Rashida Jones joins Amy Poehler for Non-Spinoff to "The Office"......

As you can tell,The Spielster loves anything having to do with Ms. Amy Poehler. I mean the lady rapped and danced around on national TV at Midnight, six days before popping out a kid. So I have been waiting on pins and needles for any more information on the new mysterious Amy Poehler project on NBC.



















So far the cast seems like comedic gold, with Poehler and Aziz Ansari, from Human Giant fame, starring in the comedy produced by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur from “The Office”. While originally it was expected to be a full on “The Office” spin-off, the newest cast announcement confirms that this is NOT true. Michael Schur, has announced that the one time “Office” star, Rashida Jones, will be joining the cast. He has also confirmed that her character will NOT be Karen Fillipelli, the jilted girlfriend of Jim and manager of another Dunder Mifflin branch after her departure from the Scranton office. When discussing the upcoming non-spinoff spinoff, Schur had this to say about his newest addition to the cast, “"She is perfect for this new show, which -- just to remind everyone -- is not a spinoff of 'The Office. It is a spinoff of 'MASH' called 'Seinfeld II.' "

The show is said to be in production as we speak, which I find a bit hard to believe considering they are still casting, no plot points are known and their main star just had a baby two weeks ago, but who knows. Jones will be seen next will two of my Hollywood crushes, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel in ”I Love You Man”, which will be released in theaters early next year.

Image courtesy of Watch with Kristin on E!

Is Amy Poehler bringing her schtick to "The Office"?

As you know, we here at The Spielster have been keeping our eyes peeled for any new developments on the highly anticipated, as least by me, spin off of “The Office”. Last month, we learned that Aziz Ansari was the first principal star cast in the project and that Greg Daniels was not definite on the track of the spin-off. Would it be a direct spin-off where a character moves to another office and the show is focused on that or would it be a spin off in just tone and name? Well yesterday we got some interesting news as it is now reported that Amy Poehler is “in negotiations” to star in the spin-off. The actresses’ profile has sky rocketed since her roles in “Blades of Glory” and “Baby Mama, which was number one at the Box Office this past Spring. and her presence as one of the funniest cast members on Saturday Night Live is not lost on anyone. Poehler will join the ranks of her good friend Tina Fey as a prime time star with NBC, if she does take the lead role on the program. And with the upcoming birth of her first baby, a sitcom schedule is much easier to become accustomed to than the crazy, up all night schedule that Saturday Night Live demands from a writer and performer. This could be the thing that cements Poehler’s success in Hollywood, but it could also be another nail in the coffin that is SNL, which has been losing its most successful performers for the past few years.

NBC is also banking on another lady from Saturday Night Live to bring the funny back to prime time. Molly Shannon, along with Selma Blair, are starring in a remake of an Australian comedy classic “Kath and Kim”, which is reminiscent of my favorite Absolutely Fabulous. The comedy, which was given 13 episodes starting this Fall, is about a very dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. Personally, I love both Shannon and Blair and think this could be hysterically funny. And what I have seen from the limited clips up on NBC.com and YouTube, it looks like Kath & Kim has already secured a spot on my DVR lineup this fall.
Here’s is a preview of the comedy:


What do you think of Amy moving to prime time?

Sources:
PopCandy
Hollywood Reporter
Variety

Can HBO regain its grip on cable?? Maybe the movies can help out!

Word on the street is with the surprise success of the Sex and the City film that HBO is more than interested in working on a second flick. Michael Lombardo, president of the HBO programming group said at an event this week that Warner Brothers and HBO were incredibly excited about the success of the feature film and that if all the right people were on board, there would most definitely be a second film. Lombardo also alluded to an interest in a Sopranos feature length film, as long as executive producer and creator David Chase was interested.

HBO has been hitting some high notes recently after a decline in ratings and passing the coolness torch to Showtime. The cable network recently joined forces with the successful online comedy property of Will Farrell, Adam McKay and Judd Apatow, FunnyorDie. They also have cast Jason Schwartzman as the lead in dark comedy "Bored", slated to begin in September. And to really bring back the network, a "Sex and the City" style show, based in Washington D.C. and executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker herself will be part of the 2009 channel lineup, as well as a post-Katrina Louisiana based drama in the vein of the critically acclaimed "The Wire". Lombardo said that he is not nervous about HBO working its way back to the top, especially with another series coming to the network from one of my favorite movie men, Martin Scorsese. Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Big Love" and "Entourage" are also set to come back in 2009.

