Ender's Game Author Fires Back at Movie Boycott Threat: Gay Marriage Issue Is Now "Moot"

Orson Scott Card maintains that his classic novel Ender's Game is set more than 100 years into the future and "has nothing to do with political issues that did not exist when the book was written in 1984."

Henceforth, there's no reason not to see the movie adaptation coming out in November!

But speaking of coming out...

PHOTOS: Movies from the future

Card has garnered himself a reputation for being outspokenly against the justice system getting involved with the legalization of same-sex marriage, and his long-time stance came back to bite him (and, possibly, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate) recently when the gay-rights-meets-pop-culture-appreciation group Geeks OUT called for a boycott of the film.

"Do NOT see this movie! Do not buy a ticket at the theater, do not purchase the DVD, do not watch it on-demand," group officials wrote in their online campaign. "Ignore all merchandise and toys. However much you may have admired his books, keep your money out of Orson Scott Card's pockets."

The author has written voluminously on the subject, including a February 2004 essay in which he opined: "Regardless of their opinion of homosexual 'marriage,' every American who believes in democracy should be outraged that any court should take it upon itself to dictate such a social innovation without recourse to democratic process."

In 2009, he joined the National Organization of Marriage, a strict opponent of legalizing gay marriage, and wrote in the Mormon Times that year: "Marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down."

PHOTOS: 13 best pics of people celebrating the Supreme Court's DOMA and Prop 8 decisions

Card's stance today, meanwhile, is that no one should hold his views against Ender's Game—especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decisions striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and allowing Prop 8 to fall by the wayside in California.

"With the recent Supreme Court ruling, the gay marriage issue becomes moot," Card said in a statement toEntertainment Weekly. "The Full Faith and Credit clause of the Constitution will, sooner or later, give legal force in every state to any marriage contract recognized by any other state.

Now it will be interesting to see whether the victorious proponents of gay marriage will show tolerance toward those who disagreed with them when the issue was still in dispute."

Ender's Game, about a gifted boy drafted into military school  in an apocalyptic future where the first order of business is defending the planet against a coming alien invasion, boasts an all-star cast that includes Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield (as Ender), Ben Kingsley,Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis and Abigail Breslin. Gavin Hood directed and adapted Card's novel for the screen.

George Clooney and Stacy Keibler Break Up, She "Was Acting Like a Single Lady"

After two years together, George Clooneyand Stacy Keibler have reportedly gone their separate ways.

The longtime couple have been spotted working on their own projects in the recent months, with their busy schedules keeping them in separate parts of the world.

The 52-year-old actor has been filming The Monuments Men in Berlin as of late, alongside pal Matt Damon.

Keibler came to visit her beau on the set back in March but the two haven't been seen together since.

NEWS: Stacy Keibler is headed to the NFL, well, kind of

Rumors began swirling that the two had broken up after the 33-year-old beauty was seen hanging out sans Clooney on the Fourth of July at the DeLeon Tequila party in Malibu.

But according to eyewitnesses, it looks like Keibler is taking her newfound single status in stride.

A source tells E! News that "Stacy was acting like she didn't have a care in the world," and that "she was having a very good time letting her hair hang loose."

"She was definitely acting like a single lady," the source added.

PHOTOS: Check out the lucky ladies George has romanced through the years

Meanwhile, on that same day, Clooney appeared to be enjoying some R&R at his Italian villa on Lake Cuomo.

The former couple's last date night out was at Berlin's Grill Royal, where they were joined by Clooney's Argo coproducer Grant Heslov and Damon.

After their meal, the group spent some time at Soho House before calling it a night. A mustached Clooney was seen holding hands with Keibler, who was dressed casually in black jeans and flats.

NEWS: Stacy Keibler's 3 rules for staying fit

Back in February, a smitten Keibler told E! News that she "loved" her leading man's latest accessory, his beard.

"I was a little surprised how gray it was when it come out," Clooney revealed on the red carpet. "It came out and it's gray! You're like, 'What the hell happened? I was young once but now I'm old.'"

Even though the two have remained fairly private about their relationship, Keibler did open uplast year to E! News about not being in a rush to walk donw the aisle.

"That is not on my radar at all," Keibler said. "I'm definitely the girl who doesn't talk about that kind of stuff. I'm not really interested in thinking about marriage or kids at all."

Dev Patel in Early Talks to Join Sharlto Copley in 'Chappie'

"Slumdog Millionaire" star Dev Patel is in early talks to join Sharlto Copley in MRC's "Chappie," the next sci-fi movie from "District 9" and "Elysium" director Neill Blomkamp, an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.

