Michael Shannon talks General Zod

Man Of Steel might still be more than a year away, but that hasn't stopped the steady drip-feed of information from the production being pored over in microscopic detail by the geek community.The latest nugget of info comes from star Michael Shannon, who's dropped a few clues as to what we can expect from his incarnation of General Zod."He's actually a not very scary guy," says Shannon of the marauding Zod. "He's just trying to do his job, just like anybody." Good point, but for the fact that most people's nine to five doesn't involve invading other planets...As to how audiences will respond to the character, Shannon is uncertain. "I don't know, you know?" he muses. "I don't want to say. Some people might hate him, some people might love him. But I'm fond of him. I respect him."So will he be instructing every Tom, Dick & Harry to "kneel before Zod?" "Zod has some speeches," confirms Shannon cautiously. "He has some cool speeches. I got to say some cool stuff, but I can't say any of it right now."Understandable reticence given the bonds of secrecy expected by studios these days, although Shannon did go back on himself to reveal one line of genuine dialogue: "Do you realize the universe is constantly shrinking, Superman?" Make of that one, what you will...Man Of Steel will open in the US on 14 June 2013, with a UK release date still to be confirmed.

USA Network in development with 'Succession'

USA Network is at development for your miniseries "Succession." Project, from Universal Cable Prods., concentrates on an issue where undertaking a devastating attack, the American energy structure is shaken. Script will probably be put together by Matt Greenberg, whose background is heavy inside the horror and sci-fi genre. Previous work includes bigscreen pic "1408," additionally to "Reign of Fire" and "Halloween H20: 2 decades Later." Round the TV side Greenberg has composed "Masters of Horror" as well as the pilot for "The Invisible Guy." Greenberg will professional produce with JP Sarni and Mike Martin. Caroline Self and Darren J. Butler are actually hired as nonwriting consultants. Cabler has recently greenlit politically based miniseries "Political Animals," from creator Greg Berlanti. Six-episode small examines a classic first lady that is secretary of condition and, while dealing with her work issues, is fighting to keep her family together after departing the White-colored House. "Lone Star" thesp Jimmy Wolk and Brittany Ishibashi are actually cast for "Animals." Greenberg is repped by UTA, manager Shelley Browning at Magnolia Entertainment and attorney Jason Sloane. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Halpern exits eOne

Entertainment One dramatic programming prexy Noreen Halpern will leave the studio after 3 years. Halpern oversaw all scripted series and lengthy-form projects for eOne, including AMC's "Hell on Wheels," HBO's "Hung," NBC's "The Firm," ABC's "Rookie Blue" and Syfy's "Haven." "It has been a thrilling journey, and I am really happy with the shows we have placed on the environment,Inch stated Halpern, who'll remain with the organization for a short period to assist using the transition. "There's an amazing development slate I am departing having a wonderful team who'll keep things continuing to move forward. But you will find other mountain tops to climb, and I am searching toward that." An old creative professional at Alliance Entertainment and Alliance-Atlantis, Halpern and partner John Morayniss co-founded Blueprint Entertainment, which eOne acquired in 2008. Her specialty with eOne was non-traditional financing for straight-to-series TV drama orders. "Noreen's numerous contributions enabled eOne Television to grow and flourish every year,Inch stated eOne shot entertainment prexy Patrice Theroux. "Noreen is really a creative leader and visionary in the market, and we'll certainly miss her presence. We are happy doing embrace the brand new challenges and possibilities the ever-altering television atmosphere needs to offer and therefore are searching toward dealing with her on tv projects later on." Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Pilot Season: Anthony LaPaglia, John Leguizamo Join ABC Aircraft aircraft pilots

It's been far too extended since Don Draper remains on our television screens. Positive factor he'll return by Sunday, March 25. AMC develops Walking Dead's Season 3, announces return dates for Mad Males, The Killing Mad Males hasn't broadcast new episodes since October 2010, due only to extended discussions for Seasons 5 and 6 between series creator Matthew Weiner and AMC. It is therefore unfortunate that... Discover More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Matthew WeinerMad Males