It's finally coming together: The Office Spin-Off!

Ever since NBC confirmed that they are creating a spin-off of the ultra successful and criminally funny The Office, there has been much speculation on who would be part of the cast. While early rumors said that Rainn Wilson would actually be leaving the Scranton office to be the main cast member of the spin-off, there has been no confirmation on that as of yet and with his upstart film career, I am not sure if right now is the time to attempt to create a following for another TV show. While we are not sure if anyone from the original cast will be gracing the spin off with their presence, Variety has confirmed that Aziz Ansari, from MTV’s Human Giant has signed on to star in the program and a one year contract with Universal Media Studios, the company producing the program. The show is slated to premiere in the 2008-2009 Television season, in the prime spot of Thursday at 9:30 PM, right after “The Office”.

Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, executive producers of the program, are not exactly set on the full concept of the spin off, but they are excited about the ensemble they are putting together for the program. Schur will also not confirm if the series will be a straight spin-off of the original, but he has said that they are “focusing on making the best show we can make as a companion to "The Office”. So far the writing team is adding up nicely, with vets from “Everybody Loves Raymond”, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “South Park”.

And since ex “Office” star Rashida Jones has signed a new talent deal with Universal Media Studios there have been plenty of rumors that the spin-off will be about her life at the Utica branch or possible elsewhere in the country. This has yet to be confirmed, but Jones (Karen Filippelli) was very well received character on the program and it would be interesting to watch a female lead a TV program situated in an office setting. As time will tell and production begins, I have to say I am excited about the prospect of another hilarious comedy on the Thursday night line up. There have been some great additions to the original “Office” as well, with “Freaks and Geeks” creator Paul Feig securing a writing gig on the program, as well as Aaron Shure and Charlie Grandy. Even though Summer just started, I am very psyched for the fall lineup.

Daily Rounds.....

So this weekend was a full on assault from Mother Nature and today is even worse with 97 degree temps and 95 % humidity. My dog was ready to jump out my second story window yesterday it was so bad. Sex and the City lost its number one spot in Box Office totals to a cartoon panda and Hillary Clinton gave an incredibly eloquent concession speech to a room of supporters on Saturday, so lets just say it was not a good weekend for women over 40. Well except for the lovely ladies of the Golden Girls who were recognized at the annual TV Land Awards, which also saluted Roseanne this past weekend. The program airs this upcoming Sunday and I can't wait to hear what the ladies have to say at the program. Sadly though, Estelle Getty stayed home since she is suffering from dementia and has left show business a few years back.





Overall, we have oodles of pop culture goodies, mainly casting news, to discuss, so let’s get to it.

* Jessica Alba had her first baby this weekend. She and her fiancé Cash Warren named the baby Honor Marie. I’m thinking the relevance of Ms. Alba in Hollywood is diminishing as each second passes.

* Will Smith has apparently donated $1 million to a private school that will use many variations of Scientology teachings to educate children. This story, among others, does not fare well in the whole “I’m not a Scientologist” argument Smith has been delivering to the media for the past 8 years. Speaking of Scientology, John Travolta made an appearance at Nick Loren’s album release party and he had a very interesting look going on. Loren is an and stunt double for Mr. Travolta so don’t get anything twisted here folks. John is just a straight buddy, supporting his friend, very similar to why Tom Cruise and Will Smith can’t go anywhere without each other. Friendship.

* Cameron Crowe, the director responsible for John Cusack’s always lovable character Lloyd Dobbler, is bringing another romantic comedy to life with a few nobodies. Kidding, Crowe will direct Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller in an upcoming romantic comedy produced by Columbia Pictures.

* Patrick Swayze has been given the go ahead from doctors to begin production on his upcoming A&E series The Beast, which has Swayze playing an crazy FBI agent who is under secret investigation by Internal Affairs. We all know that the most important role Swayze has already been caught on film.

* Showtime has picked up Diablo Cody’s The United States of Tara, starring one of my favorites Toni Collette. In the half-hour program, Collette will play a wife and mother who is battling dissociative identity disorder, with the help of her husband played by John Corbett, from Sex and the City fame. Steven Speilberg will executive produce the program under the Dreamworks name. The program is expected to begin production later in the summer and find its way onto the network sometime next year.

* AV Club through The Onion interviews one of my favorite humans on the planet right now, Joel McHale the host of E!'s The Soup. He discusses what still scares him after skewers the realtiy nonsense and morons like Tyra Banks on a weekly basis.

