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Spielberg's Fear-Tactics Silence LaBeouf
22 April 2008 (WENN)
Disturbia star Shia LaBeouf was terrified of leaking details about the forthcoming blockbuster after director Steven Spielberg sued a big-mouthed extra. LaBeouf realized how serious Spielberg was about keeping production secrets, when he was first sent a script that was bar-coded and watermarked to prevent duplication. He was also given a hotline number to call if he lost it. The actor, who stars alongside Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, also recalled the fate of 24-year-old Tyler Nelson, who was taken to court by Spielberg and his part reportedly cut from the film, after he leaked plot details in a newspaper interview. LaBeouf says, "The joke I had was that Steven (Spielberg) had snipers following me. And if I ever slipped and gave up any tidbits, that was the end."

Hurt Confirms: Lastest Indy Film Will Debut at Cannes
7 April 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will have its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, costar John Hurt has told a British talk show host. Appearing on the BBC's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Hurt, who won Oscar nods for his roles in Midnight Express and The Elephant Man, described Harrison Ford's work in the film at age 65 as "brilliant," adding, "I have nothing but good things to say about him. He understands that whole franchise. He is that franchise."

'Crystal Skull' Set for Cannes Premiere
7 April 2008 (WENN)
The eagerly awaited movie Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month. The hit franchise's latest outing featuring Harrison Ford's return as the whip-cracking hero will be shown to industry insiders at the renowned French film event days before its international release on May 22. The news was announced by celebrated Brit actor John Hurt who stars in the movie - but he failed to release any details of the movie's plot, insisting he has been sworn to secrecy. And the veteran star heaped praise on 65-year-old Ford, describing him as "brilliant." He tells U.K. talk show host Jonathan Ross, "I have nothing but good things to say about him. He understands that whole franchise. He is that franchise." The fourth installment in the popular franchise, which has taken 18 years to come to fruition, also stars Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf.

Cyrus & Bell Dominate Kids Choice Awards
31 March 2008 (WENN)
Miley Cyrus and Drake Bell reigned supreme at the 21st Annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, scooping two prizes apiece. Hannah Montana star Cyrus, 15, took the favorite TV actress and favorite female singer gongs on a night that saw Harrison Ford, Cameron Diaz and Orlando Bloom drenched in green slime - as part of the ceremony's traditional ritual. Heartthrob Bell picked up two prizes - favorite TV actor and favorite TV show for his sitcom Drake And Josh - at the Pauley Pavilion event, which was hosted by funnyman Jack Black. One of the biggest prizes of the night, the "Wannabe" award for a celebrity who acts as a good role model for children, went to actress Cameron Diaz. She used the honor to promote environmental issues, telling the young audience, "You're going to change the world. Every one of you kids is the future - go out and make the world a better place." Prior to the event, rumors began to surface that Britney Spears was lining up a surprise appearance at the ceremony. However, the rumors failed to materialize. Other big awards went to Johnny Depp, for favorite movie actor; Jessica Alba, for favorite movie actress; Chris Brown, for favorite male singer; and The Jonas Brothers, for favorite group. Supermodel Heidi Klum was in the thick of the action, flying from the roof on a bungee cord and popping balloons en route to ground level. Jack Black told the crowd over 88 million votes had been registered for the 2008 ceremony - more than twice last year's record-breaking 40 million. The night ended with Black and Bloom swinging in mid-air and being drenched in what the School Of Rock star claimed was "27 million gallons" of green slime.

Harrison Ford Had No Faith 'Star Wars' Would Succeed
10 March 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Asked by Home Media magazine what his "defining memory" of Star Wars was, Harrison Ford responded, "The day my accountant convinced me that the success of the film and the two sequels that I was in meant I would never be poor again. It was a very Scarlett O'Hara moment considering prior to that I was making more of a living as a carpenter than an actor." Ford indicated that he had little confidence while he was making Star Wars that it would become successful. "Whenever we would ask [director George] Lucas what we were shooting at or fleeing from he'd just tell us the special effects will be put in much later and that will explain everything," he said, adding: "George will never be known as an actor's director."

Ford & Flockhart Hitch a Ride With the Police
27 February 2008 (WENN)
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart were escorted away from Sir Elton John's post-Oscars party in the back of a police car. The Hollywood couple was forced to ask for a little assistance from Los Angeles' finest when the chauffeur-driven car they arrived at the party in failed to show up for the journey home. A party guest tells website PlanetGossip.Eonline.com, "They were standing outside waiting for their car to pick them up. They called and called and called the car, but the driver never showed up." So the police stepped in to offer the pair a lift home. The party insider adds, "Harrison and Calista accepted and were taken home in the back of a squad car." A police representative reveals the couple was driven less than a mile to the Sunset Tower hotel to visit friends.

'Indy 4' To Debut at Cannes?
26 February 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is likely to have its official worldwide premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, FoxNews.com columnist Roger Friedman reported Monday, citing several unnamed sources. Friedman said that Spielberg's representatives are currently in negotiations with officials of the festival for the Indiana Jones sequel to open the week-long festivities, with Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, and others making appearances on the red carpet at Cannes's Palais.

Spielberg To Be Honored With DeMille Prize
15 November 2007 (WENN)
Steven Spielberg will become the first director to claim the coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award this century when he claims the prize at the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will honour Spielberg at the event on January 13. The Cecil B. DeMille Award is usually handed to actors and actresses for their "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field." Spielberg was named the 2008 recipient at a Wednesday morning press conference hosted by actor Josh Brolin. The six-time Golden Globe winner and 12-time nominee will join Warren Beatty, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Williams, Michael Douglas, Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford, Al Pacino and Barbra Streisand as the recipients of the honor since 2000. Nominations for the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be announced on December 13. Meanwhile, in other Golden Globes news, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter Rumer Willis has been selected as 2008 Miss Golden Globe. The teenager will assist in the Golden Globes ceremony. The role of Miss Golden Globe is given to the daughter of a well-known celebrity each year; Jack Nicholson's daughter Lorraine filled the position earlier this year.

LaBeouf Arrested for Trespassing
5 November 2007 (WENN)
Transformers star Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Chicago, Illinois for trespassing in a discount store. The 21-year-old actor, who plays Harrison Ford's sidekick in the upcoming Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull adventure film, was taken into custody on Sunday morning after refusing to leave a Walgreens store at 2am, according to the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Details of his arrest remain hazy, but it appears LaBeouf refused to leave the store after security requests, and staff called the police. LaBeouf will appear in court on November 28.

Spielberg Furious After Indiana Jones Plot Is Leaked
1 October 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg is threatening to axe scenes starring actor Tyler Nelson in the upcoming Indiana Jones movie after he leaked the plot line to an Oklahoma newspaper. Upcoming star Nelson, 24, was so excited about landing a role alongside Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, he revealed the plot and every major scene to local paper, the Edmond Sun. And now Spielberg is considering cutting all scenes featuring Nelson from the film following his betrayal. A spokesman for Spielberg says, "Who knows if he's ever going to work in town again?" The new Indiana Jones movie has been shrouded in secrecy since filming began earlier this year. The title of the sequel was only made public by actor Shia LaBeouf at the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas on September 9.

Ford: "'Blade Runner' Was a Nightmare"
5 July 2007 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has branded his role playing a futuristic cop in Blade Runner "a f**king nightmare." The actor admits he was initially attracted to the role as Rick Deckard in the 1982 movie, but was not keen on the voiceover narrations. Ford claims director Ridley Scott agreed to remove them for the script - but was disappointed when the spoken words made the film's final cut. He says, "When we started shooting it had been tacitly agreed that the version of the film that we had agreed upon was the version without voiceover narration. It was a f**king nightmare. I thought that the film had worked without the narration. But now I was stuck re-creating that narration. And I was obliged to do the voiceovers for people that did not represent the director's interests."

Oscar Winner Broadbent Joins 'Indiana Jones' Cast
21 June 2007 (WENN)
Revered British actor Jim Broadbent has joined the cast of the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie. The Moulin Rouge star will join fellow Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and fellow Brits John Hurt and Ray Winstone in the much-anticipated action film. Production on the film, which reunites director Steven Spielberg, executive producer George Lucas and Ford as the adventurer, began on Monday. The movie is scheduled for release next summer. Broadbent won the 2001 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Iris, the same year he also appeared in Moulin Rouge and Bridget Jones's Diary.

Connery Won't Be in 'Indiana Jones IV'
8 June 2007 (WENN)
Sir Sean Connery has announced he will not be returning for the next film in the Indiana Jones franchise. The 76-year-old had been tipped to reprise his role from 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade as Harrison Ford's screen father, but has now confirmed he is sticking to his 2005 resolution to quit acting. He says, "I thought long and hard about it, and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun." Elsewhere, John Hurt has been added to the cast. It is unclear what character the veteran star will play, but he is joining Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone on the movie. Connery adds, "This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.' I'll see you at the theatre."

Flockhart and Ford's Aides Deny Engagement News
18 April 2007 (WENN)
Publicists for Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have fired back at stories suggesting the Hollywood couple is planning to wed. Representatives for Flockhart and Ford are denying a report the couple is engaged. Europe's Grazia magazine reported that Ford proposed on April 1. Flockhart's publicist says, "They are not engaged," while a representative for Ford adds, "It's not true." But Grazia is standing by its story, claiming Ford asked Flockhart's adopted six-year-old son Liam help with the proposal. A source told the magazine, "He coached Liam to run up to Calista and give her a rehearsed message - 'Mr. Ford is going to be my daddy.' Calista just laughed but it was no joke. Harrison then told her he wanted to marry her. She's thrilled about the proposal and so is Liam." Ford and Flockhart have been dating for five years.

