Daniel Bruhl

First Look at Chris Hemsworth in Ron Howard's Formula One Drama Rush

Universal Pictures assigned a release date to Academy Award–winning director Ron Howard's (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon) new movie, Rush, only a few days ago and now several still images from the movie have been released via the official website for the movie, offering us our first look at Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as celebrated British Formula One racer James Hunt. Shot on location in the UK, Germany and Austria, Rush focuses on the epic rivalry between Hunt and Austrian driver Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) as they battle over the 1976 Formula One World Championship title. Here's the synopsis of the movie:

The epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as the charismatic Englishman James Hunt and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) as the disciplined Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives. Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Lauda. Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die.

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• Ron Howard
• Chris Hemsworth
• Daniel Bruhl
• Olivia Wilde
• Peter Morgan
• Hollywood Dailies

Casting News: Blake Lively Turns Down Pride and Prejudice and Zombies; Olivia Wilde Feels the Rush; Posse Added to Last Stand

In June, Emma Stone (The Help, the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man) decided to pass on the lead role of Elizabeth Bennett in Liongate's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but was hardly the only name associated with the role. Prior to Stone, the studio reportedly "flirted" with actresses Mia Wasikowska and Anne Hathaway without much results, while Scarlett Johansson was rumored for the part last year after Natalie Portman dropped out.

Recently, reports have revealed that Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively was offered the role and, after a few weeks of contemplation, it looks like Lively will put starring in summer box office bomb Green Lantern behind her as she takes on an exciting, high-profile role with a built-in fanba...wait, nope, she didn't take it, either. Didn't expect that. Variety writer Justin Kroll revealed the news on his Twitter.

Casting update, news broke a couple weeks back that Blake Lively was offered lead in PRIDE PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES. She has officially passed

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
• The Last Stand
• Blake Lively
• Rooney Mara
• Olivia Wilde
• Ron Howard
• Chris Hemsworth
• Peter Morgan
• Daniel Bruhl
• Niki Lauda
• Jaimie Alexander
• Rodrigo Santoro
• Zachary Gilford
• Peter Stormare
• George Nolfi
• Ji-woon Kim