SAG, AFTRA set Dec. meet on merger

Leaders of Hollywood's two biggest performer unions have set a key meeting for Dec. 11-12 to prep a final proposal for merging the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists. Spokespeople for SAG and AFTRA didn't respond to a request for comment about the meeting, which would be the fourth formal confab of the Group for One Union -- consisting of members from the SAG Merger Task Force and the AFTRA New Union Committee. The G1, with six workgroups, has since June been hammering out details such as a constitution, financing and dues with the target of presenting final proposals to the SAG and AFTRA boards in January. Other than touting the meetings as productive, the unions have disclosed only general details about the substance of discusssions. Proponents have argued that a combined union would be more powerful and remove jurisdictional overlaps. Opponents have contended that the new union should be for actors only but SAG voters have been backing pro-merger candidates overwhelmingly in recent elections. Should the proposal be approved by the national boards, members could be asked to OK the merger in a contest that would require 60% of those voting in each union to approve. SAG currently has about 120,000 members while AFTRA has about 70,000 with about 45,000 performers belonging to both unions. SAG members turned down merger votes in 1999 and 2003. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Sky Italia exits DTT race

Rupert Murdoch's Sky Italia satcaster has pulled out of Italy's tender for digital terrestrial frequencies, citing an overly long, convoluted process that favors incumbents -- including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset TV group. "We hope our decision will ... open a constructive debate on a process that risks slowing growth rather than promoting it," Sky Italia CEO Andrea Zappia said in a statement. Italy's DTT field is dominated by Mediaset and pubcaster RAI, while Sky has just one DTT channel, Cielo (which means "Sky" in Italian). Sky had engaged in a fierce legal battle with the recently exited Berlusconi government to participate in the bidding, receiving authorization in July 2010 from the European Commission, which stressed that Sky had already helped open up the TV market and that its participation in the DTT tender would further this process. But the tender, which assigns frequencies for free, favors incumbents by requiring new players to commit to massive investments. The process, set up by the Berlusconi administration, favored his Mediaset TV channels. "We hope that our decision, as difficult and weighty as it might be, provides the impetus for an open and constructive debate on the future of television in Italy," Sky Italia said in its statement. Others still in the race are Tarak Ben Ammar's Prima TV and local players Canale Italia, Telecom Italia and Europa 7. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Film Bazaar sees elevated activity

GOA -- India's annual film market the Film Bazaar (November. 14-27), that's organized with the National Film Development Corp., saw a flurry of activity this edition. Sales agents Fortissimo Films will represent debutant helmer Anand Gandhi's "The Ship of Theseus" worldwide, excluding South Asia, and contains also boarded the film as co-producer. Pic, that's in publish, stars Egyptian thesp Aida El-Kashef and Bollywood's Sohum Shah and Neeraj Kabi. "Lorna's Silence" connect producer Christoph Thoke features a The month of the month of january 2012 goal in 2010 Bazaar alumnus "Television" being directed by Bangladesh's Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. Thoke is creating through his shingle Mogador Film. France's Eaux Vives Productions are co-creating. The NFDC has grew to become part of helmer Q's "Tasher Desh" as co-producers. Pic can be a production between India's Overdose Art, Anurag Kashap Films, Dream Digital and Belgium's Entre Chien Et Loup. The film just wrapped principal photography. Bikas Mishra's "Chauranga" won the Indian tourism ministry's $20,000 cash award to find the best film inside the co-production market. And four Bazaar projects -- Khanjan Kishor Nath's "The Bicycle," Haobam Paban Kumar's "The Gun," Manjeet Singh's "Mumbai Cha Raja" and Satish Manwar's "What's Your Religion?" -- are actually selected to register inside the Rotterdam fest's Rotterdam lab in 2012. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Box Office Report: Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Overperforms on Thanksgiving