Ford, Costner and Spielberg Make Forbes' Top 10 Divorce List
13 April 2007 (WENN)
Movie stars Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner and director Steven Spielberg have been named in US magazine Forbes' top 10 most costly divorce settlements in Hollywood. Spielberg, who divorced first wife Amy Irving in 1989 at a cost of $100 million, was only beaten to the top of the poll by basketball legend Michael Jordan and singer Neil Diamond, at numbers one and two respectively. Forbes speculates Jordan's pending divorce from his wife of 18 years, Juanita Vanoy, will set the former NBA star back by more than $150 million - the cost of Diamond's failed 1969 marriage to Marcia Murphey. Ford ranks at number four after having paid an estimated $85 million to first wife Melissa Mathison, while Costner's settlement with wife of 16 years, Cindy Silva in 1994, earned him fifth place. Other stars whose love splits have made it into the top 10 include: former Beatles singer Sir Paul McCartney and his impending divorce from Heather Mills; rocker Sir Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall; and Michael Douglas and first wife Diandra.

Penn To Cross Over for Just Three Days
10 April 2007 (WENN)
Sean Penn has joined the all-star cast of immigration drama Crossing Over, but he'll only spend three days on the set filming a cameo as a US border patrol agent. Harrison Ford will star in the harrowing new film, as a crack enforcement agent seeking out illegal immigrants. The movie, ironically directed by naturalized US citizen Wayne Kramer - who was born in South Africa - will also feature Ray Liotta. In one scene, an Australian actress offers herself up sexually to an immigration officer to land a green card, while Ford's character drags a Mexican mother, waiting for her young son, from her home without allowing her to say goodbye.

Winstone Lined Up for Indiana Jones Sequel
29 March 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood tough guy Ray Winstone has signed up to play Harrison Ford's sidekick in the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel. The British star will join Ford, who is reprising his role as the intrepid adventurer, with Steven Spielberg again in the director's chair. As previously reported, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is also on board. The storyline for the new film, which is penned by Spider-Man writer David Koepp, is being kept under wraps. It is not known if Sean Connery will be returning as Ford's movie father in the third sequel. The fourth Indiana Jones installment resurrects the lucrative franchise after nearly 20 years. The film is set to begin filming in June in Los Angeles, and will be released in May 2008.

It's Official: Indy To Return on May 22, 2008
7 February 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Paramount on Tuesday confirmed that it will release the next Indiana Jones installment on Thursday, May 22, 2008. The studio also said that it plans a simultaneous worldwide release of the as-yet-untitled film, which will be produced by Lucasfilm Ltd., directed by Steven Spielberg, and star Harrison Ford. Frank Marshall will receive the top producer's credit, while George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy will serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by David Koepp. The studio had previously announced that production will begin in June.

Connery Considers Returning As Indiana Jones' Dad
26 January 2007 (WENN)
The Untouchables Oscar winner Sean Connery may reprise his role as Indiana Jones' father in the fourth installment of the film franchise - if he likes the script. After months spent refusing to comment about the new movie, which will bring Harrison Ford back as the intrepid archaeologist, Connery has told the Teletext news service he is considering playing Dr. Henry Jones again. The Scottish movie star created the part for Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade almost 20 years ago. He says, "At the moment there's nothing decided. I haven't got the script. Everything depends on the script."

Denzel Washington: America's Favorite Star
18 January 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Denzel Washington has dethroned Tom Hanks as the nation's favorite movie star, according to results of a Harris poll. Hanks had held the top spot for two years in a row but fell to second place in the current poll. Surprisingly John Wayne, who has been dead for more than 27 years, placed third. Clint Eastwood, a perennial favorite placed fourth, while Will Smith made it to the top of the list for the first time, tying with Julia Roberts for fifth place. Rounding out the top ten were, in order, Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, George Clooney, and Harrison Ford.

Koepp Keeps Indiana Jones Alive
2 January 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Screenwriter David Koepp (Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds) has succeeded in pulling off what several other top screenwriters had failed at: provide an Indiana Jones sequel that would satisfy the three principals -- George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford. The three confirmed on Monday that they plan to begin filming Koepp's script -- a title was not disclosed -- for the fourth Indiana Jones film in June, with a May 2008 target for worldwide release. The last Indiana Jones move, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was released by Paramount in 1989. Spielberg told reporters, "We feel that the script was well worth the wait. We hope it delivers everything you'd expect from our history with Indiana Jones. ... George, Harrison and I are all very excited."

Lucas Sets Indiana Jones Shoot Date
2 January 2007 (WENN)
The much-anticipated fourth Indiana Jones installment will be filmed this year, writer/producer George Lucas confirms. The filmmaker promises the sequel will be the most exciting chapter to date after finalizing the script with director Steven Spielberg. He says, "It's going to be fantastic. It's going to be the best one yet." He adds the film will be a "character piece" and see Harrison Ford reprise his role as the titular hero. Ford played Indiana Jones in 1981's Raiders Of The Lost Ark, 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom and 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which also featured Sean Connery.

Ford: "I'm Fit Enough To Play Indiana Jones"
23 October 2006 (WENN)
Movie star Harrison Ford has reassured fans of Indiana Jones he's still fit enough to play the action hero one more time - at 64. The actor was bombarded with questions about the much publicized fourth Indiana Jones movie when he showed up at the inaugural Rome Film Festival in Italy on Friday, and insisted he's "fit to continue" as the movie archaeologist. He said, "We need to move on for artistic reasons and obvious physical reasons (but) I feel fit to continue and bring the same physical action." The fourth Indiana Jones movie has been in development for more than a decade, but the production has recently gained momentum after producer George Lucas revealed he and director Steven Spielberg are working on a script.

Cruise Thrills Spielberg With Chicago Honor
18 July 2006 (WENN)
Tom Cruise thrilled pal Steven Spielberg at the weekend when he showed up unexpectedly to honor the movie mogul at the Chicago Film Festival. Spielberg was momentarily left speechless when his War Of The Worlds star walked out on stage to present him with a Golden Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award. Cruise told the stunned audience, "I had the great pleasure of meeting Steven. And you took me to dinner when I was a young actor. I've seen every one of his films many, many times. I actually study his films." It wasn't the only surprise for Spielberg at the event - celebrity friends like Harrison Ford, George Lucas and Catherine Zeta-Jones all sent him celebratory video messages, which were beamed onto a big screen behind the director.

You Say You Want an 'Evolution'?
15 June 2006 (StudioBriefing)
Proving that horror flicks can have a lucrative afterlife, Sony's Underworld: Evolution, starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman, debuted last week at the top of the DVD sales chart, dropping the previous week's top seller, 20th Century Fox's Date Movie to No. 7, Home Media Retailing reported today (Thursday). The trade publication gave no sales figures. It also noted that the Harrison Ford thriller Firewall from Warner Bros. debuted in second place. In rentals, the two films reversed positions, with Firewall earning $10 million in rentals, edging out Underworld's $9.5 million.

Connery to Announce Movie Retirement at AFI
9 April 2006 (WENN)
Sir Sean Connery is expected to officially announce he is quitting Hollywood when he collects his Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute later this year. Connery, who is recuperating after undergoing surgery to remove a Kidney tumor in January, plans to spend his time writing books instead. He says, "I have retired for good. It's been a bit rough since Christmas but I'm perfectly OK and I feel well. In fact, I'm working on a history book." Harrison Ford, meanwhile, is campaigning for the actor to return to The screen for the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie.

Ford and Connery Reunite for ‘Indiana Jones 4’?
5 April 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has thrilled fans by hinting at a reunion with Sir Sean Connery on the set of the much-anticipated fourth Indiana Jones movie. The Scottish screen legend wowed fans as the action archeologist's father in the series' third movie, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, and looks set to continue his role into the fourth film. The as-yet untitled movie is still in the pre-production phase but Ford hopes to start work soon. Coy Ford smiles, "I can't really say, but I would hope."

Ford: "I Hate the Internet"
31 March 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford hates the internet, because it means anyone can spread malicious gossip about him. The actor, who plays a computer-security specialist in his latest film Firewall, sees a need to censor his words to avoid being misrepresented online. He says, "The worst thing about the internet is that anything and everything is up for grabs. How can that be, when I limit my public conversations to about once every couple of years? Any kind of rubbish goes on the internet and it can have a f**king life of its own."

Ford Dismisses Retirement Rumors
24 March 2006 (WENN)
Movie veteran Harrison Ford has refused to retire any time soon, although he will be a senior citizen in just two years time. The 63-year-old, who did his own fight scenes in recent thriller Firewall, insists he's still fit enough for the big screen. He says, "The notion of retirement is that you have outlived your usefulness and I'm still working. I'm not sitting on the front porch." Last week, Ford confirmed he will reprise his role as swashbuckling adventurer Indiana Jones in a long-awaited sequel.

Ford Says Indiana Jones Sequel Nearing Start Date
16 March 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has confirmed shooting on the forthcoming Indiana Jones sequel is nearing a start date now that he and director Steven Spielberg have approved the script. Ford, Spielberg and producer George Lucas have been waiting for the perfect script before they start filming the long-gestating follow-up to 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. Ford tells German magazine Fit For Fun, "Steven Spielberg and I now have a script in hand that we both like. I believe that we can start with the filming soon."

