Some of the most interesting movie news from the past few days:
- Do writer/director brothers Joel and Ethan Coen believe in God? Indiewire published a penetrating conversation between editor Matt Zoller Seitz and film critic Jeffrey Overstreet on religious elements in the Coens' films. Read the full four page interview here.
- G.I. Joe: Retaliation topped the box office this Easter weekend, bringing in $41.2 million. Stephanie Meyer’s new book-to-film The Host tanked, only bringing in $11 million due to awful reviews and a lesser-known cast. Read the full box office breakdown here.
- Richard Griffiths, best known to a younger generation as Vernon Dudley in the Harry Potter films, passed away on Thursday due to complications following heart surgery. A prolific, hilarious, and skilled actor, he will be sorely missed. Read more here.
- Fox Searchlight has acquired distribution rights to Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, and are reportedly planning to release it in late 2013 or 2014. The film, which just finished production in Germany, is getting buzz for its stunning cast: Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, and more. Read more here.
- In an interesting turn for the geopolitical saga of Iron Man 3, Marvel announces plans to release a special Chinese-only version of the upcoming blockbuster, featuring unique content. This is part of a plan to tap into the growing Chinese film market. Read more here.
