I've met plenty of "Twilight" fans who still haven't read "The Host," even though its maintained its spot on the New York Times bestsellers list from its debut in May 2008. In many ways, I like it more than "The Twilight Saga" for its intriguing plot and interesting characters. The dynamic relationship between Melanie, a rebel human trying to resist an alien invasion, and Wanda, the alien or Soul who possess her body, is the driving force of the entire novel, and a really intriguing one at that.

Continue reading Just Like 'Twilight,' Stephenie Meyer's 'The Host' Will Hit The Big Screen, But Who Should Star In It?

Based on his "Twisted Land of Oz" action figure line, McFarlane's upcoming "Wizard of Oz" film promises a lot more mayhem and mischief than a winged monkey could ever muster, and you don't have to take McFarlane's word for it -- the action figures themselves speak volumes about this dark and dangerous new Oz.

Given the horrifying look of the toys, it's tough to imagine who could play these mangled versions of L. Frank Baum's classic characters -- but that's not stopping me from trying! After the jump, check out the five actors that I'd like to see in McFarlane's new "Oz" film.

Rose McGowan as Dorothy Gale: Looking at the Dorothy action figure, there are two important casting decisions to acknowledge right away: firstly, this is no role for Dakota Fanning. Secondly, Kuato from "Total Recall" will be playing every munchkin in the film. Beyond that, this looks like a role for Rose McGowan -- no stranger to dark, twisted roles thanks to "Grindhouse" and "Jawbreaker," but with plenty of killer instinct in both of those films, McGowan definitely has what it takes to thrive in "Oz."

Mickey Rourke as the Lion: With his guts and muscles exposed, McFarlane's take on the Lion isn't likely to get a lot of screen time in the film, unless his injuries come towards the movie's end... in which case, uh, spoiler alert. Clearly, the Lion will require a healthy dose of make-up and CGI effects, but a gruff and tough body will be needed for motion capture -- and who could embody this character better than Mickey Rourke? He not only has the physique, he's also got the gravely voice to sell this Lion as anything but a coward.

Michael Reid MacKay as the Scarecrow: There are few things more terrifying than Michael Reid MacKay's portrayal of Victor the Sloth victim in "Se7en," a barely alive skeletal husk that screams like a banshee. Take one good look at the mangled Scarecrow action figure and you'll be convinced that MacKay's "Se7en" character is a dead ringer for the role. Just break out that old 1995 make-up, add a blue coat and slap it all together on Mr. MacKay, and you'll be looking at McFarlane's Scarecrow.

Doug Jones as the Tin Woodsman: While he'd be equally well-suited for the Scarecrow -- really, he'd be great as any character in the film, Dorothy included -- Doug Jones encompasses everything you'd want in this terrifying version of the heartless Tin Woodsman. Imagining the awkward rigidity of the Pale Man from "Pan's Labyrinth," combined with the muscly exterior and likely-to-drag right foot, all embodied in Doug Jones... well, that's enough to give me nightmares before I even see the movie.

Christopher Walken as the Wizard: The gas mask-wearing Wizard requires an actor with wisdom, physicality and an unparalleled voice. The answer, of course, is none other than Christopher Walken, who already possesses the voice of an angel. His not-so-everyman swagger and undeniable lyricism -- not to mention his often menacing temper tantrums -- are the exact qualities needed to bring Oz's number one fraud to life.

Who do you think should be cast in Todd McFarlane's reimagining of "The Wizard of Oz"? Sound off in the comments section!

"I’m working on a movie idea, but it wouldn’t be us playing us," Stamos told the New York Daily News. "I see Steve Carell as [Bob Saget's] Danny Tanner and Tracy Morgan as [Dave Coulier's] Joey Gladstone because he’s funny."

Carell and Morgan are both fine choices, no question. However, as someone who grew up in the Tanner family's San Francisco living room, I have a few picks of my own in mind who could capably revive "Full House" for an entirely new generation.

Jason Bateman as Danny Tanner

As far as I'm concerned, Bateman's role as Michael Bluth in "Arrested Development" was the perfect audition for Bob Saget's original single TV dad. He has the cheesy charisma to pull off fatherly talks with his daughters, and his nerdiness quotient reaches just high enough that he'll still wear Danny's pent-up OCD frustrations in a sweet and lovable way.

