Wong, Findlay cast in 'Carrie Diaries'

In addition to AnnaSophia Robb being set for as the lead in the CW' pilot "The Carrie Diaries," Ellen Wong and Katie Findlay have also been cast.Wong will play Jill "The Mouse" Thompson, Carrie's pragmatic, bright and super loyal best friend in high school.Findlay is set to be Carrie's oldest friend, Maggie Landers, a townie and the daughter of the police chief who has little ambition to leave her town, mostly because she has no idea what she would be leaving for. Previously Monday, Robb was cast as the young Carrie Bradshaw in the prequel to the wildly successful HBO comedy "Sex and the City."Project, from Warner Bros. Television, is based upon the novel "The Carrie Diaries" by Candace Bushnell. Amy B. Harris, Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Len Goldstein, Candace Bushnell will exec produce.Pilot was written by Amy B. Harris and will directed by Miguel Arteta, who will serve as an exec producer on the pilot as well.Logline centers on a young Bradshaw, who comes of age in the 1980s and is asking her first questions about love, sex, friendship and family while exploring the worlds of high school and Manhattan.Previous roles for Wong include "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" and "Combat Hospital." Findlay appeared in AMC's "The Killing," playing the murdered teenage high schooler Rosie Larsen.Ellen Wong is repped by Innovative, Thruline Entertainment and Canada-based Premier Artists Management, while Findlay is repped by Russ Mortensen at Pacific Artists and Thruline Entertainment. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

BOX OFFICE: Act Of Valor #1 With $24.7M Weekend, Good Deeds $16M, Wanderlust And Gone Bomb

