Q and A: Week of July 18

Q: I keep reading about there being a remake of “Red Dawn” in the works (with no release date in sight), and I wondered how stars of the original 1984 version felt about this? I have my doubts they’ll be able to pull it off — the original is such a cult classic. — Brandi R., Erie, Pa.

A: I spoke with Lea Thompson, who played Erica in the original movie, and she also is a little iffy about the remake.

“I have my doubts, clearly,” she said, “because they haven’t released it yet although it’s supposedly been done for ages. I’ll be really interested to see it. One of the really amazing things about the original ‘Red Dawn’ is that there were no special effects in terms of computer-generated effects. Everything that happened really happened, which makes it more of a visceral nightmare. Sometimes some things left to the imagination are actually more haunting.”

You can catch Lea starting July 30 in Hallmark Movie Channel’s “The Cabin,” where she plays a single mom who brings her kids to Scotland for fun and games, and for her, a little unexpected romance. She also stars in ABC Family’s “Switched at Birth,” and is featured in December’s Oscar contender “J. Edgar,” which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench and Naomi Watts.

Q: I can’t believe Chris Meloni left “Law and Order: SVU”! Who will they get to replace him? — Anna F., Fresno, Calif.

A: “Cold Case” alum Danny Pino is set to fill Detective Stabler’s absence. As “SVU” enters its 13th season, Mariska Hargitay has opted for a reduced role, having signed on for only the first 13 episodes of the new season. So, to help fill that void, actress Kelli Giddish (“Chase” and “Past Life”) has been cast as a new detective as well.

Q: I love "Thw Twilight Saga" and wondered, are there are plans to bring Stephenie Meyers’ sci-fi novel, “The Host,” to the big screen? — Selena F., via e-mail

A: Open Road films announced that the big-screen adaptation of Stephenie’s apocalyptic book will be released March 29, 2013. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan (“The Lovely Bones” and “Atonement”) as Melanie Stryder, and it is scheduled to begin shooting this February in Louisiana and New Mexico.

Q: Who is going to be the new boss on “The Office”? — Janie P., via e-mail

A: James Spader is all set to pick up where Steve Carell left off. This got me to thinking: Who would be a perfect foil to play James’ wife? None other than Beth Littleford. I asked Beth what she thought of the idea, and she is on board, stating: “I’d love to play his wife. I’ve had a thing for James Spader for 25-plus years. Blame ‘Tuff Turf’ (and also Steff, the sexy, arrogant yuppie from “Pretty in Pink”). Then again, I’d happily play Dwight Schrute’s wife, Stanley Hudson’s wife or Phyllis Vance’s life partner.”

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Interview: Edi Gathegi Is First Class

Edi Gathegi, photo by Tyler Shields

"X-Men: First Class" opens nationwide tomorrow to excellent reviews, and I am sure, an excellent box office as well. I recently spoke with Edi Gathegi — perhaps best known for his portrayal of Laurent in "Twilight" and "New Moon" — who plays Darwin in this latest superhero incarnation. You can bet he's got me itching to see this thinking-man's action movie.

Celebrity Extra: My first major exposure to you as an actor was in the "Twilight" series. When you were filming "Twilight," at the time it was a smallish movie that not a lot of people knew about. And then it just exploded, I think a lot with the help of MTV and the Internet. Could you have ever guessed that it would morph into such a mega enterprise that it’s become?

Edi Gathegi: Well, a couple of things happened, I went through different generations of emotional feelings about it. I thought when I first booked it, knowing the book series, I immediately thought I would be a part of a trilogy. They were making the first movie of a three-book series ("Breaking Dawn" had not been published). I thought, This is it; this is the major franchise. And the reality of it is, people have to actually go to the movie in order for them to want to make the sequel. So, my expectations had dropped, and my hopes and dreams were dashed. 

And then we made the movie, and we experienced a common occurrence where a lot of the fans camped out overnight just to see us. The increase of the book sales was astronomical after we did the movie. So, that restored my confidence that this could be major, and then it did become major. But then my character didn’t survive past the second movie. (Laughter) It was up and down, up and down, but nevertheless, it’s still a great thing to be a part of.



CE: Were you disappointed to be killed off in "New Moon"?

