Orphans, the Broadway play that resulted in a testy email exchange between Alec Baldwin and Shia LaBeouf and LaBeouf’s subsequent departure, will close on May 19 after just 27 previews and 37 regular performances, producers confirmed Monday.

Poor box office numbers are to blame for the show’s early curtain call, according to The New York Times. It was originally scheduled to run through June 30.

Orphans, about two brothers who hold a gangster hostage in Philadelphia, ultimately became more famous for its backstage drama after LaBeouf abruptly left the play just one week into rehearsals, citing creative differences. During the fallout, LaBeouf tweeted an email exchange between himself and Baldwin implying they, uh, didn’t get along.

He was later replaced by actor Ben Foster.

Ironically, the one person who survived the fallout in tact was Tom Sturridge, who was the only castmember from Orphans to receive a Tony nomination last week.

As my dad used to say, always play nice with your coworkers.

This morning’s Tony nominations were kind of weird. Weird in the sense that a lot of the expected big names were ignored for the star of that Kathie Lee Gifford musical.

To be fair, though, the Tony nominations are often weird. Some years, they go for Hollywood stars; other years, they honor industry veterans who slaved for decades before they finally made it on the Great White Way.

That was kind of what happened this year. Which is great news for the Broadway community (you get that Tony, Amy Morton!), but probably bad news for the CBS execs who were hoping for a star-studded lineup. Hey, you can always get Katie Holmes to present!

Below, check out the notable names who won’t be up for a Tony this year.

Alec Baldwin in Orphans

Bette Midler in I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers

Jessica Chastain in The Heiress

Bobby Cannavale in The Big Knife

Lilla Crawford in Annie

Alan Cumming in Macbeth

Scarlett Johansson in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Katie Holmes in Dead Accounts

Vanessa Williams in The Trip to Bountiful

Sigourney Weaver in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Oh, Bette. You’ll always have Rochelle, Rochelle.

It looks like NYC hasn’t gotten the memo that it’s springtime, but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood stars from stepping out and about.

Krysten Ritter was all smiles as she walked through the set of her new TV show, Assistance, in midtown Manhattan.  The pilot episode is scheduled to premiere on NBC in the fall.

This is Ritter’s latest project after the cancellation of the ABC’s Don’t Trust The B– In Apartment 23, which aired for almost two seasons.

Not far from there, another TV star was showing off her smile. Kendra Wilkinson arrived at her SoHo hotel in a peach and black leather sheath dress after making an appearance on The View this morning to discuss the new show Splash.

Shia Labouf also faced the talk show cameras today. As the actor left The Late Show studio in NYC, he stopped to sign autographs for fans waiting outside for him, despite being burdened with a broken ankle.

Labouf discussed his recent departure from the Broadway production of the play Orphans, also starring Alec Baldwin.

Labouf admitted to tension among the two actors during rehearsal, he said “Alec, I think you’re awesome, man,” straight to the cameras, during the interview.

On the opposite end of the country, Kate Beckinsale, Amy Poehler, and Selma Blair were seen outside shopping and enjoying the spring weather in Hollywood.

To see who else was spotted out and about today, check out the rest of the Celeb Snaps gallery, above.

From a fast food pickup to a perfume launch, the stars have been busy bees in the last 24 hours.

In New York City, Ryan Reynolds had it his way with a meal from Burger King. The dapper actor carried what appeared to be a burger in one hand and a large drink in the other. Could this be the secret to his famous physique?

Elsewhere in the Big Apple, Taylor Swift was all smiles as she headed out for the day. The 23-year-old entertainer is set to kick off the first of three consecutive shows in Newark, NJ on Wednesday, as part of her RED world tour.

Overseas, Shakira celebrated the launch of her new perfume, S by Shakira, at Sephora Champs-Elysees in Paris, France. The singer, who gave birth to a baby boy in January, showed off her post-baby body in skintight black pants and a matching blouse.