* VH1 and Lionsgate will partner up to find the next Scream Queen", a reality show that will help ten unknowns through coaching and auditions for one to become the newest Scream Queen. My reality loving ass will definitely find myself tied to the couch and watching this on my DVR. Ugh.

* And finally the battle continues between Clint Eastwood and Spike Lee. The beyond famous directors are battling over the real truth behind Eastwood's WWII drama "Flags of Our Brothers". Lee was interviewed a while back and discussed the fact that Eastwood did not cast any black actors to take part in the famous act of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Eastwood fired back at Lee and called him out on not knowing his history. He also told the junior director to shut his mouth. Lee fired back and quoted stories from soldiers of color who were participants on the flag raising and also said that "neither of the directors were on a plantation". While I can appreciate that Lee believes he knows his history and is upset about the lack of representation of African-Americans in period pieces, I am fairly certain that Eastwood himself is not a racist and to bring it to a level that is uncomfortable and completely beyond the appropriate realm of arguments.

The Green Hornet is off...or well on..

Seth Rogen has finally been green lit as the star and title character in the upcoming feature film bringing life to the comic book story of The Green Hornet. Rogen has discussed his interest in the project for quite some time now and it is said that he had to push incredibly hard to grab the role due to his goofy persona and schlubby exterior. He is currently writing the script for the project with partner in crime Evan Goldberg, who co-wrote Superbad with Rogen. The Green Hornet is expected hit theaters in the summer of 2010. This movie is just another in a long line of atypical leading men taking the reins of "hero" characters in blockbusters. And some say that if it wasn't for Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Iron Man in this summer's most successful blockbuster so far, studios wouldn't be so keen on taking a risk on a non-action type leading an action film. I heart Rogen and am very excited about seeing him take a departure from the normal Apatown fare.

Casting Round Up....

Here's the casting news of the week for films....

* Lindsay Lohan has been cast as Nancy Pitman in a movie centered on the Charles Manson followers titled Manson Girls. Filming will begin next year.

* Elizabeth Banks was cast as Laura Bush in Oliver Stone’s upcoming bio pic of George W. Bush. Josh Brolin will be playing W himself in Stone’s W, which will begin production next year.

* Will Arnett has joined the cast of the upcoming Disney feature When in Rome. The movie focuses on Kristen Bell, as lonely New Yorker and her travels to Italy to find a man. Also starring in “When in Rome” is Anjelica Huston, Jim Heder, Josh Duhamel and Dax Shepard. Filming is slated to begin later this year.

* Dennis Quaid and Kate Walsh joined the ensemble cast of Legion, the first directing effort for Scott Stewart. Shooting will begin in New Mexico in the coming months.

Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood to star in next Woody Allen pic.

If this day couldn't get any better, Larry David was cast in the next Woody Allen film. If Carl Reiner steps anywhere near this set, I might die. Allen is marking his return to New York with an upcoming film starring Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood. I am super excited about this because I love these two men immensely and Wood is freaking great (not to mention 8 times better of an actress than Scarlett Johansson). As you will remember, Wood was one of my first "Shining Star" picks when I started this lil ‘ol blog almost TWO years ago. It’s an amazing step in a young actress’ career to become an Allen muse. And this is awesome for David, since his neurotic tendencies can not be brought to life by anyone better(other than David himself) than Woody.

While most of the details of the movie are still being hammered out, we do know that Allen will be staging the movie in his home base. and David will be playing the main character. I will quit my job and live out of a car just to get a PA or walk on or extra role for this movie. As more details surface, the Spielster will be updating you.

DAILY ROUNDS....

Let's start things off today with the best news of the week - RICKY GOT KICKED OFF OF PROJECT RUNWAY!!!!! Oh happy day!! What's amazing is that this is the first time this cry baby did not shed a tear all season. What a punk! Last night's challenge was to create an outfit for the lovely lady wrestlers of the WWE!

While everyone really went for the challenge, Ricky used the worst color, Orange, on his olive skin toned wrestler and basically made a bathing suit. While others failed at the task like Romi and Sweet Pea, Jillian and Christian killed it! But what was super awesome was Chris, who was able to come back earlier on in the season after he had been Auf'd won it. Chris' design was practical, seemed super WWE style and his "diva" LOVED IT! And so did the panel. I am so glad he is finally getting the recognition his hard work deserves. Here is the winning outfit and the designer.