SATURDAY PM/SUNDAY AM, 2ND UPDATE:Appropriately enough for Oscars Sunday, it’s another up weekend for the 8th straight week in 2012.Overall moviegoingis at $135M, which is a whopping +24% over last year.Needless to say, Hollywood is ecstatic (though not at the prospect at sitting through the interminable Academy Awards only to watch Harvey Weinstein gloat). Relativity’s R-ratedAct Of Valor has stayedNo. 1all weekend. It’s the the Bandito Brothers’ independently financed low-budget U.S. Navy fighting force taleusing actual SEALs from an original screenplay by Kurt Johnstad (300). (FYI, there was a novelization of that script, Tom Clancy Presents Act of Valor, written by Dick Couch and George Galdorsi and released in paperback by Clancys publisher. Relativity acquired the rights to the project last June for $13 million and a $30 million in prints and advertising commitment -the biggest money paid for a finished film with an unknown cast at that time.But Relativity didn’t spend $30M on P&A. That may have been the studio’s minimum legal commitment but it spent a lot more. Ryan Kavanaugh et al took out 4 wildely expensive Super Bowl game day ads. Yes, 4. That cost between $12M-14M alone (though Relativity claims it was $6.5+M). Educated guess is that they spent $45M-$50M total to hawk this actioner. Yes, they acquired domestic rights for cheap and aggressively pre-sold foreign. And, yes, the budget was only $12K. Looks like Relativity will recoup. Marketing-wise, Relativity launched an aggressive 400 screening program in over 40 markets as part of amulti-pronged strategy that spoke to gamers, action fans, sports fans, ethnic audiences, country music fans, patriots, military, women, and the faith-based community. It was all about word of mouth then and now: audiences are complying by giving it an ‘A’ CinemaScore. Also getting an ‘A’ CinemaScore from audiences was Lionsgate’s uplifting romantic dramaGood Deeds. The result is middling for the Tyler Perry movie — does he clone them? — which was only playing in 2,132 locations. Butthen those films where he doesn’t crossdress as Madea (and offendwith that stereotype) earn less. But it’s right in line with Lionsgate expectations and, besides, the budget was only $15M. Like them or not, this is yet anotherof writer, director, producer Perry’ssoap operas targeted to his core fans. But is Tyler an interesting enough thesp tocarry a movie virtually by himself or a big enough draw to feature only himselfon the movie poster? Not really.(And I say this dreading his upcoming portrayal of fictional crimefighter Alex Cross.) Universal’s alleged comedyWanderlustbombed worse than even the studio expecte: lousy trackingfor this R-rated nonsense had indicated the film would open below $10M.Audiences gave it a mediocre’B-’ CinemaScore. The combination of Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd proved toxicto moviegoers. FYI: this greenlight was the studio’s payback to Role Models director David Wain and and his creative partner Ken Marino and mogul/producer Judd Apatow. Unfortunately the budget was $30M which