Somehow this one slipped by us this week – Robert Downey Jr. officially jumped ship on Alfonso Cuaron’s outer space survival thriller Gravity, and has moved on to producing and possibly starring in How to Talk to Girls, a film based on a book by 9-year old Alec Greven. No ink has been committed to paper just yet, but sources say that Downey is circling the project with great interest. Shawn Levy, who is also slated to produce, has said that the script (written by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman) is in the tone of Big. And anything “in the tone of Big” is worth paying attention to, even if it was written by a 9-year old. [THR]...
- 11/25/2010
- by Neil Miller
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Robert Downey, Jr. is in talks to star in a new movie inspired by a nine year old.
The Iron Man actor is slated to star in How To Talk To Girls, a movie adaptation of schoolboy Alec Greven's quirky romance guide book.
Downey, Jr. and his wife Susan will produce the project.
The Iron Man actor is slated to star in How To Talk To Girls, a movie adaptation of schoolboy Alec Greven's quirky romance guide book.
Downey, Jr. and his wife Susan will produce the project.
- 11/25/2010
- WENN
Books: They’re just like movies, only without CGI.
So it’s no wonder that over the past century, Hollywood has consistently turned to books to provide the basis for some of its best works. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” for instance, was based on a book, while “Gigli” wasn’t. See how that works?
With that in mind, then, we decided to put together a sneak peak of all the coolest books currently being turned into major motion pictures (like “The Help,” left). Because these days, the best library you can go to is your local Cineplex.
‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader’
Attached: Georgie Henley, Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Liam Neeson
Status: The third book from the classic C. S. Lewis series to make it to the big screen, “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” has flown a bit under the radar thanks to the media...
So it’s no wonder that over the past century, Hollywood has consistently turned to books to provide the basis for some of its best works. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” for instance, was based on a book, while “Gigli” wasn’t. See how that works?
With that in mind, then, we decided to put together a sneak peak of all the coolest books currently being turned into major motion pictures (like “The Help,” left). Because these days, the best library you can go to is your local Cineplex.
‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader’
Attached: Georgie Henley, Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Liam Neeson
Status: The third book from the classic C. S. Lewis series to make it to the big screen, “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” has flown a bit under the radar thanks to the media...
- 11/23/2010
- by Scott Harris
- NextMovie
Robert Downey Jr is in talks to produce the film adaptation of the book How to Talk to Girls. Downey Jr, who recently left the upcoming movie Gravity, is considering producing the project along with his wife Susan, according to The Hollywood Reporter. How to Talk to Girls is a guide written by 9-year-old Alec Greven containing advice on dealing with girls. It started out as a school project, but ultimately Greven (more)...
- 11/23/2010
- by By Tara Fowler
- Digital Spy
Robert Downey Jr. has officially dropped out of Warner Bros’ slow-moving space thriller Gravity after becoming attached to the project in March. He was expected to star alongside Sandra Bullock in the Alfonso Cuaron film, despite the role’s relatively smaller size.
The sci-fi survival story has been troubled by casting. Cuaron struggled to find his female lead for months, luring and then losing Angelina Jolie (twice) before screen testing a long list of A-list actresses for the role. Each time production was pushed back. Now, with Bullock in negotiations to headline, they’ve lost a high-profile star.
Gravity centers on a team of astronauts bombarded by debris while in orbit and the story of space technician Ryan Stone’s lonely, perilous trek back to Earth’s surface.
Downey will be working on Sherlock Holmes 2, Disney’s The Great and Powerful Oz, and Marvel’s The Avengers in the coming months,...
The sci-fi survival story has been troubled by casting. Cuaron struggled to find his female lead for months, luring and then losing Angelina Jolie (twice) before screen testing a long list of A-list actresses for the role. Each time production was pushed back. Now, with Bullock in negotiations to headline, they’ve lost a high-profile star.
Gravity centers on a team of astronauts bombarded by debris while in orbit and the story of space technician Ryan Stone’s lonely, perilous trek back to Earth’s surface.
Downey will be working on Sherlock Holmes 2, Disney’s The Great and Powerful Oz, and Marvel’s The Avengers in the coming months,...
- 11/22/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Robert Downey Jr. is circling Fox's adaptation of the book "How to Talk to Girls." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the book, which revolves around advice on how to deal with women, was written by then 9-year-old Alec Greven.The book started as an elementary school project and ended up on the New York Times' best sellers list.It landed Greven a publishing deal and put him on several high-profile talk shows across the country.Greven has written two other "How To" books; "How to Talk to Dads" and "How to Talk to Moms."Downey would produce with his wife and producing partner Susan Downey, along with Shawn Levy.Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman wrote a draft but the script will most likely be rewritten...
