Books/ Movies

Madonna Forum

MADONNA PLANS KIDS MOVIE
Pop superstar Madonna is planning to expand her career as a children's author --
she now has an animated movie in the works.

The pop goddess already has one children's book, "The English Roses," under her belt and another, "Mr. Peabody's Apples," planned for release next month.

And now she has an animated project she's planning to turn into a movie

She says, "It's called 'The Adventures of Opty.' I've been approached by some people about it and I'm thinking about it."

MADONNA PLANS ANOTHER MOVIE

Madonna is planning to turn her hit children's book "The English Roses" into an animated movie, in which she'll the voice the Fairy Godmother role.

The pop superstar, whose last movie venture "Swept Away" was savaged by the critics, plans to ask friends to play the leading characters, insisting her own children Rocco and Lourdes won't take part.

Speaking exclusively to program "Extra!", Madonna also revealed she's in negotiations to create a new movie musical. It's not known at this stage whether she'll star in it.

NEW MADONNA BOOK DUE

MADONNA will release her third children's book, "Yakov and the Seven Thieves," on June 21st. The thirty-two-page book features text by the pop star along with illustrations by GENNADY SPIRIN. It follows "The English Roses" and "Mr. Peabody's Apples," both of which topped the "New York Times"' best-seller list. "It's a story about how all of us have the ability to unlock the gates of heaven," Madonna said. "When we go against our selfish natures, we make miracles happen."

Just means more money, more money. I really don't think she cares about teaching children that they can make miracles happen.

Now it's guy's turn:

He seems to be following Madonna's lead in most things, next thing you know he'll have a beauty range and a fashion store and a CD of his own out

Madonna's heart-stopping antics

Madonna was supposedly such a prima donna on the set of John Schlesinger's last film that she may have driven the director to heart failure.

The Oscar-winning director of Midnight Cowboy and Billy Liar, who died in July 2003, blamed Madonna for his 1999 heart attack, reports the New York Daily News. That charge lives on in letters and production notes he wrote while directing Madonna in the flop The Next Best Thing.

When he suffered a heart attack just after finishing the film, an enraged Schlesinger fired off a missive from his hospital bed, laying some of the blame for his collapse on Madonna and producer Tom Rosenberg for agreeing to her demands.

"I am f---ing angry with Tom being influenced by Madonna," Schlesinger wrote to his agent. "I do not for one moment think that their behaviour has not added to the reasons I have ended up here."

In the film, Madonna plays a yoga instructor who is made pregnant by her gay best friend, played by Rupert Everett.

One memo hints that the actress wanted producers to "beautify" 34 shots of her with computer-generated wizardry.

Later, Madonna lobbied for the removal of a pivotal scene that she felt was too "gay" - much to the disgust of Schlesinger, who was gay.

KRT

Madonna turns over a new leaf

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Raunchy ... Madonna on stage

WHAT a difference a day makes.

Last night Madonna was on stage for her Reinvention tour in a racy corset, fishnet tights and thigh length boots and jumping around like a teenager.

But it was a different picture just a few hours earlier when she looked more like a suburban housewife.

In my snap below she’s dressed demurely in a thoroughly sensible tweed skirt, thick tights and a cardigan buttoned up to the top.

Sitting beside her is daughter Lourdes, who mum calls Lola.

They were at London’s Great Ormond Street children’s hospital to launch Madge’s new book, Yakov And The Seven Thieves.

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Demure look ... Madonna and Lourdes just hours before gig

She told young patients: “I’ve got a gig soon and I need to rest my voice, so my daughter Lola is going to read for you instead.”

Lourdes read extracts from the book, the third in a series of five.

But there’s no need to worry about Madonna getting fuddy duddy.

My picture is proof the Material Girl can be as raunchy as ever as she thrilled fans last night at London’s Wembley on her Reinvention gig.

http://www.thesun.co.uk

I think Madonna is one artist who truly has a "stage personality" that is totally different from who she really is. I think it's great that she can be a sex bomb on stage and then leave it all behind her to go home and be a normal person, a normal mum. It's good to see.

MAD ABOUT MAKING CASH

WHO'D have thought the day would come when Madonna would be selling tea sets and slippers?

