Disney’s ‘The Muppets’ Title Treatment Revealed?

Up there on the large screen may very well be our first look at the current title treatment for Disney’s The Muppets which is slated for its theatrical release on November 23, 2011. That tiny little speck of a man in front of that ginormous image is non other than Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs. Staggs was on board the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream and offered a special presentation to select groups of voyagers to bring them up to date on The Walt Disney Company’s current projects. While the bulk of the presentation did fall into Stagg’s domain, a smaller portion was dedicated to upcoming films from the Studios, which included The Muppets (if you hadn’t guessed by now).
Although Staggs offered up no real new information in regards to the film — nothing that can’t be found in our original script review back in December of 2009 or the official detailed synopsis — he did offer us this image/title treatment which we couldn’t quite place as ever being seen before.
In addition to the image and the rehashed details, Staggs talked about how co-writer/star Jason Segel always had Amy Adams in mind for a lead role in the film and even produced a short video message with himself and Kermit the Frog making an appeal to Adams. The video, which reportedly had only been shown privately to Adams and one other screening prior to the viewing on the Disney Dream, features Segel badly singing poorly written songs about Amy Adams attempting to entice her to join the project. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Gnomeo & Juliet: "Balcony" Clip

Here is a new clip from the movie “Gnomeo & Juliet” titled “Balcony.” The Touchstone Pictures movie is set to release to theaters in the US on February 11th and is the story of “Romeo & Juliet” told with garden gnomes as the lead characters.

We love that in the clip the Enchanted Tiki Room song is included from the Disney ride! This is fantastic!

Are you planning on seeing “Gnomeo & Juliet” when it arrives in theaters?

The NEW Muppets movie, great moments as Chris Cooper yelling at the Muppets, and More!

Examiner.com has posted an incredible video of the filming that went down at The El Capitan Theater last week with The Muppets. The video has great moments as Chris Cooper yelling at the Muppets, the Muppets goofing around, Fozzie slapping Kermit around, and much, much more.

China's first Disney Store to open in 2012

SHANGHAI — Walt Disney Company said Thursday it planned to open its first store in mainland China by the middle of next year as it moves to further expand its presence in the fast-growing market.

The US entertainment giant said its strategy would be to secure locations in upscale shopping centres and department stores, where it will open Disney Stores similar to those in Europe and North America.

"The kids? branded retail market in China is growing and we are uniquely positioned to provide a family shopping environment," Stanley Cheung, Disney's Greater China executive vice president and managing director, said in a statement.

"Our Disney Stores aim to deliver the best 30 minutes of a child's day," he added.

The company did not say how many stores it aimed to open in China.

Outside China, Disney said it was on track to add more than 25 new and remodelled stores this year and ultimately planned to refresh its more than 350 locations worldwide.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said in his annual report earlier this month that the city would push to start work this year on a Disney Park that is reportedly scheduled to open in 2014.

However, Disney has said although its discussions with the Shanghai government were advancing, China's central government has yet to approve the joint venture companies and regulatory requirements for the project.

The Shanghai government announced in 2009 that Beijing had approved the park itself, which reportedly will cost $3.6 billion and occupy a 10-square-kilometre (four-square-mile) area.

The Shanghai Disneyland would be the US entertainment giant's third theme park in Asia, after those in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland has had a bumpy ride since opening its gates in 2005, with local lawmakers saying low attendance has not justified the huge public investment.

The mainland is the main source of visitors for the Hong Kong park, last year accounting for 2.2 million visitors, or 42 percent of the total, according to the latest park figures.

"Toy Story 3″ Nominated For Best Adapted Screenplay At The Oscars

As part of the Oscar Academy Awards, Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story 3” has been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. Here are the movies in the nominationee list:

- “127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
- “The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
- “Toy Story 3″ Screenplay by Michael Arndt. Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
- “True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
- “Winter’s Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini

“Toy Story 3″ director Lee Unrkrich took to Twitter to explain why the movie was nominated in this category, Tweeting

To answer those who’ve asked: Toy Story 3′s screenplay was nominated as Adapted because it’s a sequel with existing characters.

