When Scarlett Johansson put on the spandex to play Marvel heroine Black Widow in "Iron Man 2," it was immediately clear that the character would become a regular in the Marvel movie universe. She's reprising the role in next week's highly-anticipated "The Avengers."
But Johansson won't be back in "Iron Man 3." In an interview alongside a giggly Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), she told Screenrant she won't be seen in the threequel, but she'd be keen on a "Bourne"-style solo film featuring the character.
Meanwhile, in spite of Johansson's absence, "Iron Man 3" won't be short on lovely ladies; Gwyneth Paltrow is set to return as Pepper Potts, and Jessica Chastain ("The Help," "Tree of Life") was recently added to the cast which already includes Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce and Don Cheadle.
"The Avengers" opens May 4 in the U.S., and is already playing in much of the world.
Official: Shia LaBeouf won't be in 'Transformers 4'
Is the world ready for a "Transformers" film without beloved human protagonist Sam Witwicky?
For some time, there have been rumours that actor Shia LaBeouf was done with the lucrative series and that director Michael Bay and DreamWorks were essentially re-booting the franchise with a new cast.
The actor's absence has now been confirmed by no less than DreamWorks president of production Adam Goodman.
In an extensive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Goodman revealed, "The story is going in a different direction now. Ehren Kruger is writing it for us, and we're starting to engage, but I can't say anything more." Kruger co-wrote the second and third installments.
The first three "Transformers" films -- with LaBeouf starring alongside Megan Fox (who sat out the third), Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro -- grossed more than $2.6 billion at the global box office, making a fourth film an inevitability.
It was revealed months ago that the franchise would head in a new direction, but early rumours about No. 4 and 5 being shot back-to-back and Jason Statham stepping in as the lead were later dismissed. We'll have to wait and see just what they are planning for part 4.
Meanwhile, Goodman also noted that the long-gestating "Top Gun" sequel is closer to becoming a reality and that it will likely shoot before Tom Cruise suits up for "MIssion: Impossible 5."
He also discusses the future of the Jack Ryan franchise, Darren Aronofsky's epic "Noah," the delayed Brad Pitt starrer "World War Z," "Anchorman 2" and the controversial "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" reboot.
Are you interested in a "Transformers" movie without Shia LaBeouf?
'Gossip Girl' boss tapped to run 'Smash'
NBC has handed the reins for the second season of "Smash" to current "Gossip Girl" showrunner Josh Safran, according to media reports.
Original "Smash" showrunner and creator Thresa Rebeck stepped down from the role shortly after NBC gave the series an early second season pick-up. Rebeck will remain as a writer/producer in some capacity.
Safran has been on "Gossip Girl" since the show launched, rising from writer and consulting producer to his current position. "Gossip Girl" has yet to be renewed for a sixth season on The CW.
The showrunner swap prompted extensive speculation on what the addition of a young adult soap opera veteran to the Broadway soap might mean, narratively, but all is speculation thus far.
Chloe Sevigny circles 'American Horror Story' nymphomaniac role
Golden Globe winner Chloe Sevigny is reportedly in final talks to join the cast of the second season of FX's "American Horror Story."
According to EW.com, Sevigny would play Shelly the Nymphomaniac, a troubled young woman -- no fair guessing what her trouble is -- at the East Coast institution run by Jessica Lange's new character.
This would be Sevigny's first regular TV gig since "Big Love," though she recently did a "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" episode.
Returning stars for S.2 of "AHS," beginning production this summer, Zachary Quinto, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Lily Rabe. Adam Levine is also dropping by for an unknown duration.
B.o.B. and Nicki Minaj collaborate on new "Out of My Mind"
Did you think Nicki Minaj was "out of her mind" with her new "Starships" video? The Cash Money star is actually on a track called "Out of My Mind," collaborating with B.o.B. on a new track for his album "Strange Clouds."
Minaj makes herself out to be She-Ra, and then she sings the hook to "Airplanes." B.o.B. is a spazz. Yes, it'll make you nuts.
"Strange Clouds" is out on May 1.
(hitfix.com)
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