New writer for Short Circuit reboot - and other juicy film news

TOP MOVIE NEWS: FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY

New writer for Short Circuit reboot, Bridget Jones threequel in trouble and Insidious 2 on the way

New writer assembled for Short Circuit reboot
Fans of the Steve Guttenberg-starring 80s comedy about a military robot that comes to life after a freak accident should brace themselves, because the Short Circuit remake doesn’t look pretty.

The reboot’s re-assembly has been underway for a while now with Alvin And The Chipmunks helmer Tim Hill already attached to direct. But now a writer has been signed to bring Johnny 5 back to life in the form of up and comer Matt Lieberman, a recent graduate of the Disney screenwriting programme whose only previous silver screen scibbles include a re-draft on Doctor Dolittle sequel Doctor Dolittle: First Dog.

Dimension Films, who are behind the project, said “details of the new take are currently being kept under wraps”. But given the pedigree, or lack of it, shown by the creative who’ve already signed on the dotted line; fans of the original have every right to be concerned. In fact the death knell was all but sounded by studio boss Bob Weinstein who admitted that they’re aiming to make a tamer, family friendly version of the original film. He said:

“We are looking for Short Circuit to be our next family franchise and are excited to be working with Matt Lieberman and Tim Hill, who has had great international success with Hop and Alvin And The Chipmunks.”

It’s all a far cry from the original which was directed by Wargames helmer John Badham which aimed far higher, and despite its family friendly premise - had some saucy material thrown in for good measure. It was a hit with audiences and remains a fond memory for many film fans; one which we suspect many would rather be left alone.

Bridget Jones threequel in trouble
Bridget Jones’ Baby, the third instalment of the hit rom-com series, has hit a snag that sources suggest could put the production in serious trouble. The film, which stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, was scheduled to begin shooting in the next few weeks under the direction of Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty). But production has been halted and could be delayed indefinitely thanks to script problems.

Those problems it seems are emanating mainly from Hugh Grant, with industry insiders across the pond suggesting that the British star, alongside many members of the creative team, is asking for production to be put on hold until the creases are ironed out. But rumours suggest that any delay could lead to a permanent shutdown for the film which follows the titular character as she hits her 40s and decides she wants to have a baby.

Insidious sequel green-lit
Insidious was one of the surprise hits of the last 12 months, so it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that studio bosses are set to green light a sequel to the box office smash hit. The original creative team - director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell – look set to return for a follow up that scooped more than $100million at the box office off of a meagre $1.5million budget. The dynamic duo, who are no strangers to silver screen success after setting the ball rolling on the Saw franchise, have set their sights on a 2013 release date. But there’s no news yet on whether the original cast will return or whether the sequel will pick up where the original left off.

The first movie starred Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne (who’s since gone on to find fame in Bridesmaids) as a couple who at first think their house is haunted, but come to the realisation that it's one of their sons who is possessed.