Zachary Quinto Comes Out, and 5 Other Stories You'll Be Talking About Today

Happy Monday! Also in today’s edition of The Broadsheet: The fairy-tale flick renaissance spawns a Pinocchio prequel… Not even Transformers 3 could help Hasbro hit its mark… A requiem for Sue Mengers… Celeb backlash over Occupy Wall Street… and more. · As obliquely cited here yesterday, Zachary Quinto has confirmed what anyone who follows him with any regularity had deduced long ago: He’s gay. He pegged the announcement to gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer’s bullying and subsequent suicide, writing on his Web site, “In light of Jamey’s death, it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality.” Not for nothing, Quinto also has Margin Call, a movie that he co-produced, opening in theaters Friday. [NYM, ZacharyQuinto.com] · Don’t look now, but Fox has added the Pinocchio prequel The Three Misfortunes of Geppetto to its development slate. The studio bought Michael Vukadinovich’s script about the puppetmaker who “endures a life of misfortune, war and adventure all to be with Julia Moon, his true love,” reportedly for Shawn Levy to direct. It could face competition from either a Pinocchio project Tim Burton may direct at Warners, or the apocalypse, whichever comes first. [Deadline] · I wish people like the late power agent Sue Mengers didn’t have to die for Nikki Finke to write so evocatively and movingly about them: “Her plump white flesh still draped in a sea of caftans and mumus, eyes framed in huge tinted glasses, with a soft breathy voice and the mouth of a stevedore, taking hits from an always lit joint, the 5’-2 1/2” inch Mengers was the exact opposite of the stereotypical image of a Hollywood agent, not the cigar-chomping salesman nor the smooth-talking sleek-dressed tenpercenter.” An epic, absolute must-read. [Deadline] · You’ve heard about the celebrities dropping by the Occupy Wall Street protests. In the spirit of equal time, now hear the kneejerk right-wing response. [Big Hollywood] · Speaking of which, here’s reason alone to occupy Wall Street: “Hasbro 3Q earnings were lighter than Wall Street expected, in spite of a healthy upturn from its entertainment and licensing segment which benefited from Paramount’s Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and a onetime payment from Universal Studios.” What a disappointment! Make more money, Hasbro, sheesh. [Deadline] · What’s shakin’ with North Korea? Oh, not much, just trying to figure out why so many observers in the West could be so critical of the country’s growing relationship with Russia. Let them be, already! Kim Jong Il really needs this one, you guys. [38 North] [Photo: Getty Images]

First Night

A Britannia Films release of a Renaissance Films presentation of a Cosi production. (International sales: SC Films Intl., London.) Produced by Stephen Evans, Selwyn Roberts, John Spiers. Executive producers, Stuart Stradling, Simon Crowe, Rodney Payne. Co-producers, Jonathan Evans, Alan Latham, Romilly Evans. Directed by Christopher Menaul. Screenplay, Menaul, Jeremy Sams, from an idea by Stephen Evans, John Mortimer.With: Richard E. Grant, Sarah Brightman, Mia Maestro, Julian Ovenden, Oliver Dimsdale, Susannah Fielding, Nigel Lindsay, Tessa Peake-Jones, Laura Power, Hugh Ross, Stanley Townsend, Jack Walker, Emma WilliamsOpera lovers, a potentially large demographic, are targeted by "First Night," a frothy English country-house romp that throws in hefty portions of Mozart. As a cast and crew gather to rehearse "Cosi fan tutte" at the palatial retreat of a rich industrialist, the ensuing romantic mischief creakily echoes the opera's own plot. Neither fish nor fowl, this eccentric item looks likely to turn off moviegoers resistant to the upscale art form while failing to satisfy opera's true devotees. Its probable fate is an early curtain call in cinemas before taking a few bows in ancillary. Sir Adam Drummond (Richard E. Grant) harbors an unlikely ambition: to perform the Don Alfonso role in Mozart's famous comic opera. To indulge this whim, he assembles a whole company at his home, where the professional production will be staged in front of an invited audience. Adam bets cocky singer Tom (Julian Ovenden) that Tom won't manage to bed Italian soprano Nicoletta (Mia Maestro) before first night. Despite the best efforts of disapproving conductor Celia (Sarah Brightman) to sabotage Tom's chances, true love flourishes before the inevitable exposure of the wager spins things in a different direction. Effortful shenanigans involve a woodland tryst, a misplaced cell phone, a case of vintage brandy and a dog called Baskerville. Veteran TV helmer Christopher Menaul (who directed the 2002 miniseries "The Forsyte Saga") and co-writer Jeremy Sams (legit hit "Chitty the Musical") throw in a subplot involving the housekeeper's son (Jack Walker) having his horizons broadened by the colorful visitors, and another in which the opera's director (Oliver Dimsdale) realizes he truly desires one of his leading men (Nigel Lindsay), not the leading lady (Emma Williams) with whom he shares a bed. Given the pic's mustiness, lines like, "The critics are coming they'll murder us," seem to be recklessly tempting fate. On the plus side, the operatic singing, supplied by trained professionals, is artfully lip-synched, but for the uninitiated, there's truly a startling amount of octave-straddling yelping. Lavish production coin has been expended on lensing in Milan, Shepperton Studios and Scotland's pretty Manderson House; the result is an appropriately photogenic guilty pleasure for location-porn aficionados. It's a pity that a similar ambition was not applied to the cast, as many of the actors give performances in line with their low profile here. At least toplined Brightman, albeit a stilted screen presence, may entice some of the auds that recently flocked to a special 25th anniversary celebration of "The Phantom of the Opera," beamed digitally to 250 packed cinemas in Blighty. Pic represents a return to full producing for Stephen Evans, whose credits include "The Wings of the Dove," two Kenneth Branagh-helmed Shakespeares and "The Madness of King George."Camera (Deluxe color) Tim Palmer; editor, St. John O'Rorke; music, Wolfgang Mozart, adapted by James Morgan, Juliette Pochin; music supervisor, Morgan; production designer, Stuart Walker; art director, Diane Dancklefsen; set decorator, Neesh Ruben; costume designer, Phoebe De Gaye; sound designer (Dolby Digital), Colin Chapman; supervising sound editor, Chapman; re-recording mixers, Graham Daniel, Adam Daniel; choreography, Kathleen Mackie; visual effects supervisor, Simon Kilroe; assistant director, Sean Guest; second unit director, Selwyn Roberts; casting, Celestia Fox. Reviewed on DVD, London, Oct. 14, 2011. Running time: 116 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Drive' Star Is The Coen Brothers' New Leading Man