Martin Scorsese's considerably acclaimed Hugo taken part within the box office chart to No. 3 on Thursday behind The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 as well as the Muppets.our editor recommendsBox Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' and 'Muppets' Rule ThanksgivingBox Office Preview: 'The Muppets' Vulnerable to Win Thanksgiving Family FeudNew Movie Reviews: 'Hugo,' 'The Muppets,' 'My Week With Marilyn' Striking Theaters'Hugo' Q&A: James Cameron & Martin Scorsese All rated PG, Hugo and Muppets opened up up Wednesday alongside The brand new the new sony's Arthur Christmas. Because Hugo is playing older than an ordinary family film, Vital only opened up in the film on 1,277 theaters -- nearly another in the location count of Muppets and Arthur Christmas. PHOTOS: It's a Zoo This Season: 23 Honours Competitors Featuring Animals Breaking Beginning made $7.8 million on Thursday for just about any domestic cume of $179.3 million, while Muppets made a superb $5.9 million for just about any two-day cume of $12.5 million. Hugo made an thought $2.4 million on Thursday for just about any two-day cume of $4.3 million. The film's strength on Thanksgiving signifies it's playing older than an ordinary family film, but remains a movie that different decades can look to. COVER STORY: Martin Scorsese Talks 'Hugo,' Recurring Bad dreams or nightmares and the way His 12-Year-Old Rules the Roost Hugo did adequate that it's forecasted five-day opening is becoming $14 million, versus $12 million. That potentially puts it within shouting distance of Warner Bros. holdover Happy Foot Two and Arthur Christmas, especially Arthur Christmas. Happy Foot Two showed up No. 4 on Friday, grossing $2.millions of for just about any domestic cume of $30.4 million. The toon's five-day Thanksgiving gross is thought to fall closer to $15 million, versus $20 million. Arthur Christmas fell to No. 7, grossing $1.9 million for just about any two-day cume of $4.3 million. Family business should get substantially for Muppets and Arthur Christmas while using actual holiday over. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Happy Foot Two' Blue Carpet Premiere Arrivals Related Subjects Box Office Hugo

Former Bachelorette Couple Ali & Roberto Refer To It As Quits

First Released: November 21, 2011 2:33 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez attend the truth Rocks Expo Fan Honours in the La Convention Focus on April 9, 2011 in Los AngelesLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The marriage is formally off for Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez. Just days after announcing these were putting nuptial intentions of hold, the first kind Bachelorette couple has known as it quits, a repetition for Ali & Roberto has confirmed to gain access to Hollywood. Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez have ended their relationship, the repetition told Access on Monday. Because they undergo this hard time, we request that you simply respect the couples privacy. It had been in August the former Bachelorette first revealed their route to the altar have been placed on hold, putting the culprit for that detour with an injuries to her leg. We'd to start dating ? set, which date has passed, Ali told People at that time, stating surgery the month prior on her behalf leg. The choice to postpone [the marriage] was very hard. I certainly shed some tears. In October, the marriage was once more postponed, with Ali again saying the pair was still being together despite plans for that large day being shelved. Remained as engaged remained as living together, the 27-year-old, who made an appearance on Season 6 from the hit ABC series, told People. We simply dont want just to walk lower the aisle at this time. At this time weren't planning for a wedding, the truth star ongoing. Does which means that were fighting? No. Does which means that were miserable? Definitely not! Were happy where we're. Whenever we have things determined, well inform you. Now, a couple of days later, the pair has confirmed they've split. Regrettably for Ali, while she no more includes a groom-to-be, there's one factor shes tied to a little longer her surname. Are you currently shedding the Fedotowsky? Billy Rose bush requested Ali on Access Hollywood Reside in September 2010 about altering her title publish-marriage. Are you currently kidding me?!? she chuckled. Ive been waiting my whole existence to decrease the Fedotowsky. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'W.E.' Trailer: Madonna Tells the Greatest Love Story of the 20th Century (EXCLUSIVE)

.post-content img {display:none;} In 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated his throne for the "woman [he] loved." That woman? Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite, who had stolen King Edward's heart. So, did they live happily ever after? That's the crux of 'W.E.,' the new film from director Madonna that tells the story of Wallis and Edward (the titular W.E.) through the eyes of a lonely NYer named Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish). Moviefone is happy to present the exclusive first trailer for 'W.E.' above; to learn more about the film, head over to the just-launched website by clicking here. Starring Cornish as well as Andrea Riseborough (as Wallis Simpson), James D'Arcy (as King Edward VIII) and Oscar Isaac, 'W.E.' will hit theaters soon. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Kevin Arkadie to create Ray Davis biopic

