Grant Kempster checks out the fantastic
world of entertainment

The Matrix Version 2.0
Crouching Trinity, Hidden Anderson

Speculation regarding Hong Kong action star Jet Li’s involvement in the upcoming Matrix sequels finally came to an end recently, when the actor decided not to commit to the 11-month shooting schedule for the back-to-back movies. Allegedly, the dispute which led to Li’s departure was over pay. While the Wachowski brothers were offering a tidy $3 million, Li’s agents were asking for an extra $10 million on top to take on the as-yet undisclosed role (although we suspect it’s the bad guy one) in both movies. Consequently, Li will be soon be shooting The One instead (but isn't that Keanu Reeves? - Web Ed.), thanks to a $9 million paycheck.

So who will be filling Jet’s martial arts plimsolls? Word had it that it would be none other than Michelle Yeoh from the latest movie sensation that’s got everyone gasping in amazement, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

However, the action star has decided to remain crouching and hidden, telling the New York Post, “I’m not going to do The Matrix. I’m a great fan of the Wachowski brothers but some things are more important.” She continued, “The filming of [The Matrix] conflicted with my movie. I believe it is time to do other things, stories coming from Asia. At the end of the day you have to do what’s really important to you.”

Spidey Shoots!

Finally, principal photography has begun on Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movie, sending internet fan-boys into an excitement frenzy, and to tell the truth, the Xposé news desk is even now shuddering with glee.

“I think he’s a great character,” Spider-Man himself, actor Tobey Maguire, told reporters at a recent press conference. “One of the main themes is ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ and I think there’s great power in just being alive and being a human being. Every day that I wake up, I have a responsibility to myself and to others to live an estimable life and to be an example for people around me. And Peter also goes through a lot of common struggles I think most people can relate to.”

Along with Tobey were co-stars Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane Watson), James Franco (Harry Osborn) and Willem Dafoe (Green Goblin), who revealed, “Before I even read the script, Sam [Raimi] talked me through the film and I loved the way he talked about it in such incredible psychological terms. I also liked how he talked about the relationship between Norman and his son, and Norman and Peter in particular. It’s very rich.”

As shooting continues through the long winter months, you’ve got plenty of time to sit back and wait, as the movie won’t be making into theaters until May 3 2002.

Sam Raimi talks about The Gift and his upcoming Spider-Man in this issue

Buffy loses head

Well, perhaps loses is a little strong, because the amiable English actor to whom we are referring has chosen to simply cut back on his appearances in Buffy. While talking to the hosts of the UK’s Big Breakfast, Anthony Stewart Head revealed that he’d asked the producers to scale down his much-loved character of Giles so that he could spend more time with his family back in England.

Meanwhile, as many of you gave a hearty cheer when Mr Whitebread helicoptered into the sunset recently, news arrives of what exactly Marc Blucas will be doing next. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Blucas will be starring as Gwyneth Paltrow’s love interest in the upcoming comedy A View from the Top.

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