Fast 8: Vin Diesel will star in the next installment in the Fast and Furious series, which is heading to Iceland. Though most location shooting for the film is set for New York and Atlanta, the production will also include the "largest explosion ever in Iceland,” according to a new report. Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Kurt Russell are expected to return. The movie is aiming for release in theaters on April 14, 2017. [Coming Soon]
Transformers Live: A live attraction featuring Transformers is on its way to China. A theater will be built to host the show, "combining shape-shifting robots, aerial stunts and large-scale special effects." The theater will likely be built in Beijing, with an opening date planned for next year. China is currently home to more than 300 theme parks. [Variety]
Abe Vigoda: Best known for his supporting role in The Godfather and his longtime stint on 1970s TV sitcom Barney Miller, Abe Vigoda has died at the age of 94. The actor's career began in 1949 but it was his performance as doomed gangster Sal Tessio that propelled him to wider attention. He had the good humor to shake off a mistaken obituary in 1982 and remained busy acting. [Variety]
9/11 Drama: Joseph Fiennes (above in Risen) will portray Michael Jackson in a British television comedy. It's based on an allegedly true story about Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando traveling on a road trip from New York City to California following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Supposedly, the trio made it as far as Ohio. Stockard Channing will play Taylor and Brian Cox has been enlisted to costar as Brando. [The Guardian]
The Angry Birds Movie Trailer: A new trailer for The Angry Birds Movie revolves around Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), who has difficulty controlling his temper when pigs show up. The animated movie, based on the popular video game, also features the voices of Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Peter Dinklage, Kate McKinnon and Maya Rudolph. It opens in theaters on May 20. [Movieclips]
