Holly to Bolly: Christopher Nolan says Dunkirk will not preview at Cannes, Nicole Kidman joined Aquaman cast ‘for fun’, and more

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Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP

Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

Christopher Nolan says Dunkirk will not preview at Cannes

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan says that, despite speculation to the contrary, his upcoming World War II epic Dunkirk is not going to play at the Cannes Film Festival.

Nolan told The Associated Press that the film will not be done by the time films are lighting up the Croisette at the esteemed festival, now in its 70th year. The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 17 to 28, and official selections will be announced on April 13.

Telling the story of the famed evacuation of Allied soldiers in May and June of 1940, Dunkirk is set for release in North American theaters on July 21. It stars Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles and newcomer Fionn Whitehead. - AP

Nicole Kidman joined Aquaman ‘for fun’

Actress Nicole Kidman, who last appeared in a superhero film in 1995's Batman Forever, says she came on board for Aquaman for fun.

Since Batman Forever, Kidman has worked in critically acclaimed films like Lion, Moulin Rouge, and Australia.

In Aquaman, Kidman will play actor Jason Momoa's mother Queen Atlanna.

"The reason why I love Aquaman is James Wan (director) is an Australian, and I've followed his career since he started. He's a really good friend of mine, and he offered to let me play Queen Atlanna," Kidman told ew.com.

“As soon as he said I could wear mother-of-pearl and be a mermaid warrior, I said I’m done. Please. If there is one thing I have to do in my life, I have to be that. Because, you’ve got to have some fun,” Kidman added.

The 49-year-old actress will next be seen in The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Beguiled, all of which are slated to be released prior to Aquaman's slated December 2018 premiere. - IANS

Vox Cinemas picks up international award

UAE cinema chain Vox Cinemas has picked up the Global Achievement in Exhibition award at the CinemaCon convention, the largest and most important gathering for the worldwide motion picture theatre industry, which took place in Las Vegas on March 27.

Vox beat of major players in the cinema industry from all around the world to win the award, and CEO Cameron Mitchell commented: “As a brand born out of the Middle East in the late nineties, it is a true honour to see our relentless determination being recognized on a global scale.

“The entertainment landscape is a highly competitive one and platforms such as CinemaCon truly demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the increasing demand for better, more engaging and more dynamic customer experiences. VOX Cinemas’ standards and passion mean that we never rest on our achievements, we will continue investing to drive our business and our innovative spirit forward around the world.” - The National staff

Wonder Woman and Blade Runner 2049 preview at CinemaCon

Warner Bros has presented Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049 and other upcoming films at CinemaCon, a four-day movie convention held in Las Vegas.

Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling, star of the anticipated sequel to 1982 cult film Blade Runner, appeared at the event with a lineup of other stars.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of this film because it’s so iconic and it had such an impact on me, it had such an impact on cinema in general,” the actor said of the movie, presented by both Warner Bros and Sony Pictures and due out later this year.

Other films presented included the DC comic book adaptation of Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot and Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Hollywood studios showcase their upcoming releases to the film industry at the convention which started in 2011. - Reuters

Pamela Anderson plays down Julian Assange romance rumours

Former Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson was coy about a rumoured romance with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, saying his being holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London made dating "a little bit difficult".

Speaking to a Swedish television talk show, the actress and animal rights activist said she had probably spent more time with Assange than with any other man lately but would not be drawn on details.

British media have reported Anderson has been spotted visiting Assange at the central London embassy, where he took refuge in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations that he committed rape in 2010, which he denies.

In the interview, which aired on Friday evening, Anderson is asked whether their relationship was romantic and if they are dating. The 49-year-old actress laughs before saying: “Well, he’s imprisoned, that would make it a little bit difficult.”

She is then pressed further.

“Let’s see what happens when he’s free. But you know I spend probably more time with him than any other man socially, which is very odd,” Anderson said. - Reuters