* Alex Proyas(Knowing) is set to direct an adaptation of Amped, the novel from Robopocalypse author Daniel H. Wilson. The story is set in a future society where people are implanted with technology that makes them superhuman. The Supreme Court eventually passes laws that restrict the rights of these amplified humans, and on that day 29-year old Owen Gray becomes an "amp" himself, and goes on the run in search of a group of enhanced amps are preparing to change or destroy the world. Steven Spielberg is currently developing Robopocalypse for the big screen with filming to begin next year. [THR]
* I don't know much about Jared Leto's music career as the frontman for 30 Seconds to Mars, except that I heard one song of theirs on Sirius and it was the most average rock song I ever heard. But somebody must love them because Leto hasn't been seen much on screen lately. But now he's back, and unfortunately he's replacing someone I'd actually pay to see. He'll take over for Gael Garcia Bernal in The Dallas Buyers Club, which stars Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner in the true story of Ron Woodruff, an AIDS patient who saw his condition improve with non-FDA approved drugs. He began providing these drugs to other patients in his "club", drawing the attention of the government. Leto will play a cross-dressing patient Ron becomes friends with. Jean-Marc Vallee is directing, with filming set to begin next week. [Deadline]
* Already having seen both sides of the franchise coin with the mega-successful Captain America: The First Avenger and the disappointing Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Dominic Cooper is adding another tentpole flick by entering talks to star in Need for Speed, an adaptation of the popular street racing video game. Starring Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots, the film follows an underground race car driver(Paul) who owns a garage that specializing in souping up cars. He gets framed for the murder of his buddy who dies during a race, and when he gets out he wants revenge. Cooper will play Dino, an ex-NASCAR driver who uses his connections to the wealthy to start a business modifying cars, while Poots is an exotic car dealer who works with them both. All of these characters sound exactly the friggin' same. Scott Waugh will direct with a February 7th 2014 release date already set. [Variety]
