Sci-Fi Storm

Snarfed this from Coming Attractions: There is a new web site for Matrix Reloaded. In this one, click on the keyboard until a new box pops up, and enter the code “reload”. You’ll get plenty of news, videos, and more.

Looks like a feature film version of the Six Million Dollar Man has moved into preproduction Miramax/Universal, and Richard Anderson is under contract to reprise his role as Oscar Goldman. Lee Majors may appear, but they are looking for a new face, but they are not ready to look for one yet. No idea if they’ll keep the original name – after all, with inflation and government budgets the way they are, I expect “Billion” to be part of it.

Could Joanie Laurer, formerly Chyna of the World Wrestling Federation, be the next Terminator? Apparently Arnold thinks its a good idea. In an excerpt of interview in Latino Review, he says he’s a big fan and they are hoping she will come in for an interview for the role of a female Terminator. I certainly can see her in the part.

Update 2/21: The casting has been made, and Kristanna Loken, who appeared in Mortal Combat: Conquest as well as stints in Pensacola: Wings of Gold and Unhappily Ever After has been cast in the role of the T-X.

Zap2It has a humorous story about the United Federation of Planets Bobsled Team at the Winter Olympics. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander William Riker, Lt. Commander Data and Lt. Commander Worf will compete as a last minute entry – at least, so the actors say in a press release from Paramount. “We live to luge,” proclaimed Stewart. Funny that they say the Captain will sit in the lead position, although Brent Spiner was chosen for his “navigational skills”. Where do they think the driver sits? And Frakes is for “ballast”. Sounds right… :^)

The Hollywood Reporter (via SCI FI Wire) is saying that Kimberly Peirce, who wrote and directed 1999’s Boys Don’t Cry, is in talks to direct an adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s 1953 novel, Childhood’s End. Hmmm…giant spaceships appear over every major city…sounds familiar (stop there – I’m NOT dissing Clarke… :^) I’m still waiting for an update to the Rendezvous With Rama project. Haven’t read the book? [asin=0345347951]Order it from Amazon.com[/asin].

Want some authentic props? Carrie Fisher has some, and now she’s putting them up for auction online on Sothebys.com, along with items from her mother, Debbie Reynolds. This is no nickel-and-dime auction – the Snowspeeder miniature prop starts at $15,000…

…at least in the title. Variety is reporting that the MPAA has ruled that Austin Powers in Goldmember is “inadmissible” after MGM/UA complained that it is an unauthorized parody of the James Bond franchise. Apparently The Spy Who Shagged Me was fine…

Caught this on Coming Attractions – apparently the just-released DVD contains a rather bizarre promo ending with the URL http://www.tronkillerapp.com/. This site looks like you need authorized access, but no matter what you answer, you get a brief message about needing help and being contacted shortly. Certainly seems like something is planned…

Seems every up-and-coming actress is taking a shot to start opposite Ben Affleck in the upcoming Daredevil movie. The latest: Jolene Blalock (Enterprise), per SCI FI Wire, and Jennifer Garner (Alias), according to Variety.

Well, the rumors are true – at least according to E! Online. Lucasfilm has confirmed that the members of boy band ‘N Sync will appear as Jedi Knights in a big battle scene in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. No dialogue, not even credits – but at least we have something to look forward to – they get blown up.

Update 1/10: It appears fans have had their say. According to this article on SCI FI Wire, Joey Fatone said on a Florida radio show that Lucas has cut the cameo, “because people made a big deal about it.” Hear the interview at WFLZ 93.3FM’s web page.

Update 1/11: Now a Lucasfilm rep is saying no decision has been made…