Photo Of Ian McShane In “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”

Actor Ian McShane plays Blackbeard in the new “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Here is the first still of Blackbeard from the movie, released by Walt Disney Pictures.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will arrive in theaters on May 20th and stars Johnny Depp as our favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. Here is a list of other actors in the movie:

- Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow
- Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa
- Penelope Cruz as Angelica
- Ian McShane as Blackbeard
- Richard Griffiths as King George II
- Judi Dench
- Stephen Graham as Scrum
- Gemma Ward as Tamara
- Sam Claflin as Philip
- Keith Richards as Captain Teague
- Kevin McNally as Gibbs
- Astrid Berges-Frisbey as Syrena – Mermaid
- Oscar Jaenada as Spaniard
- Greg Ellis as Lieutenant Theodore Groves
- Yuki Matsuzaki as Garheng- Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa

- Penelope Cruz as Angelica
- Ian McShane as Blackbeard
- Richard Griffiths as King George II
- Judi Dench
- Stephen Graham as Scrum
- Gemma Ward as Tamara
- Sam Claflin as Philip
- Keith Richards as Captain Teague
- Kevin McNally as Gibbs
- Astrid Berges-Frisbey as Syrena – Mermaid
- Oscar Jaenada as Spaniard
- Greg Ellis as Lieutenant Theodore Groves
- Yuki Matsuzaki as Garheng

                    

Gnomeo & Juliet’ Concept Art, Character Poses and New Still

Walt Disney Studios and Touchstone Pictures have provided website, Stitch Kingdom, with a slew of new concept art and character poses from its upcoming release of Gnomeo & Juliet. Also included in the batch of images is a new still featuring ‘the Elton John gnome, click here for more.

                                                                                         

                                                                     

Hartfield shop owner's legal wrangle with Disney

A grandfather has gone head to head with Disney in a legal wrangle over Winnie the Pooh.

Michael Ridley, who describes himself as a Poohologist, took on the multinational to try to protect Pooh Corner, his heritage centre and shop.

Now he has now won the right to continue using an image of the famous bear for his business.

The 68-year-old wanted to register the trademark Pooh Corner Hartfield, in High Street, Hartfield, near East Grinstead, so he could pass on the business when he retires.

Although he lost the legal battle, Disney gave his company permission to continue using the name and an image of Pooh and Christopher Robin, even under new ownership.

Mr Ridley, who acted as a storyline consultant for the latest Winnie the Pooh film which will be released in July, has been running Pooh Corner since 1978.

He said: “The idea that my little business could be a threat to Disney is a bit laughable.

“I have been using the image of Pooh and Christopher Robin for years and because I have a good relationship with the people at Disney they have never minded.

“But I suppose they are worried about other people taking advantage of their trademarks.”

The registrar for the Intellectual Property Office ruled Disney was justified in its opposition to Mr Ridley's request for a trademark, as it would cause confusion for consumers.

He was ordered to pay £2,000 costs but Disney insisted the goodwill arrangement, which has allowed Pooh Corner to use its logo until now, remains in place.

No one from Disney Enterprises was available to comment.

NEWS UPDATE for TDDF

I can now reveal another big moment for The Disney Digital Files (TDDF). I now own the domain name www.disneydigitalfiles.com. Yes, now you don't have to type in a long, semi-difficult to remember address. All you have to do is simply type disneydigitalfiles.com into your web browser and you're here!

More News and Photos from the Set of "The Muppets"

The fine folks at BleedingCool.com have tons of new picturesfrom Tuesday night's filming outside of Disney's  El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. The pictures offer our VERY first look at Uncle Deadly and we also get to see Chris Cooper, Rowlf the dog, Dave Goelz, some muppet chickens, tons of other Muppeteers, and newly-confirmed cameo star Mila Kunis (Family Guy, That 70's Show, Black Swan). Here are some of the coolest pictures:

Kathy Griffin's cameo in Disney's NEW Muppets movie

Kathy Griffin revealed on her Twitter account that she would be appearing in the movie alongside Ricky Gervais and Animal. Later, she posted pictures of herself on set working with Billy Crystal, David Rudman, Scooter (in a tux), and Ricky Gervais. Also in the background of one picture you can clearly make out The Muppet Newsman and partially make out Gonzo right next to him. SlashFilm.com reported that Griffin's cameo was a last-minute replacement for Jean Claude Van Damme.

Set Photos: ‘The Muppets’ Take Over Hollywood Boulevard

In Hollywood, when you see a sign that says Hollywood Boulevard is closed between Orange and Highland for any amount of time, it usually means they’re hosting a premiere at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This week though, the sign said the street was closed for two straight evenings, a movie was shooting. THE NEW MUPPET MOVIE! a huge musical production from Disney’s upcoming The Muppets. Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Kermit, Miss Piggy, they were all on hand along with hundreds of extras performing an elaborate musical number outside Disney’s El Capitan Theatre. You weren’t allowed to snap photos while they were shooting but, between takes, someone online was  able to snag a few photos. They’re crappy phone shots from an iPhone and a Droid so don’t expect Annie Lebowitz, but if you are interested in getting a glimpse of The Muppets, check out the photos below the jump!

