True Blood Beverage

The once-fictional Tru Blood beverage from the HBO hit series “True Blood” will be coming to life in bottle form this September. The blood-orange carbonated drink has a slightly tart and lightly sweet flavor that is sure to taste better than the O negative blood consumed by the show’s fictional vampires. Crafted to replicate the appearance of the synthetic blood beverage preferred by the undead in the series, the real-life drink will also be called Tru Blood.

“From its first season, fans have been enamored with the show and have expressed a keen interest in the Tru Blood beverage,” added James Costos, vice president of licensing and retail at HBO. “We’re extremely excited to be able to bring this original drink to life.” Allan Ball, creator and executive producer of the series, announced the launch of the bottles at the San Diego Comic-Con convention and joked that the drink was a mixture of “wine, vodka, Vicodin, Viagra and Ecstasy” and that it was “completely illegal.” While they will cost an arm and a leg ($16 for a four-pack), curious fang fans will no doubt be stocking up on the drinks when they hit store shelves this fall.

Until then, fans can pre-order Tru Blood at www.HBO.com/store.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Paramount is developing a feature version of the award-winning children’s tale Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Director Neil Burger (The Illusionist) is in talks to write the screenplay, and former Walden exec Cary Granat is on board to produce. This film would be the second theatrical go-round for the book, which MGM brought to the screen in 1982 as the animated The Secret of NIMH, directed by Don Bluth. Robert C. O’Brien’s “Rats of NIMH” won the Newbery Medal in 1972 and has been a staple in children’s bookstores and libraries since. The story centers on a mouse—the titular Mrs. Frisby, re-named Mrs. Brisby in the MGM movie—faced with a crisis when her son falls ill and she must move her family to escape a farmer’s plow. Mrs. Frisby enlists a group of former lab rats, whom she soon discovers run a highly evolved society, who possess advanced technologies and divide labor in the manner of a human community. It’s likely the new “NIMH” would combine live-action and animation in the manner of Alvin and the Chipmunks and other kiddie hybrids.

Bureau Headlines: Mon 07/27

Bureau Headlines: Michael Jackson's hair made into diamonds... Jennifer Lopez celebrates 40th birthday; rep says Lopez not replacing Paul Abdul on "American Idol"... Father of eight Jon Gosselin says he's single... Ex says Amy Winehouse almost died in his arms... Justin Timberlake opens Tennessee golf course... Octo-mom Nadya Suleman lands reality TV deal.

PHOTOS: Lindsay Lohan's short shorts/high boots look... BFFs Jon Gosselin and Michael Lohan hit the Hamptons... Kate Hudson and A-Rod kiss at Yankee Stadium... Tara Reid in her natural habitat.

GOSSIP: John Travolta to renounce Scientology?... Orlando Bloom opts out of next "Pirates" movie to spend time with girlfriend... Rihanna and Chris Brown check into (separate rooms at) same New York hotel... Farrah Fawcett leaves fortune to son Redmond... LeAnn Rimes and husband separate... Charles Manson contacts Phil Spector for help with singing career.

Tha Hangover: Top-Grossing Rated R Comedy of All Time

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' summer smash hit The Hangover has added another milestone to its record-breaking run. On Sunday, July 19th, the Todd Phillips-directed comedy became the top-grossing R-rated comedy of all time, breaking the record previously held by Beverly Hills Cop, which has stood for almost 25 years. To date, the film has earned an astounding estimated $235.9 million and is still drawing large audiences after more than six weeks in release.

The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, who said, "This is one record I don't think any of us anticipated crossing. We continue to be amazed by the resilience of The Hangover in a very competitive summer season, and the buzz just keeps building as word-of-mouth shows no sign of diminishing."

Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, stated, "Audiences are obviously in a mood to laugh and The Hangover more than fits that bill. We are all understandably thrilled, but the person who deserves the most credit is the remarkable Todd Phillips. We applaud him and the amazing cast, along with everyone who had a hand in making the film."Filmmaker Todd Phillips remarked, "I couldn't be happier that audiences everywhere are having as much fun watching The Hangover as we had making it. The response to the movie has been overwhelming, and I want to thank my entire cast and crew and, of course, all our friends at Warner Bros."