Blomkamp wrote the script with Terri Tatchell. Simon Kinberg is producing the character-driven movie.

Project is based on Blomkamp's short "Tetra Vaal," which was a fake ad for a robotic police force patrolling the slums of South Africa.

Copley will play one of the law enforcement robots, while Patel is just starting to make a deal to play the film's human lead.

MRC and Kinberg produced "Elysium," which Sony will release on Aug. 9. Matt Damon stars alongside Jodie Foster and Copley.

Patel next reprises his role as Neal Sampat on the second season of HBO's "The Newsroom," which returns July 14. After starring in Best Picture winner "Slumdog Millionaire," he went on to supporting roles in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and the indie drama "About Cherry."

Patel is repped by UTA, Magnolia Entertainment, Curtis Brown Group and attorney James Feldman.

Exclusive: Check Out the Striking New Poster for Upcoming HBO Doc 'The Out List'

As a portraitist, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders has moved fluidly between the worlds of photography and documentary: his work is on display at The Museum of Modern Art and The National Portrait Gallery, and he's produced and directed eight films, nearly all of them in collaboration with HBO.  His newest film, "The Out List," which will debut on HBO later this June, examines lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in the United States--and the timing really couldn't be any better.

"The Out List" follows Greenfield-Sanders The Black List Project--a trilogy of documentaries that screened on HBO from 2008-2010 along with a traveling exhibition of portraits spearheaded by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston--and his The Latino List Project, which screened in two parts in 2011 and last September.

In his new film, Greenfield-Sanders features interviews with prominent leaders in the entertainment, business and sports worlds to talk growing up gay, coming out, and pursuing a career while living openly.  Among the film's subjects are Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Cynthia Nixon, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, playwright and activist Larry Kramer, New York City Councilwoman Christine Quinn, transgender advocate Janet Mock and singer Jake Shears.

"The Out List" premieres on HBO Thursday, June 27 at 9:30 p.m., marking the 44th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the 1969 police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village that in many ways began the modern LGBT rights movement.  But the film's debut date is fitting for another reason: June 27 is seen by many as the most likely date that the U.S. Supreme Court could issue a decision on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California's marriage equality ban, and the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans federal recognition of same-sex couples' marriages.

In light of this month's historic significance, check out this dramatic new poster for "The Out List," exclusively on Thompson On Hollywood.

Justin Timberlake’s New Album Cover Is The Worst

Remember those boys in high school who were all about naked women? The ones who always talked about boobs, snuck Playboys in their lockers, and dreamt of seeing your older sister coming out of the pool? Those boys (and only them) would love Justin’s Timberlake’s new album cover. That’s because the the art for "Tunnel Vision," JT’s third release off his latest album The 20/20 Experience, is not only awful, but it makes the man whose frosted tips we once loved so much seem no more mature than a frustrated teenager. But don't let us spoil the surprise for you. 

Amanda Bynes Tweets More "Ugly" Comments About Dad and Drake

Amanda Bynes is not done throwing Twitter shade on the men in her life.

Having already compared her father, Rick Bynes, to RuPaul and slammed former crush Drake, the former child star was at it again today, calling both her dad and the rapper "ugly" in separate posts.

"Haha look at how ugly my dad's face is!" the recently verified Bynes tweeted-then-deleted along with a photo of her father. (Not her finest hour, especially so close to Father's Day, to be sure.)Earlier, she had gone after Drizzy in a mixed-message sort of way, tweeting, "I only like @Drake because he's so ugly! His ugly cheeks at the EA conference! Fine he is not, but he knows he's ugly! I've spoken to him!"

#Harsh.

Meanwhile, Drake remains silent—and we doubt that any of Bynes' recent missives have made him want to reach out.

Salma Hayek: "I Have Never Tried to Be as Beautiful as I Can Be

Salma Hayek is about as gorgeous as they come. But, according to the 47-year-old actress, she could look better. 

Come again?

"I know people have always thought I was beautiful, but I have never tried to be as beautiful as I can be," cover girl Hayek says in the July issue of InStyle.

NEWS: Lucy Hale becomes brand ambassador for Mark cosmetics

"I could do a lot more—exercise, or not eat dessert," she explains. "Or not drink alcohol. I could make bigger efforts. I don't think my first priority in life has ever been beauty. It's a little bit of a rebellious spirit in me. There is more to me than looks, of course."

