Fast Five and Transformers: Dark of the Moon totaled $1.7 billion to be exact — a number that the former model/R&B artist/actor quoted twice during a recent chat with Movieline. Among the other topics discussed over the phone while the actor (and future author) was stationed in Chicago promoting Fast Five’s Oct. 4 home-video release: possible future installments for both franchises, his whirlwind trip with Michael Bay and how he plans on changing the universe, one men’s advice book at a time. Congratulations on having two of the biggest box office successes this year. It must feel pretty great to be Tyrese right now. Thank you. It does. At what point were you asked to return to the Fast and Furious franchise for Fast Five? I got a call about a year and a half ago. Then it all started, and it was just about trying to schedule it and make it all happen because they had to arrange for me to do both Transformers and Fast Five. I just couldn’t believe they were letting me do both at the same time and more importantly, I was just happy that my characters hadn’t been clipped. It must have been a surreal experience to be commuting between two sets as testosterone-fueled as Fast Five and Dark of the Moon. What that time period was like for you? There were just a lot of personalities and a lot of energy to be had. There was pressure because everyone’s going to be watching these movies. I’d show up and just be respectful, know my lines and make the other people on set feel good about working with me. It seems like you have pretty amazing foresight because you knew to invest yourself in these two franchises that would go on to become very lucrative. Did you initially expect that each would blow up the way they did? $1.7 billion. $1.7 billion. Isn’t that crazy? It is crazy. Did you have any hunch that the films would be that successful when you signed on? We all hoped for the best, but you never know what’s going to happen. You never expect a part three or a part two. Timing is everything. There are a lot of different factors, but more importantly, I was just happy that they had me in mind and I was able to show up and make it all work. When Fast Five first came out, Vin Diesel said that he wouldn’t be surprised if there was some Oscar buzz around the movie. Do you feel like Fast Five has a shot at an Academy Award nomination? Oscar buzz around Fast Five? I don’t know. That’s Vin Diesel’s opinion and I respect it, but I don’t know about Oscar buzz. I don’t think this is that type of movie. Would you be up for a sixth Fast and Furious movie? Yeah, if they reached out to me. Again, timing is everything. I don’t want to be making the same movie over and over again. How do the characters grow? Where does the story go from here? Those are things I’d have to consider. What about Transformers? Some cast members have been extremely vocal about Michael Bay’s polarizing directing style. What can you say about him as a director? Michael Bay is one of my good friends. We’ve had our moments. We’ve had our conflict. Michael Bay is a man’s man just like me. He is very driven. Very focused. A lot of people don’t understand him though. Here’s an analogy for you — when you walk up the street, and you see a dog that is barking really loud, if you open your arms, that dog is going to give you all love and hugs. Most people are going to just respond to the barking and say, “That is a really mean dog. He’s barking a lot. He’s really aggressive.” You get what I’m saying? I get what you’re saying. He’s a really nice guy. We’ve gone out together. I called him out of the blue one time and said, “Hey, I have to perform at the Floyd Mayweather fight. You want to go?” He was like, “Hell yeah! Let’s do it!” We hopped on the plane and went to Vegas. I sang the national anthem at that fight, and Michael Bay was standing right behind me. He had never been in a boxing ring for a Vegas fight like that, and he was shaking in his boots! But he was out of his arena. He wasn’t on a movie set. He was in a boxing ring. It’s a different world there. I thought it was hilarious that he was shaking like that. Have you bonded with Megan Fox, Shia LaBeouf or any other of the other Transformers stars as much as you’ve bonded with Michael Bay? I bond with everybody. I get along with everybody. I’m a chameleon. You can do it whatever way you want to do it, I’m all yours. So the world knows blockbuster Tyrese. What’s next for you film-wise? Are you looking to show a gentler side of yourself onscreen anytime soon? Well, I think one of my next roles is going to be the life story of Teddy Pendergrass. My company just locked up the life rights for the film. We’re very excited about what’s about to happen. What about that life story appealed to you? I’m a singer. He’s a singer. He’s someone I looked up to and he brought a lot of great music and created a shift in the music universe when he first came on the scene with all of his hit records. He’s a part of the real legacy and history where real R&B and soul music and sex symbolism comes from. I definitely took a few notes out of those chapters. Are you hoping that film critics will consider you a dramatic actor after this role? I’ve never had critics in mind when I do roles. I just show up knowing that they are going to have their opinion and write their reviews. I just show up and try to be the best version of me I can. Whatever they decide to say is on them. This is America. People can say whatever they want about movies. It’s all good. At this point in your career, is acting your number one priority? Music is my priority. I just finished my new album. It’s called Open Invitation and it’s coming Nov. 1. This is the best album of my R&B career. I’ve never been more proud of anything I’ve ever done musically. I’ve got collaborations on there with Rick Ross, Ludacris and R. Kelly. I’m in the club and the bedroom at the same time. What does that mean exactly? I got a club record this time. This is actually music you can dance to. I’m more known for my ballads and my flow records. This time, I’m finally able to get in the club and have some fun and be part of that activity as well as the bedroom activity. I noticed that you’ve been tweeting a lot recently about a project called Manology. What can you tell me about that? Me and Rev Run, the rapper of Run DMC, are writing a book together called Manology. We just had 10 meetings the other day with 10 of the biggest book publishers in NY and all ten are bidding and fighting for the book now. Rev Run has 2.6 millions on Twitter and I got close to 2 million followers and all we do on Twitter is write words of wisdom and put our knowledge out there. Sometimes we pass along information that we’ve come across that we like to use to motivate and inspire people. Rev’s a full-on legend and icon and all of the above and I’m on my way up the ranks. Between his generation and my generation, hopefully we’ll be able to create a real shift in the universe with this book Manology. So it’s an inspirational compilation book for men. Well, it’s going to be inspiration for men and women. What kind of advice will you be giving women? Women want to know about men — how we think, how we move, why we react the way we react and respond the way we respond and all of the above. We’re going to look at it like a real instruction manual for men and the way we think just a little bit more. So you are a musician, actor and on your way to becoming an author. What do you want your legacy to be? How do you hope people will remember Tyrese? I just want to be able to say that whatever I did, I showed up trying to be the best version I could. And also: I don’t compete. I win. Period. [Photos: Getty Images]