Patric Verrone: Morgan Cox Award honoree

VerronePatric Verrone can't quite believe that he's receiving the WGA West's Morgan Cox Award in recognition of service to the guild."It's very flattering but also surprising, since I feel like I still have a lot more to do," he says. Verrone will be honored at the Writers Guild Awards' West Coast ceremony on Sunday at the Hollywood Palladium, joining the ranks of such scribes as Carl Gottlieb (screenwriter of "Jaws") and Frank Pierson ("Dog Day Afternoon"). His professional career's been in the realm of "The Late Show," "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," "The Larry Sanders Show," "The Simpsons" and "Futurama.""With all due respect to 'Futurama,' the best was working with Johnny Carson since I never had to explain to anyone what the show was about," he muses.Verrone's particularly pleased at being part of the WGA's efforts to expand jurisdiction into the Fox animated shows, Comedy Central and the Tyler Perry shows. "Getting writers into the WGA has been incredibly satisfying," he says.Verrone's involvement with organizing animation in the 1990s led to his election to the board in 1999, serving two terms as secretary-treasurer and two as president including the 2007-08 strike, followed by another term on the board before losing the presidency to Christopher Keyser last fall.The demands of "Futurama" and raising three children with his wife, Maiya Williams, keep him plenty busy. "As my kids get older, I'm more than OK with having other people take on guild service." Verrone's also pleased that animation writer Mike Reiss will intro him Sunday. "Mike's one of the funniest people I know so that makes my speech much easier," he adds.WGA AWARDS 2012Truth elbows out gags | Good timing for WGA prexyHonoreesKress & McDuffie | Eric Roth | Tate Taylor | Patric Verrone | Zwick & Herskovitz Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Oscar-Nominee Octavia Spencer's Days like a Back Stage Writer