Of course. But that doesn't mean plenty of women wouldn't go to drastic measures to look like her.

Speaking of which, Hayek advises those who might not be so content with themselves: "You've got to take who you are and love who you are and do the best you can with what you've got."

"That goes for the figure, and it goes for everything else," she says. "You've got to have a sense of humor about who you are and give yourself a break. You've got to be kind to yourself. And it's not easy, you know?"

The July issue of InStyle hits newsstands Friday.

'Man of Steel,' '300' Reveal Posters Heavy on Dude Appeal

Tuesday was a big day for super dude-y movie posters of upcoming Zach Snyder action flicks.

First, Mondo released two sets of posters for sale inspired by "Man of Steel" by artists Ken Taylor and Martin Ansin.

Taylor's poster depicts a young Clark Kent running through a field towards his farmhouse. The sparing use of color -- only the boy's red cape -- pops the innocent, yet dramatic rural scene.

The more traditional comic book movie poster by Ansin shows the hero in space, hovering above the Earth that he has sworn to protect. In beams are other characters from the film, a mix of friends and foes. Ansin's poster will go on sale Friday and will include a limited edition metal variant.

See photos: 35 Star-Studded, Super Dramatic 'Man of Steel' Images of Henry Cavill and Cast

In related bro-movie-poster-news, Warner Bros. Pictures and Snyder released a new one for "300: Rise of an Empire." Coincidentally (or not if you saw the bloodshed in the original "300"), the eye is drawn directly to the color red, which in this case is a tidal wave of blood.

A beaten up and exhausted Spartan catches his breath on the rocky cliff in the foreground. Don't expect the sequel to be rated PG-13.

'Black Swan' Interns Win Partial Summary Judgment Against Fox Searchlight

Two interns who said they worked on the 2010 film "Black Swan" that sued Fox Searchlight for allegedly violating minimum wage and overtime laws scored a legal victory on Tuesday, when a judge partially granted their motion for summary judgment.

In a 36-page memorandum and order, U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III found that Eric Glatt and Alexander Footman acted in the capacity of employees covered by New York Labor Law and the Fair Labor Standards Act, rather than unpaid interns, and partially granted their motion for summary judgment.

Also read: 'Black Swan' Sued for Using Unpaid Interns

Pauley also certified a class action in the matter.

Glatt and Footman initially sued Fox Seachlight in 2011, seeking unpaid wages and attorneys' fees. They are also asking that Fox Searchlight's internship practices be discontinued.

A spokesman for Fox Searchlight did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment.

"Unpaid interns are becoming the modern-day equivalent of entry-level employees, except that employers are not paying them for the many hours they work," their suit claims. "This practice runs afoul of basic wage-and-hour laws."

Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Inherent Vice’ Starting to Boost L.A. Production

Paul Thomas Anderson‘s crime drama “Inherent Vice” has started to boost location production in Los Angeles, which has seen its typical scarcity of high-profile titles so far this year.

The Warner Bros. title, starring Joaquin Phoenix, has totalled 13 days of permitted production last week, according to the FilmL.A. agency, and is set to continue shooting in Los Angeles until Aug. 2. “Vice,” based on the Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name, is set in Los Angeles in the late 1960s.

Owen Wilson, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Reese Witherspoon and Martin Short also star in pic.

Permits for “Inherent Vice”  thus far have covered a San Fernando Valley warehouse, a storefront on Slauson Boulevard, driving shots in the Canoga Park area, driving shots in canyon roads above Malibu and a warehouse in Chinatown.

The Zac Efron-Seth Rogen comedy “Townies” was one of the most active Los Angeles film productions this year with 74 days in the four weeks before it wrapped last month.

Other recent shoots in Los Angeles the year are an eclectic mix — “Bukowski,” “Captain America: Winter Solider,” “10 Things I Hate About Life,” “Dark Skies” and “Walk of Shame” — with the total paling in comparison to the activity level in the mid 1990s before lucrative incentives began luring production elsewhere. The latter three films received the California California’s Film and Television Tax Credit, which is smaller than those of rival states with a maximum of 25% of the budget.

At the Producers Guild of America’s Produced By conference on Sunday, Film Finance exec John Dellaverson said only 87 of the 586 features films bonded by Film Finance over the past six years have been shot in California. Georgia, Louisiana and New York are the top locations for independently financed films, he added.

“Purge 2″ has received the California tax credit conditionally last week for Blumhouse Prods. Universal came on board to develop the horror-thriller on Monday.

