John Cho signs on for 'Total Recall'

John Cho (Star Trek) has joined Total Recall, Sony’s remake of the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi action film that begins shooting Monday in Toronto. Cho will play McClane, the smooth-talking rep for the mind-messing company that tempts Colin Farrell’s Douglas Quaid to implant fantastic memories into his brain. Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel, as the Hollywood Reporter and Collider.com reported, will play Quaid’s wife and his revolutionary girlfriend, respectively. Bryan Cranston has been cast as the futuristic villain played by Ronny Cox in the original film, and Ethan Hawke will have a small role as well.

Anna Kournikova joins 'Biggest Loser' as celebrity trainer for next season

The Biggest Loser has netted a new celebrity trainer: Tennis star Anna Kournikova will join NBC’s popular weight-loss competition next season, a network spokesperson confirmed today. The 29-year-old Russian is filling the  slot that is being vacated by Jillian Michaels —  who announced her impending departure back in December — though the Biggest Loser team is not viewing Kournikova as a substitute. “We intentionally tried to not replace Jillian,” executive producer Todd Lubin told Vulture, which first reported the news about Kournikova, who appeared on an episode during Biggest Loser’s tenth season. The direction of the show will be “getting slightly away from just the tape measure, and getting into overall well-being and health,” added Lubin. “That’s where Loser needs to go.” UPDATE: An NBC spokesperson also confirmed to EW that current Biggest Loser trainers Brett Hoebel and Cara Castronuova, who joined the series this year, will not return for season 12. The season 11 finale airs tonight.

Scotty McCreery is the American Idol Winner

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina performed three songs each on the first night of the American Idol finale on Tuesday, Jennifer Lopez summed up the competition: "It's a tight race," she said. "America has their job cut out for them." Now that job is done. The votes - 122 million of them, a new Idol record - are in and after a star-studded spectacular, host Ryan Seacrest announced the season 10 winner. Keep reading to find out if Scotty or Lauren was named the new American Idol ... Scotty is the winner!

Lisa Edelstein leaves 'House'

EW has confirmed that Lisa Edelstein will not be returning to season 8 of House. The actress, whose contract was set to expire at the end of season 7, has decided to not resign. (Colleagues Robert Sean Leonard and Omar Epps, however, have.) Sad news for Edelstein fans, but even more for Huddy fans: Those hoping Dr. House (Hugh Laurie) and Edelstein’s Dr. Cuddy would finally keep their on-and-off-again relationship on might be forced to let go. Here’s hoping there’s a treatment for post-Cuddy depression.

Galaxy of Stars Honor Oprah Winfrey in Talk Show's Final Episode

Madonna, Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes ... the list goes on of A-list stars who descended upon Chicago Tuesday to wish Oprah Winfrey farewell at a taping of the talk-show queen's third- and second-to-last episodes ever of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

"Having fun?" Winfrey asked about 13,000 audience members packed into Chicago's United Center – which was stocked with 13,000 boxes of tissue – for the taping of two shows that will air May 23 and May 24. "So am I! So darn cool!" (Winfrey's final episode will tape next week and air on May 25.)

Tom Hanks, who acted as master of ceremonies Tuesday night, told Winfrey, "You are surrounded by nothing but love" before introducing a video of viewers talking about how their lives have been positively impacted by the talk show that's lasted 25 years.

"I feel the love, and I thank you for it," Winfrey told the audience at one point, adding that the viewers present and around the world "honor me in the deepest way possible."

"They have literally risen up to change the world," Berry said of Winfrey's viewers. "The essence of The Oprah Winfrey Show is that we're all more alike than we are different."

Cruise, who walked out on stage to the theme music from Mission Impossible, quoted Glinda the Good Witch of the South from The Wizard of Oz, and told Winfrey, "You always had the power [to change lives], and that is the lesson you brought."