In other sightings, Daniel Craig suited up for the launch of the all-new Range Rover Sport in New York City, Adriana Lima looked white-hot at the second annual Brazil Foundation Gala in Miami, Fla., while Thandie Newton and Sarah Jeffrey walked the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of Rogue.

For more of the day’s hottest star sightings, check out the latest edition of Celeb Snaps, above.

Steve Martin always thought that if an NSYNC member would make the club, it would be Joey Fatone.

That’s what the Saturday Night Live alum declared during this week’s opening monologue, as a bevy of past hosts and players greeted Justin Timberlake into his fifth appearance on the NBC show.

But beyond the fancy smoking jacket, things haven’t worked out that well for all SNL graduates. Dan Ackroyd is now a bartender (order the Kristen Wiig), Chevy Chase orders Rolls Royces on the phone (and bills them to Martin), and Alec Baldwin and Tom Hanks are into man fights these days (think of the scene where Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio meet for the first time in Django Unchained).

Fellow member Candice Bergen also makes an appearance in the monologue: she wants the toilet seat up.

Timberlake’s fifth SNL stint (his third as both host and musical guest) was packed with other oldies but goodies, courtesy of Andy Samberg, the “Vegan Shake” and Martin and Ackroyd’s classic Festrunk Brothers.

In a matchmaker skit hosted by Bill Hader, a bachelorette (Vanessa Bayer) looks for love from potential suitors she can’t see. Timberlake and Samberg reprise their roles as the sideburn, “mother-loving,” “D**k in a Box” duo, competing against a single Bobby Moynihan and a nostalgia-heavy appearance by the Festrunk Brothers from Czechoslovakia.

Another JT oldie came by way of a new joint in town, Vegan Ville. Timberlake competes (and wins, by a landslide) against Moynihan’s meat establishment with some help from a tofu costume and sick beats.

Following an assortment of close-ups, the tofu starts off the “Vegan Shake.” Please let this gem be the final “Harlem Shake” tribute.

JT’s evening came with mostly hits, including solid musical performances of “Suit & Tie” and a shortened version of “Mirrors.” His upcoming tour mate also dropped by. During the second verse, Timberlake slightly changed the lyrics to, “My hit’s so sick got rappers acting dramatic,” a sentence many believe is a jab at Kanye West (who dissed the track at a London concert back in February).

Hader’s Stefon finally returned to “Weekend Update With Seth Meyers” to suggest good clubs for spring break, JT put on his Elton John face and delivered a “Candle In The Wind” inspired tribute for Hugo Chavez in the cold opening and the Three Amigos made a blink-and-you’ll-miss appearance when they introduced Timberlake’s second musical performance.

Melissa McCarthy will host SNL on Apr. 6, with musical guest Phoenix.

What did you think of SNL this week? Check out highlights in the video clips above, then watch Justin Timberlake’s spoof movie trailer with Nasim Pedrad below. 

Kelly Osbourne almost goes face first into a public toilet. The 90s revival is back with one of the hottest boy bands announcing a new album and a Spice Girl is coming to reality TV. Plus, which actress is reportedly running for the Senate?

Celebuzz has the trending stories that has had everyone talking on this Thursday morning.

Kelly Osbourne Nearly Goes Face First Into Public Toilet

The TV star reveals that she had to make a tough choice after her shoe got stuck in a drain while using a public restroom: either sprain her ankle or fall face first into a toilet. Read more about Osbourne’s funny story and see the pics on TooFab.

Mel B To Be New Judge On ‘America’s Got Talent’

The 90s revival continues with Spice Girls’ Mel B revealed as the new judge on America’s Got Talent, replacing Sharon Osbourne. Get the scoop on FOX News.

Which Boy Band Just Announced A New Album, Their First In 13 Years?

It has been 13 years since this boy band released their last album “Revelation.” The guys just announced that they’ll be releasing a new album titled “2.0″ on May 7. Find out who it is and get the details on Huffington Post.