- 11/19/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Irish American film star Robert Downey Jr. is angling to appear in "How To Talk To Girls," the adaptation of a best-selling book by a nine-year-old boy giving advice about the opposite sex. The book began as a school project for young Alec Greven, but it eventually roped him a major publishing deal, leading to three further lucrative and best-selling 'How To' books. Susan Downey, the actor's wife, looks set to become a producer on the project, and is overseeing potential redrafts of the script, sources say. Currently the 45-year-old actor is circling the project, meaning he has yet to commit, and meanwhile he's gearing up to appear in 'Oz: The Great and Powerful' with Disney....
- 11/19/2010
- IrishCentral
Alfonso Cuaron’s spacebound survival movie Gravity has lost its leading man, as THR reports that Robert Downey Jr. has left the project.
After a number of leading ladies first attached, then drifted away from the project (Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman to name just two) Sandra Bullock stepped up to take the main role of the film, at the time to star opposite Downey Jr.
Telling the story of the immediate consequences of a space mission caught in a meteorite storm the female character Bullock is due to play has most of the film to herself, and while the role Downey Jr. was set to play will surely be recast this project needs to get have some good luck before it falls out of the sky completely.
The report indicates that Downey Jr. is heading for a Fox production based on a book about talking to girls, written by...
After a number of leading ladies first attached, then drifted away from the project (Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman to name just two) Sandra Bullock stepped up to take the main role of the film, at the time to star opposite Downey Jr.
Telling the story of the immediate consequences of a space mission caught in a meteorite storm the female character Bullock is due to play has most of the film to herself, and while the role Downey Jr. was set to play will surely be recast this project needs to get have some good luck before it falls out of the sky completely.
The report indicates that Downey Jr. is heading for a Fox production based on a book about talking to girls, written by...
- 11/19/2010
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Now that Robert Downey Jr. has left the Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity, he has set his sights on starring in Fox’s How to Talk to Girls.
THR is reporting that Rdj is considering starring in an adaptation of a book by a nine-year old boy revolving around advice on how to deal with the opposite sex. The project will be produced by Downey's wife and producing partner Susan Downey. She will join Shawn Levy's 21 Laps production company.
Alec Greven wrote the book when he was 9 years old, as part of a school project. As a result, Greven received a publishing deal and has appeared on numerous talk shows. He has also written at least three other How to Talk to ... books so far.
The first draft was written by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman as a vehicle for Downey. Susan Downey will oversee hiring a writer and the development process.
THR is reporting that Rdj is considering starring in an adaptation of a book by a nine-year old boy revolving around advice on how to deal with the opposite sex. The project will be produced by Downey's wife and producing partner Susan Downey. She will join Shawn Levy's 21 Laps production company.
Alec Greven wrote the book when he was 9 years old, as part of a school project. As a result, Greven received a publishing deal and has appeared on numerous talk shows. He has also written at least three other How to Talk to ... books so far.
The first draft was written by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman as a vehicle for Downey. Susan Downey will oversee hiring a writer and the development process.
- 11/18/2010
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Robert Downey Jr. is considering starring in the movie version of 9-year old Alec Greven's book "How to Talk to Girls." The producer, Shawn Levy (who also does the A Night at the Museum movies), says they're going to rethink the way they're doing the movie so it will revolve around Downey, perhaps make it more like Big. If Downey does take the job, he and his wife Susan will produce the project as well (both are pictured).
While it's not at all set in stone if Downey will star in How to Talk to Girls, it is a sure thing that he's starring in Oz: The Great and Powerful which films next summer. It's also a sure thing that he will Not star in Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity; Downey backed out of the Sandra Bullock-starrer recently.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter...
While it's not at all set in stone if Downey will star in How to Talk to Girls, it is a sure thing that he's starring in Oz: The Great and Powerful which films next summer. It's also a sure thing that he will Not star in Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity; Downey backed out of the Sandra Bullock-starrer recently.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter...
- 11/18/2010
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Robert Downey Jr. has officially departed Alfonso Cuaron's sci-fi action thriller "Gravity" at Warner Bros. Pictures says Heat Vision.
Sandra Bullock and Downey were to play astronauts from an orbital space station who're out in a shuttle conducting repairs when an exploded asteroid wipes out the station.
Bullock's character becomes hellbent on finding her way back to Earth and her daughter in a film that will spend most of its time with her alone braving the ordeal. Downey's role was described as very much a supporting character whom only appears in the film's first act and required the actor to do only three weeks worth of shooting.