Are Ford and Flockhart Engaged?
9 March 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has proposed to longtime girlfriend Calista Flockhart over coffee and croissants, according to media reports in America. Weekly publication In Touch is reporting Ford hid a two-carat diamond engagement ring in a bakery bag, so the actress would find it as she reached for a croissant. A source tells the magazine, "When Calista reached in the bag she found a gorgeous two-carat diamond from Tiffany's." Flockhart's publicists insist the engagement story isn't true, and the couple, who have been together for four years, are not planning to wed anytime soon.

'Jurassic Park 4' To Begin Shooting Next Year?
22 February 2006 (WENN)
Director Steven Spielberg will reportedly begin filming the fourth installment of Jurassic Park next year. The Munich director is also currently getting ready to resurrect the Indiana Jones franchise with Harrison Ford later this year. Producer Frank Marshall confirms the script for the next version of the dinosaur epic has been finalized: "It has a good script now, so we should have that one up and running next year, for release in 2008." The character of Lexie, the granddaughter of Sir Richard Attenborough's character, is expected to be the lead role in the new film, according to Moviehole.net.

Sony Tickled Pink by 'Panther' Win
13 February 2006 (StudioBriefing)
In a shot-in-the-dark surprise, the Steve Martin version of The Pink Panther opened with $21.7 million over the weekend, well above estimates. It even beat Final Destination 3, a poorly reviewed horror film but one which -- given the strong recent performances of the genre -- was nevertheless expected to eviscerate its rivals. As it was, Final Destination 3 took in about $20.1 million, well above its two predecessors. (The original Final Destination opened with $20 million, while Final Destination 2 took in $16 million.) Another film debuting well above expectations was the hand-drawn animated feature Curious George, which earned $15.3 million, nearly all of it from families with small children. On the other hand, the Harrison Ford starrer Firewall grossed a lackluster $13.8 million, about what analysts had predicted. In the second weekend following their best-film Oscar nominations, Capote, Munich, and Good Night, and Good Luck saw ticket sales halved from the previous week. Brokeback Mountain, however, endured the smallest fall, 30 percent, as it landed in eighth place in its tenth weekend, with $4.2 million.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations: 1. The Pink Panther, $21.7 million: 2. Final Destination 3, $20.1 million: 3. Curious George, $15.3 million: 4. Firewall, $13.8 million: 5. When a Stranger Calls, $10 million: 6. Big Momma's House 2, $6.8 million: 7. Nanny McPhee, $5.2 million: 8. Brokeback Mountain, $4.2 million: 9. Hoodwinked, $2.502 million: 10. Underworld: Evolution, $2.5 million.

Movie Reviews: 'Firewall'
10 February 2006 (StudioBriefing)
Faint praise is all that the critics are doling out to the makers of Firewall, starring Harrison Ford. Manohla Dargis writes in the New York Times that it "manages to entertain mildly only be cause it traffics in all the familiar action-movie clichés, giving moviegoers ample opportunity to test their action-movie I.Q." Writes Peter Howell in the Toronto Star: "Firewall is at best a passable time waster." Several critics question the advisability of casting Ford in the leading role. Among them is Desson Thomson in the Washington Post, who writes: "Ford's brand of resolute action hero has become obsolete -- at least for him. Although the actor looks in great shape for someone turning 64 in July, the job description calls for vigor and virility." And Claudia Puig remarks in USA Today: "Harrison Ford needs a better agent. Or a sharper pair of reading glasses for perusing scripts. He just seems to keep choosing the same tired heroic roles, and ends up coming across as a caricature of his younger self."

Madsen Favorite To Play Indiana Jones' Girl
3 February 2006 (WENN)
Sideways star Virginia Madsen so impressed co-star Harrison Ford in new thriller Firewall, she's now the frontrunner to play his love interest in the fourth Indiana Jones adventure. Madsen plays Ford's wife in the new movie and admits they both found an unusual chemistry on set - after the ageing action man handpicked her for the role. And now Madsen is a clear favorite to play the leading lady in Indiana Jones 4. Ford tells movieline.net, "She was an absolute delight - professional, very talented and simply, very sweet. She also took what could have been a fairly one-dimensional damsel in distress role and added so many layers to it - there isn't many who could do that. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat. I'm actually hoping she'll come over for Indiana Jones. We've talked about it."

Ford Beats Bettany
31 January 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford proved experience wins over youth, when he humiliated young British star Paul Bettany in fight scenes for their new movie Firewall. Bettany, 34, spent three days attempting to 'beat up' the Indiana Jones actor in choreographed shots, but insists the 63-year-old actor is unbreakable in a fight. Bettany says, "I was just trying not to get bruised. I wouldn't want to tumble with Harrison Ford in real life. He's a tough son of a bitch. I threw that man through a window seven times and he landed on his head, got up, rebuilt the window with the crew and then got thrown through it again. I hit that man in the stomach and he said, 'Could you just land it a bit harder so I could feel it?' So I landed it a bit harder and he wanted a bit more so he could react to it. Finally, I just wound one up and let loose on him and he said, 'That's it!' It was the most humiliating day of my life."

Ford Gives Spielberg & Lucas Indiana Jones Deadline
18 January 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has given movie moguls Steven Spielberg and George Lucas a two-year time frame to make the fourth Indiana Jones film. The ageing action man is confident the next installment of the heroic adventurer's exploits will make it to the big screen eventually, but he's keen to hurry the process along. The 63-year-old says, "It's looking very good to do another one. I haven't felt this positive about it happening in a long time... but if it doesn't happen in the next two years we should all forget it." The film is tentatively scheduled to begin production next year.

Ford: '60th Birthday Changed My Life'
1 August 2005 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has spoken out for the first time about the 'mid-life crisis' he suffered following his 60th birthday. The Indiana Jones star left his wife Melissa Mathison and began dating much younger actress Calista Flockhart shortly after the landmark. And while he refuses to use the words 'mid-life crisis,' Ford acknowledges entering his seventh decade had a profound impact on his life. He says, "I am not the first man who wanted to make changes in his life at 60 and I won't be the last. It is just that others can do it with anonymity. I was interested in changing my life. I have always had the ability to change and become other people through my acting. I took a good look at myself and decided I wanted something different from the way I was living. That's not such a bad thing, is it? But, because of my past, I think it took a lot of people by surprise. They wondered what was happening to me. I was very much aware of what was happening. I'm living the way I want to live."

Fisher To Reveal 'Star Wars' Secrets
29 March 2005 (WENN)
Actress-turned-novelist Carrie Fisher is set to expose the secrets of the original Star Wars films in a behind-the-scenes expose of the classic sci-fi trilogy. Fisher, 48, kept a diary during the late 1970s and early 1980s, when she played Princess Leia Organa opposite Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. She explains, "My publisher has told me not to talk about it... oh what the hell. When I was in Star Wars, I kept diaries. Big books full of what went on, what I thought, what I did. I am going to write them all up as a narrative. It will be riveting. Once I get started, that is. I'm months behind already."

Scarlett Set for 'Indiana Jones 4'?
14 March 2005 (WENN)
Harrison Ford is set for a new sidekick when he returns to the big screen as Indiana Jones - in the shape of actress Scarlett Johansson. Tom Cruise has been championing the Oscar nominee for a part in pal Steven Spielberg's fourth Indiana Jones movie as the pair work together on Armageddon drama War of the Worlds. Cruise has been working with Johansson on the third Mission: Impossible movie and he's convinced she'll be perfect for the new Jones film, according to Australia's NW Magazine. An insider says, "Steven was saying there is a shortage of young actresses who can carry off a strong role. He considered Natalie Portman, but she's too connected with Star Wars - Tom suggested Scarlett."

Clooney Hits Back at Crowe
18 February 2005 (WENN)
George Clooney has hit back at Hollywood rival Russell Crowe, after the Gladiator actor slammed stars who appear in commercials. The Antipodean actor was particularly scathing of Clooney, Harrison Ford and Robert De Niro, who have all plugged products on television outside America. Crowe said, "I don't use my celebrity to make a living. To me it's kind of sacrilegious - it's a complete contradiction of the f**king social contract you have with your audience." But Clooney has hit back - and suggested Crowe uses his celebrity to promote his rock band 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts. He says, "I'm glad he set us straight. Because Harrison, Bob and I were putting a band together called Grunting For 30 Feet, and that would also fall under the heading of 'bad use of celebrity'. Thanks for the heads up."

