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'Amanda Knox' Lifetime Movie Will Get Update, But No Sequel ... Yet

Chris Harnick — 2011-10-04T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News, Celebrities and Gossip

As the news broke that an Italian court had freed Amanda Knox, we couldn't help but hope for a Hayden Panettiere-fronted sequel to the Lifetime movie 'Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy.'

Well, it looks like our dreams will have to stay just that.

According to Deadline, Lifetime has no plans for a sequel to the 2011 movie. You know what that means? Start your campaigns for an episode of 'The Good Wife' or 'Law & Order: SVU'!

The Los Angeles Times reports Lifetime has altered the TV movie to include several sentences explaining the latest changes to the case. They will appear before and after the film.

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Amanda Knox is Free! Bring on the Lifetime Sequel

Chris Harnick — 2011-10-03T16:43:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News, Celebrities and Gossip

Amanda Knox is a free woman. Yep, she's been acquitted of the murder of Meredith Kercher, a British exchange student she met while studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, and is heading home.

What's next? We hope another Lifetime movie.

In February 2011, 'Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial in Italy' aired on Lifetime. Starring Hayden Panettiere and Marcia Gay Harden, the movie was typical Lifetime fare. There was drama, romance and violence and the Knox family wasn't too keen on it. In fact, they tried to have the movie blocked from air. But their efforts were unsuccessful, and the film was watched by 2.8 million viewers.

When the movie aired on Lifetime, the 'Heroes' star told AOL TV she did a copious amount of research, but didn't form an opinion on her guilt or innocence.

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Hayden Panettiere's 'Free Diving' Talk on 'Chelsea Lately' Sounds Dirty (VIDEO)

Aimee Deeken — 2011-04-15T06:10:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Replay

When Hayden Panettiere visited 'Chelsea Lately' (weeknights, 11PM ET on E!), the host wanted to know all about the actress' penchant for "free diving."

As she explained, it differs from scuba diving because you turn off the scuba tank, hold your breath, wear a weight belt and dive below water to swim with dolphins, whales and the like.

Otherwise, "when you're wearing a scuba tank, the sound of it [on] will scare them away," she said. "People do it as a sport -- they go really far down."

"How far down can you go?" asked Handler. The actress was unable to answer the question due to cackles from the studio audience. Panettiere chuckled. Handler said, "Why's everyone so dirty? I've trained my audience so well."

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Hayden Panettiere Talks Meeting Her Huge Boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko (VIDEO)

Aimee Deeken — 2011-02-21T12:50:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Replay

When Hayden Panettiere sat down to chat with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, the hosts just had to ask the petite actress about her towering boyfriend, heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko. (He is 6-foot-6, more than a foot taller.) The couple met at the launch party of a coffee-table book. "I said, 'You're huge!' and he said, 'You're tiny!'" recalled Panettiere on 'Live with Regis and Kelly' (weekdays, syndicated).

Panettiere then bragged that he got down on his knees at their first introduction: Klitschko wanted to see if they'd be the same height. And they were.

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Hayden Panettiere on Playing Amanda Knox in Controversial Lifetime Movie

Pat Gallagher — 2011-02-21T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Reality-Free, Features, Celebrity Interviews

Lifetime Television is taking a bold step by airing their made-for-TV movie 'Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial in Italy' tonight at 9PM ET, given the ongoing controversy over the case.

Most of the country is aware of Knox, due to the almost-constant news reports covering this international headline-grabbing story: Knox, an American exchange student, was accused by Italian authorities of brutally stabbing and killing her British roommate Meredith Kercher on November 2, 2007 in their flat in Perugia, Italy. After a well-publicized and controversial trial, Knox was convicted of murder and sentenced to 26 years in prison; her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years. An acquaintance, Rudy Guede, was sentenced to 30 years, which was reduced to 16 in 2009.

Knox's family has apparently made an effort to block the film, saying it creates an "evil opinion" of their daughter while lawyers appeal her conviction.

