02.28.08: 'Da Vinci' Sequel Delayed, New Images of 'Hulk' & 'Wolverine'

Just because the writer’s strike is over doesn’t mean all is fine and dandy in Hollywood. Studios are still treading warily, refusing to greenlight films that won’t be wrapped by the end of June – which is when the Screen Actors Guild contract expires. Steven Spielberg’s already pushed back the start date for The Trial Of The Chicago 7 to late summer, and sequels to Transformers and The Da Vinci Code (Angels & Demons) may both be delayed. No one’s expecting the actors to get the picket signs out – a smoother negotiation process is anticipated – but Hollywood still isn't going to get caught with its pants down. Or something. More at Variety

Wimpy Kids Get Film
Fox 2000 is launching Jeff Kinney’s bestselling Wimpy Kid book series as a potential family-friendly franchise. The studio has optioned all five books, with the first two, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid and Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules both hitting No. 1 on the New York Times’ best-seller list. More at The Hollywood Reporter

New Line Shunting Glory?
Gavin O’Connor’s cop drama Pride & Glory, starring Colin Farrell and Edward Norton, had been set for a March 14 release, but after that was scrapped a few months ago, the film vanished from New Line’s schedule. Now the director is so miffed at the snub, he’s refusing to deliver the script for another project he’s developing at the studio. “It was a joy making the movie but then something happened internally at that company,” O’Connor groaned. “I don’t think [New Line chief] Bob Shaye believes in it and he’s decided he’ll only release [sure bet] films.” More at Variety

New Pics: Hulk & Wolverine
Empire has rounded up exclusive new shots from this pair of upcoming Marvel comics adaptations, The Incredible Hulk and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.