Bollywood Actor Amrish Puri Dies at 72
12 January 2005 (WENN)
Bollywood actor Amrish Puri, who was best known to Western audiences for his role as the evil, bald villain in the blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, died Wednesday morning in Mumbai, India, after suffering a brain hemorrhage; he was 72. A veteran of over 200 films, Puri debuted on screens at the age of 39 in romance Reshma aur Shera and went on to establish a career playing wild-eyed, malicious villains that audiences thrilled to see in action; he also played leading roles in Indian art house films for such respected directors as Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani. His offscreen demeanor, as a kind, soft-spoken man, belied his elaborate, over-the-top performances in a number of movies, including his heralded turn in 1987's Mr. India as gang leader Mogambo, the role that defined his career. Though he made innumerable films for the Hindi cinema, Puri was introduced to Western audiences with his scene-stealing turn in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as Mola Ram, the leader of an evil cult who does battle with Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones. Puri shaved his head for the role, and liked the impression it created so much that he kept his bald look afterwards. Despite other international offers, Puri instead concentrated on Hindi cinema and cemented his iconic status in his home country of India. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. --Prepared by IMDb staff

'Star Wars' Actors Reunited
6 January 2005 (WENN)
Actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor have teamed up with other stars of all six Star Wars movies for a new Vanity Fair photo spread. The American magazine grouped together 22 major performers in the legendary franchise, inviting cast members from the original 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope to this year's final installment Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith. Mastermind George Lucas, who directed four of the intergalactic movies, joined Ford, Fisher, Portman and McGregor as well as original Luke Skywalker star Mark Hamill, Samuel L. Jackson, Liam Neeson and Hayden Christensen. Robots R2-D2 and C3PO also joined their human co-stars for the reunion shoot. Lucas admits the final part of the opening trilogy marks the end of an era in his career - and he now plans to stop making successful films. He says, "I'm going to make movies nobody wants to see. I've earned the right to fail."

Ford Signs Up for Controversial Iraq Movie
20 December 2004 (WENN)
Film legend Harrison Ford has agreed to star in Hollywood's first movie about November's second Iraq conflict, The Battle Of Falluja. US General Jim Mattis - who halted the first assault on the city by American marines in April - will be played by Ford in the controversial film, which goes into production next year. It will be based on war correspondent Bing West's unfinished book No True Glory: The Battle For Falluja. West explains, "If America needs a hard job done, the marines will do it, and they won't lose their humanity in the process or any sleep over pulling the trigger. Yes, they are 'the world's most lethal killing machine'. That's what America needs in battle."

'Indy 4' Still a Go, Says Ford
6 December 2004 (StudioBriefing)
Asked by the Internet website IESB.net whether Indiana Jones 4 will ever be made, Harrison Ford replied, "No doubt about it." Button-holed at a charity event for Amnesty International, Ford was asked about reports that a younger actor might replace him in the role. "No problem with a younger actor taking on Indiana Jones, but Indy 4 is mine," he responded. As to whether Sean Connery would appear in the next sequel, he remarked, "He says that he is now retired, so I don't know." Ford dodged a question about whether he was happy with the script, saying only "I hear that [producer] George Lucas is happy with the way the new draft is turning out."

'Indiana Jones IV' Back On
28 October 2004 (WENN)
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have hired a new scriptwriter to help them revive plans for a fourth Indiana Jones movie. The pair hoped to begin work on the sequel this summer but have rejected all scripts offered to them - including a screenplay by Shawshank Redemption and Green Mile writer Frank Darabont. But they are refusing to give up the project they have planned for the last decade - and hired Jeff Nathanson to try his hand at a screenplay. Nathanson is most famous for writing the Rush Hour films, but has worked with Spielberg on Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal. If Lucas and Spielberg approve, Harrison Ford will return to play the adventurous archeologist for the first time since Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade in 1989.

Ford Creates Elk Refuge
26 October 2004 (WENN)
Movie legend Harrison Ford is protesting against American officials' attempts to deplete the elk population - by banning hunters from killing the animals at his ranch. The Raiders Of The Lost Ark star is furious Wyoming residents are being encouraged to cull elks, over concerns the beasts will spread diseases among cattle. He discovered 5,100 elk living near his South Park, Wyoming ranch exceed the state's population objective of 4,400 animals, so has created an elk refuge by forbidding hunting on his property. Mark Gocke, spokesman for the Wyoming Game And Fish Department complains, "The problem is that a lot of landowners don't allow permission to hunt. That's why this particular herd segment has grown so much." Ford's ranch manager John Kelly explains, "(Ford) doesn't want any hunting to take place on his property. He told me that if I caught anyone to turn them in."

Ford Dumps Flockhart – In Garbage Can
23 September 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood legend Harrison Ford stunned onlookers in the Spanish city of Barcelona when he attempted to dump his girlfriend Calista Flockhart in a waste disposal bin. Indiana Jones star Ford and his Ally McBeal actress lover engaged in the high jinx as they made their way back to their hotel, following dinner at a restaurant in the city, where Flockhart is filming upcoming movie Fragile. An onlooker, who witnessed 62-year-old Ford's bizarre stunt, says, "They were laughing and joking like a young couple in love. She was squealing and begging him to put her down, but he kept saying he was going to put her in the bin. Harrison was showing off like a crazy teenager rather than a guy approaching his pension."

Lucas Keeps Indiana Jones Fans Waiting
22 September 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood director George Lucas is refusing to rush pre-production work on the fourth installment of his Indiana Jones franchise - because he'll only set cameras rolling when the script is "really good". The eagerly awaited return of the adventurous archaeologist - played by Harrison Ford in all three previous releases - has already been delayed after Lucas reportedly rejected The Shawshank Redemption film-maker Frank Darabont's script. But the Star Wars legend insists a new writer is now on board to fine tune the plot. And Lucas and director Steven Spielberg are in no hurry to start shooting the movie, because their perfectionist approach to movie-making means the fourth Jones will only hit cinema screens when it's deemed good enough to do the series justice. He tells website EmpireOnline.co.uk, "We are working on the next script. Another writer has started working on it. We're just not going to make it unless it's really good. One of the reasons I'm able to work with Steven so well is because every time we come to a disagreement we'll yield to the other one, which means we'll come up with a compromise that considers both sides, and one person isn't determined to have his way. It's what's best for the movie."

Ford Excused from Jury Duty
15 September 2004 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has been excused from jury duty in California after insisting he wouldn't be able to remain objective in a case concerning an Mgm studio boss. The actor was called to undergo his civic duty last week, but asked a Santa Monica judge on Monday if he could be excused. Ford expressed concerns that he wouldn't be able to remain objective in the case after learning the plaintiff, Alex Yemenidjian, had been involved in giving his next film the go-ahead. The judge excused Ford after commending him for reporting for his civic duty.

Harrison Ford Slims for 3D Role
10 September 2004 (WENN)
Movie star Harrison Ford is in talks to star in James Cameron's new epic - in 3D. Hollywood has so far kept quiet about the project, which will be a science-fiction extravaganza - according to gossip site The Scoop. But Ford is reportedly slimming down for the film, because he fears 3D cameras will make him look fat. According to sources, a technical expert warned him, "If the normal camera adds 10 pounds, think how a 3-D camera can blob you up." The actor, currently involved with actress Calista Flockhart, is expected to film another Indiana Jones film within the next few years as well, if all goes according to plan.

Harrison's Canal Holiday Boosts Business
22 July 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood superstar Harrison Ford's recent canal boat holiday in Wales has massively boosted business for the firm who leased them a boat. Maestermyn Hire Cruises, the company who rented a six-berth narrow boat to Ford and his lover Calista Flockhart, have seen business triple since press coverage of the couple's trip. And now the firm is expanding their fleet of boats, they have decided to name one of the new vessels in tribute to Flockhart - by giving it the moniker Calista. Co-owner Chris Hill says, "Interest has increased ten-fold. Aside from all the people who are calling just to ask if they can sit on the boat, genuine enquiries have forced an increase in the number of boats on hire. We're fitting one out now and there are two more in the pipeline. We're intending to name one Calista." According to insiders, Flockhart was so impressed with the holiday she has asked for more information on canals to be sent to her Los Angeles home.

'Indiana Jones 4' Stalled Over Script Concerns
16 July 2004 (WENN)
The eagerly awaiting new Indiana Jones movie won't be released for another two years, because producer George Lucas isn't happy with the script. Indiana Jones 4 has been in the works for a number of years but looked likely to hit screens next year after Lucas recruited star Harrison Ford and original director Steven Spielberg for the project, and hired Frank Darabont to write a screenplay. But Lucas has sent the Shawshank Redemption writer back to the drawing board. A studio source reveals, "Indiana Jones 4 was meant to start shooting this summer but won't now be coming out until 2006. Even though Harrison and director Steven Spielberg were happy with the screenplay, Lucas still doesn't like the final act and wants a faster pace and more action."

Ford and Flockhart To Split?
9 April 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood couple Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are on the verge of splitting up after the Indiana Jones star's cold response to news Flockhart's dog had died, according to insiders. Ally McBeal star Flockhart was taken aback by Ford's lack of compassion when mongrel terrier Webster died, even though his mother had passed away just weeks before. An insider says, "Harrison doesn't think losing a dog is a big deal, but it is causing all sorts of problems because Webster was essentially Calista's best friend. She can see why Harrison is really upset at the death of his mother, but she doesn't think that should detract from her own grief. She told me she thinks he doesn't care. Harrison is so down he can't even think about anything else, he thinks Calista is being too dramatic." The cracks in their three year relationship started to appear after 62-year-old Ford had to pay out a $90 million divorce settlement to ex-wife Melissa Mathison in January and was pictured soon afterwards dancing in a tequila bar in Mexico with two women.

'Indy 4' Faces Script Delay
9 February 2004 (WENN)
Legendary film-maker George Lucas is delaying the filming of the long- awaited Indiana Jones 4 - because he's unhappy with the script. The Star Wars director, who's acting as executive producer alongside director Steven Spielberg, is allegedly dissatisfied with the screenplay handed in by Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont. And it now seems the sequel's projected 2005 release date is unlikely to be met, with shooting on the Harrison Ford-starring movie now likely to start next year instead.