Hayden Panettiere, best known for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet on 'Heroes,' plays Knox in the movie. There's a lot riding on her shoulders playing a living person who is currently spending her days and nights in a small jail cell awaiting word on her appeal. We spoke to Panettiere to find out if she had reservations about making this movie, if she had an opinion of Knox's guilt or innocence and if she made an attempt to meet Knox in person.

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Amanda Knox's Lawyers Want Hayden Panettiere Lifetime Movie Pulled

Jean Bentley — 2011-02-07T11:40:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere's new Lifetime movie, 'Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy,' is scheduled to premiere Feb. 21. But if Knox's lawyers have anything to say about it, the movie won't air at all.

According to Deadline, Knox's legal team has formally petitioned Lifetime to pull the movie from its schedule and remove a trailer on its website while Knox's case is still under appeal. Knox's lawyers say that if Lifetime doesn't comply by Feb. 10, they will persue legal action against the network.

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Casting Roundup: Hayden Panettiere to Play Amanda Knox, Joe Jonas Guests on '90210' and More

Chris Harnick — 2010-09-20T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

Hayden Panettiere has signed on to play Amanda Knox in Lifetime's TV movie based on the real-life story of Knox, an American exchange student who was convicted in Italy for murdering her roommate.

According to Deadline Hollywood, the movie tentatively titled 'The Amanda Knox Story' will air in 2011. Robert Dornhelm will direct with a script from Wendy Battles of 'CSI: NY' and 'Law & Order.'

Knox and her boyfriend were arrested in 2007 and accused of killing Meredith Kercher. Knox's trial lasted for nearly a year and ended with a 26 year prison conviction. She has maintained her innocence and appealed.

In other TV news ...

o. Joe Jonas will guest star on The CW's '90210.' The singer who has also appeared on 'Hot in Cleveland' and multiple Disney shows and movies will play himself and escort Adrianna to a magazine cover party. [Ausiello Files]

o. Peter Coyote has joined the ever-expanding cast of 'Law & Order: Los Angeles.' Coyote will play the district attorney, boss to the characters played by Alfred Molina and Terrence Howard. [Deadline Hollywood]

o. Jim Gaffigan will guest star on 'Royal Pains.' The comedian and former star of 'My Boys' will play Pete Stambleck, a park ranger who turns up with a personality change. Look for Gaffigan in the season 2 finale. [TV Guide]

o. Callie Thorne has been cast in USA Network's 'Necessary Roughness.' Thorne will play a psychiatrist who takes a gig as a consultant to a professional football team and quickly becomes sought after by other celebrities. The project is based on a true story. [Deadline Hollywood]

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CW Pilots: Tracy Anderson Reality Show, 'Nomads,' 'Hellcats' & More

Laura Prudom — 2010-02-18T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

The scrappy CW network has long been seen as the underdog when it comes to primetime competition; could this year's pilot season finally prove that it's still a contender?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network has been busily ordering pilots and presentations, all boasting a lot of star power behind the scenes.

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Claire Leaps Off a Ferris Wheel on 'Heroes' (VIDEO)

Jane Boursaw — 2010-02-09T05:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, TV Replay

Cats out of the bag now! The heroes have kind of been in their own little world up til now, but that all changed when Claire leaped off a ferris wheel in front of mere mortals.

All we needed was creepy-nice Sylar saying, "It's a brave new world." It's a great set-up for a 'Heroes' (Mon., 9PM on NBC) reboot, if the show indeed comes back for another season.

Watch the video after the jump.

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Review: 'Heroes' - 'Brave New World' (season finale)

Jason Hughes — 2010-02-09T02:08:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E19) Volume Five came to a climactic end, and as with past volumes, it was both exciting and a little bit of a letdown. But also in keeping with tradition, it left the door open for exciting possibilities in Volume Six, teased at the end of the episode, despite a fifth season not being a certainty at this point.

