Tina Fey, Usher, Whoopi Goldberg, Kristen Chenoweth Chosen as Peanuts Characters Look-A-Like As Peanuts Announces 60th Anniversary Look-A-Like Contest

Peanuts Gang (Copyright: Charles Schulz)

Peanuts, who introduced pop culture icons, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, announced the launch of its first-ever PEANUTS 60^th Anniversary Photo Look-A-Like Contest, which will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org).

Peanuts fans of all ages are invited to submit photos of themselves or their children looking like one of these Peanuts characters: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, Franklin, Peppermint Patty, Marcie or Pigpen, or one of Snoopy’s classic alter-egos, Joe Cool or the World War I Flying Ace. Submissions will be accepted through November 3.

Finalists, selected by a panel of celebrity judges, will be posted on November 11. The public will then be able to vote for their favorite finalist through November 30. The winners will be announced in December.

The celebrity judges include Jill Schulz, daughter of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz; country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood; “Supernanny” Jo Frost; “America’s Next Top Model” judge and fashion photographer Nigel Barker; and Victoria Recaño, co-anchor of KTLA 5 News at 6 and KTLA 5 News at 10.

“Throughout the years, the Peanuts gang has given people a sense of belonging—we can all identify with one or more of the characters and their life lessons,” says Jill Schulz. “This contest gives participants a chance to express their ‘inner Snoopy,’ so to speak, and I’m really looking forward to reviewing all the pictures and stories from our Peanuts fans around the country.”

The grand-prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid family adventure for four to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio (home to Planet Snoopy). Other prizes include a collection of Warner Home Video PEANUTS DVDs and a Peanuts holiday tree and ornament collection from Hallmark Gold Crown.

The Stars Come Out for Peanuts

Offering inspiration to contest entrants (including caption and costume ideas)—and amusement to everyone who visits the contest website—a Celebrity Look-A-Like Gallery features film, television, music and sports stars who have an uncanny similarity to a Peanuts character…whether in looks, talent or attitude! The famous Look-a-Likes were chosen by the Peanuts team for their “resemblance” to a particular character, and all the stars were delighted to participate.

“I wasn’t entirely by surprised when I learned that the Peanuts team had selected me as their Charlie Brown look-alike, since the comparison had been made several times before,” says Simon Pegg, (“Star Trek,” “Shaun of the Dead”). “I even have a Charlie Brown yellow t-shirt with black zig zags, bought for me by a friend who was of the same opinion. Now I guess it’s official. Word had come from the very top and who am I to argue. I look like Charlie Brown. Good Grief.”

The Celebrity Look-a-Likes are:

Charlie Brown, the underdog in the zig-zag shirt who never gives up:

"Charlie Brown" Look-A-Like, Simon Pegg

• Simon Pegg (“Star Trek,” “Shaun of the Dead”)—chosen for his delightful comic befuddlement.

Snoopy, the imaginative beagle who ponders life from the top of his doghouse:

• Will Ferrell (“Land of the Lost,” “Blades of Glory”)—chosen for his Snoopy-like mastery of disguise…and his ability to make millions laugh.

Lucy, who dispenses advice from her 5-cent psychiatrist’s booth:

• Debi Mazar (“Dancing with the Stars,” “Entourage”)—chosen for her outspoken, opinionated charm.

Linus, the blanket–clutching philosopher who believes firmly in the Great Pumpkin:

• Michael Cera (“Paper Hearts,” “Juno”)—chosen for his sweetly innocent philosophical humor.

Sally, Charlie Brown’s little sister, who’s (nearly) right about everything:

• Kristin Chenoweth (Tony winner for playing Sally in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Broadway; Emmy winner for “Pushing Daisies”)—chosen for her Sally-like perkability and adorable self-confidence.

Peppermint Patty, who never met a school day she didn’t hate:

• Shawn Johnson (gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast; winner of last season’s “Dancing with the Stars”)—chosen for her fun and funny attitude, and her fearlessness on the field of play.