Epoch Movies has signed veteran TV crime author/producer Kevin Arcadie to pen the biopic of Ray Davis, the South Bronx folk hero who made it a shootout with 30 cops, wounding six before his escape touched off a 17-day manhunt.Saturday may be the 25-year anniversary from the saga that started when government bodies raided the apartment of Davis's sister, on the face to question him concerning the killing of 4 suspected drug sellers. He steered clear of inside a hail of gunfire, wounding six officials and evading police in excess of two days before he was cornered and surrendered.Davis's defense lawyers contended the initial raid was staged to murder him due to he understood about corrupt police within the drug business. He was found innocent of attempted murder within the shootout, removed within the deaths from the drug sellers but found guilty inside a later murder situation and stabbed to dying imprisonment in 2008.Arcadie, whose numerous writing and creating credits include "NYPD Blue" and "The Shield," will adapt the storyline for Epoch, whose chairman and executive producer Anderson Vilien acquired the existence privileges captured.InchWe're feeling there's nobody else that knows the subtleties and how to go about this project a lot more than Kevin. He assisted usher urban culture in to the mainstream as author/creator of NY Undercover and the 20+ year career is proof of his capability to capture the interior-city experience," Vilien stated.Producers are focusing on a summer time 2012 shoot within the South Bronx. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Rising functions get some good Leverage in certification

Levinson Rubin Olson Kokakis As film and TV certification become progressively crucial that you musicians' careers, Leverage Management boss Stephen Levinson has joined with legendary music producer Ron Rubin together with a&R males Michael Goldberg and Isaac Heymann to create Leverage Records.Music bitsThe fledgling label offers artists the opportunity to acquire their music licensed to find the best-profile shows such "Boardwalk Empire," which Levinson professional-produces through his Leverage talent management and production company. Furthermore, it offers them the chance to operate and among the most effective producers inside the biz, recognized for his career-identifying make use of the Sought After Chili A myriad of all kinds of peppers, the Dixie Chicks as well as the Beastie Boys.Goldberg and Heymann handle day-to-day methods together with a&R for your new label, that is compiled by Columbia/American beneath the The brand new the new sony Music Entertainment umbrella. They are presently near signing their first artists, and also have a much deals in place with the finish of year.InchYou will discover a large amount of projects perform at Leverage and scripts that can come through here the options are endless for your artists we sign," mentioned Heymann. "I don't think you will discover almost every other labels that have the access with the entertainment industry that individuals have."Heymann highlights that Leverage artists aren't instantly featured in Levinson's programs -- it must be described as a natural fit."The primary one primary point that everybody made once we started the business could it be all must be organic and natural,In . he mentioned. "There's pointless behind us to sign a designer and say, 'It must make use of this show also it must make use of this film.'?"Nonetheless, Leverage artists will most likely be on the top from the pile.They may also get access immediately to Rubin for creative input in addition to album production if each side concur.Goldberg mentioned Leverage expects to sign artists from multiple genres. "Essentially hear a great voice or possibly an excellent song or performance, it'll start and among people that will attract us for the artist. It might be any genre from stylish-hop to pop to rock -- anything."Proper onscreen positions in Levinson's programs have elevated the careers of artists including Promote individuals, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Regina Spektor, who had been featured on "Entourage" or "Boardwalk Empire.""Certainly the very best positioning within the correct time can help a designer and expose those to huge amounts of individuals simultaneously,In . Goldberg highlights. "In this time around around in music, everyone's fighting for attention. Therefore I think the very best (positioning) could certainly help artists launch their careers."Universal Music Posting Group features two high-level promotions: Monti Olson will finish in the business's professional V . p ./mind of pop and rock music, improving from previous position as V . p . from the&R. And David Kokakis was promoted to senior V . p ./mind of economic and legal matters/business development, altering the outgoing Robert Allen.BMG Chrysalis hired Wendy Griffiths to senior V . p . of promoting. Griffiths formerly spent two-and-a-half decades at Warner Bros. Records, most recently as senior V . p . of film and soundtracks. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Michael Kenneth Williams Latest Addition to 'Django Unchained'; How Many Roles Are in This Movie? [UPDATE]