Oscar-Nominee Octavia Spencer's Days like a Back Stage Writer Feb 16, 2012 Photo by Getty Images Octavia Spencer Octavia Spencerwhose turn as Minny Jackson in "The AssistanceInch has gained her rave reviews and released her career in to the stratosphereisn't only the odds-on favorite to win the Academy Award for the best supporting actress. She's additionally a former author for Back Stage. This Year, Spencer recorded annually of her career as you in our Take 5 columnists. Thinking about the way in which her 2011 wentand that her 2012 is goingwe thought now may well be a good time for you to revisit a few of her writing from that life changing year.April 6, 2010On 'The Help'About fifteen years ago, I had been being employed as a casting assistant on "A Period to Kill." I had been bored to dying, sitting behind a desk, much more walked this gorgeous office P.A. named Tate Taylor. Fast-forward a couple of years, to a vacation to New Orleans, when Tate introduced Brunson [Eco-friendly] and me to his childhood friend Kathryn Stockett. I loved her immediately. She was soft-spoken, modest, but fun-loving. Another plus: She'd a baby daughter, and that i love kids. But Kathryn lost me as it were when she stated she involved to create a novel. I quietly ignored it, thinking, "Who is not?" Outwardly, I recognized her and guaranteed to see it if this was finished, thinking on that day would not come.A few years passed. I had been on location in Montana shooting a film that Tate was pointing and Brunson creating (our 4th together). Kathryn found visit and, unknowingly in my experience, collect on that advertise. I was sitting high above Glacier Park when she told me she'd finished it coupled with based among the figures on me. I froze. I'd no clue how you can respond. After an immeasurable pause, I finally agreedagainto see clearly. This time around through clenched teeth. I figured, "Let's say I personally don't like it?," but made the decision to become honest together with her no matter what. Obviously, I loved "The Help."This time around this past year, I had been doing blood pressure measurements with Kathryn around the first leg of her tour 30 days following the book was released. Since that time it's been a mainstay around the NY Occasions bestseller list, generating accolades and numerous fans. Now, the secret's out: It's being converted into a film by DreamWorks, with Tate Taylor pointing and Brunson Eco-friendly creating. Personally i think honored that Tate and Brunson happen to be my buddies about this tumultuous artistic road.May 13, 2010While dealing with acting coach Jemal McNeil, I have been lucky to become area of the casting process for "The Assistance,Inch reading through opposite various stars when i await the close of my very own deal. I discovered it quite rewarding and walked away with wonderful goodies for my effort. The end result: I had been smooched around the neck by Kellan Lutz and given an gemstone by Milo Ventimigliaall inside the world from the figures, actually. But I am still awaiting my deal to close.August. 5, 2010July finds me inside a quandary: what not bore you with my current project, "The Assistance,Inch because it will pervade every factor of my existence for the following couple of several weeks. However, I is going to do my better to convey the sights and sounds from the Mississippi Delta when i experience them.Greenwood. My first evening around, I recieve an idea from the old South: cicadas, nasty flying bugs, good buddies, and fine cuisine. [Film writer-director Tate Taylor's] mother, Locke Barkley, prepares a house-cooked meal for that cast and crewincluding speckled butter beans, creamed corn, grain, stewed pork chops, lady peas, fried okra, grilled chicken, fresh tomato plants, deviled eggs, broccoli salad, blueberry cobbler la mode, and sweet tea. Scrumptious!Sept. 2, 2010At occasions If only lunch was all I needed to consider. But it is not. When I investigate the civil privileges movement, I'm haunted through the ghosts of Mississippi. Don't misunderstand me it is not the only real condition that has individuals skeletons in the closet. However, it is where this story happens. Here is how I'm: Mississippi circa 1962. Psychologically, it is a dark, somber place. Violent. I cringe when individuals attempt to let me know the actual way it wastheir version from the story. As though the historians have in some way become everything wrong. I drink everything in but help remind myself in order to save any reactions for that screen.March. 8, 2010Working alongside my buddies Tate Taylor and Brunson Eco-friendly, and seeing them at their finest, warmed my heart. Obtaining the chance to utilize Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Aunjanue Ellis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Ahna O'Reilly, Emma Stone, Mary Steenburgen, and my idol Sissy Spacek transformed my existence. Suffice it to express which i i can say that what it really way to truly trust and interact with your lover, then soar via a scene. It's liberating.When I enter the next thing of my existence and, hopefully, my career, I am impressed that with these amazing stars and using this turn to time, I am left and among life's great training: If the glass is half full or half empty does not matter it's which i own the glass. Minny could be proud.12 ,. 3, 2010Writing this short article every month continues to be this type of highlight. I count it one of the things I am most grateful for. The thing is, writing does not come simple for me. I really hate it. I personally don't like the ultimate solitude, and also the discipline it requires to sit down lower and face the blank page. By getting a deadline every month, I am instructed to take time to put ideas into practice and use self-discipline.I am grateful that change has managed to get towards the Whitened House, and never for that apparent reason but since the glass ceiling continues to be damaged. All childrenwhether African, Latin, Asian, or Native Americancan dare to dream they, too, holds that office.I am grateful that the dear friend trained me the saying "the entire year of yes" I am learning to get away from my safe place and undertake things which are little more challenging. I am grateful for putting together an amazing team to influence me appropriately.Most significant, I am grateful for life's training and benefits and all the possibilities that a year ago presented for spiritual, professional, and private growth. Oscar-Nominee Octavia Spencer's Days like a Back Stage Writer Feb 16, 2012 Octavia Spencer PHOTO CREDIT Getty Images Octavia Spencerwhose turn as Minny Jackson in "The AssistanceInch has gained her rave reviews and released her career in to the stratosphereisn't only the odds-on favorite to win the Academy Award for the best supporting actress. She's additionally a former author for Back Stage. This Year, Spencer recorded annually of her career among our Take 5 columnists. Thinking about the way in which her 2011 wentand that her 2012 is goingwe thought now may well be a good time for you to revisit a few of her writing from that life changing year.April 6, 2010On 'The Help'About fifteen years ago, I had been being employed as a casting assistant on "A Period to Kill." I had been bored to dying, sitting behind a desk, much more walked this gorgeous office P.A. named Tate Taylor. Fast-forward a couple of years, to a vacation to New Orleans, when Tate introduced Brunson [Eco-friendly] and me to his childhood friend Kathryn Stockett. I loved her immediately. She was soft-spoken, modest, but fun-loving. Another plus: She'd a baby daughter, and that i love kids. But Kathryn lost me as it were when she stated she was going to write a novel. I quietly ignored it, thinking, "Who is not?" Outwardly, I recognized her and guaranteed to see it if this was finished, thinking on that day would not come.A few years passed. I had been on location in Montana shooting a movie that Tate was pointing and Brunson creating (our 4th together). Kathryn found visit and, unknowingly in my experience, collect on that advertise. I was sitting high above Glacier Park when she explained she'd finished it coupled with based among the figures on me. I froze. I'd no clue how you can respond. After an immeasurable pause, I finally agreedagainto see clearly. This time around through clenched teeth. I figured, "Let's say I personally don't like it?," but made the decision to tell the truth together with her no matter what. Obviously, I loved "The Assistance.InchThis time around this past year, I had been doing blood pressure measurements with Kathryn around the first leg of her tour 30 days following the book was released. Since that time it's been a mainstay around the NY Occasions bestseller list, generating accolades and numerous fans. Now, the secret's out: It's being converted into a film by DreamWorks, with Tate Taylor pointing and Brunson Eco-friendly creating. Personally i think honored that Tate and Brunson happen to be my buddies about this tumultuous artistic road.May 13, 2010While dealing with acting coach Jemal McNeil, I have been lucky to participate the casting process for "The Assistance,Inch reading through opposite various stars when i await the close of my very own deal. I discovered it quite rewarding and walked away with wonderful goodies for my effort. The end result: I had been smooched around the neck by Kellan Lutz and given an gemstone by Milo Ventimigliaall within the field of the figures, actually. But I am still awaiting my deal to shut.August. 5, 2010July finds me inside a quandary: what not bore you with my current project, "The Assistance,Inch because it will pervade every factor of my existence for the following couple of several weeks. However, I is going to do my better to convey the sights and sounds from the Mississippi Delta when i experience them.Greenwood. My first evening around, I recieve an idea from the old South: cicadas, nasty flying bugs, good buddies, and fine cuisine. [Film writer-director Tate Taylor's] mother, Locke Barkley, prepares a house-cooked meal for that cast and crewincluding speckled butter beans, creamed corn, grain, stewed pork chops, lady peas, fried okra, grilled chicken, fresh tomato plants, deviled eggs, broccoli salad, blueberry cobbler la mode, and sweet tea. Scrumptious!Sept. 2, 2010At occasions If only lunch was all I needed to consider. But it is not. When I investigate the civil privileges movement, I'm haunted through the ghosts of Mississippi. Don't misunderstand me it is not the only real condition which has individuals skeletons in the closet. However, it is where this story happens. Here is how I'm: Mississippi circa 1962. Psychologically, it is a dark, somber place. Violent. I cringe when individuals attempt to let me know the actual way it wastheir version from the story. As though the historians have in some way become everything wrong. I drink everything in but help remind myself in order to save any reactions for that screen.March. 8, 2010Working alongside my buddies Tate Taylor and Brunson Eco-friendly, to see them at their finest, warmed my heart. Obtaining the chance to utilize Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Aunjanue Ellis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Ahna O'Reilly, Emma Stone, Mary Steenburgen, and my idol Sissy Spacek transformed my existence. The reality is which i i can say that what it really way to truly trust and fasten together with your partner, then soar via a scene. It's liberating.When I enter the next thing of my existence and, hopefully, my career, I am impressed that with these amazing stars and using this turn to time, I am left and among life's great training: If the glass is half full or half empty does not matter it's which i own the glass. Minny could be proud.12 ,. 3, 2010Writing this short article every month continues to be this type of highlight. I count it one of the things I am most grateful for. The thing is, writing does not come simple for me. I really hate it. I personally don't like the ultimate solitude, and also the discipline it requires to sit down lower and face the blank page. By getting a deadline every month, I am instructed to take time to put ideas into practice and use self-discipline.I am grateful that change has managed to get towards the Whitened House, and never for that apparent reason but since the glass ceiling continues to be damaged. All childrenwhether African, Latin, Asian, or Native Americancan dare to dream they, too, holds that office.I am grateful that the dear friend trained me the saying "the entire year of yes" I am learning to get away from my safe place and undertake stuff that are little more challenging. I am grateful for putting together an incredible team to influence me appropriately.Most significant, I am grateful for life's training and benefits and every one of the possibilities that a year ago presented for spiritual, professional, and private growth.