Overall off-lot production in Los Angeles last week totalled 658 days, up 11% over the same week in 2012, according to FilmL.A.  Feature films totalled 135 days.

Can Raunchy Comedy 'This Is the End' Bring Hip to Heartland Box Office?

"You'll laugh until you throw up," warns Sony's worldwide president of distribution Rory Bruer about his studio's new comedy "This Is the End."

He was kidding, hopefully, but that take seems appropriate for Seth Rogen's raunchy and gross R-rated comedy, which is getting a two-day jump on "Man of Steel" at the box office, hitting theaters nationwide Wednesday.  Sony will get the ball rolling with screenings starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at 2,300 theaters, before expanding to 3,055 locations. 

The waves of online buzz surrounding "This Is the End" will translate into box office success, the analysts say, projecting around $30 million over the five days, despite the debut of Warner Bros' Superman reboot on Friday. If there's a question regarding its box-office fate, it's how it will go over in Middle America.

"This Is the End" combines very low-brow humor with a very high concept (no "Pineapple Express" pun intended).

Also read: 'This Is the End' Review: Night of the Living Judd Apatow Ensemble (Video)

The plot from Rogen and Evan Goldberg revolves around James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson and Michael Cera playing obnoxious versions of themselves and dealing with the end of the world -- at a party.  Rihanna, Emma Watson and Mindy Kaling make cameos.

"This may be an apocalyptic horror-comedy-drama, but it's also an insider Hollywood movie, and those don't usually play outside the bigger cities," said Exhibitor Relations VP and senior analyst Jeff Bock. "It will be interesting to see if Apatow's Avengers are big enough names to make this work as a straight comedy in the mainstream."

Also read: 'This Is the End' Red Band Trailer Features Michael Cera, Jason Segel and Rihanna's Deaths (Video)

Judd Apatow isn't directly involved with "This Is the End," but his influence can be felt, with many of the featured players having collaborated with him on films including "Superbad," "40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" and TV's "Freaks and Geeks."

"I don't think this will do 'Superbad' numbers," Bock said, "because while this will attract the hipper kids, I don't know that it will be in the wheel-house of teenagers in Iowa." "Superbad," also written by Goldberg and Rogen, took in $120 million in 2007.

Sony doesn't need "This Is the End" to be a blockbuster, since the production budget is just $32 million. And Bruer didn't seem worried about connecting with the Heartland, or anywhere else for that matter.

"This movie is the best marketing tool we could have," he said. "It's an amazing ensemble cast and it's honestly among the funniest movies I've ever seen."

The Wednesday opening should help, Bruer said.

"The word of mouth on this movie has been and will be great, and the extra two days should give us some real momentum for the weekend."

The 16 Most Ridiculous Things Kanye Said In His New York Times Interview

The thing about Kanye is that he’s great. The other thing about him is that his grasp on reality is so loose, you’re always afraid he’s going to slip off into that special place reserved for chronic stoners and people who’ve been committed. Given that new album Yeezus is coming out next week and everyone seems to love hearing Kim Kardashian’s future baby daddy talk about any ole thing, there’s a quite lengthy New York Timespiece with the “visionary.” Without context, or further ado, we present the 16 most amazing things Ye said during his Malibu hangout (read: interview) with reporter Jon Caramanica, in case you haven't already read them on Twitter.

• "I will be the leader of a company that ends up being worth billions of dollars, because I got the answers. I understand culture. I am the nucleus."
   
• “I am undoubtedly, you know, Steve of Internet, downtown, fashion, culture. Period. By a long jump. I honestly feel that because Steve has passed, you know, it’s like when Biggie passed and Jay-Z was allowed to become Jay-Z.”
   
• "I am so credible and so influential and so relevant that I will change things."
   
• "The longer your ‘gevity is, the more confidence you build. The idea of Kanye and vanity are like, synonymous.”
   
• "It’s only led me to complete awesomeness at all times. It’s only led me to awesome truth and awesomeness. Beauty, truth, awesomeness. That’s all it is."
   
• “I was on the junior team when I was a freshman, that’s how good I was. But I wasn’t on my eighth-grade team, because some coach — some Grammy, some reviewer, some fashion person, some blah blah blah — they’re all the same as that coach.”
   
• “You know, if Michael Jordan can scream at the refs, me as Kanye West, as the Michael Jordan of music, can go and say, ‘This is wrong.’”
   
• “I am in the lineage of Gil Scott-Heron, great activist-type artists. But I’m also in the lineage of a Miles Davis — you know, that liked nice things also.”
   
