1. Although he publicly said he would turn the job if offered, it’s now being reported that King Geek J.J. Abrams will direct the next chapter in the “Star Wars” franchise. Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”) wrote the script, but no other details have been announced about the new film, or when production is set to begin. Disney bought Lucasfilm in late October for $4 billion, thus acquiring the rights to the hugely successful “Star Wars” franchise. Which means, of course, George Lucas will have a hard time ruining it. [Artsbeat]
2. Has “Girls” already been renewed for a third season? There were rumors before the second season even started, and while there has still not been an official pickup by HBO, Lena Dunham confirmed the news to Alec Baldwin on his WNYC podcast. “We’re starting season three at the end of March, I’m so excited,” she told Baldwin. It’s been reported that Paul Simms (“NewsRadio”) is expected to jump on board as executive producer for the third season. [Deadline]
3. The Flaming Lips will release “The Terror,” their scary-sounding new album, on April 2. Produced by Dave Fridmann and the band, the album will be accompanied by a non-album single, “Sun Blows Up Today,” which will be released January 29, the same day you can preorder the album. In typical Lips fashion, singer Wayne Coyne made a bizarre statement: “The Terror is, we know now, that even without love, life goes on… we just go on… there is no mercy killing.” Whatever you say, Wayne. [Pitchfork]
4. Netflix isn’t the only streaming service looking to air original content. Amazon is currently in negotiations with Sony Pictures TV to air the half-hour adaptation of Ruben Fleischer’s 2009 horror comedy “Zombieland.” The series, which reportedly will be written by the original film’s writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, was previously attached to Fox, but the network ultimately passed on the project. If an agreement is reached, the series will be the first original scripted programing for Amazon. [Deadline]
5. Watch the fun and creepy video for Umberto’s “Night Fantasy,” a track off his upcoming album, “Confrontations.” The video, directed by Nick Banister, features a stop motion skeleton driving around town and feels like a 1980s family horror film in miniature. [Fader]
Umberto – Night Fantasy from Not Not Fun on Vimeo.
Previously: Julie Taymor, Benjamin Millepied, Robert Polito, The Roots, Akron/Family
Image: J.J. Abrams/Rich Lam/Getty Images for FOX