EG: No, there is a reason for everything. I was definitely disappointed, but at the same time if I hadn’t had gotten “fired” from the team at "House," and if I wouldn’t have gotten "fired" from "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn," then I wouldn’t have gotten to do "X-Men: First Class." And "X-Men" honesty is like a dream of mine, because I was an excellent fan growing up, and I love the first two movies that they did. And to be a part of the "X-Men" franchise is such an honor, in any capacity.

CE: What can you tell me about your character and his place in the movie, without giving away too much, because I like to remain spoiler-free.

EG: Good, that’s a good way to go into it. I’m the same way. So, I don’t know anything about my character to that effect. (Laughter) Just kidding. My character, his name is Darwin. He’s named after Charles Darwin, because his mutation is reaction adaptation. Which basically means he’s in a constant state of evolution. Like if the house fills up in flames, he becomes fireproof. If he gets thrown into the ocean, he grows gills. If he gets capitulated into outer space for some bizarre reason, he doesn’t need oxygen to breathe. He will adapt to any environment to keep himself alive.

CE: Wow, that’s the best superpower!

EG: You know what? I think so too! Darwin is a relatively new mutant introduced into the franchise. But if he was around when I was a kid, it would be all about Darwin. As it was, I was all about Wolverine. That’s who I loved. But if Darwin were there, I would have been a Darwin geek.

CE: You also have a lot of kick-ass actors in the movie with you. Like, James McAvoy and Kevin Bacon. How were they to work with and how was the cast in general?

EG: Goodness gracious — they assembled a fiercely talented cast. Kevin Bacon: He’s Hollywood royalty. He’s an old-school brilliant actor, and he’s like the nicest guy. He’s the most noncelebrity celebrity you’ll ever meet. Super down-to-earth, super funny, super nice and smart — I’m a huge fan of Kevin Bacon, can you tell? 

And then James McAvoy, he’s just got crazy skill. We did a read-through on one of the first days, and I was just in awe of him. I said, “If he does his performance just like he did this first read-through, he’s gonna slay it!" Michael Fassbender: He’s a real actor; he’s a man’s man. He’s got a lot of talent. Across the board, they just hired talented people.

CE: What I really love about the "X-Men" franchise is that they hire actors first. It’s not that they’re hiring action stars, they hire actors first. I think that’s what makes them a step above many of the other action franchises.

EG: I think what makes a good movie is story and characters; "X-Men" is going to have the strength of a blockbuster movie, and it's also about character and story. It's definitely the thinking-man’s action movie. Which in my opinion makes the best kind of action movie. 

CE: I guess you’re accustomed to it because of "Twilight," but are you ready for the fanboys and fangirls craziness when this comes out?
EG: I think so. I think I’ve been through the rodeo once or twice before, and I think instead of the girls screaming, it will be the guys being shy. Because guys try to play it cool: “Hey, you’re in 'X-Men'! That’s cool, man. Good luck.”

CE: What can you tell me about the pilot for USA network, in which you're slated to star?

EG: The pilot is called "Wild Card," and it’s about Vegas law. Basically, when people go to Vegas and they have the saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But only if you happen to get a lawyer. Let’s say someone gets thrown in jail for partying too hard or doing whatever. Our job is to get him out of jail before the sun comes up. So, it’s like a 12-hour nighttime procedural with a comic twist. Quirky characters, fun scenarios and I play the detective to the lawyers.

CE: I really like that premise. I would watch that.

EG: Well, you should! It’s probably going to be picked up. It’s a great script, I met Ben (Lawson) yesterday at a barbecue, and I think he’s just a great actor. He’s going to do so well on the show. And the script is solid. I love my character. I cannot wait to play it. Hopefully people respond to it and it has a chance to be on the air.

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Interview: Michael Welch: "Eclipse Is the Best Film Yet!"

The third installment of the Twilight series, "Eclipse," hits theaters on July 30. I had the chance to talk with the ever-affable Michael Welch about the new movie, as well as Twilight conventions and his new film, "Unrequited."

Celebrity Extra: “Eclipse” comes out soon, and I have to tell you, as a fan of the book and film series, I couldn’t be more excited.

