The Daily Mail newspaper has revealed who’ll be playing Heathcliff in Andrea Arnold’s forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. It’s a complete unknown who goes by the name of James Howson. The young lad was picked after an extensive casting search.

Filming has already begun in Yorkshire but little else is known of Arnold’s approach, although I’ve guessed its a modern re-telling set on a council estate. You know, like her other films are set on bleak council estates. I may be wrong or I may be right. We’ll have to wait and see.

Howson spoke to the Mail about his role very briefly as he wasn’t quite sure whether he should be talking to the press or not:

The filming went really well. Yeah, I’m from Leeds. I don’t really know if I’m supposed to be doing this…”

Also starring Bronte’s tragic love story is Nichola Burley and Kaya Scodelario who plays Cathy. If you’ve never read Wuthering Heights – it’s a classic – so now is probably a good time to read it since the film will be released in 2011. If you’re lazy, stick on the Kate Bush song ‘Wuthering Heights’ for a rockin’ tune and the general gist of the story.

If you like the work of the Bronte sistes, Jane Eyre is released in March next year. It looks very good indeed.

Source: Empire.

A brand new trailer for John Landis’ hopefully glorious return to cinema has been put online. Yes, Burke and Hare will be released in cinemas from 29th October and there’s much interest since its director hasn’t made a film in over a decade.

Back in July I saw John Landis walking down Wardour Street talking loudly (so American) on his mobile phone while swinging a leather satchel like a pendulum. True story. So clearly he’s been busy locking down this macabre tale in the editing suites of Soho.

Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis play the deadly duo and joining them is Tom Wilkinson and Isla Fisher, Sir Christopher Lee, Reece Shearsmith, Jessica Hynes, Hugh Bonneville, Tim Curry, Bill Bailey and Ronnie Corbett.

This horror comedy could be Landis’s ticket back into the mainstream. He’s not directed a film in over twelve years! Remember how bad Blues Brothers 2000 was? It’s enough to put anybody in retirement, or exile. Landis describes his new film as:

“A very black romantic comedy in the classic tradition of the Ealing Studios’ Kind Hearts And Coronets and The Ladykillers.”

Burke Aand Hare were grave robbers working in Edinburgh. They supplied medical students and doctors with fresh cadavers from graveyards and when those run out, starting to rush the journey from life to death for some unfortunate people. As Landis claims, it makes great material for a romantic comedy with a dark heart. Let’s hope that with a top notch British cast, Landis and company, can deliver on something very special. Remember, the last movie he made in England was a stone cold horror classic – with teeth!

UK Release: 29th October

The trailer for Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation of the classic Jane Eyre looks to be playing upon supernatural impressions. It’s a clever take but if you’ve never read the book, don’t be assuming it’s that sort of film.

Having now seen this trailer and Fukunaga’s rather gothic take, hopes are high it’s a goodun. Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska star alongside the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Jamie Bell.

Only yesterday the film’s firs promo poster was aired via the film’s Facebook page. Charlotte Bronte’s novel has been adapted many times but this one stars two brilliant rising stars!

Based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, the romantic drama stars Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”) and Michael Fassbender (“Inglourious Basterds”) in the lead roles. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. The isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding…