Eliza Dushku Promises A ‘Racier’ Season 2 Of ‘Dollhouse’

Also, find out who Alexis Denisof & Summer Glau will portray on the show
Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Eliza Dushku is interviewed in the new issue of TV Guide magazine wherein she talks about the upcoming second season of Dollhouse which she describes as “racier” and “deeper”. The magazine also gives us our first look at Eliza (in character as Echo) with season premiere guest star Jamie Bamber (ex-Battlestar Galactica, who we learned last month would be guesting on the show). Here is that promo pic and Eliza’s interview:


It isn’t playtime in The Dollhouse anymore. Stars Eliza Dushku and Tamoh Penikett are promising that, after some growing pains in the freshman season, Dollhouse is darker, racier and rougher than ever for Season 2. “I just finished episode 3 and I’m proud of the show already,” Dushku told TVGuideMagazine.com. “It’s different, it’s racier and it’s deeper. We found that rhythm and now we’re just blowing it out of the water. Everyone is really in their skin and comfortable playing around with the light and the dark,” she explained, noting series creator Joss Whedon nailed the show’s stride in its final first-season episode. “The cast all settled in to their roles, and then in the 13th episode things shot into the future and everyone got an idea where they might go – the dark places – and everyone came back with a confidence.” That confidence meant a willingness to push the boundaries, action-wise: “I learned how to beat up boys using a private jet as a weapon,” she chuckles. “I beat these guys with a jet. I got married in one of the first episodes. I had beaucoup bruises and bumps and fights already.” As far as the racier side, Dushku makes it sounds motherly for a moment before her big reveal. “I was shooting with babies this week, which was interesting and different, and there was an actual what-people-do-with-babies thing going on.” She pulled at her shirt collar to flash a little skin and laughed. “There was a lot going on!” There’s also a possible romance brewing. “Tahmoh’s in The Dollhouse now and there’s a lot of chemistry, a lot of things building with Echo and Agent Ballard, so that’s a little tease,” she said, adding “I’m teased, too. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Joss will come in and start snickering and whistling.” “I just read the fourth episode a few days ago and it’s awesome,” agreed Penikett. “It’s dark. I’m going to tell you: this is really one of the darker things that Joss Whedon has done. At the same time because there’s a brilliant writing staff they manage to have some light moments.” Penikett’s also looking forward to a reunion of sorts with his Battlestar Galactica co-stars on Dollhouse. “We’ve got Jamie Bamber in the first episode and then we have Michael Hogan in the second episode,” he said. “I’d definitely like to take credit for that but it wasn’t like that. Joss Whedon is a huge fan of Battlestar and ultimately it was about him wanting to bring in some very talented actors who were great for the parts. It’s awesome because for both of them it’s very much a departure from the characters that they play on Battlestar.”

A romance betwixt Echo and Agent Ballard, you say? Oh man … I kinda love that. As much as I loved the little thing that went on between Ballard and November (Miracle Laurie), I wouldn’t mind seeing him dabble in Echo’s waters. I can’t even begin to express how excited I am that both Jamie Bamber and Michael Hogan from Battlestar Galactica will be guesting on the show. While I’m most anxious for Buffyverse alums Alexis Denisof and Summer Glau to join the cast, having some of the Battlestar folks on the show will amp up the geek factor and make an already awesome show even awesomer. Bring it on! I cannot wait!!

UPDATE: I was *just* sent a press release from FOX about Dollhouse Season 2 that reveals which characters Alexis Denisof, Summer Glau and other guest stars will portray on the show. Because this may be a bit spoilery, I’ll keep that info behind the cut. Good news, tho, the press release promises the return of Dr. Claire Saunders/Whiskey!!!!! Read on if you want to find out …

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‘Dollhouse’ Releases The First Set Of Season 2 Promo Pics

'Active' duty
Thursday, July 30th, 2009

This past Tuesday we saw photos of Dollhouse star Eliza Dushku on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of FHM magazine … but today we get to see the first promo pics released for the upcoming second season of Dollhouse. In addition to a very cool promo pic of Eliza in character as Echo


… we also get to see new promo photos of her castmates Tahmoh Penikett (Paul Ballard), Dichen Lachman (Sierra), Enver Gjokaj (Victor) and Fran Kranz (Topher Brink) posin’ all purdy for the cameras — after the jump …

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Eliza Dushku Does ‘FHM’ Magazine

'Doll' parts
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

The incredibly sexy Eliza Dushku, the once Faith the Vampire Slayer and current star of Joss Whedon’s latest effort Dollhouse, is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of FHM magazine … and she is lookin’ damn good, if I do say so myself. Here is Eliza’s sexy FHM coverphoto:


