Japan comic axed over mob ties

Tokyo, japan -- Shinsuke Shimada, a comedian and emcee that has been ubiquitous on Japanese TV for many years, quit showbiz Tuesday after mobile phone emails found light revealing his too-cozy relationship by having an un named gangster. His agency, Yoshimoto, has given him the heave-ho. The systems airing the six implies that Shimada hosts happen to be tossed right into a tizzy since couple of episodes have been in the can and plans for options are not in position. Fuji TV, which hosts a Shimada quizshow, has recorded episodes through Sept. 7 but doesn't determine if it'll air them. TV Tokyo, japan, which broadcasts a nearby version of "Antique Roadshow" with Shimada as emcee, has drawn the show skedded for Wednesday and can air another program. It's mulling how to proceed in a few days. The NTV network, which skeds two Shimada variety shows in primetime, and The best spinner's, which presents one, will also be studying their options. Japanese TV talents frequently lose jobs as well as careers for problems that might be considered minor in Hollywood and elsewhere. Shimada, for instance, did not brake legislation, but connection with the underworld is recognized as taboo at his elevated plane within the showbiz world. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Machine Gun Preacher trailer lands

A trailer has showed up online for Gerard Butler's approaching redemption drama Machine Gun Preacher, with Butler getting the opportunity to show his affectionate side, in addition to punching, shooting and shouting at people.The film charts the actual-existence story of Mike Childers (Butler), a violent drug dealer who cleans up his act by just as one aid worker in Sudan.Naturally, he isn't just any aid worker, also it is not lengthy before Childers is shouldering a rocket-launcher to safeguard the neighborhood kids from conscription right into a warlord's digital rebel military.Have a look in the explosion-heavy trailer below...Everything looks a bit uneven to us, with Gezza searching right aware of an RPG but noticeably uncomfortable when hugging a young child. Nevertheless, the experience looks superbly pumped-up, and also the plot itself stands out an easy on the corner around the globe that does not get an excessive amount of attention from mainstream Hollywood.The film is directed by Quantum Of Solace helmer Mark Forster, with Michael Shannon and Michelle Monaghan joining Butler within the starring roles.Machine Gun Preacher can get its worldwide premiere at next month's Toronto Worldwide Film Festival before coming in movie theaters Stateside on September 23. The film has gone out within the United kingdom on November 18.

'Glee's' Lea Michele, Kristin Chenoweth Reveal Emmy Picks

With the Emmys just around the corner, celebs at "InStyle's" 10th annual summer soiree had some opinions about whom they'd like to see take home an award on TV's biggest night.Guests such as "Glee's"Lea MicheleandKristen Chenowethhit the London Hotel rooftop-pool, where they were treated to demos of Clarisonic and polish changes by Essie and waited to take photos in the digital photo booth.Although Chenowith -- in a maroon Zac Posen dress -- is nominated for outstanding guest actress on the Fox hit, she isn't necessarily thinking only of herself: "I'm rooting forKathy Griffin. It's her last year of her show and I want her to win," she said.An Alberta Feretti-clad Michele, who did not receive a nomination in her category this year, is also cheering on another show besides her own. Her vote? "Connie Brittonand'Friday Night Lights.' I think all those guys are amazing. Honestly, I think that they're the greatest."The Emmys will be broadcast live Sept. 18 on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The Hollywood Reporter

'Game of Thrones': Meet Craster (Exclusive)

Robert Pugh HBO's Game of Thrones has founds its Craster in Robert Pugh. The Welsh actor is joining the swelling cast of the Emmy-nominated HBO drama based on the George R.R. Martin novels as Craster, the tenuous ally to the Night's Watch. The master of Craster's Keep, which lies beyond the Wall, maintains an uneasy detente with the Night's Watch. For the HBO series, there's much about Craster to make Jon Snow (Kit Harington) uneasy -- including the fiercely unpleasant nature of his relationship with his 19 wives. But as Jon and Samwell (John Bradley) begin to dig deeper into the mysteries of Craster's Keep, they learn that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Craster first appears in A Clash of Kings, the second book in the series. Hannah Murraywas recently cast as Gilly, one of the women living with Old Craster who wants to escape his oppression. STORY: 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Game of Thrones' Take Top Honors at TCA Awards Pugh, whose credits include The Ghost Writers and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, is repped by Emptage Hallett in the U.K. The series has been bulking up on casting, recently adding Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne; German actor Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen; and Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy. Other additions include Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon; and Carice van Houten as Melisandre. Gwendoline Christie was also added as Brienne, Maid of Tarth, as was Natalie Dormer, who will play Margaery Tyrell. Production on Season 2 of Game of Thrones is currently under way in Belfast. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit HBO Game of Thrones

Shawshank Redemption Tree Severely Hurt in Storm

Today in slow news, a tree was injured. But not just any tree — the picturesque oak featured at the end of the Oscar-nominated drama The Shawshank Redemption, as the location where Red (Morgan Freeman) uncovers money and a note from his beloved inmate buddy Andy (Tim Robbins) after 40 years of imprisonment. No word yet on whether the tree, damaged by high-speed winds and now rotted in the middle, will be cut down. It sits on private property in Mansfield-Richland County, Ohio. [Mansfield News Journal]