His wife said her viewers have donated more than $12 million to Women for Women, which helps female survivors of war. "Oprah we love you," Holmes said. "We thank you."

Madonna was slightly less sentimental: "A lot of people are inspired by Oprah. I am one of those people," the singer said. "She has balls and a wealth of compassion, and I have learned so much from her."

And the end of the show doesn't mean the end of her positive impact. John Legend said via satellite that 25 new libraries will be built across the U.S. in Winfrey's honor, and Diane Sawyer took the stage to say that 25,000 oak trees will be planted across the country "to remind everyone to live their best lives."

The night was punctuated by live performances by some of Winfrey's favorite musicians. Introducing her new single, "Run the World (Girls)," Beyoncé told Winfrey, "Because of you, women everywhere have graduated to a new level of understanding of who we are, of what we are and most of all, who we can be."

Josh Groban and Patti LaBelle also serenaded Winfrey, continuing the Wizard of Oz theme with a heartfelt performance of "Over the Rainbow."

Ashton Kutcher joins 'Two and a Half Men'

CBS and Warner Bros. Television announced today that Ashton Kutcher will join the cast of the hit comedy, Two And A Half Men.

The multi-talented Kutcher, whose success spans film, television and social media, will join Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Holland Taylor, Marin Hinkle and Conchata Ferrell on the top-rated series. Production on the ninth season of the Emmy Award-nominated Two And A Half Men will begin this summer for broadcast on the CBS Television Network in the fall.

Conan the Barbarian 2011 - Trailer 2

A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.
Download: Conan the Barbarian 2011 Trailer 2 HD720p

Keanu Reeves looking to play Kaneda in Akira remake

Keanu Reeves could star in the long-gestating live-action remake of Akira.

Names as diverse as James Franco, Andrew Garfield, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron have previously been linked to the English-language remake of the groundbreaking anime/manga.

Now there's word, via The Hollywood Reporter, that Reeves has held talks with Warner Bros about playing Kaneda, the biker-gang leader who tries to stop best friend Tetsuo unleashing his psychic powers.

Reeves hasn't yet been made an offer, but talks are said to be 'going well'. No doubt Keanu's Matrix credentials are making him a desirable lead, though he's a little older than the teenage Kaneda in the manga (and subsequent anime adap).

Albert Hughes (The Book of Eli) is directing the remake, which transplants the action from a post-apocalyptic neo-Tokyo to New Manhattan.

If Reeves does sign on, expect the dawdling Akira to move swiftly into production.

Lady Gaga to mentor 'American Idol' Top 4 contestants

Expect a surge in the Top 4′s performance level next week: Fox has confirmed to EW that Lady Gaga is set to appear on American Idol as a mentor for our remaining finalists. And before you scoff at the idea of a 25-year-old handing out career advice, remember that Miley Cyrus served as a mentor on the show last year, at the ripe age of 17 years old. And it’s not like Gaga doesn’t have anything to offer — some of our contestants (ahem, Lauren!) still have plenty to learn when it comes to truly performing to a crowd.

Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon Trailer 2

The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers' final battle.

Director: Michael Bay

Download: Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon Trailer 2 HD 720p

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer

The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort's final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
Director: David Yates
Download: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 720p HD Trailer

Immortals - Trailer

Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the king's hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man's conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion...until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus, Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes.
Director: Tarsem Singh
Download: Immortals Trailer 720p HD

Arnold Schwarzenegger Back To Star As 'Terminator'

He's back. Arnold Schwarzenegger is attached to star in a rights package that CAA is shopping today that will revive The Terminator, one of Hollywood's most iconic science fiction franchises. The agency is dropping the package on studios this afternoon. There is no screenwriter attached at this point, and Robert Cort is producing. This is the first real activity on The Terminator project since February 2010, when the property emerged from a bankruptcy auction and into the possession of Pacificor. The Santa Barbara-based hedge fund posted a bid of $29.5 million, with the promise that additional multi-million dollar payments for each film would go to Halcyon, the company that made the 2009 McG-directed Terminator Salvation. That film starred Sam Worthington as cyborg and Christian Bale as John Connor, and the storyline  launched the battle between Skynet and the human survivors of the apocalypse, the war foreshadowed in James Cameron's visionary 1984 original film.