is cheap by any standard except when a pic flops this badly.Sad, really, because Aniston’s flack-from-hell Stephen Huvanepulled out all the nauseating stops by exploiting her personal life — as usual. Also tanking is Summit’snot-so-thrilling Gone starring Amanda Seyfried which earned only a ‘C+’ CinemaScore.This is the latest in a row of stinkers for that studio which is now part of Lionsgate.The only good news is that, based on the structure of the deal with producersLakeshore Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment andother parties, the studio has a net risk of only $2 million. Remember that kids on the East Coast were out of school this weekend so family holdovers Warner Bros’ Journey 2 and Disney’s The Secret Life Of Arrietty held strong — at least until Universal/Illumination’sDr. Suess toon The Lorax opens next weekend. Sony’s The Vow passed the $100M domestic mark this 3rd weekend out as the first Screen Gems film to ever hit $100M. Here’s the Top Ten (order determined by weekend grosses): 1. Act Of Valor (Relativity) NEW [3,039 Theaters] Friday $9, Saturday $9.4, Weekend $24.7M 2. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds (Lionsgate) NEW [2,132 Theaters] Friday $5.3M, Saturday $6.7M, Weekend: $16M 3. Journey 2 3D (Warner Bros) Week 3 [3,350 Theaters] Friday $3.2M, Saturday$6.4M,Weekend $13.4M,Cume $76.7M 4. Safe House (Universal) Week 3 [3,052 Theaters] Friday $3.1M, Saturday $5.0M, Weekend $11.3M, Cume $98M 5. The Vow (Screen Gems/Sony) Week 3 [3,038 Theaters] Friday $3.2M, Saturday $4.5M,Weekend $10M, Cume $103M 6. Ghost Rider 2 3D (Sony) Week 2 [3,174 Theaters] Friday $2.3M, Saturday $4.1M,Weekend $8.8M (-60%),Cume $37.8M 7.This Means War (Fox) Week 2 [3,189 Theaters] Friday $2.7M, Saturday $3.9M,Weekend $8.5M (-51%),Cume $33.5M 8. Wanderlust (Universal)NEW [2,002 Theaters] Friday $2.1M, Saturday $2.9M,Weekend $6.6M 9. Gone (Summit)NEW [2,186 Theaters] Friday $1.6M, Saturday $2.1M,Weekend $5.0M 10. Secret World Of Arrietty (Disney)Week 2 [1,522 Theaters] Friday $1M, Saturday $2.1M,Weekend $4.5M (-30%),Cume $14.6M

VIDEO: Past Gangster Wife Couture

This can be fun: "Once I was creating this supercut, I used to be especially amazed through the Godfather Part III. Broadly regarded as as since the worst movie inside the series, and possibly one of the worst movies ever, this movie mess had the most popular clothes." Fair enough, however totally overlooked Lorraine Bracco's incredible Goodfellas wardrobe all this time around around. Just what a fox. [via Worn]

One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray: I Returned For that Fans

Closeted jock Dork Karofsky might have arrived at his pitch-dark hour on Tuesday's episode of Glee, but actor Max Adler felt it had been necessary while he states "it possesses a message of hope." [SPOILERS! The next interview consists of references to major occasions from Tuesday's Glee episode, "Going.Inch Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Daniel RoebuckRyan GoslingMatthew MorrisonAaron HillDot Marie JonesGleeChris ColferMax AdlerGrant Gustin