The canny businesswoman will be adding to her millions by launching The English Roses Collection as a spin-off from her children's book.

Prices for the kids clothing and accessories line, which includes English Roses schoolgirl dolls, start at £14 for a pair of slippers.

A porcelain tea set, suitable for your average seven-year-old, will cost just over £16 and will be sold in America in time for Christmas at American department store chain Nordstrom.

Move over Del Boy...

- Mirror

I didn't know her book was going that well so as to need a line of accessories. I guess I was wrong

MADONNA'S LATEST BOOK INFURIATES KABBALAH CRITICS

Pop queen Madonna's latest book has infuriated Kabbalah critics, who claim it brutally forces the mystical offshoot of Judaism "down the throats of innocent children."

The Material Girl's fourth children's tome "The Adventures of Abdi" tells the story of Abdi, a young boy who has to deliver the most precious necklace in the world to the queen, and overcomes numerous obstacles "through the power of spiritual certainty."

Religious cult expert Rick Ross tells American news site MSNBC.com, "The book is just more Kabbalah preaching disguised as a kiddie book. The character survives 'through the power of spiritual certainty.'

"It's just pushing Kabbalah down the throats of innocent children."

The book will hit book shops in November.

-SF Gate

This Kabbalh obsession is getting out of hand. She's truly is trying to convert the world. Can you imagine if this was a book based on principles of Islam? The world would be up in arms that she was brainwashing children, but for some reason, becauase it's Kaballah it's OK. That's why organised religion is bad.

Madonna for Animated Film Role

Madonna will be lending her voice to the cast of the animated film Arthur, directed by Luc Besson.

The film is based on a series of children's books, also written by Besson.

The film tells the story of ten-year-old Arthur, who, while trying to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes on a treasure hunt in the land of the Minimoys, a bunch of tiny people living in coexistence with nature.

- The Star

Lourdes follows in mum's footsteps

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Lourdes is following in her mother's footsteps, with Madonna having sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide of her first children's book, The English Roses

Pop queen Madonna's daughter Lourdes has written a story for a fund-raising Christmas book.

The eight-year-old's story will feature in Christmas Stories, a book being launched by Selfridges on November 9 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Lourdes is following in her mother's footsteps, with Madonna having sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide of her first children's book, The English Roses.

Other celebrities to contribute stories include boxer Audley Harrison, who writes about a little boy getting his first boxing gloves for Christmas, and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson contributes a poem about a girl who lives in a cake.

X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne writes about her British bulldog, Lola, while other contributors include Sarah, the Duchess of York, as well as David Hasselhoff, Michael Owen and Eamonn Holmes.

- ITV

MADONNA'S ANTI-WEALTH KID'S BOOK

Pop superstar Madonna is planning a new children's book to teach kids that wealth is overrated.

The multi-millionaire -- who is currently promoting her fourth novel, "The Adventure of Abdi" -- will have "Lotsa de Casha" ready for release next summer.

Publisher Nicholas Callaway describes the tale, "All the characters in the book will be animals and Lotsa de Casha is an Italian greyhound who has all the money in the world but no happiness. He thinks only of himself."

- SF Gate

Fans wait in line 24 hours to see Madonna

LONDON — Hundreds of Madonna fans lined up for 24 hours outside a central London bookstore where the pop singer signed copies of her new children's book Thursday.

But only the first 250 hopefuls were allowed into Selfridges on Oxford St. to watch Madonna read from "The Adventures of Abdi" before signing copies.

Crowds who gathered on the shopping street for a glimpse of the singer were disappointed when she was smuggled into the store through an underground car park.

Madonna later gave a 10-minute reading to a group of 30 schoolchildren, aged eight to 10, from St. Winifred's Catholic Junior School in south London.

"The Adventures of Abdi," is the fourth book in a five-book children's series Madonna has penned for Callaway Editions. Callaway has already published "The English Roses," "Mr. Peabody's Apples" and "Yakov and the Seven Thieves."

Madonna's fifth book, "Lotsa de Casha," is due for release next summer.