Moviefone HQ is officially running out of 'Django Unchained' ledes. Seriously, Quentin Tarantino, the cast of your next movie is already stacked -- how many roles are in this thing? Perhaps an infinite amount. According to Deadline, Michael Kenneth Williams (Chalky White from 'Boardwalk Empire' and Omar from 'The Wire') is in talks to potentially play hired muscle for ranch owner Calvin Candle (Leonardo DiCaprio) in the new film. Williams was originally considered for the part of Django, but it ended up going to Jamie Foxx. If Williams gets this part, he will join a cast that already includes (deep breath): Foxx, DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Kurt Russell, Don Johnson, the RZA, Anthony Lapaglia, Dennis Christopher, James Remar, Gerald McRaney, M.C. Gainey, Tom Wopat and possibly Sacha Baron Cohen. The Quentin Tarantino-directed film is scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2012. UPDATE: Per Deadline, the site that originally reported Williams's 'Django' involvement, the actor won't appear in the film because of scheduling conflicts with 'Boardwalk Empire.' Instead, he'll be seen in 'Snitch' opposite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Williams's 'Django Unchained' role has reportedly been written out. [via Deadline] [Photo: Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Dean Cain Signs onto Criminal Minds

Dean Cain Criminal Minds may be the latest show to consider Superman to an alternative low. Dean Cain will portray a lower-on-his-luck gambler who continues a fantastic streak - by killing people, based on the Hollywood Reporter. He'll come in the thirteenth episode of year, set to air early the coming year. Browse the relaxation of present day news Since his days playing Clark Kent on Lois & Clark, Cain's roles took a dark turn. Cain described Scott Billings within the Lifetime movie An Ideal Husband, an evil immortal physician on Smallville along with a CSI: Miami suspect having a serious anger streak. Cain will even show up on ABC's approaching new comedy Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and USA's Burn Notice.

Fox News to Air Gloria Cain Defending Husband Herman in First Televised Interview (Video)

The wife of Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain spoke out in defense of her husband, saying she doesn't believe the sexual harassment claims against him.our editor recommends10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 ElectionsHerman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Agrees to Lie Detector Test (Video)Herman Cain Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live': 'We're Taking This Head On' (Video) Gloria Cain's first televised interview will air during On the Record with Greta Van Susteren on Monday. PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 Elections "I know that's not the person he is. He totally respects women," Gloria Cain said. "I'm thinking he would have to have a split personality to do the things that were said," she added. The couple has been married for 43 years. VIDEO: Herman Cain Sexual Harassment Scandal Detailed at Press Conference Recently, four women have accused Herman Cain, 65, of sexual harassment, including two who settled harassment claims while Cain was running the National Restaurant Associated. The claims have dominated Cain's campaign since they first came to light in late October, reported by Politico. Cain recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and completely denied the accusations of one of the women, Sharon Bialek. Cain used his wife as part of his defense. VIDEO: Herman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Agrees to Lie Detector Test "My own wife said that I wouldn't do anything as silly as what that lady was talking about, because she does know me," Cain said about Bialek. In a statement last week, a Cain campaign spokesman released a statement saying, "There have been a number of interesting revelations that the public has learned about these women over the past few days. We hope the court of public opinion will take this into consideration as these women continue to try and keep this story alive." Related Topics Politics Herman Cain

Contender: 'Warrior'

Boxing pics have long resonated for Oscar, and now it's time to see if mixed martial arts will fare as well."Warrior," though disappointing at the box office (just under $14 million), was well-reviewed following its September release. Though it can be compared to last year's "The Fighter" in its logline -- both are about the inner turmoil of a family trying to make ends meet with a brother looking to make a financial score in the ring -- "Warrior" never received the attention of the Mark Wahlberg film.Best chances for Oscar consideration for "Warrior" likely sits with supporting player Nick Nolte, who plays a once-absusive father looking for a second chance. Nolte, who turned 70 earlier this year, has twice been Oscar nominated, both times as lead actor: "Affliction" (1997) and "The Prince of Tides" (1991).As Nolte's tough but unforgiving kids, both Edgerton and Hardy offer memorable and physically demanding perfs, but it could be difficult for them to break through in a competitive lead actor field.Below-the-line work is all solid, especially during the fight scenes that make up the most dramatic moments of the film.Release date: Sept. 9LionsgateRead the Variety review Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Billy Very to Host the Oscars for your Ninth Time