Michael Welch: I’ll say this, I just saw “Eclipse” myself and it is, in my opinion, the best film in the franchise by far. I’m thrilled about it. The thing that I think is so great is that it contains all the elements of the first two films. You still have that love triangle, and in fact it intensifies quite a bit. The relationship between Edward and Jacob really gets tense and comes to a crescendo by the end of the film. In addition to all that, there is an edge to it. There is a darkness to it that I don’t think was there for the first two films. The first films, there is definitely somewhat of a dark tone, but it gets a little bit more into that in “Eclipse.” I think that is going to attract more of a male audience, but I don’t think we are going to lose any of our female followers. I’m very excited. I think that fans are going to be thrilled about it. It exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy with it.

CE: As long as we have shirtless, good-looking boys, you’re not gonna lose your female audience!

MW: Yeah, they worked really hard on that. I’m good buddies with a lot of the wolf boys. I remember when they went up for that training. They had months and months of training and building up. It’s very cool. They all worked really hard and it paid off. The fighting looks incredible. I wish there was more of it.

CE: Do you sometimes wish your character had more of an action role, so you could be in some of those cool, special-effects scenes?

MW: No, I’m very happy with my role. That stuff is very difficult. I don’t envy people who have to work on fight choreography for months at a time. I’m sure it would be a lot of fun. At the end of the day, I think Mike Newton serves a very specific purpose in this franchise, and it’s been a lot of fun for me to be able to play him. I certainly don’t regret anything.

CE: Were there any particular scenes you were excited about filming, or were you just glad to get back on set to see and work with everyone again?

MW: Yeah that’s exactly it. Most films that you work on, they last about three months. You get really close to people and then unfortunately, more often than not, you never see them again. In this case, over these two years I get to work with – and possibly even two more years depending on how things go – I get to work with the same people as the same characters. It’s really great. We’ve all been on this journey together too. That’s another thing. It’s been quite a bonding experience. None of us were famous coming into this. They intentionally got an unknown cast, which I think was a smart decision on someone’s part because it sort of allowed the audience to believe all of us as these characters. So for “Eclipse,” there wasn’t any particular scene I was excited about filming. Most of my stuff is just in the cafeteria once again. I was just excited to see all my old friends and catch up and make sure everybody’s doing well.

CE: Have you thought about how you’re going to feel when you wrap up that final day of shooting, almost like you’re “graduating” from the series and leaving behind all those friends and memories?

MW: That is the perfect way of putting it. It will be a bittersweet moment on that last day after the last shot when it’s all said and done, and then that’s it. There’s no more for us to milk out of these stories or discover as these characters. That will be the end of the journey. Then we’ll just have our memories about the whole thing. It’s all been very surreal from the very beginning. It still is. It’s never really quite sunk in. But yes, to answer your question, I have thought about that moment. All I can say is that at the end of the day, I’m just very grateful to have gotten to be a part of this. When that moment comes, we will all move on and hopefully have long careers and adventures.

CE: I see you have a few “Twilight” conventions that you’ll be appearing at, including a trip to Paris and an Alaskan cruise. Do you do many, and what do you like about these conventions? The travel certainly must be a bonus.

MW: I do a lot of “Twilight" conventions. They’re a lot of fun. First of all, as you mentioned, you get to travel to all different kinds of places, and I’ve been all across the country. I’ve maybe done, who knows, 20, 25 of these conventions now. What’s great about it is that you really get a sense of not only the cultural impact of this story, but how this franchise affects people on a personal level. You really get a sense of the passion and the joy and the excitement that it brings out of people. And for me to get to experience some of that, to get to be in some ways the vessel in which a lot of these emotions come out is pretty remarkable. I know it’s not because of me, because I’m the same guy as I was before, it’s because of this thing that I’m a part of. And that’s not lost on me because of these conventions. I really get a sense of what (author) Stephenie (Meyer) created here and how much people love it. It’s a lot of fun.

CE: Last we spoke, you had recently wrapped on the film “Unrequited.” Any word on when that is coming out? It looks really good – and intense – from the trailer I saw.

MW: Thank you. The film should be released sometime before the end of this year. I don’t have a release date yet. The film was just a Cannes and there is going to be a premiere coming up in July. So, I think we are going to get it out there and I hope it gets as wide a release as possible. Beyond that, I don’t have any details. I’ll definitely keep everybody updated as soon as I know what the deal is.

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All the Cullens Returning for Breaking Dawn

(Press Release from Summit Entertainment)

Los Angeles, CA May 19, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Elizabeth Reaser, and Nikki Reed will all return as members of the Cullen Family in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN. These cast members join Billy Burke as Charlie Swan.

Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. The project is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg with Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer producing. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN is slated to be released November 18, 2011.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

The family of vampires, to which the leading male character Edward Cullen belongs, is comprised of Facinelli as Carlisle, Greene as Alice, Lutz as Emmett, Rathbone as Jasper, Reaser as Esme, and Reed as Rosalie.

The third film in the franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is due in theaters on June 30, 2010.

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Q and A: Week of May 17

Q: While I love hearing about all the “Twilight” kids, I’d really like to know what my favorite vampire, Peter Facinelli, has in the works. — Ingrid S., via e-mail

A: Peter Facinelli, aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen, is ready to prove his action credentials — he’s reportedly signed up to star as World Lightweight Champion Vinny Pazienza, called “Paz.” The boxer stunned doctors by returning to the ring just three months after a near-fatal car crash in the 1990s. The movie is set to start shooting next year. Peter also has written a movie for the Hallmark Channel, in which wife (and “90210″ alum) Jennie Garth will star. He’s also keeping busy on the small screen as Dr. Fitch Cooper on Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Nurse Jackie.”

Q: I was so happy that TNT picked up “Southland” earlier this season when NBC failed to renew it for the second season. Is there any word yet on whether TNT plans to give it a third season? — Gerry F., Scranton, Pa.

A: TNT recently announced — to the delight of many die-hard fans — that it has renewed the critically acclaimed cop drama “Southland” for its third season. The 10-episode Season Three will begin airing in January 2011. TNT executive vice president Michael Wright praises “Southland” as “a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative story lines and complex characters.” And by the looks of my mailbag, many of the show’s fans agree.

Q: I first saw “Avatar” on the big screen in 3-D at Christmastime, and I wasn’t too sure I’d like it as much watching it on DVD on my small screen at home, but I am glad to say I was wrong. I am amazed that such an epic movie can also be so warm and intimate, as I find it to be this way on my 50-inch television screen. What do you think? — Davey P., via e-mail

A: I couldn’t agree more. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that “Avatar” is not just an action/special-effects vehicle, it also is a wonderful story. When I spoke with CCH Pounder (who played Mo’at) recently about her attraction to the story line, she had this to say: “There are a couple of things that made me really happy. Regardless of the fact that this is a fairly familiar story, it’s a very strong story. It’s a story of our journey. It’s a story about people. And while you are watching the story of these people, you get to see this extraordinary life form all around you.”

Q: When will the new “Sex and the City” movie be out? I think I might explode in anticipation. — Nikki R., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Hold on just a few more days! “Sex in the City 2″ is due in theaters on May 27. Note that this is a Thursday, and not the usual Friday (or Wednesday) opening day.

Q: I am thrilled that so many of my favorite shows from the 1970s and ’80s are beginning to show up on DVD. Can you tell me when “Falcon Crest” will be out on DVD. I can’t wait! — Janet U. in Florida

A: Wait no longer. “Falcon Crest: Season 1” is now out on DVD, and can be found wherever DVDs are sold and rented. I also can’t wait to re-live those Tuscany Valley memories, with Angela’s scheming, Lance’s lady-killing and Maggie’s voice of reason. It is especially fun to see Susan Sullivan’s portrayal of Maggie back then compared with her hilarious Martha Rodgers (Castle’s mom) on “Castle.”

Q: I love the addition of Rob Lowe to NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” What else does he have coming up? — Irene T., Brunswick, Ga.

A: Along with his “Parks and Rec” duties, Rob Lowe will guest star in the fourth season of the Showtime series “Californication.” Rob will play Eddie Nero, a neurotic yet talented movie star who is in the running to play Hank Moody (David Duchovny) in the film version of Hank’s hit novel. Rob will appear in at least one episode, but could become a recurring character.

Q: My mother and I are loyal viewers of the daytime soap opera “As the World Turns.” We were so sad to hear that Helen Wagner, who had been on the show since it premiered back in 1956, had passed away. How are the other cast members taking the news? — Shelli F., via e-mail

A: Helen Wagner, 91, who passed away May 1, was a soap opera icon. She even held the Guinness world record for playing the same character on TV for the longest period of time. I spoke with longtime friend and cast mate Eileen Fulton (who has played Lisa since 1960) about Helen’s passing, and she told me she felt a little shell-shocked. “My one regret is that she didn’t hang on a little longer to wrap the show up (which ends its run in September). That’s the thing that keeps haunting me. She spoke the first words on the show; we all were hoping she’d have the last words too.”