Rumours of his departure first emerged around three weeks ago, so it's likely the studio has been working on getting a back up option ready in case this happened.
Despite the departure, Downey is already moving onto other things - most notably...
Sandra Bullock and Downey were to play astronauts from an orbital space station who're out in a shuttle conducting repairs when an exploded asteroid wipes out the station.
Bullock's character becomes hellbent on finding her way back to Earth and her daughter in a film that will spend most of its time with her alone braving the ordeal. Downey's role was described as very much a supporting character whom only appears in the film's first act and required the actor to do only three weeks worth of shooting.
Rumours of his departure first emerged around three weeks ago, so it's likely the studio has been working on getting a back up option ready in case this happened.
Despite the departure, Downey is already moving onto other things - most notably...
- 11/18/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Robert Downey Jr. wants a starring role in 'How to Talk to Girls'. The 'Due Date' actor - who has now officially pulled out of appearing in Alfonso Cuaron's 'Gravity', which has had multiple casting problems in recent months - is keen to star in the movie, an adaptation of a book by a nine-year-old boy giving advice about the opposite sex. The book was originally a school project by Alec Greven, and landed him a publishing deal, leading to three further 'How to' books. Stu Zicherman and Ben Karlin have already written a draft for the movie, but it is ..
- 11/18/2010
- Virgin Media - Movies
It was bound to happen some time within this month. Alfonso Cuarón's pre-production stuck film "Gravity" has hopped from one leading lady to another. Robert Downey Jr's been sticking like glue to the project this whole time, but something had to give. This time it isn't a scheduling conflict, but having more to do with what he's interested in doing right now. Downey Jr's close to making his choice, and it's not towards "Gravity" but could be moving towards Twentieth Century Fox's film "How to Talk to Girls." The story was originally written by Alec Greven, when he was 9-years old, who ended up getting a nice publishing dal and all sorts of good attention. If Downey Jr signs on, he'll be producing alongside Susan Downey and Shawn Levy under his 21 Laps banner. The script, penned by Stu Zicherman and Ben Karlin, is currently being re-worked now that...
- 11/18/2010
- LRMonline.com
It’s not exactly breaking news that Robert Downey Jr. is one of the biggest male stars in Hollywood right now. Jumping from project to project, deciding which one is best while everyone wants a little Downey. And since he is quite popular right now and has the ability to turn down projects and choose ones to his liking, he recently pulled out of Gravity, the thriller about survival set in space and confirmed to be directed by Alfonso Cuaron. But don’t get too upset about his leaving, for you’re newest Downey fix The Hollywood Reporter says that you can turn your eyes to How To Talk To Girls, a film currently in development and set to be released by Fox.
The idea of Girls itself is quite interesting and Downey seems to be hovering and a bit intrigued. Originally written by a 9-year-old boy, Alec Greven, the...
The idea of Girls itself is quite interesting and Downey seems to be hovering and a bit intrigued. Originally written by a 9-year-old boy, Alec Greven, the...
- 11/18/2010
- by Gabriel West
- The Film Stage
Robert Downey Jr. continued talks to star in the family comedy “How to Talk to Girls,” based on the book written by Alec Greven when he was just nine-years-old. According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” Downey Jr. planned to star in the film as well as produce with wife and business partner Susan Downey. Shawn Levy signed on to direct “How to Talk to Girls” with a script by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman but Downey planned to bring a new writer on-board to rework his starring role into the film.
- 11/18/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Robert Downey Jr. continued talks to star in the family comedy “How to Talk to Girls,” based on the book written by Alec Greven when he was just nine-years-old. According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” Downey Jr. planned to star in the film as well as produce with wife and business partner Susan Downey. Shawn Levy signed on to direct “How to Talk to Girls” with a script by Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman but Downey planned to bring a new writer on-board to rework his starring role into the film.
- 11/18/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
As was previously mentioned as a possibility, Heat Vision now reports Robert Downey Jr. has officially dropped out of Alfonso Cuaron's sci-fi film Gravity. But as one project loses the talent of Downey, another is fortunate to pick it up. Apparently the actor is circling an adaptation of a book written by a 9-year old boy. How to Talk to Girls, an advice book on how to deal with women, began as a school project for the young Alec Greven, but a publishing deal and three more books shows this is more than just child's play. Though a draft was previously written, the project is now being developed as a future vehicle for Downey. Read on! It's not clear how a book written by a kid will translate to a film without simply being a hollow cinematic shell of the book itself, but that's Hollywood for you. Ben Karlin...