Though Oscar Isaac might not have been one of the top-billed actors in Nicolas Winding Refn's critical hit "Drive," his performance as a man just out of prison trying to do right by his family definitely got the attention of a couple big name Hollywood directors. Deadline is reporting that Isaac has landed the much-sought-after lead role in the Coen brothers' latest film, "Inside Llewyn Davis." The flick focuses on the early folk music scene in the 60s in Greenwich Village, and its lead characters are loosely based on the lives of Dave Van Ronk and Tom Paxton. Shooting is slated to start early next year in NY. Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump! Tom Savini Reteaming With Quentin Tarantino Fans might remember Tom Savini as the memorable character "Sex Machine" -- the biker with a machine-gun crotch -- in the Quentin Tarantino-penned "From Dusk 'Till Dawn." Now the two are reteaming in Tarantino's upcoming drama "Django Unchained." The Coventry Telegraph has learned that Savini will star alongside M.C. Gainey in the flick as one of the Brittle brothers. "Now You See" Dave Franco In New Summit Flick Dave Franco, the charming younger brother of James Franco, has had a great year in Hollywood this past year thanks to roles in "Fright Night," "21 Jump Street" and the upcoming flick "Warm Bodies." Now Deadline has learned that Franco has reteamed with Summit Entertainment to star in the drama "Now You See Me." The heist drama will see the actor play one of the Four Horsemen, a group of illusionists who pull off capers during their performances. The flick also stars Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman and Isla Fisher. "Taken 2" Gets Its Villain "Taken 2" will be keeping its villains in the family, according to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter. The news outlet has learned that Rade Serbedzija of "Batman Begins" and "Snatch" fame has landed the role of the bad guy in the upcoming Liam Neeson-starring sequel. He will play Murad, the father of the kidnapper who was slain at the end of "Taken." He takes Neeson and Famke Fanssen's characters hostage, and their daughter -- played by Maggie Grace -- is enlisted to help rescue them. "Taken 2" hits theaters on October 5, 2012. Shortlist Released For "A Good Day To Die Hard" Now that "Die Hard 5" has a release date (February 14 2013) and an official title ("A Good Day To Die Hard"), director John Moore can finally cast the son of Bruce Willis's character John McClane. Variety got their hands on a shortlist of actors being looked at for the part. Apparently "Breaking Dad's" Aaron Paul, "There Will Be Blood's" Paul Dano, "Heroes'" Milo Ventimiglia and "3:10 to Yuma's" Ben Foster will all test for the role. Fox is also interested in Paul Walker for the role, but he isn't expected to test for it. Tell us your thoughts on today's Casting Call in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Discovery Communications Names JB Perrette Chief Digital Officer

NY - Discovery Communications said Monday that it has hired former NBCUniversal executive Jean-Briac "JB" Perrette as chief digital officer, effective Oct. 17. Perrette was most recently president, digital and affiliate distribution and content distribution strategy for NBCUniversal where he also had a leadership role at online video joint venture Hulu. He will now be reunited with Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav, a former NBCUniversal executive, to whom he will report. The appointment is a sign that Discovery is looking to further grow its digital business and revenue. "I look forward to expanding Discovery's presence in the digital space, finding new opportunities to earn value for its robust content and driving viewer engagement on all screens," Perrette said. "JB is one of the top digital strategists in the media industry today and joins Discovery at an important time in our growth and development," said Zaslav. "We look forward to JB's leadership in taking Discovery to the next level of growth as we continue focusing on creating value, deepening engagement with more viewer sampling of our brands, and monetizing our 25-year programming library across an increasing number of digital distribution platforms." Perrette will lead the company's digital strategy, including Discovery's U.S. Web sites, such as Discovery.com, TLC.com and HowStuffWorks.com, digital operations and programming group and digital distribution efforts with non-traditional affiliates, such as Apple, Netflix and Amazon.He will also be responsible for Discovery Commerce, including licensing and home entertainment. Monthly video streams across Discovery's U.S. sites are up 83 percent to 126 million this year, and the sites average more than 50 million monthly unique visitors, the company said. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics NBCUniversal Discovery Communications

ROLL CALL: Is Drew Barrymore Looking To Marry?

