Rewind just a few days, and you’ll see that we just reported on how a Louisiana actor landed a role in “The Hunger Games”. Well now we’re happy to announce that a “Hunger Games” actor has landed a role in Louisiana! Leading actor, Liam Hemsworth will be taking on a part in the new movie “Empire State” which will be filming throughout the state over this spring. The young actor can previously be seen in the movie “The Last Song” where he played the love interest of real-life girlfriend, Miley Cyrus. “Empire State” is starring Dwayne Johnson, who was recently here in New Orleans working on the newest G.I. Joe flick. According to sources at NOLA.com, “the film is about two childhood friends who plan to rob an armored car depository, and the NYPD officer who stands in their way". The project will be shot mostly in New Orleans, but also some of the surrounding cities such as Mandeville. Filming begins on April 30th and executives plan to wrap after just 3 weeks! Everything in Hollywood moves so fast- even here in the Hollywood South!

NOLA local and rap star, Lil’ Wayne owns property in Kenner, along with his many residences around the country. But it appears that music sensation isn’t exactly winning the neighbor of the year award. Wayne was recently cited for having an unkempt lawn in front of his 10,000 square-foot mansion. The complaint mentioned “tall grass” and “weeds” which violated the code enforcement policy. This is not the first citation the musician has received, writes NOLA.com. “The most recent code violation was at least the fifth that Kenner says it has discovered at Lil Wayne's place. In 2007 and 2008, the city put liens totaling $3,635 against his property for previous citations for "grass, weeds, litter and stagnant pool," according to court records.” Lil’ Wayne (born Dwayne Carter), is originally from New Orleans, but does not spend too much time in the city because of his career. The home he has in Kenner is actually on the market currently, and is listed at 1.7 million dollars. The Insider Track reports, “Listed as a "celebrity" mansion, the house has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two half baths and a "beautiful, spacious open floor plan. Among the house’s amenities are a four-car garage, a theater and movie room, an entertainment bar, a pool house. The master suite has a fireplace with his and her baths and a steam room sauna and Jacuzzi.”. With all that luxury, this Southern Celebrity Gossiper thinks that Lil’ Wayne can spring for the costs of lawn maintenance!

For more on this story, visit NOLA.com.

    Hollywood icon, Tom Cruise is making his way down to New Orleans to film a new sci-fi thriller this spring. Joining the cast will be local actress Melissa Leo, who was made famous by the HBO series “TREME” portraying the character, Toni Bernette. Before landing the role with Cruise, Leo was predominantly a television star having appeared in “Criminal Minds” and “Law and Order”. The actress is excited to join the cast for “Oblivion” which will be filmed mainly in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. The cast for this picture includes actors Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough and Olga Kurylenko. Local actress, Lindsay Clift, will also be appearing in the picture playing the part of “young mother”. Clift is an active performer in New Orleans, and also is an acting coach at the John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy. Joseph Kosinski is directing the film. Kosinski is best known for the
"TRON: Legacy", which features similar themes and aesthetics to the
much anticipated “Oblivion”.

For more on this story, visit NOLA.com.

   New movie, “The Hunger Games” is taking the nation by storm following its release on March 23rd. Thousands have flocked to the theatres this weekend for this much anticipated movie. But for one local actor the draw was much closer to home. Judd Lormand first became involved with “The Hunger Games” during an audition for an unnamed character. Following that audition, the casting directors offered the Baton Rouge actor the role of Peacekeeper No. 3 in the film. This role, which is featured in some of the most iconic scenes in the picture, required wearing a 30 lb costume in the 100 degree heat during filming. Despite the extreme circumstances, Lormand adopted the role with true professionalism.

The Louisiana resident is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He can previously be seen in “Memphis Beat”, “Wild Card”, and “Joyful Noise” before appearing in “The Hunger Games”.  Lormand studied Mass Communications at Louisiana State University before moving to Baton Rouge with his family. He began seriously pursuing acting in the 2000’s, but attributes his true beginnings back in high school. He participated in drama club, and the Forensic Leagues where he competed at various speech and debate tournaments. The success of “The Hunger Games” is certain to catapult his career, making him just another one of the celebrities here in the Hollywood South.

 Recently, the Gambit reported on some of the more notable celebrity spottings of the week here in New Orleans. First, it appears that actor Leonardo DiCaprio was seen shopping at Saks 5th Avenue at Canal Place, and some are speculating that he may be staying at the Westin which is connected to the shopping center. Leo will be here throughout the filming of new movie, Django Unchained. Unchained director, Quentin Tarantino was later seen dining at the Freret Street spot, Ancora, Saturday night. Movie experts are not at all surprised with the directors choice in locale for this new film. The movie deals with tensions between a former-slave turned bounty hunter and his former plantation owner. The antebellum southern homes are a perfect setting to capture the essence of this story.  Unchained has also brought actor Samuel L. Jackson into the Crescent City, which Southern Celebrity Gossip reported on early this week. Joining Jackson and DiCaprio are actors Kurt Russell, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jamie Foxx, and Sacha Baron Cohen, who have yet to be spotted!