• "I was wearing like, a Juicy Couture men’s polo shirt. We weren’t there, like, ready for war."
   
• “I looked at Justin, and I was like: ‘Do you want me to go onstage for you?’”
   
• "I don’t know if this is statistically right, but I’m assuming I have the most Grammys of anyone my age, but I haven’t won one against a white person."
   
• "I’m the type of rock star that likes to have a girlfriend, you know?"
   
• "Like, this is my baby. This isn’t America’s baby."
   
• "This one Corbusier lamp was like, my greatest inspiration...I’m a minimalist in a rapper’s body.”
   
• “Like, I want the world to be better! All I want is positive! All I want is dopeness! Why would you want to control that?”
   
• "I would go up the escalator [at Virgin music stores] and say to myself, ‘I’m soaking in these last moments of anonymity.’ I knew I was going to make it this far.”

Mumford & Sons Cancels Shows as Bassist Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Mumford & Sons announced in a statement on itswebsite Tuesday the cancellation of three concerts due to a medical emergency with bassist Ted Dwane.

The Dallas, The Woodlands and New Orleans shows will be postponed while Dwane undergoes an operation to treat a blood clot near his brain. The band was set to headline the shows, which were all sold out.

Mumford & Sons has been touring the South promoting 2012 album "Babel," which won the Grammy for Album of the Year and debuted at No. 1.

Also read: Gotye, fun., Mumford & Sons Take Top Grammy Awards

Here is the statement in its entirety:

To our fans -
Our friend and bandmate Ted has been feeling unwell for a few days, and yesterday he was taken to a hospital to receive emergency treatment. The scans revealed a blood clot on the surface of his brain that requires an operation. Ted is receiving excellent care and we are being assured that he will recover quickly from surgery.

Sadly we have to postpone three upcoming headline shows planned for this week in Dallas on Tuesday 6/11, Woodlands on Wednesday 6/12, and New Orleans on Thursday 6/13. All dates will be rescheduled and will be announced as soon as we can; all tickets for this week’s events will be honoured at their rescheduled dates. We have no plans to cancel or postpone any other appearances along this current tour.

Vikings Adds Law & Order Vet to Season 2 Cast

A New York ADA and a tribute from District 2 are becoming Vikings.

Linus Roache, best known as the Law & Orderfranchise’s Michael Cutter, and Alexander Ludwig, of The Hunger Games, will be on board for the drama’s second season.

Roache will play Ecbert, King of Wessex, “a man full of strength, knowledge and undisguised ambition,” History announced Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ludwig’s Bjorn is the smart, brave warrior son of Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel).

RELATED | Vikings Creator Drops Season 2 Hints!

Executive producer Michael Hirst teased Ragnar’s interaction with Ecbert when he spoke with TVLine at the end of the show’s freshman season. “Wessex is a much bigger kingdom in England and has a much more powerful king,” he previewed, “so it’s going to be interesting how that pans out.”

In addition to playing legal eagle Cutter on Law & Order and its SVU offshoot, Roache has appeared on the British soap Coronation Street and in the Titanic miniseries. Newcomer Ludwig has had roles in Race to Witch Mountain and the upcoming Grown Ups 2.

The highly rated series’ 10-episode Season 2, slated to bow in 2014, begins production this summer.

Cat Deeley Talks Newlywed Bliss, Baby Planning—Watch Here!

Cat Deeley is definitely still in the honeymoon phase!

The TV host married Patrick Kielty last October in a secret ceremony in Italy, and the two have been loving their time as newlyweds ever since.

"It's really lovely, it's so so lovely," she told E! News. "I'm really actually enjoying it. It's one of those things where I sorta always said, 'I don't really care either way,' and then when you do it and it's kind of great to know that someone's got your back…we just have the best time together. We have a laugh and it's brilliant."

So is the blond beauty getting ready to add to her family anytime soon?

PHOTO: Cat Deeley flaunts her wedding ring

"Not right now," she revealed. "We are going to bake a small cake over the weekend. We're starting with a cake and we're going to move up. Do you see what I'm saying? I'm starting with one oven and going to another one."

It doesn't sound like a bun in the oven is that far in the future for Deeley!

She also dished on working with Nigel Lythgoe and the recent news surrounding hisAmerican Idol post.

"He's all well and good. He knows things are cyclical and you know what it's like. You've got to constantly refresh a TV show and normally that involves the people who work on the show," she said.

