SyFy Greenlights 'Alphas'

StrathairnAccording to The Hollywood Reporter,  SyFy has picked up Universal’s “real world” superhero/spy series ALPHAS for an 11-episode commitment. 
Created by  Zak Penn (X-MEN: THE LAST STAND) and Michael Karnow (TIME SQUAD):

“ALPHAS follows a team of ordinary citizens whose brain anomalies imbue them with extraordinary mental and physical abilities. Taking the law into their own hands, the unlikely team, led by Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) investigates cases that suggest other Alpha activity to uncover what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able or willing to solve.
These gifted individuals must balance their quirky personalities and disparate backgrounds with their not always visible powers as they work to solve crimes, stop the ticking time bomb and catch the enemy.”

A 90-minute pilot was directed by Jack Bender (LOST).  Series production is set to begin early next year in Toronto for a Summer 2011 premiere. It’s possible there may be a title change on the production before it airs.

The Tempest: December 10

Touchstone Pictures releases this sex-change version of Shakespeare’s play (which famously served as inspiration for the 1956 science fiction classic FORBIDDEN PLANET). The story has the rightful duchess of Milan (a duke in the original) exiled to an island with her daughter. As fate would have it, a tempest shipwreck the enemies of Prospera (Helen Mirren) on the island, allowing the scholar to use her knowledge, which borders on the magical, to even the score. Julie Taymor (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE) directs from her screenplay adaptation. The costars include Felicity Jones as Miranda, David Strathairn as King Alonso, Tom Conti as Gonzalo, Chris Cooper as Antonio, Alfred Molina as Stephano, and Djimon Hounsou in the plum role of Caliban. Unfortunately, advance word from festival screenings has not been positive.
The Tempest: David Strathairn as King Alonzo The Tempest - Prospera (Helen Mirren) magically raises a ring of fire The Tempest - Prospera and her daughter confront Caliban THE TEMPEST: Russell Brand and Alfred Molina The Tempest: Chris Cooper as Antonio Helen Mirren as Prospera in The Tempest The Tempest: Tom Conti as Gonzalo The Tempest Helen Mirren as Prospera
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