- 11/18/2010
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Due to scheduling issues, it was reported a few weeks back that there was a possibility that Robert Downey Jr. would have to drop Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity. Though he stuck with the project for months as it shuffled through leading ladies for the in-demand lead role, it was looking more and more unlikely that he would be able to do the project with titles like The Avengers, Yucatan, Oz The Great And Powerful and Emergency already on his upcoming schedule. Now it's official that the actor has been forced to drop the part, but he's replacing it with another. THR reports that Downey Jr. is currently in negotiations to both play in and produce How To Talk To Girls, a movie based on a book that was written by then-nine-year-old Alec Greven as a school assignment. Greven, now 11, has written at least three other How To Talk... books since.
- 11/18/2010
- cinemablend.com
Robert Downey Jr, it would seem, needs some advice about talking to girls. So he’s turning to a nine-year-old. We’re certainly surprised he requires help, since he’s got several womanising roles under his belt, those big brown eyes, that dry, winning personality and, oh yeah… a wife in Susan Downey. But the Heat Vision blog reports that he’s circling Fox’s adaptation of How to Talk to Girls. The studio picked up the rights to Alec Greven’s book nearly two years ago and has since been developing it with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps company as a possible film for the Night at the Museum director to handle.Greven wrote the advice tips as part of a school project when he was nine, and was so successful that he won a publishing deal, toured the Us talk shows and has since spawned at least three other books.
- 11/18/2010
- EmpireOnline
Robert Downey Jr. will not appear in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity , according to the The Hollywood Reporter . Downey was rumored to be involved with the project for months while Warner Bros. searched for a female lead. Though still unconfirmed, Sandra Bullock is said to be in serious negotiations for the 3D space film. Downey, meanwhile, is rumored to be interested in a Fox property, How to Talk to Girls . To be produced by Shawn Levy, Girls is based on a book series begun by nine-year-old Alec Greven. Downey is still attached to play the lead in Sam Raimi's Oz, the Great and Powerful , which is planning to begin filming sometime next summer. He is also linked to the adventure film Yucatan and will next return to the role of Tony Stark when production begins on The...
- 11/17/2010
- Comingsoon.net
I've made my feelings well-known on the subject of How to Talk to Girls, the book written by nine-year-old Alec Greven that will soon be a movie produced by Fox. The movie that gives me no reason to live is moving forward despite my despair, and now it has two screenwriters: Ben Karlin and Stu Zicherman. Karlin and Zicherman, why must you magnify my pain? And really, THR, why must you insult me further by writing that Greven's original book is based on his "extensive experience on the playa-ground." Clearly everyone thinks this is a joke but me. Don't you realize stupid Alec Greven is putting us all out of work? Karlin, for his part, is a former Daily Show writer and probably a smart guy, and Zicherman helped write Elektra, which does not bode well for him. I'd rather they help drag this entire project into hell, but I...
- 6/2/2009
- cinemablend.com
Here's your dose of quick news bits for Jan. 24, 2008...
• Shawn Levy is set to produce (and maybe direct) the big-screen adaptation of 9-year-old Alec Greven's advice guide "How to Talk to Girls." "The intention is to make a warmhearted comedy, with a tone reminiscent of 'Big,'" Levy told Variety.
• David Fincher's "Torso" project may not happen at Paramount. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio failed to extend the rights option, which obviously sucks big time. However: "While the studio still owns Kruger's screenplay, it is in discussions potentially to strike a new option agreement with the comic's writers, to whom the rights reverted." Let's hope this works out!
• Anchor Bay has acquired the North American and Australian distribution rights to "Spread," a David Mackenzie-directed comedy starring Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche. The actor stars as a womanizer who meets his match in a local waitress.
• Shawn Levy is set to produce (and maybe direct) the big-screen adaptation of 9-year-old Alec Greven's advice guide "How to Talk to Girls." "The intention is to make a warmhearted comedy, with a tone reminiscent of 'Big,'" Levy told Variety.
• David Fincher's "Torso" project may not happen at Paramount. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio failed to extend the rights option, which obviously sucks big time. However: "While the studio still owns Kruger's screenplay, it is in discussions potentially to strike a new option agreement with the comic's writers, to whom the rights reverted." Let's hope this works out!
• Anchor Bay has acquired the North American and Australian distribution rights to "Spread," a David Mackenzie-directed comedy starring Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche. The actor stars as a womanizer who meets his match in a local waitress.
