Rose Byrne might join Nancy Meyers’ ‘Home Again,’ plus more movie news
Jennifer Lawrence, left, Rose Byrne, James McAvoy, Lucas Till and Nicholas Hoult in "X-Men: Apocalypse." Credit: 20th Century Fox / Alan Markfield
WHO Rose Byrne
THE MOVIE “Home Again”
THE DEAL The Australian actress is in negotiations to star in a new comedy produced by Nancy Meyers (“It’s Complicated”), according to the film’s production company, Black Bicycle Entertainment. The film follows a recently separated mother of two whose life changes when she takes in three young men. The film is scheduled to begin production in Los Angeles in August. Byrne, 36, is currently on screens in the Susan Sarandon comedy-drama “The Meddler” and will next appear opposite Seth Rogen in the comedy “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.”
THE MOVIE “X-Men: Apocalypse”
THE DEAL The much-awaited and heavily marketed superhero film, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Oscar Isaac as battling mutants, is getting trashed by major critics in early reviews. Two weeks before its release, the film has been called “a confused, kitchen-sink mess” by Entertainment Weekly, “portentous gobbledygook” by Time Out New York and a “weightless, soulless trifle of a bore” by Forbes. The negative reviews are an unexpected reversal for director Bryan Singer and his “X-Men” movies, which garnered positive reactions from critics for their flashy style and smart subtexts. “X-Men: Apocalypse” arrives in theaters May 27.
WHO Anthony and Joe Russo
THE MOVIE “The Hero’s Awakening”
THE DEAL The directors behind the previous two “Captain America” films have chosen a Chinese superhero film as the first project under their new production venture, Variety reports. The Russo brothers, who recently formed a Chinese-American partnership called Anthem & Song, appeared at a signing ceremony in Beijing Monday to announce the film, which will follow a character who can control things with his mind. It’s the latest sign of China’s influence on Hollywood: The country could generate $10 billion in ticket sales this year and is expected to outpace the North American box office next year.
