Philly movie slate gets 'Hot'
'Wheels' race car film will lens in the city.
LOOKS AS IF PHILLY has a new movie on the horizon.
"Hot Wheels," based on the very popular toy cars, will be lensing in Philadelphia, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, confirmed to me.
The project won't start shooting until late spring or early summer.
The flick is a collaboration between Legendary Pictures and Mattel, the manufacturer of Hot Wheels.
No stars have been cast, but the Hollywood Reporter noted in October that well-respected stunt coordinator and second unit director Simon Crane (who has worked on such films as "Titanic," "World War Z" and "Braveheart") will helm "Hot Wheels" in his directorial debut. According to his CV, Crane has worked with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt a number of times. Maybe they'll come visit their old bud?
Although many details have yet to be hammered out, the plot apparently centers around a down-on-his-luck Illinois State Trooper who must fight a man from his past after a military device falls into the wrong hands.
Plus cars. Lots of cars.
In other industry news
* "God's Pocket," a movie based on the book of the same name by former Daily News powerhouse Pete Dexter, gets its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Thursday. The film, directed by and starring "Mad Men" MVP John Slattery, is about a man who tries to cover up the "accidental" death of his stepson, matters only complicated when a newspaper columnist comes sniffing around for answers.
* There's a local face in Elle magazine's TV issue: Madeline Brewer, the Pitman, N.J., native who stunned as corn-rowed Tricia in the first season of Netflix's "Orange is the New Black," is featured in a fashion spread about up-and-coming television stars, including stars from "Sleepy Hollow," "Masters of Sex" and "NCIS."
* Philly actor Evan Jonigkeit, who I interviewed back in November for his Broadway role in "The Snow Geese," opposite Mary Louise Parker, will star as Toad in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," opposite Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and Peter Dinklage. Jonigkeit could be seen on Philly stages at the Wilma and the Arden, as well as viral ads for gay sports bar Tabu Bar and Sports Lounge (200 S. 12th St.). Don't worry, ladies, the hunk is currently rumored to be dating "Girls" star Zosia Mamet (a/k/a high-strung Shoshanna).
OUT AND ABOUT
* Last week, Kevin Hart and Ice Cube made quite the rounds while in town promoting their new movie "Ride Along," in theaters Friday. They made highly publicized trips to Jim's Steaks (400 South St.), where the duo gave out free cheesesteaks and stopped by Sixers practice to shoot some hoops. But they had a less highly publicized shopping trip to Mitchell & Ness (1201 Chestnut St.) where Philly native Hart tried on Phillies and Flyers gear. Both Hart and Cube left the store with Mitchell & Ness-branded varsity jackets and snapbacks.
* Philadelphia Wings lacrosse assistant coach Chris Collins, along with players Mike Poppleton, Kevin Crowley, Brett Manney, Bill McGlone and Eric Hoffman took in the Nitro Circus Live at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday. The Wings began their season yesterday at Wells Fargo Center.
Idolized
"American Idol" will kick off its 13th season with a premiere party at the AMC Plymouth 12, (494 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting) tomorrow. Viewers will get to watch the premiere episode, followed by a simulcast live Q&A featuring host Ryan Seacrest and judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. First-come, first-serve seating also includes free popcorn and soda. To RSVP go to to idolrsvp.com.
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