- CTV

You have got to be thye biggest fan ever to wait 24 hours just to see her and get her to sign a kiddies book. It's not even something original like the "Sex" book, it's a flaming kiddies book. I could understand if you waited that long for concert tickets or something, but for a signature on a book - that's insane

Madonna delighted a group of British schoolchildren on Thursday with a reading from her latest book.

A large crowd of older fans queued up overnight for the chance to meet the Queen of Pop in Selfridges department store. But the pupils of Winifred's Junior School in south London were treated to a private audience, when Madge read extracts from the The Adventures Of Abdi in a specially prepared playroom.

The tome, which is inspired by the singer's Kabbalah faith, is the fourth in a series of children's books written by the 46-year-old. It tells the story of a little boy who must deliver the world's most precious necklace to a queen. Along the way he is robbed, thrown in a dungeon and has a surprising encounter with a snake - but he never gives up hope.

Madonna has been anxious that her stories should carry a positive message. And the next installment may come of something of a surprise to her fans, because the Material Girl is working on a tale about the pitfalls of being wealthy.

Lotsa De Casha will follow the exploits of an uppercrust pooch who has plenty of money but not many friends. "All the characters in the book will be animals and Lotsa de Casha is an Italian greyhound who is very rich but very unhappy," revealed publisher Nicholas Callaway. "He thinks only of himself."

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After the book-signing, the children from Winifred's Junior School were treated to a private audience with the singer

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Her audience may have been a little younger than usual but Madge put on a stellar performance. The pop star is hoping her books will be a positive influence on young children

- Hello

Film Mad

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Madonna ... will try her hand at directing

MADONNA will this week sign a lucrative deal to direct a film version of her children’s book English Roses. She has penned the screenplay with hubby GUY RITCHIE and will start shooting next summer.

Sony have given Madge total control of the project. As well as the film she has launched a range of products to go with the books . . . which just leaves the action figures and bed sheets to complete the set.

- The Sun

MAD'S WISE GUY

She gets part in his next film

Their first hubby-and-wife film was such a turkey that if it turns up in your stocking you won't know whether to watch it or roast it. But the public humiliation of Swept Away has not dented Madonna's determination to be a movie star.

The megastar - who now prefers to be called by her Hebrew name Esther - has talked hubby Guy Ritchie, 36, into giving her a part in his latest gangster movie, Revolver. And he wisely agreed.

They have already secretly filmed her scenes on the Isle of Man.Sources tell us: "Everyone knows Madonna gets what she wants and she still loves to act. One of the things that most attracted her to Guy was the fact that he is a film director - she is fascinated by his art."

Despite the straight-to-video Swept Away being described as "a soggy piece of flotsam" and "a shipwreck", Madge, 46, seems intent on being involved in Guy's projects.

We're told: "Guy's very respected and is doing his best to make Revolver as controversy-free as possible. But the missus really wanted a walk-on part - and who is he to say no?" Spies on the scenic Isle of Man watched the mother-of-two filming her scenes.

We hear: "Madonna came to spend a week with her husband while he was over here and she seemed to enjoy it. Everyone thought she was here for a holiday so it was a bit surprising to see her filming on Athol Street. She was really getting into it so it's clear she's taking it seriously. But it's obviously not a major role as she wasn't on the island very long."

Guy, meanwhile, is defensive about his wife's acting abilities.

Talking of their first collaboration, Guy told the Oxford University Union: "We had the absolute faeces kicked out of us. But I've got to say, I still think it's a good film. I'm left shaking my head."

An industry insider says Guy has very good reasons for keeping his wife's involvement in his latest film, which also stars Jason Statham and Ray Liotta, quiet.

We're told: "Guy won't want anyone to judge the film before it comes out. And it's still not clear whether Madonna's scenes will even make the final cut."

We wouldn't want to be in his shoes if they don't.

- Mirror

Madonna tries to hide wrinkles

Queen of Pop Madonna insisted on bringing her own lighting team with her while appearing on a BBC show, The Mirror claims. Madonna appeared on a benefit show to raise money for victims of the Asian tsunami, but seemed to be more worried about her appearance.

"She insisted on her halo lights as they don't show as many wrinkles," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "Madonna dipped into her own pocket to pay for it."

