1. Matt Damon has joined “Intersteller,” the upcoming Christopher Nolan sci-fi film, in a small role. According to reports, his role will be a cameo and is being kept under wraps. At the same time, Damon has lined up his directorial debut. “The Foreigner,” based on a New Yorker story by celebrated journalist David Grann, “tells the true story of a man who is gunned down in the escalating violence in Guatemala, and leaves behind a videotape after his death implicating the president, his wife, and other close aides in his killing.” Damon was supposed to direct “Promised Land,” his anti-fracking movie from last year, but had to drop out to accommodate reshoots on the disappointing “Elysium.” Gus Van Sant jumped in to take over, and Damon still took a lead role in the film. “The Foreigner” will be written by Chris Terrio (“Argo”) and is set to go into production soon. [Indiewire]
2. One of the most anticipated projects coming soon is “Carol,” an adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novella. Todd Haynes is directing, and Rooney Mara has just stepped in to replace Mia Wasikowska opposite Cate Blanchett. The film concerns “the burgeoning relationship between two very different women in 1950s New York,” and is being scripted by Phyllis Nagy. We’re over the moon to have Rooney on board,” Haynes said in a statement. “I’ve been a tremendous admirer of her work from the beginning, so the thought of bringing her together with Cate onscreen is thrilling to say the least.” We agree. [Screen Daily]
3. FX currently has the best lineup of shows on television, and it’s set to add another one. Paul Giamatti will star in “Hoke,” based on Charles Willeford’s Hoke Mosely novels (“Miami Blues,” the first Mosely novel, was made into a great film in 1990 starring Alec Baldwin). Willeford is one of the best crime writers of the past few decades, so it will be exciting to see his work presented on the small screen. The network describes the main character as “hardboiled and possibly insane,” which I think anyone who has read the novels will agree is a pretty good description. Can’t wait for this. [Vulture]
4. Robin Thicke may be in the middle of a lawsuit over “Blurred Lines,” but the song is proving to be the undeniable smash of the summer. The pop hit tops the charts again this week, the 12th in a row, blocking new hits from Katy Perry and Lady Gaga from cracking the number 1 spot. It’s the 14th song in history to stay on top for 12 weeks, which is insane. [Billboard]
5. One of the most underappreciated bands around is Quasi, comprised of duo Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss. They have a massive new album, “Mole City,” coming out October 1 on Kill Rock Stars, and in addition to that, they are releasing a covers album that will come with every preorder of the album (and if you miss that, you can pick it up at their shows). Today, they released their cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” which is faithful to the original but a little looser, a little crunchier, but still awesome. Weiss was the drummer for Sleater-Kinney and Wild Flag, which should be enough for you to listen to this song itself. [Stereogum]
—Craig Hubert
Previously: Aaron Paul, Madonna, Twerking, Ethan Hawke, Dallas Buyers Club
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