Seth Rogen as Joey Gladstone

Can you picture Seth Rogen as the next Ranger Joe? Because the "Knocked Up" star could own the part of the lovably single standup comedian. Hell, he would probably receive the part immediately if a casting director just asked him to say -- and demonstrate -- Joey's famous gesture-based tagline: "Cut. It. Out!"

Andrew W.K. as Uncle Jesse

Hear me out on this one. Whether they decide to name him Jesse Cochran or Jesse Katsopolis in the adaptation, professional hard party-er Andrew W.K. could be the perfect reboot for the character. Stamos pulled off a hard-rocking "Vulture" with his band Jesse and the Rippers. But seriously folks-- we're decades past hair metal's hey-day. Who is the ideal smooth-talker to perform in a cheeseball rock band and double as a badass uncle? That's right, Andrew W.K.

Miley Cyrus as D.J. Tanner

The oldest tanner girl needs to be able to play squeaky clean with mischievous streak. Someone we can all see staying up late to watch the MTV Video Music Awards with her neighbor Kimmy. Miley would make a great older, wiser sibling to Stephanie and Michelle.

Abigail Breslin as Stephanie Tanner

The star of "Little Miss Sunshine" is old enough to squeeze into the middle Tanner sister role. She can also perform with just the right level of attention-craving chutzpah to keep Stephanie adorable while occasionally crossing the line into annoyance. Occasionally.

Pearl McKay as Michelle Tanner

There is only one child actor out there who even remotely resembles the Olsen twins during their baby years: Pearl McKay. She also possesses the precocious stylings to take up the mantle of Michelle. Will Ferrell's co-star from the FunnyOrDie.com classics "The Landlord" and "Good Cop, Baby Cop" is an absolute no-brainer for the part.

Andy Fickman read my mind. The "Race to Witch Mountain" director is helming a musical production of 1988 teen flick Heathers. Yes, the dark comedy that introduced Wynona Ryder to the zeitgeist is hitting the stage. I know what you’re thinking: another movie-to-musical adaptation!? Well, some people cringe when they find out their favorite film is about to get the song-and-dance treatment. But others, like me, get giddy with anticipation. Plus, Kristen Bell might take on the lead role. Score!
This news got me so excited; I couldn’t help but hope that some other adolescent angst films will find their way onto Broadway.

So without further adieu, here’s a roundup of the top five high school movies we think should be sprinkled with a little musical magic:

"Dazed and Confused":
With the 1970s backdrop, quirky characters and cult following, how could this musical not be amazing? Throw in some covers of any of the rock classics that were in the original soundtrack and we’ve got ourselves a musical masterpiece. Think "Across the Universe" meets "American Graffiti."

Cast picks: Never mind if he can carry a tune, Matthew McConaughey should definitely return as the iconic David Wooderson. But the lead role of scrawny shy-guy Mitch will go to Michael Cera, who proved he’s got some musical talent in Juno.

"The Breakfast Club":
This 80s classic has all the ingredients of a good musical: the star-crossed lovers, the unexpected transformations and the feel-good happy ending. Plus, to see our five favorite detention goers busting a move and belting out ballads would be, like, totally awesome.

Cast picks: A glammed-down Katy Perry as awkward outsider Allison Reynolds. Robert Pattinson as rebel John Bender. Sheer brilliance.

"Clueless":
If Elle Woods can have her own musical, so can Cher Horowitz. The clothes alone would make this hilarious satire worth seeing onstage. And it’s got the potential for some killer hip hop numbers (Dionne/Murray rap battle? Yes!)

Cast picks: Here’s hoping Alicia Silverstone can sing- because I want the original cast back for this musical makeover. Complete with a slow motion Paul Rudd dance sequence… choreographed by Kenny Ortega of "High School Musical" fame.

"Mean Girls":
We can’t take credit for this one. "Mean Girls" is already in talks to make its stage debut. MTV got the scoop on the movie’s musical chances from Tina Fey herself. It looks like it will happen but keep your fingers crossed.

Cast Picks: We’ll give her props for a solid performance in the original film but Lindsay Lohan isn’t allowed within a three mile radius of this production. Instead, we nominate "Gossip Girl: star Leighton Meester for Lohan’s role. And since Ashley Tisdale’s got the teen queen act down, she’s our pick for Regina George.

"Ferris Bueller’s Day Off":
Come to think of it, this should’ve been a musical in the first place. I’m not trying to mess with a classic but come on; Matthew Broderick went on to be Broadway’s boy wonder and Bueller’s campy comedic timing is the stuff musicals are made of.