"It means now that he's going to focus more on Dancer, which is great for us."

Michael Bay to Develop Ubisoft’s ‘Ghost Recon’ Film at Warner Bros. (EXCLUSIVE)

Michael Bay is ready to go on a covert mission with Ubisoft, signing on to develop “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon”  into a potential film franchise at Warner Bros., with an eye to direct.

Project marks the first time Bay has worked with Warner Bros., after previously producing and helming films primarily with Disney, Sony, DreamWorks and Paramount.

The “Ghost Recon” games revolve around a fictional unit of the U.S. Army Special Forces that essentially operates as the President’s private army, using the latest technology to infiltrate and take down threats around the world without leaving any traces behind that they exist.

“These guys don’t belong to any specific organization,” Jean-Julien Baronnet, CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures. “They’re in the field where the U.S. troops are not supposed to be. It’s a small team with very strong personalities and very specific skill sets. They’re using weapons nobody knows about but it’s very grounded. It’s not sci-fi.”

Ubisoft wanted to work with Bay “because he is a master at action movies,” Baronnet said. Bay is currently directing “Transformers 4″ for Paramount.

The film is the third high-profile adaptation of one of its games that Ubisoft has set up within the past year, with New Regency co-producing both “Assassin’s Creed” and “Splinter Cell.” Twentieth Century Fox has already set Memorial Day 2015 as the release date for “Assassin’s Creed,” which will star Michael Fassbender.

SEE ALSO: New Regency game for ‘Splinter Cell’ adaptation

However, as opposed to just licensing the films rights to Hollywood and hoping for the best, Ubisoft is taking more control in how the games are adapted, with an eye toward maintaining the DNA of the games while telling a brand new story not based on what gamers have already played.

It packaged its first film projects before shopping them to production shingles and studios, attaching Fassbender to “Assassin’s Creed” and Tom Hardy to “Splinter Cell.” Nickelodeon will also air an animated series based on Ubisoft’s “Raving Rabbids” games.

Ubisoft is now also meeting with screenwriters to tackle “Ghost Recon,” with Bay overseeing its development. Should he spark to the script, he could direct the film. The goal is to hire screenwriters later this month and start attaching talent in July. Ubisoft has the rights to use Tom Clancy’s name in the film title.

“When we started Ubisoft Motion Pictures we wanted to be able to maintain creative control of our franchises,” Baronnet said. “We wanted to be in a situation where we’re not making mainstream movies but movies that can respect the DNA of our game franchises. Today it’s real.”

More than 24 million “Ghost Recon” games have sold over the release of nine titles, four expansion packs and a Facebook game since 2001. “Ghost Recon: Future Soldier” was released in 2012.

Ubisoft already had produced a live action short for the franchise, “Ghost Recon Alpha,” that was directed by Francois Alaux and Herve de Crecy, and produced by Ridley Scott, giving a sense of what a big screen feature could look like.

Chanel Muse Welcomes Baby Boy

ELISA SEDNAOUI has welcomed her first child with her fiancé Alexander Dellal. The baby boy, named Jack Zeitoun Dellal, was born on May 31.

Although best-known for her modelling career (she has fronted campaigns for Roberto Cavalli,Chanel and Giorgio Armani), Sednaoui has two new acting projects lined up - the first, a modern Italian version of historic legend The Legend of Kaspar Hauser, will be released in Italy on June 13. Sednaoui appears alongside US actor Vincent Gallo. She also features in Alberto Arvelo's biopic about south American revolutionary Simon Bolivar, named Libertador, which hits cinemas later this year.

The part-French, part-Egyptian, part-Italian Storm model has also recently established a charity foundation to promote personal and educational development of children in rural areas. Her first major project will start in Egypt, with the establishment of an environmentally sustainable cultural and education centre situated on the Luxor West Bank. She is also in early editing phase of a documentary, co-directed with Martina Gili, based in the same region.

"We believe that we all have the power to become agents of change, and that young people should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and imagination and freely state their feelings, thoughts and experiences in open, creative ways," explained Sednaoui. "This is why we are determined to support programs designed to promote the personal and educational development of young people by implementing creative social and cultural activities that embrace new technologies while still respecting cultural heritage." 

Step Into SJP's Shoes

SARAH JESSICA PARKER is launching her own footwear collection. A mere 15 years (to the day) after first hitting our screens as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, and the actress has finally announced that she's making her design debut - to be titled simply, SJP.

Rather fittingly, Parker has chosen to collaborate on the range with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik - the label that, as Bradshaw, she helped put firmly on the fashion map. The accessories line will also feature an edit of bags and a few trench coats.

"Because I got to play that role, I wore a lot of shoes, and by default I learned an enormous amount," she told US Vogue, of her time on Sex and the City. "It's hard to - no pun intended - walk away from that."

The actress is taking inspiration from "great old-school labels like Charles Jourdan and Maud Frizon" for her collection, with the aim of offering "something different" - in terms of shape, colour, and price. Think pared-back, simple and elegant, with pumps and flats priced between $200 (£130), and $300 (£190), and bags for around $700 (£450).

"In a silly way, I think it's what people have expected of me most because of Carrie Bradshaw," she added. "We're putting new colours together that people don't typically do, just beautiful combinations that you wish existed in your closet. And in terms of bags, thinking about that period of the Seventies into the Eighties, what those women were carrying, taking away the bells and the whistles and hardware and really making it about the bag."

The SJP collection will be produced entirely in Europe and New York City, and will be on sale exclusively through US retailer Nordstrom early next year.

The LVMH-Hermès Battle Steps Up A Gear

THE ongoing legal battle between LVMH and Hermès has stepped up a gear - with LVMH filing another lawsuit against the French label. The luxury conglomerate filed charges on Tuesday against a civil manager at Hermès - in response to his comments made, which implied that LVMH had conducted "fraudulent" activity.

It's believed that the case concerns Patrick Thomas, CEO of Hermès International, who alleged that the company had obtained its controversial 22.6 per cent stake in the brand in a deceptive manner, during Hermès' annual meeting earlier this week. He accused the conglomerate of either acting "fraudulently" or being "so disorganised" for not knowing how it came to obtain its initial 17.1 per cent stake. "I'll let you decide," he concluded.

LVMH vice president, Pierre Godé, was quoted as confirming the new charges in French newspaper Le Figaro yesterday, saying that they had filed the suit "following what was said by the manager". WWD reports that he then added: "Hermès' campaigns are aimed to destabilise us. Our patience has its limits. It's time that the public learns the truth."

The news comes just days after France's regulation authority, the  Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), recommended that LVMH be fined €10 million (£8.5 million), over its stake in Hermès - the maximum charge given the timing of the gains. A final decision will be made by July 31.

The AMF accused the luxury company of concealing its gradual acquisition of Hermès, which now stands at 22.3 per cent, through cash-settled equity swaps dating back to 2001. LVMH did not announce news that it had a stake in the brand until October 21, 2010.

Hermès  branded the acquistion "an attack" and feared an attempted takeover. LVMH strongly denies investing via questionable means. The case continues.

Get Ready For Haider Ackermann Menswear

HAIDER ACKERMANN will join Paris' menswear schedule for the first time for spring/summer 2014. The designer will show a "men's wardrobe" during the city's Men's Fashion Week on June 26, WWD reports.

The designer unveiled his first menswear offering in 2010 at Pitti W in Florence, a collection that was consequently sold at retailers including Barneys in New York. He is best known for his controlled drama, strong silhouettes and draping techniques, with fans including Tilda Swinton.

It was announced this week that the label has split ways from its parent company, also shared by Ann Demeulemeester, to become an independent label - signifying a new stage of growth.

M&S Boss Faces Million-Pound Pay Cut

MARKS & SPENCER chief executive Marc Bolland has had his pay cut by a third to £2.1 million, following a decrease in the company's sales. His annual salary of £1.3 million remained unchanged, while his £829,000 bonus (half of its potential full amount), took his overall earnings to £2.1 million, compared to £3.2 million in 2012.

However, the businessman - who joined the high street chain in May 2010 - could see an increase in his fortunes this year if M&S' recently rejuvenated clothing categories are as lucrative as expected, the Guardianreports. Former Jaeger designer Belinda Earl unveiled her debut collection for the company last month to much fanfare, launching for autumn/winter 2013-14. The brand's menswear line is also going in a luxury direction, with plans to stage its first inaugural menswear presentation at London Collections: Men later this month. 

Lacoste Turns 80 In Luxury Style

NINE of France's most luxurious brands, from Hermès to Boucheron, have come together to create a gift to celebrate Lacoste's 80^th anniversary. The collection, although unavailable to buy, will go on display from June 10 until June 15 at Colette in Paris.