Johnny Depp set for uncredited cameo in '21 Jump Street'

Johnny Depp who got his start as a teen hunk on the ’80s undercover-cops-in-high-school series 21 Jump Street — might jump into Sony’s big-screen reboot for some kind of cameo. Well, after seemingly endless speculation, a source close to the production now tells EW that a small, uncredited Depp cameo does indeed look likely to happen. No details are available yet on what character Depp might play in the film, which begins shooting this month with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in the lead roles.

Kate Becksinsale offered Total Recall's female lead

Kate Beckinsale has been offered the role of Lori in Sony Pictures' Total Recall remake, according to Deadline.

This news shouldn't come as a huge shock, as Beckinsale is married to remake director Len Wiseman, and they've previously worked together on several Underworld movies.

Only scheduling problems could keep her away from Recall, as she's currently busy shooting Underworld 4: New Dawn (and it'd probably lead to some awkward dinner table moments if she just turned her hubbie down…)

If she signs on, she'll star opposite Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid (the character played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original).

Lori (formerly played by Sharon Stone) is Quaid's wife, though like most things in the Philip K. Dick-inspired movie, she's not all she seems.

There's still another major female role to be cast: Mars-based freedom fighter Melina.

Deadline are reporting that Eva Mendes and Rosario Dawson are serious contenders for the role, though it's still not clear if either of them will actually get an offer.

Total Recall also has Bryan Cranston onboard as villain Vilos Cohaagen, and it's scheduled for release on 22 August 2012.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trailer

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (originally titled Rise of the Apes) is an upcoming 2011 American science fiction film. The film is directed by Rupert Wyatt. It is a reboot of the Planet of the Apes series that will act as a foundation with an origin story for a new film series. Originally slated for a June 2011 release, it will be released in theaters on August 5, 2011. James Franco is set to play a scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer's by testing on apes. When test subject Caesar suddenly begins to mutate rapidly, the scientist takes him home to remove him from the cruel lab doctors. Franco was cast after talks with former co-star Tobey Maguire broke down. Freida Pinto and John Lithgow joined the cast on June 22, 2010. Andy Serkis will play Caesar, the ape that leads the revolt. Tom Felton will also star as the human character Dodge.
Download: Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trailer 720p HD

A.J. Cook returning to CBS' 'Criminal Minds' as regular cast

A.J. Cook has signed a two-year deal to return to the CBS drama "Criminal Minds," reports Deadline.com. Before re-joining as a full time cast member, Cook will guest star on the upcoming season finale, airing May 18. The actress left the show after the end of last season after her option was not picked up, but was featured on two episodes early this season in order to wrap up her character's storyline.

Game of Thrones Review

Take the feuding families and crime organizations of dramas like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire and toss them into the fantastical world of Lord of the Rings with a lot more grit and darkness and you’ll have the stellar new series that his Game of Thrones. It will be hard to miss the new fantasy series since the cable network will be running the premiere across HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Comedy, HBO Zone and HBO Latino simultaneously. But if you’re thinking of skipping over this spectacular new drama, then you’ll be making a big mistake. Read my take on Game of Thrones after the jump.

This sprawling fantasy wastes no time with bloodshed as the opening scene creates an ominous tone that runs through the series first few episodes. From the beginning we can tell that this will be a dark journey into the land of Westeros as winter, and something much more dangerous, seems to be coming. But there are more pressing matters in the kingdoms as corruption, deception, incest, and a struggle for power plague many houses. Though understanding all of the characters and their relationships with each other is a bit confusing at first, slowly but surely their motivations and actions make things clearer. But this challenging, interwoven story forces you to pay attention and makes the series that much more captivating.

