10/19/2016

Jon Bernthal Leads 'Stingray', Kiersey Clemons Has 'An L.A. Minute', 'Paddington 2' Adds Hugh Grant


Jon Bernthal is hanging up his Punisher skull t-shirt for a while to star in Stingray, a crime thriller from Australian writer/director Anthony Hayes. He'll play a criminal who accidentally kills the brother of a powerful crime boss. To repay the blood debt he's given two days to kill a member of his own family.  Hayes is best known as an actor closely associated with Joel and Nash Edgerton, David Michod, and that bunch. Before stepping behind the camera Hayes appeared in films such as The Square, Animal Kingdom, and The Light Between Oceans. [THR]

Kiersey Clemons (Dope) and Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects) will star in the indie comedy, An LA Minute, from director/co-writer Daniel Adams. Because we need another Hollywood satire, the film is said to be a look at fame, success, the star-making machinery and the karma associated with everyone who worships celebrity. No word on their roles but this has the look an ensemble. We'll see. [Deadline]

The marmalade-loving bear in the blue raincoat is returning for Paddington 2, and he's bringing along some famous friends. Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson have joined the sequel's cast, joining the returning Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, plus Imelda Staunton, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin. Now a local celebrity, Paddington takes on a series of odd jobs to buy a present for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday. The best part may be Grant's role, playing a washed-up actor named Phoenix Buchanan. Gleeson is Paddington ally, "Knuckles" McGinty. Paul King will once again direct with filming now underway. Paddington 2 opens November 2017 and a third film is in the works, as well.