Which Actress Is Reportedly Running For Senate?

Ashley Judd is said to be close to running for a Senate spot in Kentucky. Reportedly, she’ll be making the decision by May 6. Find out more on Newser.

Shia LeBeouf Quits Broadway Show After Feud With Alec Baldwin

The actor took to Twitter to tell us all how he really feels after a feud with Baldwin led to him quitting the Broadway show, Orphans. Read what LeBeouf had to say on Vulture.

Apparently great minds think — and dress — alike.

On Saturday, Chrissy Teigen and fiancé John Legend hit the red carpet in style, with the former Sports Illustrated cover girl showing off her svelte figure in a turquoise dress at the 2013 NFL Honors event in New Orleans.

The only problem with this red carpet hit? Alec Baldwin’s wife Hilaria Thomas arrived in nearly the exact same dress.

While Thomas, who is reportedly pregnant with her first child, showed less leg and opted for black pumps (instead of strappy heels), the ladies were no doubt two of the most talked about stars at the event.

“@hilariathomas great minds!” Teigen, 27, wrote on Twitter the following day.

Prior to NFL Honors, Teigen was just one of a slew of celebrities who took part in the seventh annual Celebrity Beach Bowl, presented by DIRECTV.

From Chace Crawford to Lil Wayne, Maria Menounos to Nina Dobrev and beau Ian Somerhalder, the stars made sure the 49ers and Ravens weren’t the only ones shining during Super Bowl weekend.

For a closer look at Chrissy Teigen and Hilaria Thomas’ red carpet run-in, check out the gallery, above. Then tell us in the poll: who looked better in the turquoise dress?

What do Rihanna, Alec Baldwin, and One Direction‘s Zayn Malik all have in common?

Besides being rich and famous, these stars and their significant others have been the subject of major headlines this week. With RiRi’s shocking (or not-so-shocking) Rolling Stone revelations, Alec’s reported second bundle of joy and Zayn’s dating drama, the spotlight shined bright on Hollywood’s relationships.

If you’ve been out of the love loop, don’t fret: Celebuzz‘s roundup of the noteworthy relationship stories this week features all the details you need to know, along with expert commentary from Damona Hoffman, author of Spin Your Web: How to Brand Yourself for Successful Online Dating.

From reconciliations, cheating rumors and rumored pregnancies — here’s the weekly report from the celebrity lovelines.

Rihanna & Chris Brown

In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, the “Diamonds” singer dished on her controversial reunion with her on-again, off-again beau, dismissing the public’s scrutiny and backlash.

“I wasn’t going to let anybody’s opinion get in the way of that,” she said nearly four years after their violent dispute at a 2009 pre-Grammy soiree. “Even if it’s a mistake, it’s my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I’d rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it.”

So why does RiRi keep giving Brown a second chance? According to Hoffman, — whose company www.DearMrsD.com just partnered with Match.com to teach its users her online dating secrets — first love can be often hard to forget.

Hoffman’s opinion:

1. Nothing better has come along.  Her career has skyrocketed since the news of that fateful night went public, keeping her on the road consistently since the fight went down.  When you’re constantly hopping from city to city, it is impossible to form a real bond with someone new.  So what happens when you’re single and lonely? You start to reminisce about the good ol’ times, and you forget about the bad days and the reason you split up in the first place.  Her recent dinner with Matt Kemp most likely helped her realize that the feelings for him just weren’t there, making her run back to the arms of the familiar with Chris.

2. Relationships can often be ruled by a struggle for power.  Not only did Chris physically dominate Rihanna that night in February 2009, making her appear weak and foolish for being with a man who would abuse her, but the backlash that they both faced forced her to end the romance without having the opportunity to get closure.  When a relationship ends under circumstances that are outside of our control, we are left with an unmet desire to replay the situation and find a way to gain the upper hand. Once she has the last laugh, she’ll tire of his shenanigans.