Kevin Costner, Alicia Secrets and Stevie Question Pay Tribute at Whitney Houston Funeral

Alicia Secrets, Whitney Houston, Stevie Question Some 1,500 asked visitors descended upon Newark, N.J. to pay for their final respects to music legend Whitney Houston on Saturday, with Kevin Costner, Tyler Perry, Stevie Question and Alicia Secrets having to pay tribute towards the pop diva. The funeral, known as her "homegoing" ceremony around the invites towards the service, happened at New Hope Baptist Chapel, exactly the same chapel where Houston first sang like a youthful girl. "Whitney, you're the just one that may bring many of us together," Rev. Joe A. Carter stated throughout his opening remarks. "Whitney, today is the day. We celebrate." Following a dent from Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Rev. Donnie McClurkin's rendition of "Stand," Houston's cousin Dionne Warwick introduced filmmaker Tyler Perry, who talked about Houston's devotion towards the The almighty. "I am completely grateful to God for those he has completed in her existence," Perry stated. "God was on her, and she or he is resting, singing using the angels." Whitney Houston dies at 48 Warwick then introduced a really emotional Bebe Winans, a longtime family friend and gospel singer who lightened the atmosphere as he recounted a tale of the more youthful Houston who, in the height of her career, desired to sing backup for him and the sister CeCe Winans because she understood these were poor. "I am gonna miss crazy Whitney," he stated. Following the laughter died lower, then he sang "I Truly Miss You." "In no time such as this, it feels as though dying has won," Bishop T.D. Jakes stated following Winans. "You will notice that people that you will love, they could leave you outwardly, however they never make you inwardly." After Rev. Kim Burrell honored Houston having a personalized rendition of "A Big Change Is Gonna Come," Kevin Costner walked as much as the podium to pay for respects. The actor remembered his time with Houston around the group of The Bodyguard, the way the song "I'll Always Adore YouInch initially wasn't intended to be within the film, and just how he and Houston glued over their Baptist skills. "Whitney returns home right now to where everything started, and that i urge all of us inside and outdoors, nationwide and round the world to dry our tears, suspend our sorrow, and possibly our anger, just lengthy enough to keep in mind the sweet miracle of Whitney." Appreciate everyday Whitney Houston's existence Costner continued to go over Houston's journey to get cast within the Bodyguard and just how production was postponed for any year while she continued tour. However, individuals active in the making from the film had doubts about her and made the decision she needed a screen test. "Whitney was scared," he stated. "Perhaps the greatest pop star on the planet wasn't confident that she was adequate. She did not think she looked right... I held her hands and informed her she looked beautiful... that everybody there wanted her to achieve success... Whitney, should you could hear me now, I'd let you know, you were not just adequate, you had been great." Search for a clip of Costner's speech: Aretha Franklin was scheduled to do in the service, but she later launched an argument explaining that they had experienced leg spasms the evening before and for that reason was not able to go to the help. Alicia Secrets walked in, remembering how she and Houston accustomed to call one another "Mima." "She just crept into everybody's heart," Secrets stated through tears before singing "Prelude to some Hug." Longtime mentor Clive Davis then talked about Houston's chart-topping career, together with her record-breaking seven consecutive No. 1 hits. "We simply felt utter disbelief. I'd request her, 'Are you pinching yourself?'" He expressed to Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, to be happy with her mother, as Houston loved her greatly. In conclusion, he stated, "Everybody in paradise, including God, delays, and that i just know you are likely to enhance the roof like nobody else has been doing before." Following comments from Ray Watson, Houston's brother-in-law and bodyguard, Stevie Question compensated tribute to Houston, whom he says he'd a crush on, by singing a customized version of "Ribbon on the horizonInch then "Love's looking for Love Today." Houston's manager and sister-in-law, Patricia Houston, noted that Whitney's existence was misinterpreted "even by hand.Inch She also addressed Houston's mother Cissy, reassuring her when God was not able to assist Whitney through her issues, then Cissy shouldn't seem like she unsuccessful her for the reason that regard either. "The legacy that they left was music, but what she left for you personally was her fascination with God and she or he been with them and she or he was absolute," she stated. Whitney Houston's autopsy complete official results not in After, R. Kelly sang "I Turn to You," Warwick recited a poem to convey her feelings about Houston, gospel singer Cece Winans sang Houston's "Don't Cry for me personally,Inch and Houston's music director Rickey Minor counted the numerous ways he loved her. "Not really a voice, the voice," he stated. "Since you have there been, I'm here." Rev. Marvin Winans, who married Houston and Bobby Brown in 1992, came to the conclusion the service having a sincere eulogy that began using the Winans family carrying out "Tomorrow." "Father, we appreciate this existence of Whitney Elizabeth 'Nippy' Houston," he stated. "Let's leave here realizing that Whitney left too early.Inch Houston's "I'll Always Adore YouInch performed because the pallbearers transported the casket from the chapel. One of the other visitors attending were Houston's family, including daughter Bobbi Kristina, in addition to Mariah Carey, Gayle King, The famous host oprah Winfrey, Clive Davis and Mary J. Blige. Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown was apparently averted from Houston's funeral. HLN's Showbiz Tonight Twitter feed reported that Brown had showed up by having an entourage of nine people, that could 't be covered. At some point, Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted: "I'm at Whitney's funeral. I spoken with Bobby Brown attempting to calm him lower and never draw attention away from in the services. Today is all about Whitney! I'm returning within the services, Used to do my best out here. Can't tweet from the sanctuary, I really hope the press won't distort your day.Inch Have you watch Houston's "homegoing"?