From director Todd Phillips, The Hangover is a new comedy about a bachelor party gone horribly wrong. Two days before his wedding, Doug (Justin Bartha) and his three buddies (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out night they'll never forget. But when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, they can't remember a thing. Their posh hotel suite is beyond trashed and the groom is nowhere to be found. With no clue about what happened and little time to spare, the trio must attempt to retrace their bad decisions from the night before in order to figure out where things went wrong and hopefully get Doug back to L.A. in time for his wedding. However, the more they begin to uncover, the more they realize just how much trouble they're really in. HangoverMovie.com

First Look: MADONNA'S New Album Cover "Celebration"

Here is our first look at the cover for “Celebration” created by street pop artist Mr. Brainwash who is best known for “throwing modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven.” [source] Well known graffiti artist, Mr. Brainwash, was the creator of Madonna's "Celebration" album cover. Based in Los Angeles, Mr. Brainwash started his career in France as a documentary film maker to become later a popular street artist. His "Celebration" cover reprises the classic Madonna shot by Jean-Baptiste Mondino that premiered on "Bazaar" magazine in 1990 blended with another iconic 1987 portrait by Alberto Tolot.

Today, Warner Bros. Records officially confirmed the September 28th release of “CELEBRATION” – the ultimate compilation of Madonna songs. The songs on “Celebration” have all been re-mastered and selected by Madonna and her fans. They cover the expanse of the Material Girl’s extraordinary career of hits including “Everybody,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue” and “4 Minutes.” “Celebration” will be available in a two-CD set as well as a single CD.

There will also be a “Celebration” DVD released simultaneously which includes the video visionary’s best videos including several that have never before been available on DVD. Madonna, who has racked up a record 37 top 10 hits as well as seven No. 1 albums (including her last four) on the Billboard Pop Charts, has given her fans yet another opportunity to “celebrate” her musical achievements. “Celebration,” the CD will also include two new songs that were recently recorded in New York City. The first single, also titled, “Celebration,” co-produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold, will be released August 3rd. A video for the single, which will be included on the “Celebration” DVD was just filmed in Milan, Italy and was directed by long time Madonna collaborator Jonas (“Ray of Light”) Akerlund. Several dance club remixes of “Celebration” are headed to the clubs on July 24th. The song will also be available on CD and vinyl maxi. Radio will receive the “Celebration” single on August 3rd.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

The Hollywood Bureau got a sneak peek of a brand new photo from Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which is set for release on May 28, 2010. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Molina, Ben Kingsley, Toby Kebbell and will hit theaters nationwide on May 28, 2010.

Working Title Set for Bridget Jones and Indian Summer

Working Title has confirmed there will be a third installment in the Bridget Jones series starring Renee Zellweger. The British producer also attached Cate Blanchett for a lead role in director Joe Wright’s Indian Summer. The untitled third Bridget Jones pic, which is still in its early stages and probably won’t go into production until the end of next year, will see Zellweger reprise her role as a British publishing exec struggling to find love. It will likely be based on the weekly columns author Helen Fielding wrote in 2005 for British newspaper the Independent in which Bridget, now in her 40s, attempts to have a baby before it’s too late. Working Title co-toppers Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan have yet to set a writer or director.

Meanwhile, Blanchett will star as Lady Edwina Mountbatten in Indian Summer, based on the book of the same name by Alex von Tunzelmann, about the last days of Britain’s colonial rule of India in 1947. As previously announced, Fellner and Bevan will produce alongside Hilary Bevan Jones. William Nicholson (Gladiator) is penning the screenplay. Production is set to begin next year.

Bureau Headlines: Fri 07/17

BUREAU HEADLINES: Coroner expects Michael Jackson autopsy results in two weeks... Pepsi spokesperson says company dismayed by release of accident footage... Debbie Rowe files suit over custody rumors... Two workers die in collapse of Madonna concert stage... Farrah Fawcett gets posthumous Emmy nod Full Emmy Coverage... Gerard Butler annoyed by speculation that he's romancing Jennifer Aniston... Angelina Jolie named "ultimate lesbian heroine"... Jerry Seinfeld tops list of highest paid comedians (but who do we blame for Dane Cook's continued success?)... Ivanka Trump engaged to longtime boyfriend... Richard Gere hopes his new B&B will "benefit the world"... "Angela's Ashes" author Frank McCourt near death, says brother.

PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian, Marilyn Manson -- separated at birth? (Related: Apparently having no eyebrows is a trend)... Heather Mills rocks a Kate Gosselin-ish 'do... "Iron Man" EW cover.

