Holy Animal Rights, Batman!

Forget The Joker, Riddler and Penguin - new Batman Christian Bale has a new foe to fight: animal rights activists. Production on the new caped crusader movie, Batman Begins, is being targeted by anti-vivisection campaigners after producers chose to film scenes at the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, London. The star-studded cast, which also includes Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Sir Michael Caine, are due to be filmed at the location which was deemed ideal for its spooky look. But the move has angered members of the Mill Hill Anti-Vivisection Alliance who are planning to disrupt filming with a series of protests. One alliance member says: 'It's extremely sad that this has to go ahead. I believe this institute is all about cruelty to animals. It's an awful shame that this is the location that has been chosen to shoot the Batman film.' But Batman won't be put off according to bosses at Warner Bros who will draft in extra security to protect the production. 'We felt that this building offered a unique visual element for our movie at a location that was feasible for us to utilise and that is our sole purpose in filming it,' says a Warner Bros spokeswoman. 'Neither Warner Bros Pictures nor the film-makers, cast or crew of Batman Begins wish to endorse or condemn any social or political position by choosing to film the facade of the institute.'

Other film news

'Prometheus' sequel gets writing team

Last year Ridley Scott's 'Alien' franchise reboot/prequel both dazzled and infuriated audiences. With an impressive box office haul in the bank, 20th Century Fox are on for a sequel and a new writer has been hired.

'The Artist' Oscar winner Jean Dujardin convicted of drunk driving

Jean Dujardin, the French actor who enjoyed worldwide recognition and an Oscar for his work in 'The Artist', has been convicted of driving under the influence.

Arnold Schwarzenegger officially on for 'Terminator 5'

When the Christian Bale reboot of the 'Terminator' franchise misfired at the box office and with the critics, the future of the series was thrown in doubt. Until now. Original series lead star Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed the 5th film and his part of the Terminator itself.

'Transformers' director Michael Bay developing 'Ghost Recon' game-to-film adaptation

Director Michael Bay, famed for his big budget action flicks such as 'The Rock' and the 'Transformers' franchise, will develop a screen adaptation of 'Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon', the bestselling espionage action game title.

Jim Carrey and Owen Wilson team up for heist comedy

Comedy stars Jim Carrey and Owen Wilson will team up for a new crime comedy entitled 'Loomis Fargo', according to reports.

Disney sued for harassment and discrimination by 'The Muppets' editor

An assistant film editor has filed a suit citing harassment, gender discrimination and wrongful termination against the Walt Disney company.

Kate Winslet pregnant with third child

Oscar winning 'Titanic' actress Kate Winslet is pregnant with her third child, it has been confirmed. The 'Mildred Pierce' star is expecting her first child with recent husband Ned Rocknroll.

'Skyfall' director Sam Mendes may return to 007 after u-turn in negotiations

'Skyfall' director Sam Mendes previously walked away from working on another James Bond film due to his busy schedule and the pressures of directing such a huge title again, but now it seems that he has returned to the fold.

'Blue Is The Warmest Colour' scoops Cannes top prize

Abdellatif Kechiche's three-hour drama 'La Vie D’Adèle - Chapitre 1 & 2 (Blue Is The Warmest Colour)' has been awarded the top prize (the Palme d'Or) at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Billy Crystal heads to TV with pilot 'The Comedians'

Veteran actor and frequent Oscars host Billy Crystal is heading to TV: the 'City Slickers' star will front a TV sitcom for network FX entitled 'The Comedians'.

'Exhausted' Ang Lee exits TV pilot 'Tyrant'

Oscar winning film Ang Lee has just backed out from directing his first television show - a TV pilot for the FX network called 'Tyrant'.

Cannes Film Festival rocked by $1m jewellery heist

The stars were shining a little dimmer at this year's Cannes Film Festival after a massive jewellery theft robbed the celebs of their jewels.

Pinewood Studios expansion plan axed by local council

Britain's premiere film lot Pinewood Studios, the home to James Bond and Harry Potter, has lost a £200m planning permission bid for a Hollywood-style expansion across 100 acres of green belt land.

'Avengers' stars Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson reassemble for 'Iron Man' director Jon Favreau's indie comedy

The last time Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson appeared in a film together it was a massive studio production that went on to break box office records. Now the 'Avengers Assemble' stars are reteaming for an independent feature.

Angelina Jolie undergoes double mastectomy after cancer tests

Oscar winning actress Angelina Jolie has undergone a double mastectomy after genetic tests revealed that she held a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Comedian Harry Hill's debut film starts shooting, casts Matt Lucas as his twin

'TV Burp' star Harry Hill's film debut has started shooting with himself in the lead and Matt Lucas as his twin brother alongside Sheridan Smith, 'Inbetweeners' star Simon Bird and Oscar winners Jim Broadbent and veteran actress Julie Walters.

Universal pushes back 'Jurassic Park 4'

'Jurassic Park 4' was due to begin production on June 24th for a release date almost exactly a year later, but studio Universal has pushed it back.

Tributes pour in for Ray Harryhausen, special effects pioneer, dead at 92

When it comes to optical effects in the movies, few have had a career as iconic as Ray Harryhausen, the special effects pioneer who recently died at 92.

Sequels news: 'Men in Black 4' and 'Mission Impossible 5' get the go-ahead

The bank holiday weekend saw not one but two tentpole franchises get the sequel green lights from their studios: 'Men in Black 4' and 'Mission Impossible 5' are on the cards at Sony and Paramount.

'Frasier' star Kelsey Grammer revealed as 'Transformers 4' villain

In somewhat unexpected casting news, TV star Kelsey Grammer (best known as classy radio psychologist Dr Frasier Crane from 'Frasier' and 'Cheers'), has been cast as the lead villain in 'Transformers 4'.