Saul Zaentz Sues Miramax-Disney (Again!) Over Oscar-Winner The English Patient

Thatlegendary 90-year-old movie producer Saul Zaentz is litigious is nothing new. Today he’s suing Miramax and Disneyfor breach of contract alleging he hasn’t seen enough profit from the 15-year-oldBest Picture Oscar-winnerThe English Patient. He’saccusingthe studios of blatant self-dealing and manipulation and mistating the movie’s revenue by millions in order to enrich itself — but not Zaentz — as well as deceptive and unfair accounting practices in connection with the movie.The lawsuit was filedtoday by Lavely & Singer’s Marty Singerin Los Angeles Superior Court. But here’s the thing: This isn’t the first time Zaentz has done this. He sued Miramax and Disney over pretty much the same stuff in the same court over the same picback in 2006. And it was Lavely & Singer who filed that lawsuit, too. (Did they just Xerox today’s complaint?) That firstscuffle was dismissed in 2008. In this latest legal battle, Zaentzalso is seeking $20 million in damages — same as before. Of course, the Weinsteinsowned Miramax when the film was released, but now it’s Disney’s problem because Zaentz claims the Mouse House promised to be good for the dough.Of course,Disney doesn’t own Miramax anymore. What a mess.

Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Free

Roman Polanski Openly Apologizes to Lady He Sexually Attacked

Roman Polanski Director Roman Polanski openly apologizes towards the lady he sexually attacked 33 years back inside a new documentary that opened Tuesday in the Zurich Film Festival, based on the Hollywood Reporter. "She's a double victim: my victim along with a victim from the press," Polanski, 78, stated of Samantha Greimer close to the finish from the film, Roman Polanski: A Movie Memoir. Take a look at our fall preview for art galleries, scoop, premiere calendars and much more! Polanski notoriously fled the U . s . States in 1978 to prevent prosecution after he pleaded guilty to illegal sex having a minor in 1977 (Greimer was 13 at that time). The documentary was shot as the Oscar-winning director was under house arrest in Europe 2 yrs ago waiting for possible extradition. (A Swiss judge eventually ruled to not extradite him). The film opened almost exactly 2 yrs after Polanski was arrested on his method to the festival to get an eternity achievement award. He received the recognition on Tuesday and thanked everybody who supported him throughout his incarceration and subsequent eight-month house arrest. Polanski's next directorial effort, Carnage, comes to theaters in December.