I mean … it’s Eliza — in bathing suits — AND UNDERWEAR — what more do you need to know? Yes there is a coverstory interview, yes she talks about her role as an action hero in Dollhouse but … do we really care about anything other than the accompanying photospread? After the jump, check out a bunch of photos of Eliza in the September issue of FHM

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Celebs Rally In SoCal To Repeal Prop 8

Protesters rally in the streets for marriage equality
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

After yesterday’s ruling by the California Supreme Court to uphold the Prop 8 ban on same-sex marriage, folks began rallying all around the State in an effort to peaceably protest that ruling. Here in West Hollywood, CA last night, celebs gathered with protesters to voice their displeasure with the court’s ruling and to begin building support for a new ballot initiative that will likely make it to the polls next year (2010) to Repeal Prop 8. Here are a few pics of some of the celebs who took to the streets in protest last night and some info about what went down:


After months of legal wrangling, the California Supreme Court announced on Tuesday to uphold a ban on same-sex marriages. Justices voted 6-1 to uphold Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban of gay marriage, dealing a major legal blow to the gay and lesbian community. California residents passed Prop 8 with 52 percent of the vote last November. The court also ruled that the roughly 18,000 marriages that took place before Prop 8 took effect are still valid. “It would be a shocking, strange thing in California law to essentially divorce those couples against their will,” said Jennifer Pizer, a lawyer from Lambda Legal. The crowd that had gathered outside the Supreme Court in San Francisco was mostly made up of gay rights supporters, and there was a huge outcry when the ruling was released at 10 a.m. After the announcement, the crowd began marching through San Francisco streets chanting, “Shame on you.” Crowds converged in West Hollywood Tuesday at 7 p.m. to oppose the state Supreme Court’s ruling. They marched to the intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave., shutting down the intersection. That crowd was estimated to be approximately 5,000 strong. Five states have already legalized gay marriage, and gay marriage supporters had hoped California would be the sixth. The justices said the people do have the right to change their constitution through the ballot box. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement shortly after the ruling. “While I believe that one day, either the people or courts will recognize gay marriage, as governor of California, I will uphold the decision of the California Supreme Court,” he said. “Regarding the 18,000 marriages that took place prior to Proposition 8’s passage, the court made the right decision in keeping them intact.” The governor encouraged those responding to the decision to do so peacefully and lawfully … In Leimert Park, the ACLU and several faith-based groups held a news conference to respond to the state Supreme Court’s decision. “This is nothing short of apartheid in our own state, that some people were allowed to be married, and others will never have that right,” said Rabbi Denise Eger from Kol Ama Congregation. Local residents Eric Monriquez and Juan Ribera said the announcement was bittersweet for them. While they were happy their marriage would still be recognized by the state, they said they were very disappointed with the ruling. “We’re very sad for other couples,” Ribera said. Gay rights advocates had argued the ballot measure revised the state constitution’s equal protection clause, thus needing the legislature’s approval before it could be put to voters. Six months before Prop 8 passed, the California Supreme Court had ruled in favor of gay marriage, saying that denying gay marriage amounted to state-sanctioned discrimination. Gay rights supporters say the fight is far from over.

Very true, the fight is FAR from over … in fact, it has only just begun. The site RepealProp8.com was launched yesterday in the wake of the court’s ruling that seeks to put the issue back on the ballot for voters to decide again. Because California allows the amendment of the State constitution by a simple voter majority, the issue can go back on the ballot for voters to decide — again. The vote was so close last November that supporters, me included, believe that another vote would be sure to legalize same-sex marriage here in California. If YOU would like info on how you can help the cause, head over to RepealProp8.com. There is still a long road ahead but if we’ve learned nothing from the 5 States that have legalized same-sex marriage in this country, we’ve learned that true marriage equality for all will eventually come — even in places you’d least expect. Much props and love goes out to the celebs who came out to rally last night … including, Kathy Griffin & her mother Maggie, Deborah Gibson, Haylie Duff, Emmy Rossum, Lance Bass, Eliza Dushku and more. Eliza posted photos on her official Twitter page thruout the night. Props, too, to Governor Schwarzenegger for his support as well … here is a short vid clip of his comments to Jay Leno on The Tonight Show last night:


Marriage Equality will happen for all, I just know it … and now the work begins.

[Photo credit: X17, Splash News; Source]

‘US Weekly’ Presents ‘Hot Hollywood Style’ 2009

Style icons on parade
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

US Weekly magazine hosted their annual Hot Hollywood Style party at My House nightclub here in LA, CA last night and managed to attempted to bring out all of the fabulously stylish people in Hollywood … but they only managed to lure folks like Paris Hilton (who would show up at the opening of a door) and Fergie Ferg (who we’ve already seen today is a MEGA style maven). But, some pretty cool folks like Eliza Dushku and Ashley Jones (who currently stars in the CBS soap The Bold and the Beautiful but will also appear in the second season of HBO’s True Blood this Summer) as well. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals last night:


Yes, yes … the usual suspects posing for the cameras. I’m not sure what exactly the criteria is for one to be deemed to have Hot Hollywood Style but I guess this is it. I seem to recall that previous parties from previous years seemed to have a more impressive turnout. In any event, it was US Weekly’s party and they can cry if they want to (and if I were them, I would). Better luck next year!