Each present, as Lacoste describes them, embodies the spirit of the heritage tennis brand, as well as the collaborator's signature aesthetic. Hermés has created a crocodile skin suitcase bag, with a special space for a tennis racket, while jewellery label Boucheron has designed two exclusive emerald and diamond crocodile-shaped brooches. Baccarat has made a crystal vase in Lacoste's signature green and gourmet food company Fauchon has baked high-fashion eclairs that come covered in chocolate shells to recreate the texture of pique polo shirts.

If only every birthday came with the same luxurious accoutrements. 

Click on the gallery to see Lacoste's anniversary collection.

Is This The Net-A-Porter Of The Vintage World?

TORI STEINBERG and Sophie Scrimgeour of vintage mecca Elvira Vintage are on a very special mission - to create the Net-A-Porter of the vintage world, through the launch of their debut e-commerce site. The duo's carefully edited collection of Celine, Saint Laurent and Valentinois now available to buy online for the first time.

"Visually, every product is presented in a way that shows our viewer how they can blend vintage pieces into the average high street-heavy wardrobe," said Steinberg. "The pieces offered on elviravintage.com are designer vintage pieces sourced internationally - each piece has a story and has been discovered with a careful eye."

The pair - who first met during their teens - first set up their company in April 2012, travelling the world to find and sell designer vintage pieces to a small number of British-based customers. In October, they hosted a London pop-up store for two months, offering a tightly-edited collection of affordable pieces, as well as a consultancy and a consignment service - where customers have the chance to re-sell designer items - which is also available online.

"With a gap in the market for edited vintage, we thought that we could bring a new approach to vintage shopping to the London scene," said Scrimgeour. "The collection is targeted at fashion-focused women, and not just vintage-lovers."

Next up is the launch of Roma Rivera - a diffusion line inspired by vintage pieces from the team's personal wardrobes. The inaugural collection is expected to go on sale later this year.

"The starting point for it came after we first sold pieces that we had become very attached to," explained Steinberg. "We decided that we wanted certain designs to be more accessible to our customers. Roma Rivera is about preserving design elements of certain pieces from the Elvira Vintage collection, which we've adapted to suit the requirements of current fashion culture."

Stylist Annabel Tollman Dies

STYLIST Annabel Tollman has died at the age of 36. It's reported that she passed away suddenly in her sleep in her New York apartment after suffering from a blood clot, according to New York Magazine. Further details surrounding her death have yet to be confirmed.

The former fashion editor of Interviewmagazine was best known for her work with celebrity clients including Scarlett Johansson, Liv Tyler and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and was in the process of developing a reality television show for US network Bravo. Born in Brussels, the stylist was raised in London and New York and studied at Central Saint Martins. A spokesperson for eBay Fashion, Tollman was named one of the 25 most powerful stylists by the Hollywood Reporter in 2011.

Tributes have already started flooding in, with L'Wren Scott and Hilary Rhoda among the first to express their condolences.

"Sad news to hear [about] the glamorous Annabel Tollman," Tweeted Scott. "RIP my beauty and glamour gal, the ever chic and stylish, always smiling and happy. So special."

"So sad to hear about Annabel Tollman," wrote Rhoda. "Such a beautiful, witty, soul with that wonderful infectious personality."

'Last Man Standing's' Kaitlyn Dever Joins Keira Knightley in Dark Comedy 'Laggies' (Exclusive)

Kaitlyn Dever has joined the dark comedy, "Laggies," TheWrap has learned exclusively.

Dever will play Misty, loyal best friend to Annika (Chloe Grace Moretz), who's often criticized for being outspoken and not thinking much about the future.

"Laggies" is the story of a woman (Keira Knightley) stuck in permanent adolescence who lies to her fiance in order to spend time with her teen friends.

The movie also stars Sam Rockwell.

Also read: Magnolia Pictures Picks Up Worldwide Rights to Lynn Shelton's 'Touchy Feely'

Aside from starring on ABC's "Last Man Standing" and FX's "Justified, Dever's film credits include "Short Term 12," which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize, and "The Spectacular Now."

She's also currently in talks to join "Grass Stains," a coming-of-age tale written and directed by Kyle Wilamowski.

"Laggies" is directed by Lynn Shelton -- who also directed "Touchy Feely and "Humpday," as well as episodes of Fox's "New Girl," "Ben and Kate," and AMC's "Mad Men."

See photos: Sundance 2013: TheWrap Industry Panel on How to Make and Sell Your Film

Written by Andrea Siegel, the Anonymous Content film started shooting in the Seattle area this week.

Dever is represented by United Talent Agency and Felker Toczek Gellman Suddleson.