Cast picks: Forget the Footloose remake Zac Efron, you are the perfect Ferris Bueller.

Got any more casting ideas? Did we miss a teen flick you think would make a kick ass musical? We want to know!

Now that “Friday the 13th” holds the record for biggest horror-movie opening weekend of all time , and Michael Bay’s firm grasp on Hollywood’s crown has become tighter than ever, that noise you hear is pens swish-swishing hurriedly across contracts for the next Platinum Dunes project: The remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”

But who will play Freddy Krueger? With 61-year-old veteran actor Robert Englund out of the picture, here are a few of the high-profile actors who could slip into the role for a sleeker, 21st-Century take on the maniacal murderer:

Jackie Earle Haley – He’s got a bald head, a sarcastic/sadistic charm, and an Oscar nomination on his resume. Still not convinced that the “Watchmen” star has what it takes to play the “Elm Street” tormentor? Check out his performance in “Little Children,” where he plays a fractured, self-mutilating freak with a history of preying on innocent kids. It sure wouldn’t seem like much of a stretch to imagine a few of those neighborhood parents setting Jackie Earle on fire, only to be haunted for years to come.

Michael Rosenbaum – Most famous for playing Lex Luthor on “Smallville,” this veteran actor is approximately the same age as Englund was when he first slipped into Freddy’s famous sweater. He’s a good actor, an intense guy, and projects the most important quality the next Krueger will need: Intelligence.

Johnny Depp – After Freddy killed him in the original “Nightmare,” wouldn’t there be a certain beauty to the A-list star coming full-circle? Sure, the chances of Depp taking on the role (or even having the time to do so) seem slim – but if anybody is crazy enough to want to do it, it might just be Johnny Depp.

Jeremy Renner – Also approximately the same age as Englund was when he kicked off his signature franchise, this “Assassination of Jesse James” star has something undeniably unsettling about him. His eerily-convincing portrayal of Jeffrey Dahmer, coupled with a creepy turn in “North Country,” shows that he’s not only ready for a higher-profile role, but that a set of razor-sharp fingers could fit him like a glove.

Lindsay Lohan – A recent (bogus) report claimed that LiLo was set to make her umpteenth attempt at a Hollywood comeback by playing an ill-fated teen in “Nightmare.” But we say if you’re gonna go crazy, why only do it halfway? For a truly unique spin on the character, cast the former “Mean Girls” star as the meanest girl of all: Freda Krueger. Something tells us that creating a wild-eyed, vengeful, terrifying character is well within her reach.

With a casting agent soon to be hired, now is the time to speak up. Who do you want to play the new Freddy Krueger?

There have been rumors galore when it comes to the casting of the heavily anticipated “New Moon” – the next installment of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling “Twilight” saga. We all know about the drama revolving around the casting of hunky werewolf Jacob Black. Will Taylor Lautner bulk up enough to keep the role of the lovable “shape-shifter” or will the bigger and older Michael Copon take the cake? Oh the intrigue!

While Twilighters are still debating about which actor they want to play New Moon’s Jacob, there’s new casting drama that has thrown the passionate fans of the mega blockbuster into a tizzy. For the past month, rumors have been circulating that two Disney Channel stars are in contention for the role of Leah Clearwater. Leah is Jacob’s fiesty and heartbroken frienemy, who…umm… also happens to be a werewolf!

Of course, as a Twilighter myself, my ears perked up with interest to find out who was in the running for the role of Leah. The character isn’t integral to the plotline as Jacob, Edward, or Bella, but anything related to Twilight usually gets me excited, which explains why I bought all three Twilight edition covers of Entertainment Weekly, dream about RPattz, and have Paramore’s “Decode” on repeat.

I thought to myself, “Disney Channel Stars? Miley Cyrus? Nope. Ashley Tisdale? I hope not. Selena Gomez? Possible. Vanessa Hudgens? No way. She can’t go from “High School Musical” to “Twilight?” She can’t be that lucky.”

Apparently, she might be.

The girl who’s made boys go gaga in all three High School Musicals (HSM) (and in those naughty pictures too) is rumored to be one of the top two contenders. Who’s the other hopeful? The super-cute and super-funny Brenda Song! You might know her as the spoiled and not so very smart London Tipton alongside Ashley Tisdale in Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

If you ask me, neither of these gals are good picks. As for Brenda, I love her. She’s cute, funny, and makes the Asian in me sing with glee and glow with pride at how successful she’s been as a Disney Channel star; but, she’s no Leah.