Billy Very Billy Very will host the Oscars for just about any ninth time, the comedian introduced Thursday. "Am doing the Oscars and so the youthful lady inside the pharmacy stop asking my title once i get my medicines," Very tweeted. "Searching toward the show." John Grazer to switch Brett Ratner as Oscars producer Eddie Murphy steps lower News of Crystal's participation while using 84th annual Academy awards comes one following day of formerly introduced host Eddie Murphy walked lower. Murphy put within the towel his hosting duties after telecast producer Brett Ratner resigned. Ratner - who labored with Murphy on Tower Heist and was instrumental to get the comedian on - chosen not to result in the ceremony after he received fire for applying a gay slur and making other derogatory comments inside the press recently. "To begin with If only to condition which i understand fully and support each party's decision regarding a large change of producers with this particular year's Academy awards ceremony," Murphy mentioned in the statement. "I used to be truly searching toward being a component of the demonstrate that our production team and authors were just beginning to develop, but I know the completely new production team and host will perform a similarly champion.Inch Brett Ratner steps lower as Oscars producer following gay slur Oscar-winning film producer John Grazer (Apollo 13 together with an attractive Mind) has since transformed Ratner to produce the show alongside honours vet Don Mischer. Last situated in 2004. At 63, he'll function as the earliest solo host since Bob Hope in 1978. Are you currently presently very happy to see Very host again?

Hot List 2011: The Funny Ladies of Comedy

Zooey Deschanel With its worn-in leather sofa and duct-taped-together flat screen, the loft set of Fox's New Girl exudes the vibe of lazy afternoons and beer-fueled late nights. A few feet away, Zooey Deschanel is cutting loose during a photo shoot. There's some emphatic twirling in a retro-chic, peony-pink party dress and some even more emphatic lip-synching into a toy microphone to a David Bowie track - all while rocking a rhinestone tiara. Refreshingly unself-conscious, the actress is impossible to ignore. "I was the kid on stage in the chorus that people were like, 'What's going on with that one?'" she reports with a throaty laugh. "Sometimes it was a good thing, like, 'I can't stop watching you.' Other times, it was, 'God, get off the stage!'" It's safe to say Deschanel's hearing more of the former these days. Thanks in no small part to the singular talents of its leading lady, New Girl has become a buzzy, critically adored breakout hit. (Fox's highest-rated sitcom premiere in a decade: Check! First new series to be picked up for a full season: Check!) But Deschanel's Jess - a goofy charmer who, after a humiliating breakup, moves in with three guy roommates - isn't the only funny gal making a serious impact on the networks' fall schedules. From CBS' 2 Broke Girls, starring indie-film darling Kat Dennings and newcomer Beth Behrs as cash-strapped waitresses rich in (often raunchy) comebacks, to NBC's Up All Night, led by Christina Applegate as a new mom readjusting to the workplace, smart, female-driven comedies are suddenly the toast of prime time. What's more, all of those series - as well as NBC's Whitney - were created or cocreated by women. "It's awesome and surprising," says New Girl creator Liz Meriwether. "You'd never [predict], 'Oh, yeah, all these new shows that are working will be ones starring women written by women.' That doesn't feel like what you'd expect from network television. It seems like a really good time to be here." Of course, comedians have been part of the fabric of TV since the days of I Love Lucy. And, more recently, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike & Molly's Melissa McCarthy and Modern Family's Julie Bowen and Sofía Vergara have all tickled our collective funny bone. But the sheer number of bold, winningly complex women currently populating TV screens is a welcome development. "Bridesmaids [proved] people are excited and comfortable with seeing women being ballsy and funny," says Up All Night creator Emily Spivey. "I also think it was just in the air that women want to see a more realistic, fun representation of themselves." If these female-fueled shows ring true, it's because the women involved often draw from personal experience. New Girl was inspired by the close friendship that developed between Meriwether and a guy acquaintance after both went through difficult breakups - though she admits she initially worried whether a mainstream audience would warm to her off-kilter sense of humor. "I was fully expecting it to be a cult classic," she says. "Canceled after four episodes but, like, those four episodes were so good!" And Spivey drew upon her own struggles as a new mom returning to her gig as a writer on Saturday Night Live for Up All Night, which follows talk-show producer Reagan as she juggles her commitments to husband Chris (Will Arnett), newborn Amy and demanding boss Ava (Maya Rudolph). Applegate can relate. Like Reagan, the actress - whose comedy career includes Married... With Children, and an Emmy-nominated turn on Samantha Who? - had spent much of her life focused on her high-profile profession. And like Reagan, she felt her priorities irrevocably shift after giving birth to a daughter, Sadie Grace, last January. "I'm so madly in love with her," says Applegate, in between checking to see if Sadie is taking her bottle. "It's beyond anything I'd ever imagined. I adore my job, but I think any [parent] would tell you we wanna be with our kids more than anything else. She trumps everything." For more with the women of comedy and the complete Hot List 2011, pick up this week's issue of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, November 10! Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Stars Step Out For TV Guide Magazine's Hot List 2011 Party