Director Adam Shankman: Rock of Age range Is Going To Be Strange-Good

La, Calif. -- Are audiences ready for Tom Cruise in 80s drag belting out Def Leppard? Access Hollywood swept up with Rock of Age range director Adam Shankman at Varietys Third Annual Energy of ladies Lunch a week ago, where he dished on his approaching epic musical, which boasts a number of Hollywoods greatest names. The film can be quite diverse from anything youve seen, he told Access. Its strange, but strange-good. The director, who's presently editing the film musical, stated fans might find a common stars in another large-haired-spandex-makeup kind of way. Its giant celebrities in 80s drag singing rock karaoke, he stated from the movie which includes Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Johnson, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough, Malin Akerman, Russell Logo and Mary J. Blige. Its people you'd never imagine singing and dancing [and] killing it! he ongoing. Adam told Access that Toms vocal were fully endorsed by among the decades greatest hair bands. Tom comes with an amazing voice. There is a little of the who understood? there, but he rocks it, he described. Def Leppard found set and viewed him do Pour Some Sugar on Me, plus they were really like, My dear God! Hes much better than us! It had been incredible. Rock of Age range is slated hitting theaters on June 1, 2012. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Dancings Ricki Lake Covered In Bruises, Although Not Worrying

La, Calif. -- Ricki Lake will mind into the Dwts ballroom on Monday on her second performance alongside professional partner Derek Hough, and although its at the start of the Dancing season, the veteran TV personality states she already bears ballroom fight wounds. Im getting a lot of fun, however i am bruised from mind to foot, Ricki told Access Hollywood at Varietys Third Annual Energy of ladies Lunch in Beverly Hillsides on Friday. I'm covered. Despite her minor injuries, Ricki is ecstatic over her new gig. Im loving every minute from it I am not worrying, she rapidly clarified. I truly seem like it is the chance a person can have, and Im taking advantage of it and merely getting a great time! Additionally to getting fun, Ricki, 43, is thrilled with another Dancing side-effect losing unwanted weight. Im shedding weight. I am talking about, its understandable you're employed out five hrs each day non-stop, youre likely to slim down, nevertheless its really amazing! Ricki, who stated she lost an overall total of 8.5 inches after just two days of dancing, told Access. Thats among the perks. For which of her fellow DWTS Season 13 rivals would be the most difficult to conquer, Ricki revealed she's her eye on three celebrity ballroom dancers particularly. Chynna [Phillips] was amazing, J.R. [Martinez] is incredible, David Arquette is really adorable, she stated. All are really special themselves. Watch Ricki and Derek tackle the jive on Mondays Dwts on ABC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Universal Wins 'Bruno' Suit Over Lady Hurt in Bingo Hall

Universal Pictures Score another win for Sacha Baron Cohen in the court. A California Appeals Court has agreed having a lower court that the altercation by Cohen in a bingo parlor throughout the filming from the 2009 comedy Bruno was protected free speech. Cohen, NBC Universal, along with other production companies on Bruno were prosecuted last year by Richelle Olson and her husband after allegedly being exposed to some confrontation that led to injuries together with a "brain bleed." Following the suit was filed, Universal struck back immediately having a letter to Olson, stating that recorded footage from the "altercation" demonstrated no assault happened. The studio's lawyers threatened the Olsons with punishment when they made a decision to persist with aa "demonstrably and ludicrously false complaint." It appears like Universal was indeed serious and it is going to obtain the Olsons to repay to make claims about the eve from the Bruno release. The incident under consideration happened on May 24, 2007 at Olson's bingo hall. Cohen, serving as "Bruno," was asked up to the level to on-site visit the amounts. The film crew was present, and every one of the seniors people attending had signed a "Standard Consent Agreement" to become shot for any "documentary-style film." Universal posted 28 minutes of unedited footage showing what went down. Based on a footnote within the latest appeals court decision: "After Cohen known as the Bingo number 36, according to him that "36" was age his former husband or boyfriend. Later, when he calls the # 3, he states that his former partner's birthday was "May 3." When he later calls the number 59, he remarks that 59 was the amount of his accommodation he remained in when he met his former partner, along with a couple of minutes later when he announces number 42, Cohen offers that "42 inches was his partner's chest size. Finally, after Cohen announces the amount 7, he comments he met his partner on "This summer 7." Some people from the audience could be heard laughing after each comment." The scene never made an appearance within the final film, that is bad, because perhaps it had what might of been the film's best line. As Cohen ongoing making comments, Olson grew to become alarmed in the vulgarity and concerned for that other Bingo gamers. So she contacted happens area and told Cohen to prevent. Cohen asks why he is able to't continue and why she's being so rude, and Olsonresponds by polling the crowd whether or not they wanted him or Olson to follow the number-calling. The crowd chose Olson. As security officials escorted Cohen and the crew towards the exit, Richelle Olson introduced towards the audience: "I won't have anybody create a mockery of the bingo hall." Later, Olson left happens to calm herself lower, where, sobbing uncontrollably, she lost awareness, striking her mind in to the concrete floor. Paramedics required her away, and she or he states she was identified with two brain will bleed and has been around a motorized wheel chair and master since. STORY: Another 'Bruno' Suit Claims Riot at Gay Marriage Rally The lawsuit commenced. After Olson filed her suit, Universal responded by having an anti-SLAPP motion to strike Olsen's claims, stating that Cohen's behavior is at furtherance of free speech. First, a lesser court, and today, an appeals court, concurs the comedian's actions in the bingo hall were protected through the First Amendment. Based on a choice on Monday: "Cohen's verbal exchange with Richelle Olson on stage assisted in Cohen's effort to acquire a reaction from Richelle Olson taken on video for subsequent use within the film. As a result it's an indistinguishable area of the constitutionally protected significant conduct of creating the film.Inch To be eligible for a constitutional protection, the studio also needed to demonstrate there is a public problem or interest involved with Cohen's speech. Universal submit arguments that Cohen's behavior within the bingo hall were "intended use a satirical perspective on homosexuality, and gay culture by, amongst other things, eliciting homophobic responses from individuals with whom Bruno interacted within the movie." The appeals court states this argument is convincing. The victory not just implies that Universal is effective in tossing the suit, but additionally to get Olson to fork over money because of its legal costs. The appeals court has additionally confirmed the studio's motion to recuperate it's attorney costs. Universal makes good on its threat. Meanwhile, Cohen continues his streak of beating back the different legal cases which have been thrown his way from sufferers of his trademark comedy. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner Universal Pictures

