The Morning Roundup: Green Hornet casting, Singing (American) Psychos, Astro Boy CGI movie

Written by: Mike Leader, Special to CC2K

This morning we have casting news from The Green Hornet, a release date for the new Astro Boy CGI movie, new posters for The Spirit, yet more Foreign-Language Academy Awards submissions and more!

IESB.net has an exclusive scoop that Michael Pena has been offered a role in the upcoming Seth Rogan-written, Stephen Chow-directed crime fighting flick The Green Hornet. Lips are sealed regarding which role, though!

American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis, is one of the classics of cult literature. The 2000 film adaptation, featuring a breakthrough performance from Christian Bale, was one of the most satisfying, anti-establishment black comedies of its time. Now it looks like the exploits of Patrick Bateman will be adapted into a stage musical. Personally, I'm looking forward to the (surely inevitable) Genesis / Whitney Houston medley!

Got a spare 97 minutes? I'm sure there are worse things to do than watch Michael Moore's latest documentary Slacker Uprising, online, for free. The movie, which received a cool response when shown at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival (as Captain Mike Across America), documents Moore's tour of colleges during the 2004 election, encouraging young people to vote.

Whilst we're on the subject of elections and politicians, it has been announced today that indie comics publisher Bluewater Productions will be releasing a biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Those behind the project say that they are looking to highlight Clinton's 'historical impact', with writer Neal Bailey saying she is probably 'the most underrated historical figure in modern history'. This is certainly an interesting concept; the comic will be released in January.

In Academy Awards news, both Hong Kong and Italy have announced their submissions in the foreign language category.

The CGI feature-length adaptation of Oszmu Tezuka's landmark manga series Astro Boy has got a release date. The film, produced by Imagi Animation Studios (TMNT), is directed by David Bowers (Flushed Away), and should be out in cinemas October 23rd 2009. I must admit to cynicism over this venture. The script is being handled by Timothy Harris, whose previous films include Space Jam, Kindergarten Cop and Twins. Equally, this is an almost-entirely Western production; the English voice cast, including Nicholas Cage, Bill Nighy and Donald Sutherland amongst others, is the primary dub. For such a precious Japanese property, this doesn't really bode well. Also, I believe that some things should stay 2D. A 3D Astro Boy is an abomination only equalled by a 3D Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh.

But do not fear, oh hasty otaku! Gaming site Kotaku have news that Japanimation behemoths Studio Ghibli are collaborating with puzzle game designers Level 5 on a forthcoming title, called Ninokuni: THE ANOTHER WORLD. Not much is known yet, other than that Ghibli will handle the animation, whereas Level 5 will have the gameplay bases covered. Level 5's DS charming brain-bender Professor Layton and the Curious Village (certainly one of my favourite games of 2008) went down a storm in Japan in 2007, and after a tepid response in the USA earlier this year, will finally get a European release in November. Be still my heart!

To finish up, we have two new posters from Frank Miller's solo directorial debut The Spirit (which, I must admit, looks less like the Will Eisner comic the closer we get to release):

And, finally, a trailer for Notorious.