STAR TREK SEQUELS: THEY’RE COMING
If you’re wondering, there will be sequels to the current ‘Star Trek’ movie.
After all there were nine ‘Star Trek’ films the first time around. If Paramount were a person it would be clapping hands in joy and rolling around on the carpet right now. They’ve restarted a series.
Future films built off this one could certainly include the real James T. Kirk, William Shatner, and tell prequel stories to those seen in the TV series. Expect announcements shortly. Generally in these situations the actors are signed for three movies.
But don’t dismiss a return by director J.J. Abrams. Over the weekend, Abrams had the number 1 most accessed page at boxofficemojo.com, beating Angelina Jolie, Hugh Jackman, and all the stars of current movies. A director, no less! With ‘Lost’ on TV, and ‘Alias’ behind him, Abrams is a hot commodity now.
At Paramount this is especially true since Abrams directed the last ‘Mission Impossible’ movie, number three, with Tom Cruise. It’s conceivable that he could restart that series too, possible with a real ‘MI’ team like the TV show and not just as a star project.
FARRAH STILL IN TREATMENT
Don’t count Farrah Fawcett out quite yet.
Despite Ryan O’Neal’s claim to People magazine that Farrah Fawcett has stopped receiving cancer treatment, friends say that’s not completely true.
‘She may have stopped one treatment on the day that Ryan spoke,’ says one close friend. ‘But we haven’t given up, no one’s thrown in the towel.’
That’s good news for the courageous actress. Her battle against cancer will be documented this Friday night on NBC in a film made by good friend, Alana Stewart. If nothing else, the film should give some insight into how people live with cancer, and why every day brings simultaneous hope and discouragement.
The film should show a few good friends who’ve gathered around Farrah, including Stewart, hair dresser to the stars Jose Eber. Fawcett was his first celebrity client and they’ve remained close ever since.
Some non celebrities are also featured. Fawcett’s father, James, is still alive but her mother, Pauline, died in 2005 at age 91. Farrah’s older sister, Diane, died in 2001 from lung cancer. Like Farrah now, she was 62 years old.
And don’t believe the dire statements on the syndicated TV shows either about doctors ‘flying in’ to Los Angeles at the 11th hour. All of Fawcett’s doctors are exactly where they’ve been; there’s nothing so dramatic going on says someone who spoke to Farrah’s German doctor on Sunday.
DISHING AT THE WAVERLY; ALAIN DUCASSE
Monday night: if you live at the cramped corner of Waverly and Bank Streets in the West Village, get ready for an onslaught. During the cocktail hour chef John DeLucie is celebrating publication of his book, ‘The Hunger: A Story of Food, Desire and Ambition,’ from Ecco Press. Four hundred A list guests are expected.
The Waverly, like Elaine’s and Balthazar, is one of the few restaurants seemingly unaffected by the recession. Last Friday night there was a one hour wait for tables. Regulars Dan Abams and Dave Zinczenko entertained two brunettes at a round table. There were tons of fashionistas. I suppose they will all be at book party. ‘The Hunger’ is an engaging tale of one chef’s rise through the New York ranks of kitchens. DeLucie, by the way, once worked at the wonderful Arizona 206 on East 60th St. That explains everything.
PS: Another New York restaurant of note is finally getting traction. Benoit (pronounced Ben-wa), on Fifty ‘fifth Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, is the latest offering from legendary French chef Alain Ducasse. It’s moderately priced bistro food’and delicious. Some flowers, a little music, and a dress code (I couldn’t believe what some of the people were wearing on a Saturday night’or not wearing in some cases), and Benoit should become a destination. The roasted chicken for two is a hit!