First Published: October 6, 2011 1:32 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Drew Barrymore and art consultant Will Kopelman attend Chanels benefit dinner for the Natural Resources Defense Councils Ocean Initiative at the home of Ron & Kelly Meyer in Malibu, Calif. on June 4, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans Do We Hear Wedding Bells?: Is Drew Barrymore, 37, looking to marry boyfriend Will Kopelman? According to Us Weekly, the actress wants to get hitched with the 34-year-old art consultant. [She] is yearning to get married and have kids, a mag source claimed. Hes madly in love and knows shes The One, but he just needs a bit more time. The source goes on to claim that Drew is also looking to expand her family, saying, I could see her getting pregnant before they get married! Moving On!: Just a day after her split from Leonardo DiCaprio was announced, Blake Lively was spotted in NY City on Wednesday looking radiant as always. She had her tarot cards read at a pre-Halloween event at the Renaissance Hotel. Check out the newly single, Blake HERE! Moving On With A New Man: Kelsey Grammer has remarried since splitting with Camille Grammer and now the Bravo star has jumped back into the dating pool. According to People, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is casually dating attorney Dimitri Charalambopoulos, and shes reportedly introduced him to some of her fellow Real Housewives. No word if any of them can pronounce or spell his last name. Check out Camille and Dimitri, HERE! Tom Cruise Dance Battle!: Tom Cruise, a wedding guest and a dance challenge! The actor was called out during a wedding reception over the weekend in Palm Springs, Calif., and Tom stepped up to the thrown dance gauntlet! Check out the actor busting a move including an almost-split and the worm HERE! - By Jesse Spero Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'War Horse': Latest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Tugging (Video)

Out Christmas Day, War Equine is Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List director Steven Spielberg's latest undertake the tolls of war. The latest trailer for that drama grows on earlier versions with increased narrative and moments from the equine, Joey, around the front lines, and connecting together with his owner Albert before England participates the very first World War. A clip opens using the equine Joey running through battlefields and jumping over foxholes. Flashbacks cut to Joey's first encounter with Albert as well as their romps with the lush British countryside. PHOTOS: Steven Spielberg on Set Following the equine is conscripted/offered, a soldier informs Albert, "I'll promise which i'll take care of him and when I'm able to, I'll return him for your care." Albert sparks to war themself, transporting a drawing of Joey anywhere he goes. One common thread between this broadened trailer and earlier versions may be the inclusion of the older guy adoring the equine, "Are you able to imagine flying on the war and also you know you cant ever look lower. You need to look forward or else you'll never go back home.Inch STORY: 'War Equine' Poster Revealed Dramatic orchestrations by John Williams and shots of stars, including Emily Watson, indicate that Spielberg is going to be tugging heartstrings together with his adaptation from the Michael Morpurgo novel. Steven Spielberg War Equine

Universal to Offer 'Tower Heist' on Early VOD for $59.99

Upping the stakes dramatically, Universal and parent company Comcast will make Brett Ratner's star-packed action comedy Tower Heist available on premium VOD for $59.99 just three weeks after the movie opens in theaters on Nov. 4.our editor recommendsEddie Murphy Will 'Deliver' as Oscars Host, Say Show Producers (Q&A)Eddie Murphy's Oscar Gig: What Viewers and the Industry Are Saying'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Apologizes for Epilepsy Joke in Movie's Trailer (Video) PHOTOS: The Biggest Failed Jokes at the Oscars Labeled a test, Tower Hesist, starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick, will be offered to roughly 500,000 Comcast digital subsribers in Portland and Atlanta. The move, however, could irk theater owners, who are opposed to shrinking the theatrical window to even 60 days, but Universal insiders say film studio chairman Adam Fogelson tried to ward off any opposition by informing exhibitors that such a test was forthcoming. VIDEO: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer "The first of its kind, this experiment will allow the two companies to sample consumer appetite for this film in this window at this price while allowing the film to achieve its full potential at the box office," a Universal spokesperson said. Earlier this year, exhibitors threatened to change their trailer policies when Warner Bros., Fox, Sony and Universal launched a test premium VOD service on DirecTV, offering titles including Unknown and Just Go With It 60 days after their theatrical release for $29.99. The test wasn't considered successful. Behind the scenes, studio executives questioned whether 60 days was too long of a time period. Universal said other "other experiments are being contemplated by the two companies to give a rounder picture of what kind of a PVOD experience is the most attractive to consumers." The $59.99 test was first reported by The Los Angeles Times. Related Topics Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Universal Pictures Ben Stiller

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