Why would Vanessa – one of the stars of HSM – opt for a minor character? Even though the film is destined to be another mega hit, does she really need this role that badly? Plus, I can’t picture Gabriella Montez running around the woods growling at people.

Now for all of the hoot and hollering some fans have made about Taylor Lautner not fitting the role of Jacob (“He’s too thin. He’s too short.” Blah. Blah), there’s no way directors should cast either of these two as Leah. The character is described as 6’1. Vanessa and Brenda are short and petite! I’m all for taking a book and letting your imagination run wild, but if people are going to make a big stink about Taylor’s real life stature not matching Meyer’s description of Jacob, then why shouldn’t we be nit-picky here as well?!

What do you guys think? Should Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song be cast as Leah? If not, who do you think would be the perfect actress for the role?

If Kristin Kreuk were six feet tall, she’d be my pick, but since she’s not, I vote for my MTV News co-worker Vanessa White Wolf who is a. Native American b. very pretty c. not 6’1 but tall and d. fiesty. And her name is Vanessa White Wolf. C’mon Breaking Dawn readers… you know what I’m referring to!

(Above: Vanessa with actor Carl Weathers)

Our horror-heavy friends over at Bloody-Disgusting are reporting that Audrina has joined the cast of "Sorority Row," a soon-to-shoot remake of the 1983 cult flick "The House on Sorority Row." She joins previously-announced leads Briana Evigan ("Step Up 2: The Streets") and Rumer Willis ("The House Bunny") for the film, which will mark the first high-profile effort from director Stewart Hendler.

The film's official plot synopsis reads as follows: "When five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret."

The original film served as an ambitious whodunit for horror fans, featuring college babe carnage and a cane-wielding killer. Some "Hills" fans, undoubtedly, will hope Audrina plays the role of the character whose original fate ended with a decapitated head in a toilet bowl.

"Sorority Row" is scheduled to begin shooting in Pittsburgh next month, and follows in the footsteps of such recent girls-in-terror remakes as "Black Christmas" and "When a Stranger Calls." Audrina had previously begun work on her acting debut "Into the Blue 2," and recently shot a cameo for the new Jerry O'Connell sitcom "Do Not Disturb."

Produced by up-and-coming "Twilight" studio Summit Entertainment, "Sorority Row" will most likely hit theaters in late 2009.

Do you think Audrina has what it takes to become an actress? Or should she stick to playing herself?

Interestingly, though, Gibson didn’t mention whether or not he was up for B.A. Baracus, the character made famous by Mr. T, or some other role, leading LR’s George Roush to speculate that he might be in the running for Templeton “Faceman” Peck instead.

Tyrese Gibson pities the fool that speculates.

“It’s B.A. Baracus,” Gibson confirmed to MTV News. “I haven’t officially signed on — everything is still on standby — but the conversations coming my way feel right. I’m gonna try to put my touch on [the character]. I mean, I got the muscles!”

The good news is that Gibson and director John Singleton have been “brainstorming about different ideas to make [the character] right,” he said, by updating him for the 21st century. The bad news is that apparently means the same thing to Tyrese as putting flames on Optimus Prime.

No, seriously.

“I think at the end of the day, you wanna take all the elements that work and take your hands on something new,” he answered in response to whether or not he would sport T’s trademark bling and Mohawk. “Optimus Prime has some flames or stripes [added]! I don’t think B.A. will be pissed if we decide to change it up a bit.”

So should “The A-Team” ever get made, we know it’ll be with Tyrese as Baracus. But what to make of his update? Should B.A. sport the chains and Mohawk? Or would that be ridiculous in a modern story? Sound off below.

"Runaways" is a popular Marvel comic-book series, written by Brian K. Vaughan, who handed it over to Joss Whedon, and it's about to become a movie as well, with Vaughan scripting. We're confident he's got that covered, but what about the casting? Here are a few suggestions to get the "Runaways" moving.

ALEX WILDER -- He's the team's leader, thanks to his logic and strategy skills acquired from massive gameplaying, but he has no powers of his own. He has a dark side, though, since he secretly still sides with his supervillain parents, and plans to sell out the Runaways in the end. Whoever plays him needs to be able to suggest both intelligence and duplicity, so how about Hairspray scene-stealer Elijah Kelly? He'd be able to two-step any situation Alex lands in.

