Movies Daily by Zach Cannon

Sharon Stone is no longer welcome in China. Last week at Cannes she pondered if the earthquake in China that’s left 65,000 dead was karma for the Chinese government’s treatment of Tibetans. China’s UME Cineplex chain now will not show the actress’ films, calling her comments “inappropriate.”

Even though they’re disappearing from newsrooms, TV critics are appearing on your TiVo. TiVo has struck a deal with the Chicago Tribune and their critic Maureen Ryan to offer her daily TV picks. As it stands now, the service is only available to Chicago-area subscribers, but TiVo is trying to make deals with other publications.

Hollywood has almost avoided another strike, this time one that would be even more debilitating than the writer strike. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached a deal with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and will now return to talks with the Screen Actor’s Guild. Talks between AMPTP and SAG fell through earlier this month and the AFTRA deal puts increased pressure on SAG to make their own deal before the June 30 deadline. Unlike the WGA strike, an actor’s strike would end production immediately on almost anything currently being filmed.

Rumor has it Tobey Maguire will be replaced by one of two William Millers. Fans of Almost Famous will recognize Patrick Fugit as the writer at the heart of Cameron Crowe’s autobiographical tale, but those with a close eye will also recognize Michael Angarano as the kid who played the young William Miller who learns he’s a year younger than he thinks he is. Sony apparently is eyeing potential replacement for Maguire should they recast and go forward with Spider-man 4 and 5. Fugit and Anganaro are at the top of their list, but no offers have been made to anyone yet.

Perhaps as a preview of what’s to come this weekend, Sex and the City is already making a few million overseas. Carrie Bradshaw and company have pulled in $4.8 million in the United Kingdom and France. But if you do head to the movies this weekend, beware the price of popcorn. Rising food prices are making the concessions stand and the box office more expensive. Read all about the matter here .

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