Starz Targets Tapert's "Noir"

According to reports the premium cable network Starz has picked up another live-action series from producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi (Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena").

The new series is based on the 2001, 26-episode 'girls-with-guns' Japanese anime television series "Noir", originally produced by the Bee Train animation studio, written by Ryoe Tsukimura and directed by Kōichi Mashimo:

"'Noir' follows two female killers who embark together on a personal journey to seek answers about mysteries from their past. While at first they seem to be only vaguely related to each other, there are clues and hints given throughout the series that there is more to their relationship than meets the eye, as they are lured into traps by the secret organization 'The Soldiers'..."

Tapert's "Noir" is written and executive produced by Stephen Lightfoot ("House of Saddam").

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Noir"...

"Suicide Girls" Meet The 'Way Of Life"

IDW Publishing's "Suicide Girls" Volume 1, available September 2011, is written by Missy Suicide, Steve Niles and Brea Grant, with illustrations and cover by David Hahn and Cameron Stewart :

"...caught in a near-future defined by its rigid conformity and persecution of women, the 'Suicide Girls' are the last hope for freedom. Can they take down the techno-religious cult, 'Way of Life', or will they die trying ?..."

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IDW's "Star Trek": Where No Man Has Gone Before

IDW Publishing's "Star Trek" #1, available September 2011, is written by Mike Johnson, with illustrations by Stephen Molnar and covers by Tim Bradstreet, David Messina:

"...the adventures of the 'Starship Enterprise' continue in this new ongoing series that picks up where the blockbuster 2009 film left off, featuring the new cast of the film. The new missions re-imagine the stories from the original series in the alternate timeline created by the film, along with new threats and characters never seen before, with creative collaboration from 'Star Trek' writer/producer Roberto Orci. The new series begins the countdown to the much-anticipated movie sequel premiering in 2012, so join 'Kirk', 'Spock' and the crew as they boldly go into a new future..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Star Trek"...

"Beyoncé Pulse" - September 2011

Coty Beauty reports that the launch of the 4th fragrance in the "Beyoncé Parfums" portfolio will be "Beyoncé Pulse", debuting September 2011.

"I believe my music makes women feel strong, and 'Pulse' is all about finding that power inside," said the singer/actress.

"We are excited to follow the success of 'Beyoncé Heat' and 'Heat Rush' with the launch of 'Pulse'", said Steve Mormoris, Senior Vice President, Coty Beauty. "Like Beyoncé herself, 'Beyoncé Pulse' is powerful, feminine and one-of-a-kind."

At the heart of 'Beyoncé Pulse' is the bluebird orchid, a scent that has never been featured in a fragrance before, with top notes of pear blossom, blue curacao accord, frosted bergamot, peony and midnight blooming jasmine, anchored by base notes madagascar vanilla, musk and precious woods.

"We have been able to meld citrus and gourmand for a truly innovative product," said Mormoris. "That coupled with Beyoncé's signature energy and style makes 'Pulse' distinctive in every way."

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Relativity Media Finds "Safe Haven"

Relativity Media has closed a deal with Oscar, DGA-nominee Lasse Hallström ("The Cider House Rules"), to direct their upcoming film "Safe Haven", based on the "Safe Haven" novel from author Nicholas Sparks.

Sparks’ previous books have been made into several motion pictures including "The Notebook", "The Last Song", "Nights in Rodanthe" and "Dear John".

"...'Safe Haven' is a gripping love story infused with suspense and discovery. When a young woman escaping her past moves to a small North Carolina town, and falls for a loving widowed father, he heals her heart, and helps her escape the danger that threatens her..."

Producers of the new film are Ryan Kavanaugh, Sparks, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey.

Screenplay is by Dana Stevens ("City Of Angels)".

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NHL Expands With Stan Lee's "Guardian Project"

Guardian Media Entertainment, LLC (GME), a company formed by SLG Entertainment (SLGE), LLC, led by Stan Lee of POW! Entertainment, LLC and NHL Enterprises (NHLE), LP, report on their equity partnership with NBCUniversal (NBCU), whereby NBCU will provide cross-platform media support of ongoing content and product launches for "The Guardian Project", a 'Stan Lee' franchise that includes 30 superheroes representing each National Hockey League Club.

NBCUniversal, the Comcast unit that runs the company's TV networks, recently struck a 10-year deal with the NHL. With the new terms, NBCUniversal channels will air more regular season and Stanley Cup Playoff games, and includes rights to online-video streaming of the games.

"The Guardian Project" has been developed for transmedia storytelling and GME will continually roll out plotlines for all 30 original superheroes across multiple platforms over a number of years.