   The Gambit also referenced Sandra Bullock’s appearance at Super Saturday. It appears the beloved southern actress was taking in some of the sights as the Mardi Gras Indians took to the streets this past weekend. As the weather here in New Orleans gets warmer, our celebrity residents are soaking in that NOLA culture and Southern Celebrity Gossip is happy to report when they do. Stay tuned with us here, or visit the Gambit for more Hollywood South news.

New movie “On the Road” based off of the best-selling novel by Jack Kerouac filmed in Louisiana just last year. Shooting predominately in Amite, LA, directors brought an all star cast “on the road”. Leading in this picture are actors Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristin Stewart, Amy Adams and Kirsten Dunst. As well as local talent! Making yet another film appearance is also the local young actress, Madison Wolfe. Madison previously worked in the movie “Re-Kill” before taking on the role of Dodie in “On the Road”, and Will Ferrell’s daughter in “Dog Fight”. Madison began as a student of the John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy and has had tremendous success in the past few years.



While this the production team for “On the Road” has yet to announce a formal release date, the trailer and some great new pictures have leaked their way onto the media circuit. The image below shows actress Kristin Stewart, along with Madison, which is gaining national attention for the budding entertainment community here in Louisiana.

For more on this story, visit ontheflix.com, or you can watch the official trailer on youtube!

 Following in the footsteps of actor and comedian, Will Ferrell is Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson is schedule to read the player introductions at the Hornets game taking place on Thursday night. The Pulp Fiction star is New Orleans working on the newest Quentin Tarantino film “Django Unchained”. This film has also brought to town Hollywood heartthrob, Leonardo DiCaprio. In traditional Tarantino fashion, this film is filled with incredible actors in an intense premise. The Business Insider reports, “"With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from the brutal Calvin Candie, a Mississippi plantation owner." DiCaprio will be portraying the plantation owner, and this will be his first time working with the acclaimed director. No word yet on whether Leo will be gracing the Hornets with a cameo, but Jackson jumped at the chance.

 Will Ferrell’s appearance at the 80’s Night in the hive was a tremendous success, and more sportscasters were commenting on his introductions than on the game itself for almost a week! Let’s hope that Mr. Jackson can live up to the expectation that Ferrell created. Tune in on Thursday night for a chance to see yet another celebrity sighting here in NOLA!!

Brad Pitt’s Gala,  A Night to Make it Right, was a successful fundraiser that attracted a long list of named celebrities. Among those in attendance, was television personality Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen hosted the evening, which was dedicated to raise more money for Brad Pitt’s “Make it Right” foundation which is currently working to rebuild the Katrina devastated areas of the Lower 9th ward. The Gala was held here in New Orleans and gave Brad and Ellen a chance to witness the progress that the foundation is already achieving. Over 75 homes have already been built, with plans forming for many more! This clip, which appeared on the Ellen show on this week, explains how Brad first fell in love with city and what he is doing now to share that love with the people who live here. Pitt explains that he first fell in love with the city in the early 90’s, and that there “is just something in the air”. Ellen, a native to NOLA, was happy to be home and share this story with her viewers.

For the full excerpt from her show, visit thehollywoodgossip.com.

Bad boy Russell Brand is living up to his reputation here in New Orleans. Last week we mentioned that he was in town filming a new movie, which we just learned is called “Lamb of God”. But just a few days ago the NOPD had to put a warrant out for Brand’s arrest! It appears that a paparazzi had irritated Brand by trying to take a picture of him with his iphone. What was Brand’s reaction? To throw the photographer’s iphone through a storefront window! The damages are estimated at $700, and the actor has to pay $5,000 to have all of the charges dropped. Following the warrant, Russell turned himself into the police station and plans to pay all of the necessary fees. In one interview, he claimed that his actions were a tribute to iphone creator, Steve Jobs- but this Southern Celebrity Gossiper is doubtful.

The HBO Series Sex and the City may have been off the air for several years now, but the momentum of this show continues to gain strength. With a movie release in 2008, and a sequel not long after the dynamic foursome continue to captivate audiences. This show may be known for its very mature content, but a new television series strives to make this trend more all-age accessible.

With the CW leaking news about the new show “Carrie Diaries” it looks like it won’t be another sequel- but a PREQUEL that takes SATC to the next level. This show will focus around a much younger Carrie as she first discovers writing, love, friendship and her signature style. Joining the cast for this exciting new project is Louisiana’s own, Chloe Bridges, who will be playing the enemy of young Bradshaw. Chloe began as a student of acting at the John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy before landing a role in Disney’s Camp Rock 2, playing opposite of Nick Jonas. She has also starred in the movie Worst Prom Ever, and made several appearances on 90210. We’re happy to see that both her future, and the future of Sex and the City are so bright!