Zooey Deschanel Television's biggest names and hottest stars were on hand for TV Guide Magazine's Hot List party on November 7 at Greystone Manor in Los Angeles. Cover girls Zooey Deschanel (New Girl) and Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls) posed for photographers as they embraced the title of Hot Funny Ladies. "It's so awesome, thank you so much!" gushed Deschanel, while Dennings and Behrs tried to recreate their cover image, but instead erupted in laughs."Oh my gosh, I love you guys!" yelled NCIS actress Pauley Perrette when she saw Dennings and Behrs. The NCIS cast was well represented at the bash, including a surprise (and rare) appearance by leading man Mark Harmon. "I can't believe he's here, this is a first," admitted Perrette. Harmon walked the red carpet with costars Perrette, Michael Weatherly and Brian Dietzen, who shared some scoop about the CBS drama's upcoming holiday episode. "It's a big Jimmy episode," teased Dietzen, who is sharing some screen time with his character's future father-in-law, played by Larry Miller. "We've been having so much fun working with each other."Inside the party, the dance floor was packed with stars, from Parks and Recreation's Retta and Jim O'Heir showing off their best moves to New Girl's Max Greenfield impressing costar Lamorne Morris with some hot dance steps. The cast of ABC's new hit show Revenge also got their groove on, with star Josh Bowman sharing his gratitude for the show's fans and success. But he wouldn't give away too many spoilers on the fate of his character, Daniel Grayson, who was shot in the pilot. "I might have survived, you never know," he teased. "You'll just have to wait and see!"To see 2011's complete Hot List, pick up this week's issue of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, Nov. 10.Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

'Modern Warfare 3' Ad Recruits Jonah Hill, Sam Worthington

Jonah Hill and Sam Worthington make an unlikely action duo in the new ad for new game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." The live-action commercial for one of this fall's biggest releases casts Hill as "The Noob" and Worthington as "The Veteran," as the two travel the world, from NY to Paris and Berlin, and teach each other valuable lessons about war and video games. Check out the new spot here! That has to be the nicest treatment of a noob I've ever seen. The ad continues the tagline from an ad from the second entry in the series, "There's a soldier in all of us." The original ad included a cook, a little girl, Kobe Bryant and Jimmy Kimmel as soldiers taking each other out on the battlefield. There's even a very special cameo by Dwight Howard, as the next generation of noob after Hill earns his keep. Peter Berg of "Friday Night Lights" and the upcoming "Battleship" directed the spot. He has his fair share of experience with modern warfare since he directed 2007's "The Kingdom." "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" hits stores on Tuesday, November 8. What did you think of the new "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" ad? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

War of the Arrows (Choejongbyungki hwal)