Next week, I think they will be going on their extended field trip, a la a trip to Paris, or something. It's getting super close this time around and I can't wait to figure out who makes it to Bryant Park!!!!!

And now for the rest of the news:

+ Billy Joel plays one last show at Shea Stadium. Joel will be playing the last live performance in the stadium on July 16th of this year. The METS will be moving to a new stadium adjacent to Shea for their 2009 season. Joel will now join the club of the infamous performers who have rocked out Shea in the past, like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. I am sure it will be costly, but this will be worth it!

+ Speaking of the Beatles, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has passed away at age 91. Maharishi, who developed the Transcendental Meditation movement, was well known for his impact on the Beatles in their later years. He also aided Donovan to growth within his spirituality. Maharishi will be mourned by many of his followers in the Transcendental movement, but his passing is not looked upon as tragic thing to them.

+ Val Kilmer will voice of KITT, the car in the new version of "Knight Rider" NBC is producing. Will Arnett was tapped for the part original, but he recently backed out, leaving an opening for Kilmer.

+ Rolling Stone breaks down the Britney Spears meltdown. Some of the revelations that RS RSturned up is that she had breast implants as a teenager, she cheated on Timberlake and her family worked her like a dog when she was a child. What a mess.

+ Kirsten Dunst has reportedly checked herself into rehab. The actress has found her wat to the Cirque Lodge in Utah to squash a few addictions of hers. Word is the death of Heath Ledger recently triggered Dunst to quit the nose candy.

+And finally, She & Him, Zooey Deschanel's project with M. Ward are playing some shows in the next few months and their first album will be released on Merge Records on March 18th.

Daily Rounds

Superbad remains number one at the box office for the second week in a row. The Bourne Ultimatum holds steady at second place and Rush Hour 3 moves down to third place. Here is how the rest of the releases fared:
Weekend Box Office Totals - August 24-26, 2007



And in other news,

Alberto Gonzales steps down as the US Attorney General. Gonzales decided sometime last week to leave his position and made the official announcement this morning with President Bush by his side. This decision comes on the heels of the attorneys’ firings trial in Washington and the lack of productivity within the justice system currently. With statements supporting the leave and criticizing the Democrats for the decision, it seems politicians in DC are looking toward the future candidate and hope they can approve of them without the partisanship debates. Gonzales will leave his post Attorney General on September 17th. Administration officials have suggest that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will be nominated for the position.

Even though he was in "serious condition" last night, Nick Hogan has been released from the hospital. Nick is in court right now to discuss the actions leading up to his crash last night and might be charged with various counts, such as speeding in a work area (with workers present), not wearing a seat belt and going twice he speed limit. And apparently, Owen Wilson will be released from Cedars-Sinai later today. No confirmation as of yet on the "suicide attempt", but rumors are spreading that are "confirming" our heroin addiction/overdose story.Wilson is now requesting privacy "while he attempts to heal". You can read more here at CNN.com It doesn't seem to have bothered his ex Kate Hudson though, who was found making out with her new beau Dax Shepard while grocery shopping in Malibu yesterday.

Michael Vick is not canned from the Falcons and who knows if its coming. But the other players are pissed and want the $22 million bonus that was for him to go to them.

Jake Gyllenhaal is supposed to "come out" today. And he is having a baby with his boyfriend, so apparently he is a master scientist as well. I wonder if he will have a press conference to discuss the particulars of his business, i.e top or bottom....

Maybe this is the actor everyone thinks will come out? And if by "coming out" you mean, walking around town with a dude, then we got a winner.

In casting news, Keanu Reeves will star in remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Apparently, Reeves can’t act in anything other then Sci-Fi anymore. In other, “they are still working” casting news, Foz signs Eliza Dushku to a six figure project development deal. This will have the studio creating projects and programs for the actress to star in. What did she do to get this kind of deal?

Guess who else is struggling with their career? Oh you don't have to think too hard here is the list of alleged participants for the next"Dancing with the Stars" installment. No confirmation from ABC on the cast nor from these peeps publicists, that's if they have any still.

If this is true, then my ass is already booking my tickets to go to Coachella. My Bloody Valentine set to reunite next year and open tour at Coachella 2008. Awesome!

Apparently, people still think beauty pageants have intelligent participants. Watch this moron from South Carolina stick her foot in her mouth a few times when asked why 1 out of 5 Americans can not find our nation on a map. Somehow, I knew the Iraqis were behind it. Hell, maybe she will get Tony Snow's job - she seems qualified enough.