Ford in Biggest Divorce Settlement
19 January 2004 (WENN)
Movie star Harrison Ford has reportedly paid his ex-wife a whopping $85 million in a record-breaking divorce settlement. The agreement between the Star Wars star and ex-spouse Melissa Mathison breaks new ground, and leaves the actor free to marry Calista Flockhart. According to British newspaper The Mail On Sunday, the deal not only divides assets the couple shared, but it also entitles Mathison to get back future earnings from films Ford made while they were together. Ford, 61, did not sign a pre-nuptial agreement with his wife and has agreed to split earnings from the royalties, videos and DVDs from films including Air Force One and the Indiana Jones trilogy. Mathison, 53, will also keep all earnings from her screenplay for Steven Spielberg's ET, which she wrote before she wed Ford.

Harrison and Flockhart "Extremely Happy"
14 January 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood couple Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have laughed off reports of a split - insisting they are "extremely happy." The Indiana Jones star was snapped with two women in a Baja Peninsula, California bar at the weekend, and sources claim the 61-year-old actor told his female companions his relationship was "on the rocks". However, Harrison's manager Patricia McQueeney counters, "I talked to Harrison, and he said they're together, in fact, they're extremely happy together. The blonde woman in the picture was the owner of the restaurant, and the other woman was a fan who asked for a picture. He agreed. But now he's disgusted."

Ford and Flockhart "On the Rocks"
12 January 2004 (WENN)
Movie star Harrison Ford has revealed his relationship with Calista Flockhart is "on the rocks", during a drunken night out in Mexico. The Indiana Jones star, 61, was presumed to be pressing ahead with wedding plans with the former Ally McBeal star, 39, after the finalization of his divorce from ex-wife Melissa Mathison last week. But, after downing at least five tequilas with beer chasers and dancing and flirting with local women in a bar in San Felipe, Baja California, the "drunk and bewildered" actor told revelers of his two-year relationship with Flockhart, "It's on the rocks". Locals were stunned to find themselves in the company of the normally reclusive star, after he flew himself in on his own private jet and stayed in a local hotel.

Harrison Single Again
9 January 2004 (WENN)
Latest: Harrison Ford is free to wed sweetheart Calista Flockhart at last - after officially becoming a bachelor. The actor has finalized his divorce from screenwriter Melissa Mathison Ford - a final decree in the uncontested divorce was entered on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A spokeswoman for the 61-year-old star confirmed that the divorce was final but had no further comment. The couple, who met on the set of the film Apocalypse Now in 1979 and wed in 1983, announced their separation in November 2000 and legally separated the following August. Mathison has custody of their two children Malcolm and Georgia.

Minnie's Mr. Right
17 December 2003 (WENN)
Unlucky-in-love actress Minnie Driver has finally found her perfect man - and he's a dashing music mogul. Just weeks after splitting from American tennis ace Robby Ginepri, the stylish Good Will Hunting star met record company exec Rob Walker at a London show by The Neptunes, who Rob manages. And the 33-year-old was instantly smitten. A source says, "They chatted throughout the gig. He asked her to come to after-show party and they were soon holding hands and stealing kisses. Rob even managed to entice her back to his hotel room for a nightcap. She is taking it slowly. After all, she's had lots of bad luck with men. But she's also very excited." And it seems Minnie, who has previously dated Matt Damon and Harrison Ford, has found a good guy - a friend of Rob's says, "When he likes a lady, he makes her feel like a million bucks. He's had his share of heartache so he knows how to tread carefully. And he's thrilled to be romancing one of the world's most desirable actresses."

Sigourney Presents 'Aliens' Egg to Museum
15 December 2003 (WENN)
Actress Sigourney Weaver has presented the alien-producing egg from her 1986 movie Aliens to a museum in Washington, DC. Weaver handed the silver egg to the National Museum Of American History on Wednesday, along with an original script and several still photographs from the movie. She says, "It's a great honor for our movie. I also think that people will get a big kick out of getting that close to an egg without a facehugger jumping out at them." The egg will eventually be displayed with other movie memorabilia, such as the Ruby Red slippers Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in the Wizard Of Oz and Harrison Ford's jacket and hat from the Indiana Jones movies. The 1979 thriller Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, launched Weaver's career. She then starred as heroine Ellen Ripley in three more Alien movies - Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection. She's currently in talks with Scott about reprising the role yet again.

Calista Takes to the West End
3 November 2003 (WENN)
Calista Flockhart is close to signing a deal to star in a play on London's West End. The former Ally McBeal, who is currently dating Harrison Ford, will take the lead in a production of Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Anna Christie from early next year. Anna Christie, which will be directed Ian Rickson, is about a Swedish woman sent away by her barge-captain father as a child, only to return 20 years later. Production spokesperson Sonia Friedman says, "We are in final negotiations and we're very close to doing this deal." Before finding fame in Ally McBeal, Flockhart came from a theatre background, starring in Broadway, New York plays The Three Sisters, The Glass Menagerie and Bash.

Ford Leaves Hospital After Bone Surgery
20 October 2003 (WENN)
Indiana Jones legend Harrison Ford has left a Los Angeles hospital after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 61-year old screen idol was accompanied by girlfriend Calista Flockhart as he emerged from the medical center in a wheelchair, with his left shoulder in a cast. A spokesperson for Ford told reporters that the actor was "recovering well" and that the surgery was performed to mend injured tendons in his shoulder.

Affleck Replaced As Jack Ryan?
1 October 2003 (WENN)
Movie hunk Ben Affleck is reportedly facing the axe from the successful Jack Ryan franchise, after a string of box office flops. The actor replaced veteran Harrison Ford for the last Tom Clancy adaptation but, according to insiders, movie bosses were unimpressed with his performance in last year's The Sum Of All Fears. Executives at Paramount are said to be "seriously reconsidering" recasting the role and dropping Affleck after being appalled by his last movie, the massive flop Gigli. A source tells American gossip site The Scoop, "It's not been a good year for him. His star has fallen considerably since Sum of All Fears - and Gigli - needless to say - did not help." Although Paramount have denied plans to replace Affleck, a spokeswoman was unable to confirm he would definitely appear in the next film. And a representative for Affleck says, "I have absolutely no idea (if Ben will return)."

Producer Says 'Indy 4' Will Not Rely on CGI
10 September 2003 (WENN)
Indiana Jones producer Frank Marshall is determined to shun the current trends in movie making - insisting the upcoming fourth installment of the hit franchise will avoid using computer effects. Frank is adamant the sequel to the hit Harrison Ford adventure franchise will retain the tradition of its classic forerunners by utilizing real stunt work instead of high-tech graphics, giving it the feel of a B-movie. He says, "We didn't have computer effects in those days, we couldn't easily erase things and I think one of the unfortunate by-products of the computer age is that it makes filmmakers lazy. You become more creative when you have to hide ramps with a tree rather than erase it later as you can today. In Raiders Of The Lost Ark, that's a real ball rolling behind him so Harrison really is in some danger running in front of that; these are real situations and that adds to the excitement and the creative energy on the set. When you start getting into computers you get fantastical situations like in The Matrix or movies like that. We don't want that, we want exciting heroism, we want seat-of-your-pants, skin-of-your-teeth action. We didn't have all the money in the world on the first films and we want to keep that B-movie feel. We want to make Indiana Jones 4 like we made the first three."

Polanski Finally Gets His Oscar
9 September 2003 (StudioBriefing)
Harrison Ford, who, as a presenter at the Academy Awards ceremonies on March 23rd, announced that Roman Polanski had won the Oscar for best director, finally presented the trophy to Polanski Sunday at the Deauville Film Festival in France. Polanski heads this year's jury at the Deauville festival, which focuses on American films. Ironically, Polanski himself is no longer able to make films in America, where he faces imprisonment for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977.

Polanski Gets His Oscar - After Five Months
9 September 2003 (WENN)
Controversial movie maker Roman Polanksi has finally collected his Best Director Academy Award, five months after the Oscars ceremony. The Polish-born auteur couldn't attend the star-studded ceremony in Hollywood, California in March because he would be arrested on child sex charges as soon as he entered America. Instead, Paris, France-based Polanski was handed the Oscar - won for his film The Pianist - by Harrison Ford at the Deauville Film Festival at the weekend. Ford starred in the director's 1988 film Frantic. Polanski, 70, fled the United States in 1978 before he could be sentenced, after being convicted of having sex with a 13-year-old girl. After the Academy Award win, he said, "I am deeply touched to have received the Oscar for best director for a film which recounts events which are so close to my personal experience."

Ford Hits Out at US in Iraq
28 August 2003 (WENN)
Hollywood superstar Harrison Ford has voiced his concerns over the American-led war in Iraq. The veteran actor said armed conflict was not the solution to Iraq's problems. Speaking in the Spanish capital Madrid to launch his latest film, Hollywood Homicide, Ford also took a swipe at US gun laws and the 'big hit' nature of the country's film industry. Ford, 62, said, "I'm very disturbed about the direction American foreign policy is going. I think something needs to be done to help alleviate the conditions which have created a disenfranchised and angry faction in the Middle East. I don't think military intervention is the correct solution. I regret what we as a country have done so far." And, despite having starred in the original Star Wars trilogy, Ford also attacked Hollywood for making too many films more akin to "video games" than real life. He added, "It seems everybody is going for the big hit, for the most return." And although he has appeared in action films, he said America's liberal gun laws had greatly contributed to the country's crime problems.