Alec Baldwin & Hilaria Thomas

After tying the knot last year, the former 30 Rock star, 54, and his wife — who is 26 years his junior — are reportedly expecting their first child together. Baldwin, 54, has remained mum on the rumors, letting the couple’s rep speak on their behalf.

“Our response to baby speculation over the past 18 months has remained the same,” the statement said. “When/if Alec and Hilaria have news they want to share, they will share it. Until then, no comment.”

If the good news rings true, Baldwin will experience fatherhood for a second time around. He and ex Kim Basinger are parents to daughter Ireland, 17.

Hoffman’s opinion:

Alec has been given a chance to redeem his parenting skills and aggressive bad boy behavior. What’s more shocking about the infamous 2007 call to his now 17-year-old daughter, Ireland, in which he called her a “rude, thoughtless, little pig” is that Ireland wasn’t all that offended. She admitted this fall that her father often speaks like that “because he’s frustrated.” Since marrying Hilaria, a yoga instructor, in June, Alec has managed to keep himself out of trouble. We might just have a new zen father on our hands…that is, until the paparazzi try to snap photos of the babe and he goes all warrior pose on them.

Zayn Malik & Perrie Edwards

The 1D singer ignited teenybopper hysteria after he allegedly bedded an Australian waitress behind his girlfriend’s — Little Mix songstress Perrie Edwards — back. Malik and Edwards started dating officially last year, but are now facing a celebrity couple’s worst nightmare. The waitress, Courtney Webb, released photos of Malik after their heated tryst, claiming the boy bander had dismissed his relationship with Edwards. Days after the scandal broke, Malik was spotted nursing an injured hand.

Hoffman’s opinion:

Boy band members who hook up with other singers have an abysmal track record for long-term relationship success.  Justin and Britney survived ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ but once they started on the path of world domination, they just couldn’t get ‘N’SYNC.  Nick and Jessica had three great seasons of ‘Newlyweds,’ but after Jess put out and lost her V-card, their fiery passion was extinguished too. Joe Jonas couldn’t make it work with Demi Lovato or Taylor Swift.  If Zayn follows the pattern, by the end of the eight-month tour, he and Perrie will already be on to their next ex.

Do you think Zayn and Perrie should stay together? What about RiRi and Chris? Sound off in the comments about your favorite relationship stories from this week.

After seven seasons and numerous accolades, the Tina Fey-helmed 30 Rock is shutting it down for good this Thursday — but not before imparting some worldly wisdom to fans.

Apart from dropping unforgettable one-liners, the NBC series has also dealt out life lessons regarding love, life and — most importantly — food as we follow Liz (Fey) and and her mentor Jack’s (Alec Baldwin) journey to “having it all.”

Seeing how the show is starting its long farewell to TV in an extended series finale, Celebuzz is looking back at the top 30 things we learned from 30 Rock.

“I would rather have us go out when we’re on top of our game,” Grizz Chapman, who plays Tracy Jordan’s (Tracy Morgan) right-hand man of the same name, told us of the series’ conclusion. “We’ve done things that other TV shows haven’t done — ever.”

“We’ve made a very nice, quiet exit,” he added.

What’s in store for 30 Rock’s hour-long finale? A lot of tears, according to the actor.

“I think the true fans of 30 Rock will definitely like how it ends,” Chapman said. “It’s definitely going to be a tear-jerker for all the true fans.”

30 Rock’s series finale airs Thursday at 8 PM ET/PT on NBC.

Alec Baldwin will definitely stay busy after NBC’s 30 Rock fades to black this Thursday… because he’ll be on daddy duty, according to a report by In Touch.

But the 54-year-old actor and his wife, yoga instructor Hilaria Thomas, are staying mum on the rumored mommy and daddy news, according to his rep.

“Our response to baby speculation over the past 18 months has remained the same – when/if @abfalecbaldwin and @Hilariabaldwin have news they want to share, they will share it,” said Matthew Hiltzik, referring to his Tweet. “Until then, we have no comment.”

