Screen talk: Goldman could get 'nosey' job

Launch delay for Robopocalypse; Stunt legend takes on a trilogy; Machete cut up by funds fight; Disney plays online catch-up; Jackson denies animal deaths

Goldman could get 'nosey' job

Jane Goldman is in negotiations with Warner Bros. to work on the script of Pinocchio. While no deals are in place, Hollywood is alive with the possibility of Tim Burton directing Robert Downey Jr. for the first time. Downey would play Geppetto, the woodcarver who creates a puppet whose nose grows when he tells a lie.

Launch delay for Robopocalypse

Dating is an important facet of Hollywood life. So it's big news that The Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox are moving the US release of Robopocalypse, starring Anne Hathaway and Ben Whishaw, from summer 2013 to spring 2014. Disney's The Lone Ranger, originally set to open May 2013, will now take over the Fourth of July weekend date.

Stunt legend takes on a trilogy

Legendary Hollywood stunt coordinator and second-unit director Vic Armstrong is to jump into the director's chair for a fresh take on the 2001 Left Behind movies. Armstrong is in negotiations to direct Nicolas Cage, who is striking a deal to star in what producers hope will be a new trilogy based on Christian-themed books written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

Machete cut up by funds fight

Machete Kills, a planned sequel to Robert Rodriguez's Machete, is on hold after attracting a $2-million lawsuit from owners of the first movie, who allege tax credits have not been paid and who are concerned about the sequel's budget. Pity the audience waiting for a follow-up to the Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez revenge thriller.

Disney plays online catch-up

Folks looking for Enchanted, starring Amy Adams will find a dead end if they go to Disney Movies Online. The studio has shut down the low-tech service where consumers could buy films from Disney and Pixar libraries and stream digital copies from discs they have purchased. Disney movies remain available digitally from other internet sources such as iTunes, Amazon etc.

Jackson denies animal deaths

Peter Jackson and producers of The Hobbit trilogy are embroiled in an animal welfare spat as they gear up for the upcoming UK release of the first film. The filmmakers "completely reject" allegations made by animal wranglers that the production was responsible for animal deaths on set in New Zealand. They got actor Jed Brophy, a vet and a farmer, to deny reports.