GOSSIP: Mischa Barton placed under involuntary psychiatric hold... LAPD investigating Michael Jackson's pseudonyms... Arnold Klein (Jackson's dermatologist) had prescription drug-peddling past... Jamie Lynn Spears calls off engagement... Former "Charlie's Angel" Kate Jackson living in rat-infested home?... Ashton Kutcher ruptures ear drum on film set... Tom Cruise spotted doing "Single Ladies" dance at Beyonce concert.

Hilary Duff Joins CW's Gossip Girl

Hilary Duff is joining the cast of Gossip Girl, guest-starring next season as "a movie star looking for a typical college experience.

The CW series' spokeswoman, Melissa Burton, says the 21-year-old singer and actress will portray Olivia Burke, who enrolls at New York University and becomes roommates with "Gossip Girl" hipster Vanessa, portrayed by Jessica Szohr.

Oh, what a tangled web: Burton says Olivia will spark a romance with aspiring novelist Dan, played by Penn Badgley. As fans know, Vanessa used to have eyes for Dan -- then they dated other people. Duff begins her Gossip Girl arc on Oct. 5.Season three premieres Sept. 14th, as the prep kids head off to college.

Quote of the Week: Jada Pinkett Smith

"When you have three kids, you've got to take your opportunities when they come. In a limo, on the way to the Academy Awards this year, Will started looking at me in this way that drives me wild. We started kissing passionately, and the next thing I knew, well, let's just say we missed the red carpet and I ended up with almost no makeup on." --Jada Pinket Smith

Bureau Headlines: Wed 07/16

BUREAU HEADLINES: Michael Jackson toxicology reports expected soon... Police subpoena dermatologist for Jackson's medical records... Britney Spears's Warsaw concert canceled... Whitney Houston debuts new album in London... Amy Adams says fiance is more ready for marriage than she is... Jonah Hill victim of Twitter imposter... Russell Brand returning to host MTV Awards again... David Arquette and Courteney Cox sign on for fourth "Scream" movie... "Sex and the City's" Kim Cattrall single again... "Reading Rainbow's" LeVar Burton injured in car accident. Robert DeNiro victim of New York art gallery scam.

BUREAU PHOTOS: Christian Bale sheds weight for latest role... Another day, another wacky fug hat for Grace Jones... Madonna's arms -- toned or tired? (P.S. Madge and Whitney Houston are wearing the same dress)... Lindsay Lohan's ick nast gladiator boots... Inside Diddy's lunch box.
Video: A clip from David Carradine's final movie, "Break"

TOUR: Michael Jackson's Las Vegas rental property

GOSSIP: Police say Michael Jackson's body had track marks... Attorney asks New York Post to retract story claiming Debbie Rowe gave up custody of kids... Friend says Rowe e-mails show she doesn't want kids... LaToya Jackson paid for Daily Mail interview?... Did messages from John Mayer break up Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo?... Brandy settles lawsuit with survivor of 2006 crash... Jon Gosselin's new girlfriend a "party animal"?... Penelope Cruz pregnant?... Emma Watson to star in Marilyn Manson movie musical?

Nicole Kidman Takes on Little Bee

Nicole Kidman is teaming up with BBC Films on her stinging new project. Kidman has signed on to produce and star in Little Bee. The film will be an adaptation of the Chris Cleave novel and Shawn Slovo is writing the adaptation. The story centers on a chance encounter when a teenage Nigerian orphan named Little Bee ends up meeting a well-off British couple who end up wandering past their vacation resort. No production schedule was given for the film.

Bureau Headlines: Fri 07/10/09

HEADLINES: LA coroner subpoenas medical records from multiple Michael Jackson doctors... Nancy Pelosi nixes idea of a Jackson House resolution... Julianne Moore backs out of playing Hillary Clinton... Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig team up for Broadway production... Mel Gibson to star in Jodie Foster-directed movie, "The Beaver"... Heidi Pratt launching new Web workout series... George Clooney to shoot film in Italian city devastated by earthquake... David Arquette to sleep in plexiglass box atop Madison Square Garden to raise money for charity... Jim Carrey to be a grandfather... Ben Affleck says Jennifer Lopez was bad for his career... Natalie Portman to appear on upcoming "Top Chef" episode... Patricia Arquette calls off divorce from "Hung's" Thomas Jane... Paris Hilton appears in court in $8 million "Pledge This" lawsuit... Lil' Wayne sued for sleeping through scheduled appearance. CNN's John Zarella recounts how his Bubbles the chimp scoop went down. Jason Bateman talks about past addiction... Kelly Preston to open up about losing son Jett... Lindsay Lohan denies stealing self-tanner formula; jewels missing from Lohan's Elle photo shoot valued at $38,500 -- considerably less than the original estimate of $400,000... Ozzy Osbourne's dog eaten by coyote, says daughter Kelly... Ed McMahon's Walk of Fame star vandalized... Judge says Kate Walsh's ex can make ABC president sit for divorce deposition... Edward Furlong divorcing wife of three years.