According to the weekly magazine, the husband and wife are expecting their first baby Baldwin after seven months of wedded bliss. But, the newlyweds have only told close friends and family about their bundle of joy.

“Hilaria has told only really close friends and family she is pregnant, only a close circle she trusts,” a source tells the mag.

“They are both so excited and Alec is so in love with her. He says she is so in love with Alec and he tells all her friends that she is the best thing that has ever happened to him.”

“[Hilaria] has not said much to anyone as far as how far along she is,” added the magazine’s insider. “She is so healthy and a yoga freak, so everyone could tell right away something was different.”

Baldwin, who has a 17-year-old daughter, Ireland, with his first wife, actress Kim Basinger, revealed his desire to expand his family to Piers Morgan in Jan. 2012.

“Oh sure, that would be great,” he said when asked if he’d like to have more children. “That would be heaven. That would be fantastic.”

And added with his signature humor: “I mean, I would be — as my friends said to me, when you have children, typically in a second marriage, when you’re older and you get married again to a woman who would have children, you must always remember that you make sure they attend a college where the commencement ceremonies are held in a facility with a wheelchair accessible ramp.”

The happy couple began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in a lavish NYC ceremony in June 2012.

What will star Alec Baldwin miss most about 30 Rock, which airs its series finale on Thursday? The answer, he says, is quite simple.

“The writing,” he told Celebuzz Sunday night on the red carpet at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Although this week will be a bit of a somber one for Baldwin, who has been with 30 Rock for seven successful seasons, it kicked off on a pretty good note when he took home his seventh-consecutive SAG award for Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series.

“I have to say thank you Tina [Fey] and to all of our great, great writers,” Baldwin, 54, said in his acceptance speech. “It’s the end of our show, which is sad. Everybody’s sad about that.”

“It was the greatest experience I’ve ever had.”

For more on our interview with Baldwin, watch the video, above.

The last 24 hours have been jam packed with red carpet glamour, Sundance outings and famous family sightings.

In New York City, Jennifer Lopez was a vision in Lanvin Blanche. The 43-year-old superstar was in town for the premiere of her new action flick Parker, also staring Jason Statham.

Elsewhere in the Big Apple, Alec Baldwin braved the cold while out on a coffee run. Baldwin, 54, and his 30 Rock family are gearing up for the show’s one-hour series finale, slated to air Jan. 31.

In Sundance sightings, Amy Poehler was spotted all bundled up while waving to fans and photographers in Park City, Utah. The Golden Globes co-host was just added to the list of presenters for the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will be handed out on Sunday.

Over in Hollywood, Diddy and his pals enjoyed a night out on the town. On Thursday, the 43-year-old took to Twitter to share some words of inspiration with his 9 million followers.

“Dear World, we gonna get this work today!!” he wrote.

In other star sightings, Sandra Bullock enjoyed a shopping trip with her son Louis in Los Angeles, while Channing Tatum’s wife Jenna Dewan and her growing baby bump hit the gym.

For more of the day’s hottest star sightings, check out the latest edition of Celeb Snaps, above.

Jennifer Garner held on tight to her youngest daughter Seraphina, as the pair headed to a doctor’s office in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday.

The mother of three, who donned a pair of shades and oversized cardigan for the outing, is expected to present at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

On the east coast, Sarah Jessica Parker was also spotted holding on to her little ones, Tabitha and Marion. The trio bundled up for the cold New York weather as Parker walked her twins to school with a friend.

Speaking of bundling up, Glee’s Chris Colfer put on multiple layers as he headed out of his New York hotel. The 20-year-old’s latest film, Struck by Lightning opens in select theaters on Friday.

Elsewhere in the Big Apple, Philip Seymour Hoffman was spotted riding around the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan while just blocks away, Alec Baldwin and wife Hilara Thomas were photographed heading back to their apartment.

In other sightings, Adele landed in Los Angeles on early Friday morning with her newborn son in tow. The British songstress is scheduled to perform at the Golden Globes.

