Alcon Entertainment has officially announced their plans to remake the modern action classic Point Break. Kurt Wimmer (Salt, Law Abiding Citizen) has scripted the update of Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 feature, which according to the press release is “set in the world of international extreme sports.” What’s peculiar to me is that the word “surfing” doesn’t appear anywhere in the press release, so I’m wondering if they’re switching to a different extreme sport such as skateboarding or snowboarding. It should be interesting to see what young actor opts to throw himself in front of the firing squad by signing on for the Patrick Swayze role, opening himself up to constant comparisons to an iconic character and star. Seriously, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t seen (and loved) the original Point Break, which is barely 20 years old.
Whitney Houston could make her return to the big screen in a remake of the 1976 musical drama Sparkle. The original was inspired by the story of the Supremes and follows a girl group whose rise to fame creates turmoil in their personal lives. “American Idol” season six winner Jordin Sparks will take the lead role, while Houston is in negotiations to play her not-so supportive mother. Mike Epps has also signed on to play a stand-up comedian who marries one of the singers and gets her hooked on drugs. Salim Akil (Jumping the Broom) will direct. Houston is an executive producer on the project and was involved in the remake way back when it was set to star the late singer Aaliyah, so it appears highly likely she’ll take the role. [THR]
More remake talk (ugh) as Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) has agreed to direct Summit’s update of Highlander. The script was handed in by Iron Man‘s Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. Justin Lin (Fast Five), who was at one point attached to direct, will executive produce. The original cult classic starred Christopher Lambert as an immortal Scottish swordsman who must confront the last of his kind. Apparently nothing was learned from Conan the Barbarian‘s dismal returns. [Coming Soon]
Legend3D is giving Top Gun a 3D conversion, screening a 4-minute preview of the converted “Danger Zone” flight sequence on Monday at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam. Rob Hummel, CEO of Legend3D, the company funding and doing the conversion for Paramount, said, “As I understand it, they are planning to release it in 3D in early 2012, though I know they want to get Tony Scott’s approval before they go forward.” Is there a market for 3D conversions of classic films? I wouldn’t think so, but I guess we’ll find out soon enough with 3D versions of The Lion King, Titanic and the Star Wars films already set to hit the big screen. [THR]
Hugh Grant has joined the long list of big names starring in Cloud Atlas, the ambitious project from the Wachowskis and Tom Twyker. Shooting will begin on September 16 in Scotland, Spain and Germany, while previous reports have revealed that every member of the cast will play multiple roles. The previously committed talent list includes Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturges and Ben Whishaw. [Screen Daily]
