Summer Layoff: Gatsby Pushed to 2013

In somewhat surprising news, Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" will be moved from Christmas 2012 until summer 2013.

The move has a few repercussions, the most notable of course is the removal of the film from this years Oscar race. From what we've seen so far, the set design and costumes are a shoe-in for nominations, and performances from past nominees like DiCaprio and Mulligan are always worth keeping an eye on.

The studio has a number of other titles to push for this years awards, including Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Hobbit" and Ben Affleck's Iran hostage crisis drama "Argo". This also gives DiCaprio some breathing room in the public relations department because he also has a starring role in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained," which is also slated for a Christmas 2012.

Gatsby Trailer Arrives and It's Fantastic

You knew Baz would make the world of Gatsby luxurious, and boy does he. Leonardo Dicaprio is a perfect Gatsby and the rest of the cast looks fantastic as well, including Tobey Maguire, Jason Clarke, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton and Carey Mulligan. Can't wait til Christmas.

Ben Affleck Wanted For "Great Gatsby"

Although I admit I'm slightly afraid of what Baz Luhrmann might do to "The Great Gatsby," so far I can't knock the man for his casting choices. The book is my favorite of all time and he has landed three of my personal favorite actors to play parts in the film and is looking at another one.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Ben Affleck is in talks to join Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic "The Great Gatsby" for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Leonardo DiCaprio is pegged to play the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby who still pines for his former flame Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan). Tobey Maguire also stars, while Affleck is said to be interested in playing Daisy's wealthy husband Tom Buchanan.

As of right now there is a slight scheduling conflict with Affleck, his next directorial effort, the political thriller "Argo", is currently aiming to shoot in September while "Gatsby" is looking to start in August, but both sides are trying to figure it out.

Many have knocked Affleck's acting in the past, but his performances recently, including in "The Town," and his directorial work should be enough to say that he is a great choice. Affleck would be the perfect type to play opposite DiCaprio and he has the machismo and look to play the brutish Tom Buchanan.

The film has potential to be something truly amazing, especially since the cast is filled with a slew of former Oscar nominees and talented actors. The 3D project aims to kick off principal photography in August.

Baz Luhrmann Needs A "Great" Woman for his "Great Gatsby" Adaptation

Back when the news first dropped last year that Baz Luhrmann would be helming a new adaptation of the classic American novel "The Great Gatsby," I admit it, I was unsure of how to react.

Not that I think Baz is a bad director, but I hold the novel in such high regard (it is no doubt my favorite book all-time) that I really hoped that if a new adaptation would go into production, it would be with someone like Martin Scorsese or Joe Wright (who I think, after seeing "Atonement," could handle any period piece anywhere). And after seeing how authentic "Boardwalk Empire" looks, a guy like Martin would be perfect.

But after my initial reaction, I let things set in for a while. Then the news on the film started coming out, and suddenly, I was a believer.

I hate to state rumors as fact, but these are just too hard to pass up. According to The Wrap, a few weeks ago longtime friends Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire were in New York workshopping scenes for Luhrmann's planned adaptation. Of course, reading for a role does not necessarily mean an actor is signed for it, but why would such high-profile actors spend time workshopping if there wasn't at least a CHANCE they'd be signing onto the film?

On top of that news came out this week courtesy of Deadline that actress Rebecca Hall, most recently seen in "The Town" as well as in Christopher Nolan's underrated "The Prestige," is supposedly the top choice to play the immortal role of Daisy Buchanon in the adaptation.

Luhrmann will audition numerous actresses before making a decision, with Keira Knightley, Amanda Seyfried, Blake Lively, Abbie Cornish, Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson all making the wish list. Hall has the edge, especially considering that she participated in Luhrmann's workshop reading in the role with DiCaprio as Gatsby and Maguire as Nick Carraway.

Numerous filmmakers have taken on the legendary work, most recently a 2000 TV version starring Paul Rudd, Toby Stephens and Mira Sorvino, and the best-known adaptation being the 1974 version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. The 1974 film was written by Francis Ford Coppola, and while it's a pretty good movie, there always was the feeling that something was missing from it.

I'm trying my best not to jump for joy, because until the actors are actually signed on anything can happen, but I think Maguire and DiCaprio are absolutely perfect for the roles. The fact that they are friends means it makes even more sense, because for any "Gatsby" adaptation to work, the characters of Gatsby and Carraway will have to have some sort of chemistry.

The two have worked together before in both "This Boy's Life" and the little-seen indie "Don's Plum." And we all know DiCaprio and Luhrmann do well together--remember the artsy and interesting "Romeo and Juliet"?

In regards to Daisy, Hall was excellent in "The Town," so if she ends up wining the role, I have no beef with that. I also have no beef with Luhrmann's wish list, which is filled with some beautiful, talented actresses as well.

Luhrmann co-adapted the script with Craig Pearce, who worked on "Moulin Rouge." The book is considered to be one of the greatest American novels ever written, so why not make into one of the best American films of all time?

That's what I'm hoping Luhrmann can pull off, because if he can lock down that cast (and maybe someone like Jeffery Dean Morgan for Tom?), he is going to have one hell of a production on his hands.

http://www.weekinrewind.com/2010/11/baz-luhrmann-needs-great-woman-for-his.html

John Curran's F. Scott Fitzgerald Biopic To Shoot This Spring?

John Curran's F. Scott Fitzgerald biopic, "The Beautiful And The Damned," is reportedly set to begin shooting this spring in Croatia, reports the Playlist.

According to the Playlist: John Curran's F. Scott Fitzgerald biopic, "The Beautiful And The Damned," is reportedly set to begin shooting this spring with Keira Knightley on board to play his wife Zelda and Leonardo DiCaprio still rumored to play the acclaimed author.

Hanna Weg's script will focus on the couple's turbulent marriage and their darker days including Zelda's struggles with schizophrenia. Their travels to Paris and the French Riviera are also reported to be involved with Croatia substituting for said location.

The film's title is appropriately derived from Fitzgerald's second novel, "The Beautiful And Damned," which is about a Jazz Age socialite, his relationship with wife Gloria and his alcoholism, which draws from Fitzgeralds' own life.

The Fitzgeralds were icons of the Jazz Age in the '20s and are famous for their illustrious, erratic lifestyles. Both died in the their forties and left behind a legacy--despite failing when first released, F. Scott's "The Great Gatsby" is now a classic.

“The Great Gatsby” has been my favorite book for a long time, so anything that involves Fitzgerald or the book itself will catch my interest, But having DiCaprio play Fitzgerald? That’s dream-casting right there. I can only hope that turns out to be true. DiCaprio has proved that he is one of the best and most versatile actors in Hollywood today and I think he would be great.

The closest thing we’ve gotten to a “Gatsby” adaptation in recent years was on “Entourage” with Vincent Chase starring in Martin Scorcese’s update. While "The Beautiful And The Damned” wouldn’t be a “Gatsby” adaptation, it’s close enough for me.

Look for more news on this project in the coming weeks.