Harrison Ford Sells Former Marital Home
21 July 2003 (WENN)
Actor Harrison Ford has put his old New York marital apartment up for sale - for a whopping $16 million. The Indiana Jones star, currently dating former Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart, has decided to get rid of the spacious four bedroom apartment overlooking Central Park he once shared with his ex-wife Melissa Mathison. The grand abode boasts a laundry room, two libraries, a wet bar, a living room with a fireplace and a customized kitchen. Ford's estranged spouse Mathison has relocated to Los Angeles, while the actor has purchased himself another home in downtown Manhattan.

Star Wars III: Attack of the Mullets
10 July 2003 (WENN)
Star Wars movie-maker George Lucas is insisting all the characters in the new sci-fi sequel sport shaggy seventies-style haircuts - so they look like the stars of the original films. Star Wars: Episode III actors Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, currently shooting the final installment on set in New South Wales, Australia, are showing off unfashionable "mullet" hairdos - because they were trendy when the first Star Wars film was made in 1977. An onset source explains, "The idea is that it will lead seamlessly on to the original Star Wars movie, starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, which was filmed in the Seventies and had certain hallmarks of that era. It's a bid for continuity. They are trying to capture the shaggy look that was popular then."

Fans Bid Peck Farewell
18 June 2003 (WENN)
Thousands turned up to bid farewell to actor Gregory Peck at a public memorial service in Los Angeles Monday. Family, fans and friends - including Lauren Bacall, Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Harry Belafonte, singer Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston - paid tribute to the Hollywood legend at Our Lady of Angels cathedral. Archbishop Cardinal Roger Mahony told the congregation, "He was an actor of extraordinary depth and breadth and achievement. But his life was not acted. He lived his life authentically. Gregory did not have to act at being an extraordinary human being." The public ceremony took place after a private funeral service. Peck, who was 87, died at his Los Angeles home last week with his wife of 48 years, Veronique, by his side. Actor Brock Peters, who co-starred in Peck's Oscar-winning movie To Kill A Mockingbird, delivered the eulogy at the ceremony - while the actor's children, Anthony, Cecelia and Cary, all gave readings.

'Nemo' Wins by Default
17 June 2003 (StudioBriefing)
Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo was the default winner at the box office over the weekend as last week's winner, 2 Fast 2 Furious, dropped 63 percent in ticket sales and three new films produced disappointing results. Nemo took in $28.4 million to put its 17-day total at $191.5 million. Universal's 2 Fast 2 Furious dropped to $18.7 million, a respectable result for a teen-oriented action flick that now seems certain to cross the $100-million mark. Another Universal film, the Jim Carrey starrer Bruce Almighty, remained strong in its fourth week with $14.2 million. The three new films followed: Paramount's Rugrats Go Wild had a modest opening with $11.6 million, to finish fourth. Harrison Ford's cop comedy for Sony, Hollywood Homicide, followed with $11.1 million, while New Line's Dumb and Dumberer sank in sixth place with just $10.8 million.

The top ten films over the weekend, according to final figures compiled by Exhibitor Relations (figures in parentheses represent total gross to date): 1. Finding Nemo, Disney, $28,384,483, 3 Wks. ($191,487,211); 2. 2 Fast 2 Furious, Universal, $18,679,370, 2 Wks. ($83,584,700); 3. Bruce Almighty, Universal, $14,238,315, 4 Wks. ($193,818,135); 4. Rugrats Go Wild, Paramount, $11,556,869, (New); 5. Hollywood Homicide, Sony, $11,112,632, (New); 6. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, New Line, $10,845,064, (New); 7. The Italian Job, Paramount, $9,609,425, 3 Wks. ($55,403,975); 8. The Matrix Reloaded, Warner Bros., $5,745,465, 5 Wks. ($257,486,680); 9. Daddy Day Care, Sony, $2,204,402, 6 Wks. ($92,325,737); 10. X2: X-Men United, 20th Century Fox, $1,740,529, 7 Wks. ($207,305,598).

'Nemo' Rises to the Surface Again
16 June 2003 (StudioBriefing)
After being dunked by 2 Fast 2 Furious last weekend, Disney/Pixar's fish movie Finding Nemo swam to the top of the box office again last weekend, taking in $29.2 million. Furious, meanwhile, took a 63-percent dive to second place with a nevertheless impressive $19.1 million, according to studio estimates. The Jim Carrey comedy Bruce Almighty remained in third place with $14.2 million. Three new flicks had unimpressive openings. The animated Rugrats Go Wild went mild with $12.5 million. The Harrison Ford/Josh Hartnett comedy cop movie Hollywood Homicide was no killer with $11.7 million (it had cost $75 million to make and had been expected to take in $20 million) and the prequel Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd had an even bummerer take of $11.1 million.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations: 1. Finding Nemo, $29.2 million; 2. 2 Fast 2 Furious, $19.1 million; 3. Bruce Almighty, $14.2 million; 4. Rugrats Go Wild, $12.5 million; 5. Hollywood Homicide, $11.7 million; 6. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, $11.1 million; 7. The Italian Job, $9.5 million; 8. The Matrix Reloaded, $5.5 million; 9. Daddy Day Care, $2.1 million; 10. X2: X-Men United, $1.6 million.

Ford and Flockhart To Wed?
16 June 2003 (WENN)
Notoriously private star Harrison Ford is fuming after an American tabloid claimed he has plans to wed long-time belle Calista Flockhart. Ford's publicists are scrambling to play down the reports after news of a September marriage made headlines in this week's Globe magazine. They insist it's not true. The couple, who aren't even engaged, are also playing down the rumors, but friends insist fans can look out for a late September wedding. One pal tells the tabloid, "It will be the biggest event of the fall."

Movie Reviews: 'Hollywood Homicide'
13 June 2003 (StudioBriefing)
Harrison Ford, who has been plagued by a string of box-office losers of late, is certainly receiving a lot of praise from critics for his performance in Hollywood Homicide as a veteran LAPD detective. Writes A.O. Scott in the New York Times: "He slips into the role as if it were a pair of well-worn loafers, the left inherited from Peter Falk, the right from Clint Eastwood, and then proceeds, with wry nonchalance, to tap-dance, shuffle and pirouette through his loosest, wittiest performance in years." Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times comments: "Ford just gets better, more distilled, more laconic and more gruffly likeable, year after year. It is hard to catch him doing anything at all while he's acting, and yet whatever it is he isn't doing, it works." But most critics seem to agree that the movie itself doesn't. Writes Peter Howell in the Toronto Star: "Ford is having so much fun ... it's almost enough to make the movie worth recommending for its novelty value alone. But the uneven Hollywood Homicide so consistently fails to make the most of what it has ... it's almost a criminal waste of potential." New York Post critic Megan Lehmann comments: "There's little action in this snail-paced bore. You'll need a high-powered magnifying glass to spot the comedy and the buddies [the other is played by Josh Hartnett] have about as much chemistry as a pair of wet socks." Carrie Rickey in the Philadelphia Inquirer voices a concern that box-office analysts have expressed as well -- it's tough for moviegoers to figure out what kind of a movie this is. Or, in Rickey's words, it "never decides whether it's a police thriller or a comedy, so it packs heat and jokes. The gunplay diminishes the wordplay -- and vice versa."

Ford To Become Bob the Builder?
11 June 2003 (WENN)
Hollywood hunk Harrison Ford is in talks to become the voice of popular children's TV character Bob The Builder - in a film version of the animated show. The Indiana Jones star - who worked as a carpenter himself before landing a career-changing role in Star Wars - was approached by movie bosses after hailing the series as one of his favorites. Ford - a father of four - is reportedly under pressure from his girlfriend actress Calista Flockhart to sign up to the project, because her two-year-old adopted son Liam is such a fan of the show. The 61-year-old actor is considering the offer from Viacom, makers of the American version of the hit British program, which is dubbed by American actors. A source at the BBC - who make the British show - says, "Viacom have been very good in keeping us in the loop. Ford came back to them to ask for more details about what was involved. People at Viacom seem to think he's been leaned on by Calista. Obviously it would be a fantastic coup to have the show voiced by Harrison Ford."

AFI Picks Top Heroes, Villains
4 June 2003 (StudioBriefing)
At ceremonies Tuesday night, the American film Institute named the top 100 movie heroes and villains. The top ten on each list:

Heroes: 1. Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), To Kill a Mockingbird; 2. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), Raiders of the Lost Ark; 3. James Bond (Sean Connery), Dr. No; 4. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), Casablanca; 5. Will Kane (Gary Cooper), High Noon; 6. Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), The Silence of the Lambs; 7. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Rocky; 8. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Aliens; 9. George Bailey (James Stewart), It's a Wonderful Life; 10. T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), Lawrence of Arabia.

Villains: 1. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), The Silence of the Lambs; 2. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), Psycho; 3. Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones), The Empire Strikes Back; 4. The Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), The Wizard of Oz; 5. Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; 6. Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), It's a Wonderful Life; 7. Alex Forrest (Glenn Close), Fatal Attraction; 8. Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), Double Indemnity; 9. Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), The Exorcist; 10. The Queen (voiced by Lucille LaVerne), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Flockhart in Car Crash Drama
1 May 2003 (WENN)
Actress Calista Flockhart was left seriously shaken after a car crashed into the back of her's as she drove her son Liam to nursery earlier this week. The Ally McBeal actress was traveling with her three-year-old when she was hit in the rear whilst in traffic in Santa Monica, California - and was seen rubbing her back as she left her car. The 38-year-old then had to retreat to a shop to avoid fans who quickly congregated around the incident. However, Flockhart was not permanently injured, and attended an awards bash with paramour Harrison Ford later that day.

