Quick Takes: Bond, Apes, Poltergeist

Skyfall set photo courtesy Empire
Skyfall set photo courtesy Empire

Sam Mendes will not return to direct the next James Bond film. (Sigh)

“It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie,” the director told Empire. “Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond.”

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Keri Russell will play the female lead in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes according to the Hollywood Reporter Heat Vision. Russell will join Jason Clarke and Kodi-Smit McPhee on the sequel directed by Matt Reeves. Andy Serkis reprises his role as Caesar. (Russell has been kicking butt on The Americans and in Dark Skies.)

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“They’re back!” Gil Kenan (Monster House, City of Ember) will direct a remake of Poltergeist according to Deadline. Sam Raimi is producing the MGM remake of the horror classic by Tobe Hooper. (The original freaked me out as a kid!)

By Editor