I suspect, though, that NBC will in fact bring the show back, despite it's lackluster ratings performance. A reboot, of sorts, to the franchise could revitalize it in the same way 'Chuck' has seen ratings improve this season. Properly handled, 'Heroes' is a show that could go several seasons. "Properly handled" is the key to that phrase, and it has been mismanaged for too long.

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The CW Greenlights Dramas From Hayden Panettiere, Tom Welling

Scott Harris — 2010-02-03T11:45:00+00:00

Filed under: TV News

For the last half decade, 'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere and 'Smallville' lead Tom Welling have been performing superheroic acts in front of the camera. But do their powers extend behind the camera as well?

That's the question the CW is looking to answer: According to the Hollywood Reporter, the youthful network has given the greenlight to three new pilots, including shows from both Panettiere and Welling, who will be trading in their tights for the mantles of executive producer.

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Review: 'Heroes' - 'The Wall'

Jason Hughes — 2010-02-02T01:30:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E17) While not quite as surreal as Pink Floyd's version, 'The Wall' still offered a pretty trippy experience for Sylar and Peter. Several years and a few hours later, it didn't seem like they were going to make any progress on Peter's hare-brained scheme to bust Sylar out of his mental prison.

The rest of the episode showed us Samuel's attempts to create a permanent rift between Claire and Noah by revealing to Claire, and us, the "Secret Origin" of H.R.G. By that I don't mean the origins of the odd fashion choice Mr. Bennett has made in eyewear, but the secret past he hasn't shared with Claire, Sandra or anyone in his life.

Why do this? Because apparently, and I still don't know why, Claire is important to Samuel's plans. In that she is a "special," I agree. In any other regard, she's not that remarkable. And where he left things, it seems he just might have figured that out.

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Review: Heroes - The Art of Deception

Jason Hughes — 2010-01-26T03:35:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E17) Forces are starting to converge at the Sullivan Bros. Carnival as we get closer and closer to the finale -- two weeks away now! After last week's stunt where he wiped out an entire town, the "family" at the carnival is understandably a little wary of Samuel. He did, after all, erase a small town killing hundreds of people. I'd give him a wide berth.

Maybe if I was invulnerable, I'd be more willing to get closer to him. Claire certainly has no reason to be afraid, right? She stumbled upon her father's plans regarding taking down Samuel and shutting down the carnival for good. Like Edgar, she is concerned about Noah's plans to break apart the family. Noah, as usual, is bull-headed and stubborn. I'm just not sure under what authority he was acting throughout this episode.

As for Sylar, we saw him at the Parkman house. And we know how powerful Matt is. Maybe, just maybe, this psychopath can be taken care of for good. Not hardly.

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Review: Heroes - Pass/Fail

Jason Hughes — 2010-01-19T04:15:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E16) "Objection, your honor. He's reciting the opening to Quantum Leap." -- Adam Monro, prosecuting attorney in Hiro's mind-trial

This week, it was time to deal once and for all with that pesky tumor in Hiro's brain. This isn't Eli Stone, after all. Not to mention how downright loopy he's been lately. So apparently the resolution is for his body to collapse while he faces a strange trial in the diner where he met, failed-to-save, and then did save Charlie. David Anders reprised his role as Adam Monroe to prosecute our time traveling hero, while George Takei presided over the thing as his father and the judge.

The rest of the episode was split between Sylar's quest to figure out why Lydia's ability was directing him to Claire, and Samuel's attempts to woo Vanessa after he'd kidnapped her. I can say, that I thought he was off to a rough start on that one.

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Review: Heroes - Upon This Rock

Jason Hughes — 2010-01-05T01:25:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E13) Samuel's plans are coming together as he finally tracks down one of the last pieces he knows to make his utopian dream of a home for people with special abilities a reality. At least that's the snowjob he spends most of the episode feeding Claire. And in typical Claire fashion, she remains just as conflicted and confused as she always is.

Speaking of confused, remember when Hiro spouted off some nonsense and then disappeared last time we saw him? I thought maybe it was a reference to something I'd forgotten -- it happens -- but instead it was just the first sampling of whatever that dude did to his brain. It takes Sam's "swiss cheese memory" from Quantum Leap to a whole new level.

