The Malaysian Insider :: Showbiz

‘Snakes on a Plane’ director David R. Ellis dies in S.Africa

Posted: 08 Jan 2013 07:08 AM PST

'Snakes on a Plane' director David R. Ellis dies in S.Africa

File photo of director David R. Ellis in Hollywood. — Reuters pic

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 8 — David R. Ellis, the child actor and former stuntman who went on to direct gory films including "Snakes on a Plane", has been found dead in a Johannesburg hotel.

Ellis, 60, was last seen alive in a restaurant on Saturday. His body was discovered in a bathroom by a hotel manager at the weekend. There was no indication of foul play or robbery, police said in a statement on Tuesday.

"It is unknown what was the cause of death," South African police said.

Ellis was in South Africa shooting a movie.

His 2006 film "Snakes on a Plane" about reptiles slithering through a jet inflicting gruesome deaths on passengers spawned numerous parodies, massive internet hoopla and was one of the most heavily hyped films of the North American summer season.

The film's star, Samuel L. Jackson, threatened to quit when the studio considered changing the title, saying he had taken the job based on the name.

"So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He'll be missed. Gone too soon!" Jackson tweeted on Tuesday.

Ellis also directed other B-list thrillers including "Shark Night" and "Cellular". — Reuters

Sarah Michelle Gellar to return in a TV comedy

Posted: 08 Jan 2013 06:26 AM PST

Sarah Michelle Gellar. — AFP pic

LOS ANGELES, Jan 8 — American actress Sarah Michelle Gellar is linked to a currently untitled project developed by 20th Century Fox TV, reports TVLine.

After attempting a failed comeback last year with "Ringer," now canceled, Gellar will reportedly return to TV in September 2013.

The former star of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" will be starring in a comedy following the everyday life of two mothers when their kids are away at school.

The project will be pitched to American networks in the coming weeks.

"Ringer," meanwhile, was canceled last May after one season, and Gellar also appeared in "The Wonderful Maladys," a pilot HBO never picked up. — AFP-Relaxnews

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Selasa, 8 Januari 2013