Q: I was a faithful viewer of the sitcom “Becker,” and I would like to know what the star, Ted Danson, is up to lately. — Sara S., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Ted co-stars in the Glenn Close legal drama “Damages,” which airs on FX. He also co-stars in the HBO comedy series “Bored to Death.” When Ted’s not working, you can find him tending to his organic garden at his and wife Mary Steenburgen’s home in Ojai, Calif.

READERS: A few months back, I held a contest for five lucky readers to win a DVD of Taylor Hicks’ “Whomp at the Warfield” concert DVD. Scores of loyal Taylor Hicks fans (and Celebrity Extra readers) correctly answered this question: What songs did Taylor sing in the “American Idol” finale, which ultimately crowned him the winner? (The songs were “Living for the City,” “Levon” and “Do I Make You Proud?”) Winners in the drawing were: Tammy Krebs of Groton, Conn.; Amy Hicks (no relation to Taylor!) of Theresa, N.Y.; Dorothy Mayes of Roanoke, Va.; Nicholas Russo of Norwell, Mass.; and Nancy McConnell of Stansbury Park, Utah. Keep an eye on your mailboxes, folks. Taylor Hicks is on his way!

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Breaking Dawn Has a Release Date

First we have an announcement for the director, now an announcement for the release date. Summit has set Nov. 18, 2011, as the release date for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, though the studio still isn't saying whether the final book adaptation will be one movie or two.

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Bill Condon to Direct Breaking Dawn

(Press Release)

Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg, and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer will produce the project.

"Bringing Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensitivity,” said Erik Feig, President of Production and Acquisitions, for Summit Entertainment.

Added author Stephenie Meyer, "I'm so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he's going to be a great fit, and I'm excited to see what he does with the material."

“I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience," said Bill Condon.

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Stephenie Meyer to Release Eclipse-Related Novella

(From the Associated Press)

Attention Twilight fans: Stephenie Meyer has a new book coming out.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will release The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner on June 5.

The novella is told from the viewpoint of Bree, a newborn vampire featured in Eclipse. That's one of the books in Meyer's best-selling teen-vampire saga.

Meyer says in a statement Tuesday the novella had originally been planned for The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide. But she says it became too long to fit into the guide.

The publisher says one dollar for each book sold in the U.S. from the first printing of 1.5 million copies will be donated to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. It supports disaster relief efforts such as those in Haiti and Chile.

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New Moon Wolf Premiere

This is funny, and too cute!

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See the First Eclipse Poster

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Q and A: Week of March 22

Q: I would like to know if Sean Astin, who narrated “Meerkat Manor,” is Sally Field’s son. — Edith P., Warner Robins, Ga.

A: Sean Astin, also of “Goonies” and “Lord of the Rings” fame, is the son of a famous actress; however, it is not Sally Field. Patty Duke is Sean’s mom, and his father is Michael Tell, to whom Patty was married for less than a month before getting the marriage annulled. His stepfather, actor John Astin (Gomez of “The Addams Family”) adopted Sean and brought him up as his own.

Sean — a husband and father of three — is busy directing, acting and doing voice-over work. He is currently working on the animated feature “Cat Tale,” starring as a cat named Rover, along with the vocal talents of Stanley Tucci, Elisha Cuthbert, Catherine O’Hara, David Cross, Fred Willard and a whole slew of other A-listers.

Q: I really like “The Deep End” on ABC. The redheaded legal secretary looks a lot like Victoria, the vampire from “Twilight.” Is it the same person? And will the show be back? — Crystal G. in Michigan

A: That is indeed Rachelle Lefevre playing Katie Campbell. She also plays Victoria in “Twilight” and “New Moon.” Due to misunderstandings and scheduling conflicts, Rachelle was replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in “Eclipse,” the third installment of “The Twilight Saga.” ABC has not yet made a decision on whether “The Deep End” will be renewed. For now, all five episodes can be found on ABC.com.

Q: I was a faithful viewer of “Deadwood,” and I wonder what its star, Ian McShane (pictured), is doing now. — Henry F., via e-mail

A: Ian McShane is all set to play Blackbeard in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” He joins Johnny Depp, who returns for the fourth time as the lovable pirate, Jack Sparrow, as they face off against each other in their quest to locate the Fountain of Youth. Penelope Cruz also is ready to set sail. Shooting will begin this summer, and the film is scheduled for release in May 2011. Do I smell summer blockbuster?