GOSSIP: Morgan Freeman planning to marry step-granddaughter?... Britney Spears collapses during rehearsal... Janet Jackson reportedly tried to stage an intervention for brother Michael... Dad pitching album of Ashlee Simpson singing Jackson covers... "Bruno" sparking trend in male grooming, short shorts?... Jay-Z close to book deal... Ex-girlfriend claims Simon Cowell was a "terrible cheat."

PHOTOS: Madonna and new daughter Mercy James visit Paris... Lady GaGa dons mask for press conference.

Resident Evil 4 News

Sony's Screen Gems is planning a September 17, 2010 release for Resident Evil 4, which could go by the title Resident Evil: Afterlife. The third film, Resident Evil: Extinction, left the door wide open for another installment, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan. Paul W.S. Anderson revealed late last year he was indeed writing the next film, but no word on whether he will direct. We've learned from a studio insider that Sony is looking to get Resident Evil: Afterlife into theaters by September 17, 2010. That's according to an internal memo circulating through the offices there. No word on when production will begin.

Backstage at the Michael Jackson Memorial

We knew that we were witnessing first hand one of the world’s most spiritual and emotional moments in cultural history from the moment we entered the Staples Center. The reverence and silence among the nearly 18,000 people was remarkable. We were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to attend the Memorial Service held today for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles. We were even more stunned when we realized that we would have a seat in the VIP section in close proximity to Michael’s family, friends and celebrities. The ceremony began with Smokey Robinson reading statements from Michael’s muse Diana Ross — “Michael was part of the fabric of my life” — and then followed it with a letter from Nelson Mandela that closed with a message to Michael’s family — “Be strong.”

A long silence followed – a reverent moment for all those in attendance. As we looked around and realized we were surrounded by famous faces that sat quietly in reflection – Usher, Brooke Shields, Larry King, Berry Gordy, Kobe Bryant, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Hudson, Suzanne DePasse (who discovered the Jackson Five). We even saw Corey Feldman dressed like Michael – in costume from head-to-toe.

Michael’s brothers escorted his Bronze 14 Karat Gold Plated casket into the arena and what followed was nothing that words will ever be able to truly describe—performances and tributes that sent chills all over my body. Tears streamed down everyone’s face, including mine. The service started with “We’re going to see the King,” sung by a glorious choir. The Rev. Lucious W. Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena gave the greeting, and then Mariah Carey performed the Jackson 5 ballad “I’ll Be There,” a duet with Trey Lorenz.

Queen Latifah read a poem composed by Maya Angelou. Lionel Richie sang the gospel hymn, “Jesus Is Love.” Berry Gordy remembered the days of discovery of a young Michael, “he is simply the greatest entertainer who ever lived.” Emotions peaked when the Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a fiery eulogy from the pull pit acknowledging the controversy he faced throughout the years. “Every time he got knocked down, he got back up,” Sharpton said, and the applauding crowd again jumped to its feet. Sharpton rode the moment, building to a crescendo. “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy,” he said later, addressing Jackson’s three children in the front row. “It was strange what your daddy had to deal with!” The crowd roared and leapt to their feet in applause.

Highlights for me were Brooke Shields eulogy followed by his brother Jermaine Jackson’s performance of Michael’s favorite song “Smile,” Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Usher’s performances – the most heart felt moment came from Michael’s daughter, Paris, who wanted to say something, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” she said, breaking down into tears and collapsing into her aunt Janet Jackson. “And I just wanted to say I love him — so much.”

It was all very surreal. After the ceremony we humbly attended a small gathering for the family and close friends – and out of respect we will not disclose the location or the intimate moments that we witnessed during this very private event. Today was one of those days that we will never forget, a day that will live in infamy in our hearts and souls for the rest of our lives – Michael you will forever be missed................but your legacy will live on forever.

Ryan Reynolds Reveals Deadpool Secrets

Ryan Reynolds has revealed secrets about the upcoming Deadpool movie. The big news is that the very popular Marvel Comics’ Character would be breaking the fourth wall to talk to the audience.