Runners-up: Mario and YouTuber Tay Zonday ("Chocolate Rain") also look the part.

NICO MINORU -- Also known as Sister Grimm. This Japanese-American goth witch later becomes the group leader, thanks to her weapon, the Staff of One, which can cast any spell she can think of, provided she never repeats it, and provided she's bleeding at the same time. We'd love to see Kill Bill's teenage assassin Chiaki Kuriyama in this role, but since she's still learning English, maybe not.

Runners-up: Devon Aoki would have Nico's deadpan look down, but "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" star Sophie Oda could be able to bring out her sweet side.

KAROLINA DEAN -- Also known as Lucy in the Sky. Karolina looks like a typical Hollywood starlet -- blonde and beautiful -- thanks to her actor parents, but she's actually from the planet Majesdane and has solar super-powers. Her parents kept this hidden from her, making her wear what she thought was a medic alert bracelet, which kept her in humanoid form. Once the bracelet comes off, though, she glows with a light that can be used for laser beams, blasts, and forcefields. Karolina's a bit lonely, too, and she has a crush on Nico. (Did we mention she's a lesbian?) Evan Rachel Wood could portray Karolina's alien angst.

Runners-up: "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart and Mischa Barton would be able to handle the gender-bending.

GERTRUDE YORKES -- Also known as Arsenic. Gert's parents were time-travelers, and on one of their expeditions, they brought her back a dinosaur, a deinonychus she calls Old Lace. They're telepathically bonded, and the dino is unconditionally loyal to Gert, so it's much more than just a powerful pet. Since the sarcastic Gert often feels insecure -- she's a little overweight and wears glasses -- she needs the support. (Think of her as the Velma of the group, but with purple hair.) Amazingly, though, the hottie guy of the Runaways falls hard for her. "Hairspray" actress Nikki Blonsky's covered this territory before (minus the dino).

Runners-up: Flora Cross or iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove could handle the cynical parts, with a bit of padding.

CHASE STEIN -- The aforementioned hottie, also known as Talkback. At first thought of as the dumb jock of the group, Chase proves himself to be a techno-expert and getaway guy, thanks to the tools he stole from his mad scientist parents, include x-ray gogggles, flamethrowing fists, and a land-and-sea transport vehicle with built-in lasers. Chase needs to be played by someone who would be easily dismissed at first, but has hidden depth. How about Chace Crawford? (It wouldn't be too hard for him to remember the name, at least.)

Runners-up: Sarah Connor Chronicles star Thomas Dekker and Hannah Montana star Mitchel Musso already have the hair-cut.

MOLLY HAYES -- Also known as Bruiser. As a preteen, Molly's the little kid of the group, but don't underestimate her -- she's also the strongest, thanks to her mutant super strength and invulnerability. But she can only use her powers for a limited lengths of time, after which she falls asleep. She's the most naive of the group, but she's growing up fast. AnnaSophia Robb would be a good Molly.

Runners-up: Abigail Breslin and Elle Fanning might be too sweet to be Molly just yet, but this next year could make all the difference.

So do you agree or disagree with our pics? Chime in with your own "Runaways" cast picks below!

Now MTV News can announce who'll join him.

Pierce Brosnan and Nicolas Cage have been tapped to star as the British Prime Minister Adam Lang and the unnamed ghostwriter, respectively, in the next project from the legendary, Oscar winning director, Brosnan revealed. (And, yes, it took considerable effort not to write "From Ghost Rider to ghostwriter." You’re welcome.)

"I'm going to go off and work with Mr. Roman Polanski and Nic Cage on a film called 'The Ghost,'" Brosnan said. "It's a thriller."

A thriller and then some, and right in Polanski's wheelhouse. Inspired in part by Tony Blair, the novel picks up steam when the ghostwriter learns privileged details about a scandal which threatens to engulf the ex-Prime Minister. Soon, he finds himself in personal jeopardy, and must learn to balance his commitments to Lang with his own safety.

Most of the story takes place in an oceanfront house in the middle of winter.

"I have been looking for a political thriller to direct for some time, and 'The Ghost' could not be more perfect," Polanski told Variety at the time of his announced commitment to the project. "Robert has constructed a novel with such suspense, it is hard to put it down."

But what do you think? Does the casting of Cage and Brosnan sound inspired? Think this project has all the makings of another Polanski classic? Sound off on your thoughts below.