the industry

Industry Roundup: Elizabeth Perkins, Rourke

Out Of The Weeds: Elizabeth Perkins will be ending her run as Celia Hodes on Showtime’s Weeds - a role which has earned her three Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations over five years - to play James Marsden’s mother in the upcoming live-action/CG-animated comedy Hop. Hop, directed by Tim Hill (Alvin and the Chipmunks), centers on an unemployed slacker (Marsden) who “accidentally injures the son of the Easter Bunny” (voiced by Russell Brand) and must help him recover. For perplexed Weeds fans, there is at least this to provide some solace: Perkins is “developing a comedy series as a starring vehicle for herself.” And for perplexed everyone, there is this fact: Perkins is only 13 years older than her Hop on-screen son. [HR]

Great Scott: Mickey Rourke is in talks to star in two upcoming films from director Tony Scott. The first is Potzdamer Platz (a title that, unsurprisingly, is likely to change, Deadline says), a film about “two soldiers in a New Jersey-based crime family who try to expand internationally.” The second is Hell’s Angels, in which Rourke would play Sonny Barger, a “tough guy” who formed an Oakland Angels chapter and helped spread the group nationally. Scott has met with Shia LaBeouf to play a cop who investigates alleged criminal activity within the group. So the wait continues for a Rourke rom com project opposite Reese Witherspoon. [Deadline]

Gunn Goes Blue: Tim Gunn has nabbed a role in The Smurfs Movie, currently shooting in New York, as an executive assistant at a major cosmetic company. We wonder what he would have to say about Gargamel’s garb. [Variety]

Gunn Goes Blue: Tim Gunn has nabbed a role in The Smurfs Movie, currently shooting in New York, as an executive assistant at a major cosmetic company. We wonder what he would have to say about Gargamel’s garb. [Variety]

Forever Young: Neil Young is recording a new album with U2/Bob Dylan producer Daniel Lanois. There is no other information yet regarding what will be Young’s first studio release since 2009’s Fork in the Road. Young will also be taking off on a solo North American tour of 13 dates from May 18 to June 7. So, more like a mini-tour. [Billboard]

Solo Party: Bloc Party lead singer Kele, whose debut solo album The Boxer is out June 22 in the U.S., will tour this summer in England and North America through the end of August. He will be accompanied by a live band… that’s, uh, not Bloc Party. Awkward. [Pitchfork]

Industry Roundup: Elizabeth Perkins, Rourke