Q: I’ve really been looking forward to Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Great Gatsby” coming out for Christmas, but now I hear it’s been postponed. Why the delay, and when will it come out? — Cassandra W., via e-mail A: The Baz Luhrmann 3-D adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald — which also stars Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton — is now slated for a summer 2013 release. Warner Bros. president of distribution, Dan Fellman, reasoned: “We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible” [by giving it a summer release].
Q: I just watched the season finale of “Rizzoli & Isles,” and already I can’t wait for the next season. Please tell me it has been renewed for a fourth season! — Dottie R., Roanoke, Va.
A: I am happy to report that there will indeed be a fourth season of TNT’s hit drama, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. The summer’s No. 1 returning scripted drama will be back in summer 2013 for another 15 episodes of mystery-solving fun. TNT has proved to be a summer force to be reckoned with, with such original scripted hits as “R & I,” “Falling Skies,” “Perception,” “Dallas” and more shows that are smashing viewing records all over the place.
Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite actors, Gabriel Byrne, has been up to since “In Treatment”? What can I see him in? — Roger T., via e-mail
A: The talented Irishman stars in the new History channel scripted series called “Vikings,” which is based upon a real-life Viking king named Ragnar Lothbrok — played by Travis Fimmel — who literally exploded out of Scandinavia and onto the world stage in the 8th century. A young Norwegian farmer with a wife and family, Lothbrok is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (played by Gabriel), who continues to send his Viking raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves. Haraldson and Lothbrok become adversaries as Lothbrok’s ambitions threaten Haraldson’s rule. The series — now filming in Ireland — also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen and Katheryn Winnick. It is set for a 2013 release.
Readers: A few months back, I held a contest for one reader to win the great summer read “Eat, Drink, and Be Married” by Rebecca Bloom. After sifting through the entries, I have randomly chosen a winner: Dorine T. of Terryville, Conn. Be on the lookout for your book, and I hope you enjoy it! All others who’d like to get in one last summer pleasure, head to amazon.com and order a copy for yourself — and maybe one for a friend. And go to www.celebrityextraonline.com to read my full interview with the talented author, and to see what she has coming up next.