Reynolds stated, "Break the fourth wall? Oh yeah, he's got to. I want to see him break the Great Wall." He says that the film will stick pretty close to the comic book upon which it is based, saying, "The studio's working on a script and trying to find a director. The main goal is to make sure it stays close to the source material." Is he worried about fan reaction to the film? "I'm one of them. I've always been a fan, at least for the last eight or nine years. I feel a bit of validation because I knew going into Wolverine that there's a huge fan base for this and I don't think anyone else did." The actor had no comment about Deadpool’s decapitation at the end of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Deadpool will open in the summer of 2010.

No More Superman for Brandon Routh??

Collider's overseas sister site Omlete recently caught up with actor Brandon Routh on the set of his latest film Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World and asked him about the proposed sequel to Superman Returns. According to the actor, It is looking less and less likely that he will return to the role of Clark Kent any time soon.

Routh stated, "I do not know of anything. I am sure that Warner Brothers is moving there, but everything is uncertain. Really, I do not know anything." He says that, "The term contract has expired. But if they call me, I would suit up without thinking twice about it."A proposed film titled Superman: The Man of Steel was originally scheduled to go into production by 2010, but that isn't likely to happen at this point in the game. It has been speculated that Warner Brothers will totally reboot the Superman franchise, bringing none of its original players back.

Alice in Wonderland in Vanity Fair

The Hollywood Bureau got a sneak peek at the upcoming August issue of Vanity Fair that feature characters from Tim Burton's latest film Alice in Wonderland. These new images include Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen. You can check out the pics below:

Quote of the Month

"They take me very seriously because I've always been a very serious Christian, and most Christians understand what's going on. They understand they're being persecuted. They understand this is the end of the world. They understand the New World Order, the One World Currency, is all in Revelations in the Bible, so they're taking me very seriously and they know when I mean something, that it's a message." -- Heidi (Montag) Pratt

Bureau Headlines: Fri 07/02

HEADLINES: No public or private viewings for Michael Jackson this weekend, says family; memorial may happen Tuesday at L.A.'s Staples Center... Request for Neverland burial denied... DEA joins investigation into Jackson's medications... 2.6 million Jackson downloads sold in one week... Pathologist says David Carradine died of asphyxiation... Gwyneth Paltrow says Spanish know how to enjoy life more than Blackberry-addled Americans... 22-year-old Kevin Jonas engaged... Kate Gosselin's clothing line for kids on hold as "Jon and Kate" ratings plummet... Nicole Richie designs maternity clothes; Beyonce launching "Sasha Fierce" line of junior clothing... Hilary Duff joining cast of "Gossip Girl" for multi-episode arc... C. Thomas Howell to host new reality show. R. Kelly, police say singer's home not searched for missing 17-year-old girl... Susan Boyle will not appear on "Ugly Betty"... Leighton Meester not engaged.

PHOTOS: Bearded Keanu Reeves in Paris... Brad Pitt's new "Never-EverLand" art installation.

GOSSIP: Bradley Cooper and Renee Zellweger spotted dining out... Tameka Foster says she and Usher had sex a week before divorce filing... Ryan O'Neal bars son (Griffin, not Redmond) from Farrah Fawcett's funeral.

Sarah Jessica parker's Twins

In this first official photo of twin daughters, actors Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker and their son James Wilkie Broderick pose with their new daughters Marion Loretta Elwell Broderick and Tabitha Hodge Broderick on Monday, June 29, 2009, in New York. The girls were born Monday June 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Robin Layton)

Bureau Production News

• "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” is scheduled to begin production on August 17th and film thru October 31st at Vancouver Film Studios. David Slade (30 Days of Night) is directing from a script by Melissa Rosenberg. The second installment in the film series, The Twilight Saga’s New Moon, is currently set for release on November 20th.

• MGM Studios remake of "Red Dawn" has opened up their production office at Hollywood Production Center in Glendale.

• Edward Zwick to direct “Love & Other Drugs,” adapted by Charles Randolph with filming scheduled for September. Jake Gyllenhaal & Anne Hathaway to star in feature based on the novel “Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Saleman.”

• The "Sex and the City" sequel is scheduled to begin a 2-month shoot in New York City on August 19th, with two weeks filming in London.

• Joe Carnahan's adaptation of "The A-Team," have setup production offices at Mammoth Studios, with filming scheduled to begin mid-June.