Calista and Harrison's Big Announcement?
23 April 2003 (WENN)
Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford will soon announce their engagement - according to friends. Hollywood legend Ford recently divorced Melissa Mathison and is free to marry Ally McBeal star Flockhart. And a friend of Flockhart's says they are on the verge of tying the knot. Tracy Hogg says, "I spoke to Calista a few weeks ago. The big thing in LA at the moment is Jennifer Lopez and her pink engagement ring. So I asked her, 'Are you going to have a pink rock?' She winked and said, 'Maybe', before adding that there would be a big announcement soon."

WSJ Runs Tom King's Final Column
18 April 2003 (StudioBriefing)
The Wall Street Journal today (Friday) is publishing its final "Hollywood Journal" column by Tom King, who died suddenly last week at the age of 39 while visiting friends in Long Island, NY. The newspaper said that King died shortly after filing the column, which is headlined "Hollywood Bets on Retro" and begins: "The summer movie season is just around the corner. Box-office sales are surprisingly slow. Can an aging Sly Stallone, a graying Harrison Ford and a rusty Terminator save the day? In a curious move, Hollywood is going after its target audience of teens this summer with blockbusters that star middle-aged heroes, update winded franchises or cull source material from the days when baby boomers were young."

Harrison's Homicide Film in Trouble?
17 April 2003 (WENN)
Harrison Ford's new movie is rumored to be in trouble - with producers desperately re-shooting scenes after disastrous test screenings. The Indiana Jones star teams with Josh Hartnett in cop action film Hollywood Homicide. The movie, directed by Ron Shelton, is due for a June 2003 release - but set insiders claim preview audiences were less than impressed with what they saw, forcing a drastic re-write. An insider tells American gossip site The Scoop, "Harrison and Josh are good in it. But the word is that some of the scenes just didn't work. They're being reshot even as we speak. Harrison is a cop who also sells real estate. Josh is a cop who's also a yoga teacher. Some people who saw the film didn't know whether it was to be a comedy or a cop film. They're working to fix that now. After his last few films, Harrison could really use a hit." The rumors come just months after the film made headlines when it's stars narrowly escaped injury after Hartnett crashed a car the pair were driving on set. Nevertheless, studios Columbia Pictures insist the movie is still on track for a summer release. A spokesperson tells The Scoop, they have "complete faith" in the film, adding that "reshoots are not that uncommon."

Harrison Divorces
31 March 2003 (WENN)
Hollywood star Harrison Ford is finally free to marry Calista Flockhart - after finalizing his divorce from Melissa Mathison. After a year of financial wrangling with Mathison - his wife of 18 years - the couple have successfully split their $300 million fortune and signed legal papers ending their union. The divorce now opens the way for the Indiana Jones star to tie the knot to former Ally McBeal star Calista - who he has been dating since last year. Ford will next be seen in the upcoming summer action flick Hollywood Homicide, co-starring heartthrob Josh Hartnett.

Affleck Eyes Second Ryan Outing
24 March 2003 (WENN)
Superstar Ben Affleck is to reprise his role as CIA agent Jack Ryan in another screen outing. Affleck, who first played Ryan in the box office smash The Sum Of All Fears, is in negotiations with studio giant Paramount to star in Red Rabbit. In Red Rabbit the audience will get the opportunity to go back to the early days of Ryan's career when he debriefs a high-level defector and uncovers a plot to assassinate the Pope, which is designed to destabilize the Western world. Ryan was originally played by Alec Baldwin in The Hunt For The Red October and then by Harrison Ford in Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger.

Harrison's Calista Photo Room
5 March 2003 (WENN)
Movie veteran Harrison Ford is never far from his love Calista Flockhart - his London penthouse is decorated with revealing photographs of her. The What Lies Beneath actor has covered the bedroom of his Chelsea, London apartment with images of Flockhart, dressed in the wispiest of lingerie. And according to website Nydailynews.com, the woman in the arty portraits is a far cry from her skinny character in now defunct TV show Ally McBeal. A source adds, "She's lit to look very bodacious." The 60-year-old star has also converted a room he'd used as a gym into a bedroom for Flockhart's 2-year-old son, Liam.

Natalie Portman Goes for Coffee
20 January 2003 (WENN)
Star Wars stunner Natalie Portman has become the latest to appear in commercials for Japanese TV - and she's plugging coffee. The 21 year-old actress will join Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lopez and Nicolas Cage promoting products on Japanese television - and she's clinched a reported $1 million for her efforts. According to American tabloid the Star, Portman secretly shot a commercial for the Japanese coffee, Caffe Latte, during her holiday break from the prestigious Harvard University. In it she plays a college student praising the virtues of the foamy java. A source says, "She was a natural. She even speaks a few words of Japanese."

Harrison Needs to Cover Up
14 January 2003 (WENN)
Action-hero Harrison Ford is the unwitting star of a new show - nosy neighbors are flocking to see him walk semi-clad around his apartment. Gay neighbors are said to be holding special 'Ford Fiestas' so they can ogle the Indiana Jones star in his luxury New York condominium. According to British tabloid The Daily Star, Ford is aware of the peeping Tom parties - and plans to prevent them. His spokesperson says, "He finds this very embarrassing. He's going to get some curtains."

Downey: I Missed Out on Calista Reunion
10 January 2003 (WENN)
Recovering drug addict Robert Downey, Jr hoped to rekindle his romance with Calista Flockhart - until Harrison Ford entered her life. Downey, 37, went out with the slimline actress when the two were starring in Ally McBeal - but the relationship collapsed due to his persistent drug problems. And the Chaplin star's hopes of a reconciliation as soon as the slight star met Ford last year - and soon fell in love. He says, "I had the chance of a reunion, but that was blown out of the water." Flockhart, 38, has been with the Indiana Jones star since early 2002, despite their 22-year age gap. Downey adds, "Once Harrison came on the scene that was it, but I tell myself not many guys can compete with Harrison Ford."

Websites Warned About Running Overseas Ads with Big Stars
30 December 2002 (StudioBriefing)
Representatives of top Hollywood movie stars who refuse to make commercials for the U.S. market but have no hesitation about filming them for overseas consumption have begun sending cease-and-desist orders to website operators featuring them, the New York Daily News reported today (Monday). The newspaper's "Rush & Molloy" column commented, "Meg Ryan, Leo DiCaprio and Arnold Schwarzenegger don't want you to see the silly ways they make millions flogging products to the Japanese." However, the newspaper observed, Internet surfers can still find spots fronted by Sean Connery, Antonio Banderas and Demi Moore on the www.gaijinagogo.com site, and www.japander.com offers spots aired by Harrison Ford, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Jodie Foster, Nicolas Cage, and Brad Pitt.

Ford Pops the Question
30 December 2002 (WENN)
Hollywood hunk Harrison Ford has dashed the hopes of millions of women worldwide by proposing to girlfriend Calista Flockhart on Christmas day. The 60-year-old Indiana Jones star presented the Ally McBeal stunner with a $300,000 diamond resting on a platinum band, which he hid in a $1,200 Gucci handbag. After the pair opened all their other presents, Ford told Flockhart she had one left and she was thrilled when she opened the package to find the expensive handbag - but nearly fainted when she found the real gift inside. Ford said, "Marry me, I want to share my life with you." Calista replied, "Yes, I'll marry you. You're the best thing that's happened to me since my son Liam and we both want to share our lives with you." The pair will officially announce the impending nuptials early next year. A source adds, "Harrison has been thinking about this for some time. He's been smitten with Calista from their very first date."

White Christmas Wedding for Ford & Calista?
6 December 2002 (WENN)
Harrison Ford's mom has fuelled rumors that her son and his girlfriend Calista Flockhart are set for a wintery wedding, by talking marriage. The handsome actor has been dating the slight former Ally McBeal star throughout this year - and according to Ford's mom Dorothy, the happy couple are preparing to make their union permanent. The actor's mother has been telling friends, "Calista will make my son a great wife." Sources close to the couple claim Flockhart has her heart set on a very low-key Christmas wedding in New York.

Luhrmann Beats Oliver to Alexander
26 November 2002 (WENN)
Director Oliver Stone has reportedly lost out in his bid to beat Moulin Rouge filmmaker Baz Luhrmann to shooting a biopic of Alexander The Great. Luhrmann has apparently secured a budget for his project so big Stone will be forced to shelve his rival plans for a similar film. The Australian is backed by big names such as Universal Pictures and 20Th Century Fox - and has signed up major star Leonardo DiCaprio as well as having a $150 million budget. And now Intermedia, the producer of Oliver Stone's picture are reluctant to commit in light of the competition. The German-owned company has recently financed two massive flops - K-19: The Widowmaker, starring Harrison Ford and Captain Corelli's Mandolin. An industry expert opines, "They might not want to take another gamble."

Ford Breaks Calista Silence
9 October 2002 (WENN)
Indiana Jones hunk Harrison Ford has finally broken his silence about his relationship with Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart - but refuses to divulge too much information. The reticent superstar has previously diverted all questions about his private life, but now reveals, what many women have feared, that he is incredibly happy with the on-screen lawyer. Ford confesses, "Surely, my most intimate relationship outside of my children is with her. And that meant a great deal to me."

