Johnny Depp's Cannibal Movie Gets a Christmas Release
Jackie Chan, Oliver Stone, and more!

Sweeney to Dine at a Theater Near You: DreamWorks and Paramount have decided to forgo a platform release for the Tim Burton–directed film of the Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and instead open the Johnny Depp–starring film wide on December 21. Because nothing says Christmas like a vengeance-obsessed singing cannibal. [Variety]
Chan Temporarily Sidelined From Kingdom: Jackie Chan has reported severe back pain on the set of The Forbidden Kingdom, his first collaboration with fellow martial-arts star Jet Li. Chan’s doctors are recommending that he stop carrying Chris Tucker’s career all by himself. [Backstage]
Stone Returns to Pinkville: Oliver Stone is in final negotiations to direct Bruce Willis and Step Up star Channing Tatum in Pinkville, a film centered on an investigation into the My Lai massacre in Vietnam. You gotta hand it to Oliver Stone: Between this film and Platoon, he’s the only filmmaker in history for whom “repeating himself” means “multiple depictions of Vietnamese village massacres.” [HR]
Baio Still 45, Still Single: In a much-less high-minded retread, Scott Baio returns to VH1 for a second season of Scott Baio is 45
and Single. Year two is set to chronicle Baio’s struggle with impending fatherhood. Even just imagining this is so wearying that we need to call our life coach. [HR]
2007 Kicks 2004’s Ass: Total North American box office for the summer of 2007 is estimated at $4.11 billion, surpassing 2004’s record of $4.009 billion. In related news, Hollywood executives are adding “Part 3” and “A Judd Apatow Production” to the titles of all their forthcoming releases. [HR]