Sofia Vergara joins “Heat”

Not to be confused with Michael Mann’s classic “Heat”, this “Heat” is a remake of a 1986 film, which was based on a novel. The film stars Jason Statham. Here’s where things get a little more interesting. Sofia Vergara has joined the cast. William Goldman, who wrote “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Princess Bride” is on board to write the script. Why is this big? Obviously he has great pedigree. But he also wrote the 1986 version and the novel it’s based on. the most worrisome thing is Simon West (“Expendables 2”) is on board to direct.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Are you ready for the female “Expendables”?

Given that “Expendables 2” opened at No. one at the box office, there’s no surprise talks have started on a threequel, possibly bringing aboard Clint Eastwood and Nic Cage. But, the more interesting news is that producer Adi Shankar (“The Grey”) is looking to do a female version of the film. It’s in the very early stages and no names attached yet. But, think about it. Carrie Ann Moss, Zoe Saldana, Kate Beckinsale, Uma Thurman and Michelle Rodriguez? Sounds pretty kick-ass to me. Who else would you like to see in the movie?

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Box office battle: 8/17/12

Three new movies hit theaters. Will these movies shine or fall flat on their faces?

Though “The Bourne Legacy” opened strongly last weekend, it will fall from the top spot to yet another action film. This time, Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Chuck Norris, Jean Claude Van Damme, Arnold, Bruce Willis, Terry Crews and more team up for “Expendables 2”. The first film opened to around $30 million and with even more action stars, you’d think it’d have a much bigger opening. However, I wonder with three straight weekends of new action movies if audiences may get a little fatigued. Still, it should have a strong opening and take the top spot.

Opening weekend: $35-37 million

Total box office gross: $100-105 million

“ParaNorman” the new animated stop motion film featuring the voices Kodi Smit-McPhee, Leslie Mann, Anna Kendrick, John Goodman and Christopher Mintz-Plasse will  be looking to cash in on the same family audiences that made “Brave”, “Ice Age” and “Madagascar 3” such big hits. However, it won’t do nearly as well.

Opening weekend: $18-20 million

Total box office gross: $75-80 million

The final film, “Sparkle” sees Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston team up. There should be some curiosity to see Houston on screen one final time, but, frankly, this film won’t break out.

Opening weekend: $12-14 million

Total box office gross: $35-40 million

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Denzel Washington is “The Equalizer”

Another 1980s TV series is headed to the big screen. This time, Denzel Washington will play Robert “The Equalizer” McCall in “The Equalizer”. Richard Wenk (“Expendables 2”) is writing the script. The film will have a small budget and the studio is looking for directors who can deliver bang on a budget. No official word on who they are considering, but rumors are swirling that Pierre Morel (“Taken”),  Nicolas Winding Refn (“Drive”), Gavin O’Connor (“Warrior”)  and Gareth Evans (“The Raid”) are all up for the job.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Sam Worthington and Arnold Schwarzenegger teaming up for new movie

Sam Worthington is eyeing a role in the upcoming film “Ten”, which also stars Arnold Schwarzenegger.

According to comingsoon,net, The film follows an elite DEA task force that deals with the world’s deadliest drug cartels. Specializing in complex mobile operations, the team executes a tactical raid on a cartel safe house. What looks to be a typical raid turns out to be an elaborate theft operation, pre-planned by the DEA squad. After hiding millions in stolen cash, the team believes their secret is safe – until someone begins assassinating them one by one.

Worthington and Schwarzenegger both had roles in different installments of the “Terminator” franchise and Schwarzenegger can next be seen in “Expendables 2”. Worthington is best known for “Avatar”, “Man on a Ledge”, “Wrath of the Titans” and “Terminator Salvation”.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.