Will Paramount Marketing Execs Become Fallguys?
7 October 2002 (StudioBriefing)
Top marketing execs at Paramount may lose their jobs as the result of the colossal failures of last summer's K-19: The Widowmaker, starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, and last month's The Four Feathers, starring Heath Ledger, the New York Post reported today (Monday). K-19, which cost some $100 million to make, earned just $35.1 million during its run. Four Feathers, with a reported budget of $80 million, has earned $12.4 million. One Paramount insider told the Post: "When we're not hitting the ball, we hunker down and get crazy." However, a Paramount spokesperson denied that a shake-up in the studio's marketing department is nearing, calling the predictions "way off base."

Ford Hopes for Old Indy Jokes
1 October 2002 (WENN)
Hollywood legend Harrison Ford is ready to play an older Indiana Jones in a new action film - as long as there's jokes about ageing in it. One consolation for the 60-year old hero is that Sir Sean Connery will be reprising his role as Indy's dad at the grand old age of 72. Ford jokes, "I can still whip Sean Connery with one hand tied behind my back. We want to preserve the spirit of the original but I hope we have some good jokes in there about getting older. It was always as much fun for the audience to see me get beat up as it was to see me beat somebody up. That's kind of unique."

Harrison To Work With Calista?
9 September 2002 (WENN)
Unemployed former Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart is hoping to land a new acting job - opposite her famous boyfriend Harrison Ford. The skinny star, whose hit comedy finished earlier this year, has been dating the veteran actor since meeting at the Golden Globes in January. Speaking at the German premiere of his new film K-19: The Widowmaker in Cologne, Harrison said he would like to act alongside his lover, "But there are no set plans as yet."

Harrison Ford Defends 'K-19'
2 September 2002 (StudioBriefing)
Peppered with questions about the poor performance of his K-19: The Widowmaker at the U.S. box office, Harrison Ford on Sunday told reporters at the Venice Film Festival: "I do not consider the box office to be the true measure of the film, '' Ford said. ''I think it's very wrong to characterize this as a failure." Costar Liam Neeson echoed Ford's words: "I'm very proud of this film. To be honest, the box office doesn't enter into it," he said. (The film, which reportedly cost $75 million to produce, has thus far taken in only $34 million.) Their remarks came even as seven members of the K-19's actual crew sent a note to the festival saying that they were "surprised and saddened" that the festival's organizers had decided to give the film its European premiere. Addressing the complaint, Neeson said only, "There has to be some dramatic license."

Harrison Wants To Be Father to Calista's Child
20 August 2002 (WENN)
Harrison Ford wants to become a father again at 60, according to US gossip magazine The National Enquirer. The Star Wars legend is currently dating Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart, and wants to become the legal dad of her adopted son Liam. But, the tabloid claims, Flockhart is caught in a dilemma over whether to agree in case the relationship doesn't work out in the long term. A source says, "On one hand, Calista would love for Liam to call Harry 'daddy'. But what if their romance doesn't work out in the long run? Liam would suffer, and that's the last thing she would ever want to happen." The pair, who began dating in January, have been talking about marriage since April. The source adds, "Calista has never been happier. She loves how much attention Harrison has been giving Liam. Harrison would be the perfect dad, probably because he's had so much experience." Ford has two sons - Ben, 35, and Will, 33 - by first wife Mary Marquardt, and a son Malcolm, 15, and daughter Georgia, 12, by second wife Melissa Mathison. He would need to finalize his divorce from Mathison before embarking on any marriage plans with Flockhart.

Ford Buys Snap of Himself for Calista
16 August 2002 (WENN)
Hollywood veteran Harrison Ford bought a snap of himself from a autograph hunter - so he could give it to his adoring girlfriend Calista Flockhart. When a fan approached the star as he was strolling with the Ally McBeal actress in Los Angeles Ford recognized the picture as one Calista wanted for herself - so snapped it up for $112. An eyewitness says, "Calista was positively beaming and couldn't believe what he'd done. The fan seemed happy too."

Tommy Lee Jones: 'I'd Make Men In Black III'
31 July 2002 (WENN)
Hollywood star Tommy Lee Jones loved making the two Men In Black movies with Will Smith so much he'd jump at the chance to make a third. The JFK star took a break from his more customary serious on-screen persona to play straight man to Smith's funny-guy in the alien adventure comedies. And Tommy - who picked up a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role alongside Harrison Ford in 1993 action flick The Fugitive - says making Men in Black and the new sequel were some of the happiest days of his life. He gushes, "I'm always happy to have a job. Especially happy to have this one because I really did like the first movie, and working for director Barry Sonnenfeld with Will Smith have been some of the happiest days of my young working life. I haven't had a lot of comedy come my way as a performer. Comedy's difficult and I've had a chance to work with the best and learn a lot about it, and reap the benefits. As an actor to watch an audience of people howl together in a single mind as a result of work you've done together with friends is a privilege. The thing that surprises me is things that I thought would be of no significance, things I thought were off-handed, things that were just a passing whim in my head as we were performing this movie, turned out to be huge laughs. And the other thing that's surprising is the momentum, people start laughing early and it builds like an avalanche. I'd start working on Men In Black III tomorrow if they wanted one. I enjoy the company."

Shyamalan Explains Indy Snub
27 July 2002 (WENN)
Moviemaker M. Night Shyamalan has revealed why he turned down the chance to write the new Indiana Jones movie. The Sixth Sense helmer confesses he rejected the opportunity to make Indiana Jones 4 - because he didn't think it was the project for him. Frank Marshall, who produced the Indiana Jones trilogy, as well as The Sixth Sense and Shyamalan's new film Signs, first approached the filmmaker about writing Indiana Jones IV. But M. Night explains, "I'm a pretty independent person and I sensed Indiana Jones would be a very collaborative project. It would be so difficult coordinating everything with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford every step of the way." The director also reveals he rejected the offer of directing the third Harry Potter movie - a gig that was eventually handed to Alfonso Cuaron, of Y Tu Mama Tambien fame. But Shyamalan says his busy workload stood in the way of the wizard flicks. He adds, "I had begun working on my idea for Signs and it would have been too long of a commitment to direct the Harry Potter movies."

Harrison And Calista Planning A Christmas Wedding?
24 July 2002 (WENN)
Hollywood lovers Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are reportedly planning to marry this Christmas. The couple has been dating for months, although the 60-year-old Indiana Jones star refuses to discuss his relationship with Ally McBeal actress Calista, 37. But Harrison's agent has let slip hints that the couple are very close indeed - and planning to cement their relationship at the end of the year. Pat McQueeney says, "I won't talk about Calista Flockhart because we don't discuss her. But other people tell me not to be surprised if there's a wedding around Christmas."

Even at No. 1, Stuart Little Lives Up to Its Name
22 July 2002 (StudioBriefing)
The scorching hot summer box office suddenly cooled off over the weekend. Although Stuart Little 2 opened as the weekend's top film, its $15.6-million take could not have brought much pleasure to executives at Columbia, who reportedly okayed expenditures of more than $130 million on the mouse movie. (Many analysts had predicted a $25-million opening for it.) Sony distribution chief Jeff Blake told today's (Monday) Los Angeles Times: "With a family film, you hope for a good opening and great legs. ... You hope for seven-day-a-week business, where whatever you lose in opening weekend you hope to pick up in the longevity of the picture." But the biggest disappointment may have been the tanking of Harrison Ford's submarine thriller, K-19 -- The Widowmaker, which opened in fourth place with just $13.1 million, about half of Ford's salary for the movie, which reportedly cost a total of $100 million to make. In its second week DreamWorks' Road to Perdition came within about $30,000 of taking the lead (and it still might end up there when final figures are released late Monday). With an estimated gross of $15.57 million, the Tom Hanks-Steven Spielberg collaboration remained in second place. Eight Legged Freaks, the only other movie to debut over the weekend, produced the kind of horror at the box office that critics said it lacked on the screen, as it earned only $6.7 million ($9.3 million since its opening on Wednesday). After two weeks at No. 1, Men in Black II dropped to third place with just $15 million.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations: 1. Stuart Little 2, $15.6 million; 1. Road to Perdition, $15.57 million; 3. Men in Black II, $15 million; 4. K-19: The Widowmaker, $13.1 million; 5. Mr. Deeds, $7.3 million; 6. Reign of Fire, $7.1 million; 7. Eight Legged Freaks, $6.7 million; 8. Halloween: Resurrection, $5.4 million; 9. Lilo & Stitch, $5.1 million; 10. The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, $4.8 million.

Movie Reviews: K-19: The Widowmaker
19 July 2002 (StudioBriefing)
If audiences react to K-19: The Widowmaker the way many critics have, then the submarine movie is sunk. Joel Siegel on Good Morning America called it "Hollywood's first real summer mistake" this year. To Joe Morgenstern in the Wall Street Journal, it's "all ballast and no buoyancy." "The film feels muffled, squandered, murky," writes Stephen Hunter in the Washington Post. In particular, the reviewers are pouring derision on star Harrison Ford. "Watching him play the Russian commander of the U.S.S.R.'s first nuclear submarine is akin to watching the made-in-America Gregory Peck play a Nazi in The Boys from Brazil. Nothing about the role fits," comments Philip