SONY SIGNS AARDMAN
Rejoice, for the genius of Aardman movies shall continue for at least another three years, thanks to a new deal they've signed with Sony Pictures. The Bristol based company parted ways recently with DreamWorks animation, but Sony – who are themselves keen to expand their animated output - have made sure they get first dibs on any of Aardman's big ideas until 2010. Nothing has been greenlit yet, but word has it that four scripts are already in advanced stages of development. And yes, one of them is a Wallace And Gromit story.
BEAN IS BACK BACK BACK
The mighty warriors of 300 have been toppled from the top of the box office this week – by a near-mute nerd in a brown suit. In a move that proves there is simply no underestimating the public's taste, Mr Bean's Holiday managed to amass a staggering £6.4 million at the UK box officeover the weekend. Admittedly about £1.9 million of that was generated on an extra day of preview screenings. This would guarantee another sequel, but they'll have to convince Rowan Atkinson, who recently told Empire that he's not interested in taking the character any further. There is, however, one way around it, pleasing for everyone; Mr Bean's Hostel, anyone…?
FOSTER AND BRESLIN SIALING TOWARD NIM'S ISLAND
You'll probably be hearing an official announcement soon that Jodie Foster and Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin will star together in Nim's Island. No-one's signed on the line yet, but the two actors are apparently both in the final stages of striking their deals to appear. It's about a girl who, while lost at sea with her father, strikes up an email conversation with someone she imagines is a storybook character, but in actual fact is an introverted author. Breslin has already sign up to appear as the popular doll Kitt Kittredge in American Girl.