Humanitas Prize calls for entries

The Humanitas org has set April 1 as the submission deadline for its 38th annual Humanitas Prize kudos. The prize recognizes writers of film and TV projects that examine aspects of the human condition. The kudo also comes with a cash stipend. Submission forms and other details can be found on the HumanitasPrize.org website. The winners will be handed out at the org's annual luncheon, set for Sept. 14 at the Montage Beverly Hills. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Marc Forster Conjures The War Magician

True World War II story reappearsFor his next trick, Quantum Of Solace director Marc Foster will pull The War Magician out of the development hat, where it's been sitting gathering dust.Adapted from David Fisher's book, Magician is the true story of Jasper Maskelyne, who brought stage magic to warfare during World War II where he helped the Allies win through a series of daring and spectacular tricks. Among his accomplishments? Making the Suez Canal vanish, hiding the port of Alexandria's harbour and fooling General Rommel with a phantom army, a move that led to his defeat. Maskeylene's techniques and inventions are still used to this day.It's a compelling concept with a great leading man role at its centre. No surprise, then, that Tom Cruise snapped it up a few years ago via his deal with Paramount. But it never came to fruition before Cruise's contract fell through and the option ran out on the tome.Now Lonetree Entertainment has the rights, and has put Forster in charge of bringing it to life. There's always a chance Cruise could come back to star...Forster will next deliver zombie conflict chronicle World War Z to cinemas, though we'll have to wait until January 2013 to see that one over here.