- 1/24/2009
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
I was near-suicidal last December when 9-year-old Alec Greven's book, How To Talk To Girls, was optioned as a movie over at Fox. And it doesn't make me feel much better than Shawn Levy, the mega-successful director of Night at the Museum, will be directing it. Not only will Alec Greven have a movie out before he gets his driver's license, but it will probably be a hit. Variety quoted Levy saying ""The intention is to make a warmhearted comedy, with a tone reminiscent of Big, " So not only will it be a hit, but it will be one that endures for generations, and makes everyone want to buy a giant floor piano. Ok, maybe it won't be exactly like Big, but in my nightmares, Alec Greven and Tom Hanks are already setting up video games in their sweet new city apartment. Thanks for nothing, Shawn Levy.
- 1/23/2009
- cinemablend.com
Behold, fifteen notable movie production updates from the past week. Enjoy. Title: Foundation
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Director: Roland Emmerich
Screenwriter: Not Available
Cast: Not Available
Storyline: Originally published as a series of eight short stories in Astounding Magazine beginning in 1942, "Foundation," Isaac Asimov's ground-breaking sci-fi trilogy, is a complex saga about humans who are scattered on planets throughout the galaxy, living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. A psycho-historian who can scientifically read the future sees an imminent empire collapse and prepares to save the knowledge of mankind. Title: The Drop-Out
Studio: Not Available
Director: Ricky Blitt
Screenwriter: Ricky Blitt
Cast: Cher, Johnny Knoxville
Storyline: The slacker laugher tracks the fortunes of a 35-year-old career college student (Knoxville) who is finally kicked out of his parents house. Desperate, he decides to get in good with the 62-year-old woman next door (Cher), so he can keep his food, couch and TV regimen intact.
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Director: Roland Emmerich
Screenwriter: Not Available
Cast: Not Available
Storyline: Originally published as a series of eight short stories in Astounding Magazine beginning in 1942, "Foundation," Isaac Asimov's ground-breaking sci-fi trilogy, is a complex saga about humans who are scattered on planets throughout the galaxy, living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. A psycho-historian who can scientifically read the future sees an imminent empire collapse and prepares to save the knowledge of mankind. Title: The Drop-Out
Studio: Not Available
Director: Ricky Blitt
Screenwriter: Ricky Blitt
Cast: Cher, Johnny Knoxville
Storyline: The slacker laugher tracks the fortunes of a 35-year-old career college student (Knoxville) who is finally kicked out of his parents house. Desperate, he decides to get in good with the 62-year-old woman next door (Cher), so he can keep his food, couch and TV regimen intact.
- 1/23/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Fret not boys, help is at hand. Don't know how to approach a member of the opposite sex? Well you can worry no more, because the handy advice guide called How To Talk To Girls, penned by 9-year-old Alec Greven has been picked up by Twentieth Century Fox to be made into a movie to be directed by Shawn Levy.The book, which started as a way for little Greven to help his school friends, turned into a sensation which sparked three sequels, and has since been published by Harper Collins. Playground playboy Greven, dishes the dirt on how to get around those difficult females, telling boys to be wary of "pretty girls" - and that boys should "comb your hair and don't wear sweats."Night At The Museum director Levy, who is just about to begin shooting Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carell, said of How To Talk To Girls...
- 1/23/2009
- EmpireOnline
Shawn Levy (Cheaper by the Dozen) has come on board to produce and potentially direct How to Talk to Girls, based on the advice guide written by 9-year-old Alec Greven. Fox acquired the rights to the guide in December. Greven began writing the book as an advice guide to help third-grade classmates vexed by the opposite sex. What began as a pamphlet that sold for $3 has grown into a four-book series to be published by HarperCollins, which unveiled the first book in November. Among Greven’s advice: Comb your hair and don’t wear sweats; control your hyperness and cut down on sugar if necessary; a crush is like a love disease that can drive you mad; it is easy to spot pretty girls because they have big earrings, fancy dresses and all the jewelry but are like cars that need a lot of oil. Levy will produce Girls under his 21 Laps banner,...
- 1/23/2009
- by James Cook
- TheMovingPicture.net
Twentieth Century Fox will rely on Shawn Levy to figure out How to Talk to Girls , reports Variety . Last month the studio bought rights to the advice guide written by 9-year-old Alec Greven, and Levy will develop the project as a potential directing vehicle. He will produce it under his 21 Laps banner, with 21 Laps president Tom McNulty also to be involved in a producing capacity. Greven began writing the book as an advice guide to help third-grade classmates vexed by the opposite sex. What began as a pamphlet that sold for $3 has grown into a four-book series to be published by HarperCollins, which unveiled the first book in November. "The intention is to make a warmhearted comedy, with a tone reminiscent of 'Big,' " Levy said.
- 1/22/2009
- Comingsoon.net
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