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Review: Heroes - The Fifth Stage

Jason Hughes — 2009-12-01T10:55:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E12) One of the comic books that I never expected to enjoy is Marvel's X-Factor. It used to be your typical spandex and fists adventure, but then it changed into a noir detective series, with mutants feature much more subdued powers. One of the best of these is Madrox, also known as Multiple Man. Upon impact of any kind, he splits into two beings, and then his doppelgangers retain this ability.

Why am I talking about a comic book character in a review about Heroes? Well, aside from the obvious connection, we got introduced to a new character this week. With Ray Park's Edgar gone from the Sullivan Bros. circus, Samuel turns to another denizen of the big top to step in and be his right-hand man, or right hands.

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Review: Heroes - Thanksgiving

Jason Hughes — 2009-11-24T04:18:00+00:00

Filed under: Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E11) I am thankful that we are finally getting to the meat of this volume. I am thankful that we are inching closer to the inevitable conclusion of this battle between Sylar and Nathan over who will retain control of the body. And I am thankful that Angela Petrelli, the always incomparable Cristine Rose, was back this week.

Also making a return appearance for the Bennett family Thanksgiving dinner was Sandra, along with her new beau Doug. And, of course, Mr. Muggles. It's sweet that Muggs fell in love with Doug's dog, but that doesn't excuse Sandra for dating such a total tool. It's a little awkward to think of going to your ex's holiday, but it's not unheard of. Particularly since she probably already knew Claire was going to be there.

Not to be outdone, Samuel had a Thanksgiving dinner of his own back at the Carnival, but Hiro certainly wasn't thankful to be there.

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Review: Heroes - Brother's Keeper

Jason Hughes — 2009-11-17T10:41:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E10) For some reason, while I was watching this episode I got to thinking: "What if this had been the second season of Heroes." Would it perhaps still be a top-rated show; one that NBC could rest its laurels and future on instead of Jay Leno? As with that first season, I feel that sense of wonder about what's going on, and things are really coming together.

That said, there is some sloppy thinking on the parts of both Tracy and Hiro this week. But there's also the continuing consolidation of power by Samuel, and finally an explanation of both why he's doing this and what Mohinder's been up to.

I'm going to admit to being wrong now. For weeks I've been saying that I haven't missed Suresh at all; that I would be just as happy if he never showed up. But his return and appearance (and even explanation for his absence) were handled so well, that I liked him all over again.

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Hayden Panettiere Makes Producing Debut with CW's New Medical Drama 'HMS'

Lauren Metz — 2009-11-16T11:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, TV News

ABC has 'Grey's Anatomy,' NBC introduced 'Mercy' this season, and now the CW will join the scalpel bandwagon with 'HMS,' an hour-long drama centering around a group of Harvard medical students.

Twenty-year-old Hayden Panettiere, best known for playing Claire Bennet on NBC's 'Heroes,' will expand her resume to include something other than playing the pretty blonde cheerleader (okay, we shamefully admit that we've seen her in 'Bring it On: All or Nothing'). She'll try her hand at producing for the first time and, along with the show's writer, Amy Holden Jones of 'Mystic Pizza' fame, Hayden will be credited as co-producer.

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Review: Heroes - Shadowboxing

Jason Hughes — 2009-11-10T02:20:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Features, Recaps

(S04E09) This week on Heroes, the action picked up right where it left off two weeks ago, with Claire and Gretchen facing off against the invisible sorority sister, Rebecca. We also checked in with both iterations of Sylar, the mind one trapped in Matt's body, and the body one hanging out at Samuel's carnival. Only neither was staying put for long.

The remainder of the episode took us back to the hospital where we could hang out with Peter and Emma. Nine episodes into this new season and I'm still not really sure where they're going with the Emma character. As a character, she's just not that interesting, and even less interesting is her ability to see sound as colors. Since they're clearly making no moves toward she and Peter becoming a romantic item, I find myself really wondering why I should care.

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