Marcie, Peppermint Patty’s loyal sidekick, who’s smarter than Patty realizes:

• Tina Fey (Emmy-winning star and creator of “30 Rock”)—chosen for her smarts, her humor, and her great look in glasses.

Pigpen, who travels with his own cloud of dust:

• Mike Rowe (“Dirty Jobs”)—chosen for being completely at ease while surrounded by dirt.

Schroeder, the mini musical genius who is rarely separated from his piano:

• Harry Connick Jr. (Grammy-winning artist, Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated actor)—chosen for being a heartthrob at the keyboard.

Franklin, perhaps the only one who never has an unkind word about Charlie Brown:

• Usher (Grammy-nominated artist)—chosen for his gentlemanly ways.

World War I Flying Ace, Snoopy’s dashing aviator persona:

• Chesley Sullenberger III (heroic captain of US Airways flight 1549, which landed safely in New York’s Hudson River)—chosen for his high-flying style.

Joe Cool, Snoopy’s sunglasses-wearing ultra suave alter ego:

• Seth Green (actor and creator of the super-cool “Robot Chicken” series)—chosen for representing a new form of 21^st-century cool.

Woodstock, Snoopy’s trusty yellow-feathered friend.

• Whoopi Goldberg (Oscar winner for “Ghost,” co-host of “The View”)—chosen for her distinctive hairstyle, flashing dark eyes…and chirpy personality?

Submissions will be accepted through November 3.

Finalists, selected by a panel of celebrity judges, will be posted on November 11. The public will then be able to vote for their favorite finalist through November 30. The winners will be announced in December. To enter the contest and for more information, visit: (www.peanutsphotocontest.com)

The Peanuts cartoon classic, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” airs on Wednesday, October 28th at 8pm/7pm central on ABC.

Johnny Depp, Chris Daughtry Surpised Guests At Comic-con

Johnny Depp Photo: AP

Johnny Depp surprised fans at the Disney 3-D panel by joining director Tim Burton at the end of his “Alice in Wonderland” presentation. Other surprise guests throughout the 4 day event, were Chris Daughtry and Dominic Monaghan. A former LOST star, Monaghan, will be joining the cast of ABC’s highly anticipated new show, Flash Forward and showed up as a surprise guest towards the end of the panel.

Chris Daughtry, whose band Daughtry currently has the number 1 album in the country, walked around the event incognito before playing the Wrath of Khan event party at The Hard Rock Hotel later in the evening.

The final numbers aren’t out yet, but thanks to panels and autograph sessions for “Twilight:New Moon”, Heroes and Glee, the event might have set a new record for the number of girls attending. Many were camped out as early for the Wednesday night and Thursday events.

Next years Comic-Con is slated for July 22-25, 2010.

Ryan Reynolds To Play Green Lantern

Ryan Reynolds Photo:Reuters/Phil McCarten

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Ryan Reynolds has been chosen to play the Green Lantern in the upcoming Warner Brothers Film. The studio’s live-action movie based on the Green Lantern DC Comics.

Reynolds is said have won the role, beating out actors Bradley Cooper, Jared Leto and Justin Timberlake.  .

Reynolds starred in a comic-book movie, 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” in which he played Deadpool, also known as the Merc with a Mouth. The character is being developed for a spin-off in which Reynolds will star. He also played Marvel’s vampire hunter Hannibal King in “Blade: Trinity” and was recently seen on the romantic comedy “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock. Reynolds is also slated to play another DC Comics hero, “The Flash”, which is in development.

Comic Con Update: Tim Burton and Robert Zemeckis Present Disney 3D Magic

(From Business Wire)–Animation greats Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter and directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton will take part in their first ever Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center July 23-24. The filmmakers will be on hand to help Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures showcase a wide-ranging roster of upcoming films, including 3D juggernauts ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TRON and DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and animated gems THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PONYO and the TOY STORY trilogy. Zemeckis, Burton, Miyazaki and Lasseter will take part in industry panels.