Q: I have been a fan of Jan-Michael Vincent for many years. Can you give me a little history on him? — Sandy L., Oatman, Ariz.

A: In the 1970s and ’80s, Jan-Michael Vincent, now 65, was the go-to man for good-looking, square-jawed protagonists. His career reached its pinnacle during the 1980s with his starring role on TV’s “Airwolf.” In 1996, he was involved in a very serious car accident in which his neck was broken and his vocal cords damaged. He was in another car accident in 2008. Jan-Michael has battled alcoholism most of his adult life with numerous arrests involving DUIs and public drunkenness. Since his 2002 appearance in “White Boy,” Jan-Michael has stayed out of the public spotlight.

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First Official Eclipse Trailer

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Michael Welch on Music

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Robert Pattinson Is 'Bothered'

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Celebrity Q&A, March 2

Q: I heard that Kate Winslet (pictured left) is going to star in a television show. Is that true? I can’t imagine her leaving the big screen behind to be a TV star! – Delilah M., via e-mail

A: Oscar-winning British actress Kate Winslet is indeed coming to a television set near you, but the move is definitely not permanent. Kate has signed on to star in the HBO miniseries “Mildred Pierce,” which begins shooting in April. But she is not leaving the big screen behind. She has one as-yet-untitled movie in the can (co-starring the likes of Gerard Butler, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman and Emma Stone) and another feature film in the works called “Contagion,” which stars Matt Damon, Jude Law and Marion Cotillard.

Q: What’s Kirstie Alley been up to lately? I’ve always been a fan of hers, but haven’t seen her in a while. — Kathy D. in Maryland

A: Aside from her occasional Twitter battles with Joy Behar, Kirstie has been keeping a pretty low profile as of late. However, all of that will change when her new A&E reality series, “Big Life,” premieres on Sunday, March 21. “Big Life” follows Kirstie as she tries to shed the 75 pounds she has put on (and lost, and put back on) in recent years, as well as raise her two teenage children, produce a feature film and care for eight ringtail lemurs (yes, I said lemurs).

Q: I am a big fan of “The Twilight Saga,” and I really need to know if “Breaking Dawn” is going to be one movie or split into two. I don’t see how all that’s in the book could ever fit into one movie. — Livy T., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: It would be next to impossible to make “Breaking Dawn” as a single movie without losing a LOT in the translation. Author Stephenie Meyer is of the same belief, and she pretty much has the final say when it comes to the movies. Many sources within Summit Entertainment are confirming (although not officially yet) that “Breaking Dawn” will follow in the footsteps of the Harry Potter series and be broken up into two movies. This should make everyone happy: Fans of the book series won’t feel as if the conclusion is being rushed; fans of the movie series will get to see more Rob Pattinson; and the folks behind the scenes will get more cash in their pockets.

Q: I was shocked by the sudden death of actress Brittany Murphy. Before she passed, was she working on or had she completed any movies that we fans will get to see her in, one last time? — Heather G., via e-mail

A: Before her death in December, Brittany, 32, had completed work on a movie called “Abandon,” which co-stars Dean Cain and Mimi Rogers. Anchor Bay Entertainment plans to release the thriller this summer.

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Pattinson "Reportedly" Confirms Stewart Romance Rumours

(from WENN News)

Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson has reportedly confirmed he is dating co-star Kristen Stewart, ending months of speculation.

The Brit has been romantically linked to Stewart ever since the pair starred in the first movie in the vampire franchise together in 2008.

The actors have constantly dodged questions about their love lives, but now Pattinson has allegedly announced he's dating the American star.

The pair both attended the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in London on Sunday, where Stewart picked up the Orange Rising Star trophy.

Both Pattinson and Stewart kept their distance at the ceremony at the British capital's Royal Opera House, but were later spotted leaving the afterparty at Grosvenor House together.

And the actor has now admitted he is in a relationship with Stewart, but explains they have to stay apart for the sake of their fans.

He reportedly tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "It is extremely difficult but we are together, yes. We can't arrive at the same time because of the fans. It goes crazy. This was supposed to be a public appearance as a couple but it's impossible. We are here together and it's a public event but it's not easy. We have to do all this stuff to avoid attention." »

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