- Digital Spy

At least she paid for it all herself and didn't make a big deal out of it. A lot of stars would expect the company or whoever to pay for that.

MADONNA TURNS DOWN ROLE IN GERVAIS' 'EXTRAS'

Pop superstar Madonna has turned down an offer from British comic Ricky Gervais to appear in his new TV comedy, "Extras."

Gervais, who starred in and created the cult show "The Office," has already landed homegrown actors Jude Law and Kate Winslet, while Hollywood stars Ben Stiller and Samuel L. Jackson have also confirmed cameo appearances.

Each big name actor will be cast as themselves in their own episode of the new BBC comedy series, about film extras chasing their big break.

However, the Material Girl refuses to play herself and will only agree to appear in the show if a character is developed for her.

- SF Gate

Madonna In Cross-Dressing Role

Madonna is planning to play a transvestite in a new Hollywood film. And according to The Sun, the singer is so keen to take on the part that she's agreed to do it for free.

The paper reports that the Queen of Pop has signed up to play Candy Darling, who starred in a series of Andy Warhol's experimental films in the 1960s.She was the inspiration behind the Velvet Underground classic Candy Says and Lou Reed's solo hit Walk On The Wild Side.

A source told the paper: "Madonna has been desperate to make a film where she can earn respect for her acting abilities. She is still trying to shake off the bad publicity from the movie Swept Away. She sees this as her big chance. She said she would do anything for the part and has agreed to work for free."

Madonna secured the part after jetting to New York last month to meet with long-time friend and movie agent Bryan Lourd, to discuss her film career. Soon after, the Material Girl met with producers of the as-yet unnamed film and agreed to star, says FemaleFirst.

- Ananova

She's not very good acting as a woman, maybe she can be good acting as a man

Madonna is looking at covering Bowie's Starman, as the theme to an animated film version of a new children's book that she's writing.

- Pop *****

Madonna fuming with Guy Ritchie after film cut

Madonna is reportedly fuming with film director husband Guy Ritchie after he cut a scene featuring her from his new film 'Revolver'.

The sexy singer, who has appeared in a string of big screen flops, had filmed a cameo for the British gangster movie last November, but according to a source her performance does not feature in the final edit after Guy - whose previous films include 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - decided it wasn't up to scratch.

One insider is quoted by Britain's Mail On Sunday as saying: "Perhaps Guy did not want Madonna's kiss of death on his latest movie, or perhaps he just decided the scene wasn't quite right, but either way Madonna does not make the final cut."

The couple previously worked together three years ago on 'Swept Away', which was universally paned by film critics and failed to gain a cinema release instead going straight to rental.
Guy's production company SKA have denied the reports, insisting Madonna never shot a scene for the movie insisting all she was never involved in the project.

However, Outkast singer Andre 3000, who also appears in the film, confirmed in a recent interview that the 46-year-old singer did shoot a scene for the film.

He said at the time: "I'm a big Madonna fan. When she turned up I was completely star-struck."

- Female First

MADONNA CONCENTRATES ON PRODUCING MOVIES

Madonna has turned her back on acting to focus on producing movies, after her onscreen efforts were axed from husband Guy Ritchie's latest movie. The 46-year-old pop superstar's scenes in the new film, "Revolver," have reportedly been cut, but the disappointment hasn't deterred Madonna from pursuing her big-screen ambitions.

She's now hoping a feature-length documentary -- based on her 2004 Re-Invention world tour -- will bolster her status in the movie industry, especially if it's included in the line-up of films to premiere at this May's prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.

Madonna's also eager to appear at Cannes so she can chat to directors about some of her film ideas.

A source tells British newspaper the Mail on Sunday, "Madonna has learned the hard way from 'Revolver' that the only way to have a say is to become a producer. It's been her dream to premiere in Cannes, but she cannot afford to make another mistake so she's working with Swedish director Jona Akerlund, who directed Mickey Rourke and Brittany Murphy in 'Spun.' She also plans a light, fluffy teenage movie called 'Material Girls' about a pair of cosmetic company heiresses who lose their family fortune."

- SF Gate