Be warned, the musical sequence in question is probably in the final act of the film and thus may contain spoilers.

 

Disney unveils new Fantasyland expansion details

Walt Disney World said Tuesday that it will build a new indoor roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom, as part of its expansion of the Fantasyland section of the theme park.

Dubbed "The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train," the moderately intense attraction will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system in which vehicles that swing back and forth along a twisting track. The attraction will be set to music from the classic animated movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

The coaster is among several new elements Disney has added to the Fantasyland project, which was initially announced in September 2009 and is scheduled to open in phases beginning late next year. Company executives acknowledged last summer that they were redrawing parts of the original plan — which initially focused heavily on Disney's girl-centric princess and fairies franchises — to broaden its overall appeal.

As part of the changes, Disney will scrap a pair of elaborately themed areas where guests could dance with Cinderella or celebrate a birthday party with Sleeping Beauty's Aurora. Instead, the two characters will be given a new home together — along some of the company's other animated heroines — in a new set dubbed "Princess Fairytale Hall." The meet-and-greet area will replace an original Disney World attraction, "Snow White's Scary Adventure."

In addition, Disney said it will devise a new circus theme for portions of Mickey's Toowntown Fair, which will close next month to make way for further Fantasyland construction. "Storybook Circus" will include "The Great Goofini," a rethemed version of the "Barnstomer" children's coaster. The area will also include a previously announced expanded version of the popular children's airborne carousel ride "Dumbo the Flying Elephant," which will be moved from its current location in Fantasyland, doubled in size and given a new games-filled queue.

Gone entirely are plans for a fairy-themed area that Disney had originally said was to be called "Pixie Hollow." Disney said it will instead build a fairies greeting area inside Disney's HollywoodStudios.

Some elements from the original Fantasyland expansion plans will remain. Among them: "Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid," an indoor ride featuring an omnimover ride system and signing animatronics that will be identical to an attraction being built at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif.

Also remaining in the updated plans is an elaborately themed, 550-seat restaurant dubbed "Be Our Guest." Themed around "Beauty of the Beast," the restaurant will offer counter-service meals during the day and pricier, sit-down fare in the evenings. The area around the restaurant will also include a smaller eatery called "Gaston's Tavern," a retail area called "Bonjour! Village Gifts" and "Enchanted Tales with Belle," a cottage in which guests will be able to interact with the princes.

Disney will formally unveil the details this evening during a media event inside the Magic Kingdom. It is timed to take advantage of the presence of scores of travel writers, who are already in Central Florida and scheduled to depart tomorrow on a preview voyage aboard Disney's new $900 million cruise ship, the Disney Dream.

Disney will also use the event to unveil a central feature of its "Let the Memories Begin" advertising campaign: The projection of hundreds of photos taken by guests onto Cinderella Castle. Disney says the castle andDisneyland's "it's a small world" attraction will continue to feature such projections throughout 2011.

Disney's Epic Mickey video game sells 1.3 million copies in first month

Walt Disney Co.'s gambit of placing one of its most valuable characters at the center of a dark video game epic has reaped dividends.

Epic Mickey ranked among the top-selling console games in December, according to figures released by the NPD Group. Disney sold 1.3 million units, said people familiar with the data.

Breaking the 1-million unit barrier is significant, given that Epic Mickey was limited to a single video game system, the Nintendo Wii.  And that console has proven challenging for independent game developers, who are increasingly gravitating to more powerful systems that are more popular among young, male gamers -- Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.

The sales appear to validate Disney's strategy of handing the project to veteran developer Warren Spector, who's best known for games such as Deux Ex and Thief: Deadly Shadows, which weave intricate plots that follow multiple narative paths. His stewardship gave the project credibility among teenagers and adults who might otherwise avoid a title featuring Disney's lovable corporate icon, Mickey Mouse.

A spokesperson for the video game group did not return calls seeking comment.

Disney's success with its console game comes as the company is deepening its investment in emerging segments of the business, including games played on Facebook and other online social networks. Six months ago, the company acquired Playdom Inc.for $563 million  -- and later installed its chief executive, John Pleasants, as co-president of Disney Interactive Media Group.

Miley Cyrus: Goodbye 'Hannah Montana' tonight!