[Photo credit: Splash News, Bauer-Griffin]

Eliza Dushku Does ‘Boston Common’ Magazine

Covergirl
Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Dollhouse star and Buffyverse alum Eliza Dushku was on hand at Alibi inside the Liberty Hotel in Boston, MA earlier this week for a premiere party in honor of the new issue of Boston Common magazine which features her on the cover. Here are a few photos of the beautiful Eliza at the magazine party this week:


Eliza always looks so great … I’m glad to see that her hometown is so proud of her. While I’ve never read an issue of Boston Common before I’m pretty sure the mag was helped muchly by having Eliza on its cover … as would any magazine, actually. I’m really enjoying Dollhouse and I’m really hoping that the show will be able to find its audience so that it can stay on the air. Love her!!

[Photo credit: Splash News]

The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards Are Handed Out

Mickey Rourke is having a great awards show season
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

Various celebs from the world of independent film made their way out to the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA yesterday to attend the annual Film Independent’s Spirit Awards which are traditionally handed out on the eve of the Academy Awards. Honoring independent film and independent filmmakers, the Indies are handed out in a casual and usually celebratory atmosphere … and last night’s awards show was no exception. The Wrestler and the film’s lead Mickey Rourke did very well at this year’s Indies, taking home the top film and male acting prize … setting the stage for a possible repeat at tonight’s Academy Awards. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals and some info on last night’s awards show:


Mickey Rourke and “The Wrestler” have won top honors at the Spirit Awards, the annual eve-of-Oscars salute to the best of independent cinema. Rourke, a nominee at Sunday’s Academy Awards, won the best actor for his performance as a washed-up prizefighter in director Darren Aronofsky’s moving drama, which later scooped the ceremony’s best picture prize. Rourke’s award was the latest in a series of honors that have gone to the 56-year-old, who has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after his career suffered a prolonged slump through the 1990s. In a typically profanity-laced acceptance speech, Rourke dedicated the win to “Wrestler” director Aronofsky — and his pet chihuahua, who died last week. “I’ve just gotten thousands of letters from strangers and people that know me about my dog that died six days ago, Loki. This is for you baby,” he said. “Thank you Darren Aronofsky for believing in me. Directors like Darren come around every 25 years,” added Rourke. Aronofksy said he had been drawn to the “The Wrestler” because of its subject matter. “Wrestling was a world no one had tackled in a serious way, and the more we looked into that world, the more complex it seemed,” he said. In other awards Saturday, Oscar nominee Melissa Leo won the best actress award for her performance in the human-trafficking drama “Frozen River.” Tom McCarthy meanwhile took best director honors for “The Visitor,” which is notable for helping journeyman Richard Jenkins earn a best actor nomination at Sunday’s Oscars. In the supporting actor and actress categories, Spanish siren Penelope Cruz won for her performance in Woody Allen’s steamy comedy “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” Cruz will be seeking to emulate the success at the Oscars, where she is nominated in the best supporting actress category. “I didn’t expect this,” Cruz said. “I go to all awards like this, not expecting anything, so it’s always a surprise when I win.” Meanwhile James Franco picked up the best supporting actor award for his portrayal of gay politician Harvey Milk’s long-time lover Scott Smith in the Gus Van Sant biopic “Milk,” which also earned best first screenplay for writer Dustin Lance Black. Black later paid tribute to Sean Penn’s portrayal of Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official. “Sean’s performance really captured Harvey,” Black said. “That’s why this film has such a connection beyond gay and lesbian audiences. We need to continue building the coalitions that Harvey was so good at.” In other notable awards Saturday, France’s “The Class (Entre Les Murs)” won the best foreign film, while the best documentary went to “Man on Wire,” director James Marsh’s exhilarating account of Frenchman Philippe Petit’s tight-rope walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. “What Philippe did was to stop time, it was a little miracle,” Marsh told reporters.

Altho the Film Indepedent’s Spirit Awards are only 25 years old, I love that there is a place for Indie films to get their due when, overwhelmingly, the Motion Picture Academy tends to overlook many amazing performances due to, well, their indieness. True, some Independent Films and actors get honored at the Academy Awards but, for the most part, name recognition plays a huge part in the voting process. I’m sure many of you have never even heard of the film Frozen River and yet, it was one of the year’s strongest films. After the jump, check out a couple photos from the show itself and some pics of a few winners posing with their Indie trophies in the press room afterward …

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