Disney employs politico's consultant

The Wally Disney Co. has hired Mike Castellano, an agent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), as Vice president of U.S. government relations. Castellano works on a variety of difficulties with an emphasis on trade and intellectual property. Richard Bates, senior Vice president of U.S. government relations, reported Castellano's "knowledge about complex issues, capability to achieve over the aisle and Congressional chambers and dealings with foreign authorities" in announcing Castellano's hire. Castellano was most lately senior counsel and senior policy agent to Reid, concentrating on intellectual property, worldwide trade and cyber security. Younger crowd spent 4 years employed by the home Methods Committee as well as for Repetition. Sander Levin (D-Mich.). He began his career at Dewey Ballantine LLP. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Burning Guy

A Vital Pictures, Transmission Films and Screen Australia in colaboration with Screen NSW, Filmbox and Latitude Media presentation of the Meercat Prods. and Archer Street production. (Worldwide sales: Filmbox, Sydney.) Created by Jonathan Teplitzky, Andy Paterson. Executive producers, Daria Jovicic, Cedric Jeanson, Mike Tromans. Directed, compiled by Jonathan Teplitzky.Tom - Matthew Goode Sarah - Bojana Novakovic Karen - Essie Davis Sally - Kerry Fox Miriam - Rachel Griffiths Oscar - Jack HeanlyGrief does not rate high among emotional states suitable for high-octane presentation hence the disconnect between excessive style and sober content in "Burning Guy," an element-length montage appearing like a serious drama about loss and anger. Directed with undue effort by Jonathan Teplitzky -- whose script indicates a smaller amount effort -- this fancy, empty contraption stars Matthew Goode like a outburst-prone blowhard made much more with a spouse's recent dying. We are designed to feel his discomfort the discomfort experienced, however, is unintentional. Pic will not do much for that thesp's rising star, which nonetheless can help iffy theatrical sales and much more-likely ancillary prospects. Opening montage of highlights in the future -- inside a movie that frequently appears entirely composed of histrionic and aesthetic crescendos -- posits "Burning Guy" like a flashback of occasions spinning with the mind of Tom Keaton (Goode). Another episode of road rage has led to the trendy Sydney restaurant chef being pinned upside lower in the Volkswagen, having a very immediate threat of dying by gasoline fire. (The framework device works out to become a complete red-colored sardines.) Poor Tom continues to be playing around such as the proverbial headless chicken since wife Sarah (Bojana Novakovic) died of cancer, although from what we should see, he wasn't much simpler to obtain together with before tragedy struck. He's mad in the world, and never acting very sensibly toward 8-year-old boy Oscar (Jack Heanly), sister-in-law Karen (Essie Davis) and many women he's most probably shagging to dull the discomfort. Myriad gratuitous sex moments lend "Burning Guy" a raunchy patina aside from being Tom's match in brattiness, Sarah is primarily based on her incessant toplessness. We must become complacent they love the youngster, despite rarely acting like parents it's obvious, however, they deserve one another. Yet it's clearer still that Teplitzky ("Much Better Than Sex") means us to locate Sarah an ideal lady, and Tom the rakish bad-boy who simply feels an excessive amount of and functions better than everybody while he is. Script is stated to become autobiographical, though press notes reveal that when he labored for his chef brother, the director was considered the "rudest waiter in Sydney." The film likewise goodies Tom's obnoxiousness like a proud badge of individualism. Goode has certainly proven themself capable elsewhere, however the fawning camera functions as though this were his personal vanity project. Urged to preen, pressure charm and combust frequently, the actor can't go above his material. Novakovic seems from her depth. Supporting gamers are solid, but character writing (not to mention fresh dialogue) isn't a strength here. Using its scrambled chronology, editorial/visual acrobatics and equally over-the-top musical cues (heavenly choirs duly bust out), "Burning Guy" can't leave good enough alone for any second Teplitzky overcooks every factor of the film, including cheap jokes that trivialize two late moments that tie together major plot points. Tech and design aspects are shiny. For that record, pic is not related to the Nevada desert festival of the identical title, though such confusion might operate in its favor in a commercial sense.Camera (color, HD, widescreen), Garry Phillips editor, Martin Connor music, Lisa Gerrard production designer, Steven Johnson-Evans art director, Sophie Nash set decorator, Christopher Bruce costume designer, Lizzy Gardiner seem (Dolby Digital), David Lee supervisory seem editor, Andrew Plain re-recording mixers, Gethin Creagh, Andy Wright, Peter Climpson assistant director, Margie Beattie casting, Nikki Barrett. Examined at Toronto Film Festival (Special Presentation), Sept. 9, 2011. Running time: 109 MIN.With: Kate Beahan, Gia Carides, Martha Dusseldorp, Serta Wylie, Anthony Hayes, Garry McDonald, Lech Mackiewicz. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' New Poster Features Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson in Embrace (Photo)

Summit Entertainment has just unveiled a new poster for its upcoming The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1.our editor recommends'Breaking Dawn' Cast Gets Stranded on Remote Island'Breaking Dawn' Teaser Trailer (Video)'Breaking Dawn' Wedding Scene Revealed (Video) PHOTOS: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn': New Photos The poster features stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in an embrace. It's much more intimate pose than was featured in the previous poster, released in mid-August, which pictured the entire main cast, including Taylor Lautner, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Elizabeth Reaser, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Green and Jackson Rathbone. PHOTOS: The Evolution of Film Vampires Breaking Dawn -- Part I, which hits theaters Nov. 18, centers around -- spoiler alert for those who haven't read the books or pretty much any Twilight coverage in recent months -- on the wedding between Bella (Stewart) and Edward (Pattinson) and ensuing pregnancy. STORY: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Alleged Pirate Identified by Summit Part 2 is slated for a Nov. 16, 2012 release. Both films are directed by Bill Condon. Related Topics Robert Pattinson Kristen Stewart

Following The Voice, Another Nederlander Reality Format Targets U.S. Broadcast Systems

Zodiak USA is wishing that lightning can strike two times, getting towards the U.S. a cafe or restaurant reality format that is an outbreak hit on Holland’s RTL4, exactly the same network that released The Voice. Zodiak will pitch the format, Restaurant Race, to U.S. broadcast systems now. I hear 2 of these, ABC and NBC, take presctiption the search for any culinary series after striking by helping cover their such recent records as Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and America’s Next Great Restaurant, correspondingly. Within the original Nederlander version, that will tweaked for U.S. audiences, Restaurant Race focuses on two battling restaurants that compete against each other. Assisted with a mentor, they've got 72 hrs, $10,000 to reboot their business on their own. The restaurant that works the very best within the eyes from the critic will pocket a large cash prize for more enhancements. The format bears some commonalities towards the original Australian series The Cutting up Block, though not the short-resided NBC version. NBC continues to be particularly consistent in the efforts to locate a restaurant-based reality franchise using the 2003 Mark Burnett/Ben Silverman series The Restaurant, The Cutting up Block and many lately, America’s Next Great Restaurant. The only real effective effort within the space on U.S. broadcast TV to date is Fox’s Kitchen Bad dreams starring Gordon Ramsay.