Miley Cyrus says goodbye to Hannah Montana on Sunday night, tonight (1/16/2011) in the final episode of the long running Disney Channel show, marking nearly five straight highly successful years on the air.

According to RadarOnline,Hannah Montana first aired in March of 2006, with Cyrus in the lead role. By day she played Miley, a normal teenager and by night she was Hannah, one of the most sought-after young female rock singers around. Cyrus' real-life dad Billy Ray Cyrus also played her father on the series.

While little girls everywhere are likely mourning the end of Hannah Montana, it's definitely time for Miley Cyrus to retire her role. The Disney role she portrayed was one of a wholesome teenager, even when playing the rock star Hannah. In real life, however, Cyrus hasn't even come close to living a wholesome life. Between scantily clad photos that have circulated both print and online publications, and the infamous news story of Miley at a party smoking salvia from a bong--these aren't the things parents want their daughters associating with Hannah Montana. And they're certainly not actions they want them emulating.

People have wondered if Miley Cyrus will find the same kind of success post-Hannah Montanathat she enjoyed while filming the show. Some even theorize that this may be the reason for the scandalous press of late. While Cyrus on her own has some talent, she likely doesn't have the voluminous appeal that her Disney character does. Could the run of recent seductive modes of dress and inappropriate scenarios be an effort to keep her in the limelight in case her singing isn't enough to do so?

What's next for Miley Cyrus? There's certainly a lot going on in the 18-year-old's personal life, with parents Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus getting a divorce. Now that filming and related appearances for the Hannah Montana role are over, hopefully fans see Miley surface as merely a young singer. It would be nice to see her put away the sleazy image she's portrayed recently, and simply concentrate on that singing career.

Disney’s “TRON” Blu-ray Packaging Revealed

Disney will soon be releasing the original “TRON” movie to Blu-ray and above is what is believed to be the packaging for the movie. “TRON” is expected to arrive in stores in March or April of this year.

The special edition “TRON” release is labeled “TRON: The Original Classic.” The Blu-ray is rumored to include a number of hours worth of bonus features.

Have you seen the original “TRON” movie from Walt Disney Pictures? What about the sequel movie “TRON: Legacy”?

PS – Have you heard that Disney might be planning a “TRON 3” movie? Fun!

New Logo Revealed for Disney's The Lone Ranger

Jerry Bruckheimer Films has unveiled a logo for the upcoming big screen reboot ofThe Lone Ranger.

The film will reunite the Pirates of the Caribbean team of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Gore Verbinski and star Johnny Depp. Depp is set to play the Lone Ranger's partner Tonto. 

No one has been cast for the lead, but Depp said he would like to see Brad Pitt or George Clooney in the titular role.

Disney Gets Writer Terry Rossio Back For Pirates 5

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides continues to sail toward its May 20 release, but now we drop anchor for a moment to talk about the sequel. Disney is already forecasting a big opening for the series’ upcoming return to port, and they’re charting out a course for Jack Sparrow’s future adventures.

Okay okay, enough nautical metaphors: Terry Rossio, co-writer on the four previous Pirates, is now set up to write the fifth movie without his writing partner Ted Elliott, Deadline reports. Also being sought for repeat performances are star Johnny Depp, who reportedly has some sort of deal point involving a fifth movie, and director Rob Marshall.

Deadline cautions that it’s “too early to consider [Depp] locked,” but it’s safe to say that the studio will have a difficult time moving the series without the magnetic presence of his Jack Sparrow performance. Fans can take heart in the fact that the actor appears game to return at least. “As long as we can put all the puzzle pieces together, I would most definitely consider it,” he said in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. Also worth noting that he said in the same interview, “It was funny to see a pregnant woman f—ing sword-fighting” of his co-star, Penelope Cruz.

I know I’m not the only one who isn’t sold on the need for more Pirates, not even a fourth one. The Curse of the Black Pearl, the first movie, turned out much better than it had any right to. It was proof that an adaptation could have ridiculous roots — in this case, a theme park attraction — and still succeed on the strength of its execution. Unfortunately, the second and third movies tailed off significantly, and the end of the trilogy came as a welcome relief.

Disney clearly still sees life in the franchise, and I wish them the best. No one sets out to make a bad movie. Having Cruz and Ian McShane on board (not more boat wordplay, honest!) is a good sign, and Marshall promises to at least bring something different… but I’m still not convinced. The lingering bad taste over the final two-thirds of the previous trilogy is going to keep me doubtful until I see On Stranger Tides.

