IRON MAN 2 news, 2012 release pushed back, AUSTRALIA performing overseas and ratings for HOUSE and FRINGE

Iron Man 2 news- According to Variety, actor Mickey Rourke has been offered $250,000 to play the villain in the sequel to the comic book blockbuster. Considering Rourke is coming off critical acclaim for his role in The Wrestler it appears to me that this offer is an insult. While studios are making cutbacks just like every other corporation in this country, I’m still shocked at this number and would be surprised if he takes it. Marvel continues to make some of the strangest negotiating deals I’ve ever seen on this project, playing hardball with everyone from director, Jon Favreau, to Terrence Howard, and recently Sam Jackson. One has to wonder what kind of catering service will be used when production gets underway. LOL

Sony has pushed back the release date on Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic 2012 from July 10 to Nov 13, 2009. The studio is claiming that the film fits its Tentpole need at the backend of the year and gives the production team more time for all its extensive special effects. John Cuscak, Woody Harrelson and Amanda Peet star.   

Australia– While director Baz Luhrmann’s epic film sputtered at the box-office here ($48,037,928), it has managed to do much better overseas. The movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, has grossed $118,500,000 abroad, giving it a combined total of $166,537,928 on a production Budget of $130,000,000. I really enjoyed Australia and hope its gains more popularity on DVD. It’s well worth seeing!

House– Fox received an almost 3 million viewer ratings boost on Monday night for its hit show House. The program pulled in 15 million viewers, up from the 12 million who were watching it on Tuesday nights in the fall. While I like House, I don’t consider it a must see any more. I’m still disappointed that the writers have failed to explore in any real detail what makes the Hugh Laurie character tick outside of the office.

Fringe– Fox’s Fringe returned Tuesday night attracting 12 million. That’s an increase of around 3 million viewers with American Idol as its new lead in. Fringe is a must see show. It’s a very unique and fascinating program with a solid cast lead by actress Anna Torv, who is terrific as the programs lead FBI Agent Olivia Dunham.

12 ROUNDS TRAILER

Here’s a LOOK at the trailer to the latest WWE theatrical effort, 12 ROUNDS, starring wrestler John Cena. This action film, directed by Renny Harlin, revolves around a cat and mouse game between a cop and a serial killer. I’m a Harlin fan and think the guy has gotten a bad rap in Hollywood. Die Hard 2: Die Harder is a great action film, Cliffhanger is one of Stallone’s best, Long Kiss Goodnight is an underrated gem and Deep Blue Sea is terrific b-movie fun. Now he’s a hired gun directing a wrestler for producer Vince McMahon. 12 Rounds will be released by 20th Century Fox March 27, 2009.