Fast & Furious 7 gets new title

Also, Star Wars actor blasts fake fans; Honey Boo Boo TV show axed; Free comedy night in Dubai; Avengers sequel sets trailer record; and Modern Family star helps raise funds for documentary.

The main cast of Fast & Furious 7 filming at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

The latest film in the Fast and Furious franchise, which filmed this year in Abu Dhabi, apparently has a new title – Furious 7. A poster with the title appeared briefly on the film's official Facebook page before disappearing, ahead of the official launch of the film's trailer on November 1. It would be the first time the series has dropped the word Fast from the title. The film, starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell and Jason Statham, is due to be released on April 3 next year. It was delayed by the death of series co-star Paul Walker in a crash in Valencia, California, in November 2013. – The National staff

Star Wars Actor blasts fake fans

Another movie that filmed in Abu Dhabi this year was, of course, Star Wars Episode VII – and there has been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of a trilogy of films about the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the years between the end of Revenge of the Sith and the start of A New Hope. This could open the door for Ewan McGregor to return to the role he played in the prequel trilogy, but that didn't prevent him hitting out at certain followers of the franchise during an interview with Details. He has no problem with real fans – he says he has never met any as he has never been to "one of those conventions" – but he did have harsh words for "fans" who are only interested in getting his autograph to sell it online. He said: "They're not fans – they're parasitical low-lifes," before adding a more colourful description. In the same interview, McGregor also raised hopes that the long-awaited sequel to Trainspotting is finally gearing up, with the plan being to shoot it in 2016, 20 years after the original. – The National staff

Honey Boo Boo TV show axed

The television network TLC has cancelled its documentary series about the American child beauty-pageant contestant Honey Boo Boo and her family. The network was scheduled to begin broadcasting season five of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo at the end of this year. TLC did not give a reason but said "supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority. TLC is faithfully committed to the children's ongoing comfort and well-being." The cancellation came after media reports that June Shannon, the mother of 9-year-old Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, was dating an on-and-off boyfriend who is a registered sex offender and was released from prison in March after serving 10 years for molesting children. Shannon posted a video on the Alana Thompson fan page where she says: "The statement of me dating a sex offender is totally untrue ... I would not ever, ever, ever put my kids in danger. That is my past. I have not seen that person in 10 years." – AP

Free comedy night in Dubai

One Night Standup, Dubai's longest-running free comedy night, returns on Tuesday, October 28, tomorrow, hosted by its founder Hisham Wyne. For the latest event, it has joined forces with professional comedy producers Dubai Laughing to put together an impressive international line-up. The popular Indian comedian Osman Rohail, the German stand-up comic Luke Haeker and the American Tai Paschall are just some of the stars who will take to the stage tomorrow. "The Dubai Laughing team bring a brilliant work ethos, excellent production values and a ready pipeline of extraordinary talent to the local comedy scene. Not only will this lead to a better One Night Standup, but it will also help local talent to be taken more seriously," said Wyne. Newly confirmed for the line-up for November 5, meanwhile, is the comedian Nik Coppin, who will be performing the show he staged at the Edinburgh Fringe. One Night Standup is at 1 UP Champions Lounge, Boutique 7 Hotel & Apartments, Tecom, from 8pm to 10pm. Visit www.facebook.com/OneNightStandUp for more information. – The National staff

Avengers sequel sets trailer record

The trailer for Marvel's superhero sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron has broken the studio's record for the number of views. The trailer, which debuted last Wednesday, was watched an incredible 34.3 million times within the first 24 hours. Marvel's previous trailer record-holder was Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which got 23.5 million views. Marvel had originally planned to release the trailer during tonight's episode of Agents of SHIELD television show in the United States, but it was released early after being leaked online. A clip from the film will now be broadcast instead. – The National staff

Sitcom star helps documentary

The Modern Family star Ed O'Neill is supporting an effort to raise funds to complete a documentary about a colourful congressman in his native north-east Ohio. The filmmaker Eric Murphy has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise US$17,500 (Dh64,000) to finish production and add a new ending to Traficant: Congressman of Crimetown. The former United States representative James A Traficant Jr died last month at the age of 73 after a tractor accident on his family's farm. O'Neill, who also starred in the hit 80s sitcom Married With Children, was interviewed for the documentary and narrates it. Backers who pledge at least $2,500 will get to lunch with O'Neill and a co-producer credit. The actor has also signed books, artwork and other items for $1,000 pledges. – AP