Disney planning Phineas and Ferb movie?

Deadline is reporting that Disney is in the early stages of producing a theatrical movie based on their popular cartoon show Phineas & Ferb. Supposedly, the project might end up being a mix of live action and animation, which would be interesting given the extremely cartoony nature of the show. The series focuses on two boys who go on a number of wacky adventures during their summer vacation while driving their older sister crazy. It also stars their pet platypus Perry, who unbeknownst to them is actually a James Bond-like secret agent who's constantly having to save the world. A made-for-TV movie, Phineas and Ferb and the 2nd Dimension, is set to air on the Disney Channel next summer.

The Disney Store rolls out 25 new concepts

The Walt Disney World Co. is ready to expand its new tech-heavy The Disney Store concept after successfully launching 19 remodels last year, news reports said.
Disney Stores Worldwide President Jim Fielding said Disney is planning 25 new and remodeled locations in North America and Europe in 2011, according to this news report.
Representatives from Disney were unavailable to comment on where the U.S. locations will be.
The company introduced the concept in October 2009, and at the time said it planned to remake its 340 stores in the U.S. and Europe, as previously reported by Orlando Business Journal.

 

The NEW Muppets movie most anticipated film of 2011

 Ain't It Cool News have named The Muppets their most anticipated film of 2011. i'm getting MORE pumped for this movie everyday! 

FUNNY!! Little boy sings the Mickey mouse club

Cars 2: New Poster

Walt Disney Pictures just released this brand new a brand new international poster for the upcoming animated film “Cars 2″ in theaters Summer 2011. Visit the official facebook page for more details.

Synopsis: Lightning McQueen, his pit crew and his new crew chief, Mater, head around the world for the “Race of Champions” taking place in five different countries: Japan, Germany, Italy, a 24-hour race in France and the United Kingdom. However, Mater, involved in a case of mistaken identity, saves the life of a British secret agent named Finn McMissile and finds himself embroiled in his world of international espionage

  

The Muppet Movie new cast list

Disney’s new Muppet movie, now called “The Muppets,” has had more actors attached to it than the Academy Awards. On the surface the plot is classic Hollywood but according to a recent interview with Jack Black (EW), there’s an interesting kick to it. No, I’m not talking about an “Inception” type kick, although I would like readers to pause for a moment and contemplate that story arc. Black will play himself. “It’s kind of like “Being John Malkovich.” It is a new twist on the Muppets.” (EW) Maybe writer Jason Segal will throw a little Kafka in to the mix to really mess with our minds and market it to the 16-25 year old demographic as the existential stoner film of the 21st century. Okay so it isn’t a mash up of the Magic Roundabout and “Pineapple Express” but maybe it’s out there.

The classic plot has our Muppet heroes putting on a show in order to save their studio from the bulldozer. I half expect Muppet versions of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney to dance around vacant lots and sing a tune to melt the developers’ hearts. Did I mention it was a musical? Well rumor has it that Lady Gaga is attached to the film although this is news to Muppets writer and lead actor, Jason Segal. In an interview with MTV, Segal admits that his people have asked her people but that’s as far is it goes. If Gaga does turn down the role of a lifetime then Segal, I’m begging you, replace her with a Lady Gaga Muppet.

In “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Segal and director Nick Stoller featured a Dracula musical performed by actual Jim Henson puppets. Segal pitched the idea of a new Muppets movie to Disney execs and they loved it. He insists that the contemporary slant won’t drift too far from the original concept of the TV shows and subsequent movies, the last of which was “Muppets from Space” in 1999.

The Muppet Movie stars Jason Segal and Amy Adams and is directed by James Bobin, writer, director and producer of “Flight of the Conchords” and “Ali G in da USA.” A cameo from Ricky Gervais is a given after his charming appearance with Sesame Street’s Elmo last year. Other cameos confirmed as rumors are “The Hangover’s” darling, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Crystal, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Emily Blunt, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Billy Crystal and our very showman Mickey Rooney. 

New photo of The Muppets' Jason Segel and Walter

Thanks to an anonymous email (still wondering who sent it) but, THANK YOU!
New photo of The Muppets' Jason Segel and Walter.

New poster for Winnie the Pooh

A first poster for Disney's upcomingWinnie the Pooh has just been posted online over at the Internet Movie Poster Awards. On a note of interest, the poster says that the movie is coming "this spring," which would indicate a possible release date change. The current release date for the film is July 15th, which would put it up against the final Harry Potter film.