In the near-term, GME intends to launch a publishing initiative consisting of comic books and a novel in addition to the expansion of "Guardian Project" branded merchandise currently available for sale at retail, online and in-arena.

The brand will also be extended through social and mobile gaming platforms in the first quarter of 2012. GME is also in early stages of discussions for development of a television series and long-term plans include the creation of films, games, theme park presence and global extensions.

Stan Lee, his producing partner Gill Champion and POW! will oversee all creative direction and story development.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Guardian Project"...

Craig And Ford Saddle Up For "Cowboys & Aliens"

Sneak Peek another new poster supporting the upcoming Universal/DreamWorks comic book adaptation, "Cowboys & Aliens".

In other notable "C&W" news, director Jon Favreau ("Iron Man"), is inviting fans to Comic-Con's world premiere of the new film, starring Daniel Craig ("Casino Royale"), Harrison Ford ("Indiana Jones") and Olivia Wilde ("Tron: Legacy").

The event marks the first time that the world's largest entertainment convention has allowed a movie premiere of this size and scope during the weekend's festivities.

"I owe the fans at Comic-Con so much," said Favreau, "and it is only right that they are the first people who will get to see 'Cowboys & Aliens'. By bringing the world premiere of the movie to San Diego, it's my small way of thanking them."

The world premiere event will be held at the San Diego Civic Theatre, Saturday, July 23, 2011. The red carpet events begin at 7:00 PM, and the film starts at 8:00.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Cowboys & Aliens"...

"Trigun: Badlands Rumble"

Sneak Peek director Satoshi Nishimura's animated feature, "Trigun: Badlands Rumble", based on the "Trigun" manga comics, written by Yasuhiro Nightow :

"...in a town surrounded by quicksand, an outlaw from the past of 'Vash the Stampede' has resurfaced after twenty years. His name is 'Gasback' - and he's looking to cause a little trouble.

"It seems Gasback has a serious beef with the town's mayor, who's paying dozens of bounty hunters to protect his turf. One of those hired guns is a beautiful woman with a vendetta against Gasback. Will she get a shot at revenge? Maybe, if she can get through Gasback's bodyguard, 'Wolfwood'. And what's Vash got to do with this mess? Nothing much - except for the fact that he personally set off the entire chain of events two decades ago..."

According to producer Shigeru Kitayama, "Trigun" will be released theatrically in the US, through Funimation, July 8, 2011.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Trigun: Badlands Rumble" here...

Sony Classics Acquires Cronenberg's "Dangerous Method"

Director David Cronenberg's upcoming historical biopic, "A Dangerous Method", has been acquired for US distribution by Sony Pictures Classics.

The feature stars Viggo Mortensen as 'Sigmund Freud', Michael Fassbender as 'Carl Jung', Keira Knightley as 'Sabina Spielrein' and Vincent Cassel as 'Otto Gross', following the conflict between Freud and his pupil Jung.

Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton wrote the screenplay, adapting his 2002 stage play "The Talking Cure", based on the 1993 non-fiction novel "A Most Dangerous Method", by author John Kerr.

The film also marks the third collaboration between Cronenberg and Mortensen ("A History of Violence", "Eastern Promises") and his second movie with Cassel :

"...Set on the eve of World War I, 'A Dangerous Method' is based on the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist 'Carl Jung', his mentor 'Sigmund Freud' and 'Sabina Spielrein', the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them..."

Filming started lensing May 2010 in Vienna, Cologne and Bodensee, wrapping @ Lake Constance, July 22, 2010.

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Where Soars "The Silver Surfer" ?

Marvel Comics "Silver Surfer" #5, available June 22, 2011, is written by Greg Pak, with illustrations by Harvey Tolibao, Coello and a cover by Carlo Pagulayan :

"...'Herald' vs. herald for the fate of all life in the universe, as 'The High Evolutionary' has stolen the power to replace 'Galactus', with the lives of billions hanging in the balance. And the one threatening to doom them all is the 'Silver Surfer'..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Silver Surfer"...

'Brunhilde' : The Fate Of 'Midgard' Is Hers To Decide

Marvel Comics' "Secret Avengers" #14, available June 22, 2011 is written by Nick Spencer and illustrated by Scot Eaton, with covers by Adi Granov & Mike Perkins :

"...She is 'Brunhilde of Asgard', 'The Valkyrie' -- once charged by 'Odin' himself with carrying mankind's bravest souls to their resting place in 'Valhalla'. But when the 'Norse Gods' take up arms against humanity, she must choose which side to fight for -- and with war raging all around her, the fate of 'Midgard' may be hers to decide..."

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