There’s the House Stark led by Eddard Stark (Sean Bean of Lord of the Rings) who has close ties with King Robert of the House Baratheon. But her wife Queen Cersei Baratheon (Lena Headey), who was born of the Lannister House, is none too trusting of the Stark family and makes no secret of it. Along with her two brothers, the strong warrior Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and boozing womanizing dwarf Tyrion (Peter Dinkage), it’s clear where the corruption lies. Then far away, House Targaryen is anxious to reclaim the Iron Throne and all Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. In order to do so, Prince Viserys Targaryen III (Harry Lloyd) forces his sister, Princess Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) to marry Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), who is the leader of a menacing, intimidating tribe of warriors.

Like I said, it’s a little complicated, but well worth taking the time to understand. The drama that arises between the leaders of each house is compelling on its own, but even the family dynamic between parents and children is engaging. Since the young children amongst these houses will one day step up to a throne of their own, their actions must be just as meticulously planned as their parents. The youngest son and two daughters of the Stark family are the source of much drama in the first and second episodes, and their drama just adds fuel to the fires already burning around their parents’ struggles. As these stories progress, it’s clear the ten-episode run of the first season has been very carefully planned from George R.R. Martin’s book series.

Of course, because this is a fantasy series, there’s some mythical elements to be found, though they’re not overbearing. References to dragons and White Walkers are abound, but only hinted at to be important down the road. So be patient, because as many of the characters are leery and worried of an impending winter, within the first six episodes, it take some time to really get into the fantastical nature of the series aside from a few little elements. Otherwise, the series really holds the same weight and complex, yet riveting drama of something akin to Rome without forcing fantasy just for the sake of fantasy.

However, as it stands, Game of Thrones is a compelling journey into fantasy that only HBO can deliver. There’s carnage, sex and some of the saltiest language I’ve ever heard in an epic series of this type. It’s strange seeing a character in a medieval like fantasy world dropping F-bombs amongst other choice words, but it makes the series that much more gritty and jarring. Complete with stellar writing, a phenomenal cast and stunning visuals, this is a series that delivers on an epic scale both literally and figuratively.

Game of Thrones premieres on HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Comedy, HBO Zone and HBO Latino on Sunday, April 17th at 9/8c.

Michael Shannon Is Superman's Zod

Zack Snyder has his hero in Henry Cavill as Superman. Now he’s also found a villain and we couldn’t be happier with the choice: Michael Shannon will play General Zod.The rumours about the Super-villain have been flying thick and fast, with claims and counter-claims about whether the character, so memorably portrayed by Terence “Kneel before Zod!” Stamp in the Richard Donner/Richard Lester Superman films, would even be appearing in the new movie. Then talk shifted to who might play him, with Viggo Mortensen in the frame as a likely villain.Now, though, Shannon – who has more than proved himself in work as diverse as Revolutionary Road, The Runaways, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant and, on the small screen as the creepy driven Agent Van Alden in Boardwalk Empire – is Snyder’s man for the job."

The Governator trailer: Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as cartoon superhero

Arnold Schwarzenegger is back!

The first trailer for “The Governator,” Arnie’s first post-government Hollywood job, has been released. Check out the 63-year-old bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician as a cartoon superhero version of himself in the video clip after the jump.

According to the former governor of California, he picked “Governator” as the name of his cartoon hero because he found the moniker “cool.” “When I ran for governor back in 2003 and I started hearing people talking about ‘the Governator,’ I thought the word was so cool,” he said. Arnie added that “The Governator” is the combination of “the world of politics and the movie world,” both of which he has been a part of.

One of the people behind the project is the legendary Stan Lee. But “The Governator” won’t just be an animated cartoon and a comic book series; Arnie will end the venture with a live-action 3-D movie, scheduled to be released in 2013.