COMIC-CON’S FIRST EVER 3D PANEL — Veteran directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton join TRON producers Sean Bailey and Steve Lisberger on Thurs., July 23 at 11 a.m. for an unprecedented presentation featuring behind-the-scenes filmmaker insights about the highly anticipated 3D adventures DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and TRON. In addition to Q&A opportunities with each of the filmmakers, the 90-minute panel will feature never-before-seen concept art, trailers, actual 3D film footage and other Comic-Con-only footage debuts. In a groundbreaking technical feat, this is the first time ever that 3D footage will be shown at Comic-Con. Patton Oswalt will moderate.

ANIMATION PANEL — Animation legends Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter join veteran animation directors Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements and John Musker on Fri., July 24 at 12:45 p.m. for an animation panel which will highlight upcoming animated films, including Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY/TOY STORY 2 double feature, Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 3, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ half-hour holiday TV special PREP & LANDING, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and Miyazaki’s PONYO. John Lasseter will host the panel and Patton Oswalt will moderate a group Q&A following the presentation, which will include filmmaker insights, trailers and select film sequences.

ABOUT THE MOVIES

PONYO From the Academy Award®-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes PONYO, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” Already a box-office success in Japan, the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by NOAH CYRUS) and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including CATE BLANCHETT, MATT DAMON, TINA FEY, FRANKIE JONAS, CLORIS LEACHMAN, LIAM NEESON, LILY TOMLIN and BETTY WHITE. PONYO opens in U.S. theaters on Aug. 14, 2009.

TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 – DOUBLE FEATURE (In Disney Digital 3D™) Disney●Pixar’s TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2 return to the big screen in an exciting double feature Oct. 2, 2009—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. TOY STORY They’re toys, they talk—at least when people aren’t around—and they’re back… celebrating the return of the “Toy Story” franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™! TOY STORY, the film that started it all, takes moviegoers back to that fantastic fun-filled journey, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys— Woody (voice of TOM HANKS), the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN), the fearless space ranger. The comically-mismatched duo eventually learn to put aside their differences when circumstances separate them from their owner Andy and they find themselves on a hilarious adventure-filled mission where the only way they can survive is to form an uneasy alliance. TOY STORY 2 Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 2 picks up as Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (voice of WAYNE KNIGHT), owner of Al’s Toy Barn, kidnaps Woody (voice of TOM HANKS). At Al’s apartment, Woody discovers that he is a highly valued collectible from a 1950s TV show called “Woody’s Roundup,” and he meets the other prized toys from that show – Jessie the cowgirl (voice of JOAN CUSACK), Bullseye the horse and Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice of KELSEY GRAMMER). Back at the scene of the crime, Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN) and the gang from Andy’s room – Mr. Potato Head (voice of DON RICKLES), Slinky Dog (voice of JIM VARNEY), Rex (voice of WALLACE SHAWN) and Hamm (voice of JOHN RATZENBERGER) – spring into action to rescue their pal from winding up as a museum piece. The toys get into one predicament after another in their daring race to get Woody home before Andy returns.

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (In Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 6, 2009.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman. Opens on November 25, 2009 in NY and LA, and on December 11, 2009 nationwide.

PREP & LANDING PREP & LANDING is ABC’s first television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The half-hour holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing. Every Christmas Eve, this high-tech organization ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for a visit from the Big Guy (aka Santa Claus). After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voice of Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee (voice of Sarah Chalke), the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny (voice of Derek Richardson), an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (In Disney Digital 3D™) Walt Disney Pictures’ magical animated classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. Opening Feb. 12, 2010, the film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of PAIGE O’HARA), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of ROBBY BENSON) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was the first—and only—animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (In Disney Digital 3D™) From Walt Disney Pictures and

Johny Depp as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland

visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER; Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. Capturing the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass” (1871) with stunning, avant-garde visuals and the most charismatic characters in literary history, ALICE IN WONDERLAND comes to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ on March 5, 2010.

TOY STORY 3 (In Disney Digital 3D™) The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings. TOY STORY 3 comes to theaters nationwide in Disney Digital 3D™ on June 18, 2010.

TRON (title not final) (In Disney Digital 3D™) TRON is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.