A Lotte Entertainment release of a Dasepoclub Co., DCG Plus Co. production. (International sales: Lotte Entertainment, Seoul.) Produced by Kim Sung-hwan, Jang Won-suk. Executive producers, Sohn Gwang-ik, Park Hyun-tae. Co-producer, Jung Ji-hoon. Directed, written by Kim Han-min.With: Park Hae-il, Ryu Seung-ryong, Moon Chae-won, Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Kyeong-yeong, Ryohei Otani, Kim Ku-taek, Lee Han-wi, Park Gi-woong, Lee Da-wit, Jeon Min-seo. (Korean, Manchu dialogue)After humming along nicely for an hour, Korean costume spectacle "War of the Arrows" lets fly with a second half of nonstop action and excitement. Toplining Park Hae-il ("The Host") as an archer whose prowess puts Robin Hood to shame, this rip-roaring yarn has hit the bull's-eye locally, with 7.4 million admissions since Aug. 11. Reissued Oct. 21 in a director's cut, "Arrows" has now edged out "Sunny" as South Korea's biggest domestic hit of 2011, and scored respectable numbers in limited U.S. release Oct. 7. Fests seeking high-energy crowdpleasers should check it out; ancillary will be robust. Eliminating the ponderous plot development that frequently hampers South Korean period actioners, scripter-helmer Kim Han-min cracks the narrative whip right from the start. Attention-grabbing 1623-set prologue finds youngster Nam-yi (Lee Da-wit) and little sister Ja-in (Jeon Min-seo) narrowly escaping death when their father is branded a traitor and killed by rivals in the Chosun dynasty court. Cut to 1636, and Nam-yi (Park Hae-il) and the beautiful Ja-in (Moon Chae-won) remain in the care of Kim Mu-seon (Lee Kyeong-yeong), a wealthy family friend whose slightly nerdy son, Seo-gun (Kim Mu-yeol), has asked Ja-in to marry him. As bad luck would have it, the couple's wedding day coincides with the Manchu invasion of Korea, resulting in Ja-in and Seo-gun being captured and held prisoner near the Korea-Manchuria border. Perfectly fine entertainment so far, the pic becomes full-on exhilarating when Nam-yi, who has evaded capture, determines to rescue his sister. Previously seen as a talented archer with no focus in life, Nam-yi springs brilliantly into action as some sort of superman with Ph.D-level knowledge of bow-and-arrow aerodynamics, plus the ability to hear enemy missiles and take split-second evasive action. With these talents shown in dazzling p.o.v. and slo-mo images, Nam-yi picks off dozens of enemy soldiers en route to saving Ja-in from the lecherous advances of Manchu prince Doreukon (Park Gi-woong). But that's just half the battle in getting Ja-in and Seo-gun to safety. Nam-yi's cat-and-mouse game with fearsome Manchu warrior Jiusinta (Ryu Seung-ryong) and his uber-macho hit squad is supremely staged and packs real emotional punch when the final arrow hits its target. A major change from his previous features, psychodrama "Handphone" and murder mystery "Paradise Broken," helmer Kim marshals large-scale action with considerable flair. Thesping, much of it in the almost extinct Manchu language, is tops: Park shades his man-of-action heroics with warm notes of quiet contemplation, Ryu is all things rugged as the dominant heavy, and TV star Moon is terrific as the feisty girl with her own set of combat skills. Topnotch cinematography by Kim Tae-seong (not to be confused with the composer of the same name here) includes thrilling chase scenes in misty forests and a riot of carnal colors in the randy royal's boudoir. Excellent CGI blends seamlessly into the action, and the Manchu fighters look great in fur-lined heavy leather costumes. Other tech work is first-class.Camera (color), Kim Tae-seong; editors, Kim Chang-ju, Steve Choi; music, Kim Tae-seong; production designer, Jang Choon-sub; costume designers, Jung Suk-ho, Im Seung-hee; sound (Dolby Digital), Choi Tae-young; visual effects supervisors, Han Young-woo, Lee Dong-hoon; visual effects, Digital Ideas; action choreographers, Oh Se-young, Choi Tae-hwan; stunt coordinator, Kim Sang-young; second unit director, Shin Sun-young; second unit camera, Park Jong-chul. Reviewed at Busan Film Festival (Korean Cinema Today), Oct. 12, 2011. Running time: 122 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Benicio wanted for 'Star Trek' villain

Del ToroAbramsThough most roles are cast in Paramount and Skydance's "Star Trek" sequel, the mysterious villain part was still available -- and now J.J. Abrams has made his choice. Sources close to the project tell Variety that Benicio Del Toro is expected to be offered the part, possibly before the weekend is out. Insiders say Del Toro has met with Abrams but, in an effort to keep the role a secret, still doesn't know exactly what it is. Par and Skydance had no comment on the casting process. Abrams is back to direct with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof penning the script. Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, and David Ellison will produce through Bad Robot and Skydance Productions. Production is expected to start in early 2012. Del Toro most recently finished production on Universal's "Savages." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com