The Particular Story Behind House's Cancellation

House, Charlyne Yi and Hugh Laurie Careful analysis finish House after eight seasons wasn't easy - and, it calculates, didn't always have to come whatsoever this year. According to affiliates, star Hugh Laurie and also the fellow executive producers David Shoreline and Katie Jacobs were attempting to bring the extended-running Fox drama back for starters more year, regardless of the usual knowning that everyone was ready to proceed. One professional thinks that Laurie, one of the finest-paid out stars on tv (he makes $700,000 an instalment), being ready to possess a pay cut to have the ability to return. The network wasn't searching to ignore House, which earnings a 3.5 rating among grownups 18-49 and 9.millions of audiences - good amounts for just about any drama within the eighth season. Universal TV, the studio behind House, appeared to become anxious to keep creating the show, which adds vast amounts to NBCUniversal's primary point here. "Universal was charge equine, the primary one driving a renewal," one source states. "It had most likely probably the most desire and ambition to accomplish another season." But Fox, which presently stays $5 million an instalment for House, preferred to go to a cut inside the show's license fee before considering a renewal. And although Universal was ready to return some costs, it was not as large a cost reduction as Fox wanted. Affiliates also say Universal was pursuing a 22-episode order, while Fox would only fund your final 13-episode season. "Universal came off as aggressive," one professional states. "It absolutely was this kind of large gap that [Fox] didn't pursue the discussions." Universal affiliates the studio was amazed at your choice combined with been willing to work through a contract. Last May, discussions between Fox and Universal weren't resolved until just days just before the network introduced its fall schedule. That deal incorporated budget cuts that introduced for the departure of Lisa Edelstein (Cuddy), among other changes. Fox and Universal were likely facing another lower-to-the-wire deal this year, combined with discussions fallen apart, it might have been too far gone for House to create a highly effective farewell episode. This is why Shoreline happen to be pushing Fox and Universal since last fall to supply him a powerful answer on when the show would continue. Shoreline, Jacobs and Laurie preferred to wrap House on their unique terms, but faced a Catch-22: Either goal for just about any renewal and risk not coping with produce a series closer, or push for just about any proper finale but shut the entrance around the renewal. Since the decision drawn on, Fox Entertainment leader Kevin Reilly mentioned within the month of the month of january, "We're just remaining from it, in truth together with you.Inch The delay also gave Fox an chance to see how more recent and much more effective mid-season dramas completed. Although Alcatraz needed a dip opposite the launch of NBC's The Voice on Mondays, it completed strongly for Fox which is a shoo-looking for renewal. The completely new Kiefer Sutherland drama Touch, which begins its full run in March, did well within the The month of the month of january 25 preview. With both shows within the pocket, additionally to some potential Terra Nova renewal and five drama aircraft aircraft pilots inside the works, Reilly had more incentive to permit House go. Fox professionals and Shoreline made the decision to wrap some misunderstanding, and also on February 8, the cast and crew were informed. In those days, Shoreline had made his peace while using decision. "He was considering another year," states an insider. "But he required it as strong as you can.In . The show's stars continue being processing what is the news. Peter Jacobson (Dr. Taub) reaches NY watching a greater school the overall game of basketball because he got word. "I seriously cannot say enough simply how much I'll miss being across the whole cast and crew," according to him. "A very lovely, hands on and generous group that are constantly fun to get along with.In . Inside their statement announcing the show's finish, Shoreline, Jacobs and Laurie addressed their need to not prolong House's exit: "The producers have always imagined House becoming an enigmatic creature he won't be the ultimate anyone to leave the party. Simply how much simpler to vanish just before the background music stops, while there's still some promise and mystique in mid-air.Inch They added, "Careful analysis finish the show now, or ever, can be a painful one. The reveal is really a way to obtain great pride to everyone involved." Universal TV keeps the rights to appear House elsewhere, but NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt has mentioned he'll not goal to maneuver it onto his network. Ultimately, House might have produced 177 episodes, "that's about 175 greater than anybody expected in 2004," Shoreline, Jacobs and Laurie mentioned inside their statement. That's what we'd call an entire House. With verifying by David Hochman. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Gloria Lloyd, daughter of Harold Lloyd, dies

Gloria Lloyd, daughter of quiet film star Harold Lloyd, died Feb. 10 in Santa Monica. She was 87. An actress together with one, she came out in 1946's "Temptation" with Merle Oberon, to ensure that as herself in "American Masters"' "Harold Lloyd: The Next Genius," and "Here Is Your Existence: Harold Lloyd." Cari Beauchamp, who asked her for just about any book on Greenacres, Harold Lloyd's estate, mentioned, "At her wedding in Greenacres, Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons both came. As well as for your eventually they referred to as a truce." Children add a daughter, Susan, chairman of Harold Lloyd Entertainment. Services will probably be private, although a public memorial continues to be planned, Beauchamp mentioned. Contact Shalini Dore at shali.dore@variety.com

Year for Sony's 'Springs'

The new sony is changing seasons for David Frankel-helmed "Great Hope Springs," thumping in the relationship dramedy from 12 ,. 14 for an August. 10 release. "Hope Springs" focuses on a middle-aged couple, performed by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Johnson, who, after 3 decades of marriage, choose to undergo a weekend of intense marriage counseling. Pic co-stars Steve Carell and Jean Wise. It's unusual for any studio to go for an early on date -- as well as one that is a lot more than five several weeks ahead of time. However the move is sensible when thinking about that Frankel's previous Streep-starrer "The Demon Wears Prada" did shaped summer time business for Fox in 2006, grossing nearly $125 million locally. In addition, "Hope Springs" fills Sony's usual femme-specific August slot, formerly offered by 2010's "Eat Pray Love" and "Julie and Julia" in '09. To create room for "Springs," The new sony pressed back with a week Whitney Houston music-drama "Sparkle." Pic now's skedded to spread out August. 17. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com