For the hottest start sightings of the day, check out the latest edition of Celeb Snaps, above.

Did Alec Baldwin turn back time?

It seems the 54-year-old has been getting younger, not older. From the looks of it, the 30 Rock star appears healthier, happier and much more youthful since marrying yoga instructor Hilaria Thomas in June of 2012.

Baldwin has reportedly taken on his wife’s healthy lifestyle and has cut out sugar, alcohol and carbs since the two started dating in 2011.

Baldwin told Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed as pre-diabetic in May of 2011, only one month before he began dating Thomas, and was eager to change his lifestyle based on the scary revelation.

His wife quickly helped him drop an outstanding 30 pounds and he’s managed to keep it off and remain fit ever since.

Baldwin racks up ample gym time and indulges in his favorite couple’s workout at SoulCycle.

Click through the gallery above to check out how Baldwin’s been looking younger throughout the years.

Everyone love’s a good Christmas movie — the snow, the elves, the heart-warming miracle that results in holiday cheer. But one thing’s for certain: You can’t have any of that without old Saint Nick.

Now, being that Santa’s such a busy guy— running the world’s largest toy workshop is a full-time job and traveling the world in one night is no easy feat— he couldn’t possibly have the time to devote to shooting a movie.

Thankfully, these stars have stepped in.

Donning the traditional — and in some cases un-traditional — snow-white beard and royal red garb, many celebrities have embraced the holiday spirit and given their best performance as Mr. Claus.

From conventional Santas to animated ones, and from Santas that steal, to those that happen upon Santahood without any warning, no rendition goes unappreciated.

So as Christmas comes sledding in, curl up by the fire, throw back some sugar cookies and pop in one of these holiday classics.

Which celebrity do you think wears the big belly best? Sound off in the comments below.

Check out the gallery to see which stars have taken in a walk in Santa’s big black boots.

From Martin Short’s cameo-filled opening monologue to surprise guest Samuel L. Jackson’s possible f-bomb during a talk show sketch, Saturday Night Live’s holiday episode has left viewers plenty to talk about in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The show opened with a tribute to the Connecticut elementary school shooting victims with help from the New York City Children’s Chorus, who sang a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.” The group also delivered the classic “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night” announcement (video below).

“SNL has always been my first love, followed by my movies, then theater, then my money and my family,” Short joked during his opening monologue.

The 62-year-old SNL vet then launched into a musical number, to the tune of “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but tweaked the theme to represent the real meaning of Christmas: being “amorous.”

With cameras following him through the halls of the SNL studio, Martin delivers a whole lot of love to Tom Hanks, Jackson, and SNL alums Kristen Wiig, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels, who was on the receiving end of a very big kiss from the host.

Musical guest Sir Paul McCartney delivered three powerhouse performances, including one that reunited the former Beatle and the surviving members of Nirvana — Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear. The supergroup, who played last week’s Hurricane Sandy relief concert at Madison Square Garden, tore the stage with “Cut Me Some Slack.”

The episode came to an awkward halt during the “What’s Up With That” talk show sketch with Keenan Thompson, Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein and Jackson, who may have cursed on live television.

“Man f**k, that’s some bulls**t!” he yelled at one point, after Thompson’s hilarious host character says the show’s out of time.

“Come on Sam, come on now . . . that costs money,” Thompson responds, referring to a potential fine from the FCC.

“I only said FUH and not F**K! K was sposed to cut off da BULLS**T, blew it!!” Jackson tweeted backstage moments after the sketch.

As Twitter quickly exploded with reaction to Jackson’s word choice, and as several unofficial recordings (like this one) began to flood YouTube, NBC later uploaded a version of the sketch, but with caution — the potential curse word is muted.

Going back to Martin’s smorgasbord of performances Saturday night, the funnyman kicked off his evening with a bit opposite Alec Baldwin as Tony Bennett.

Martin also took part in a more newsy sketch about what else: Kate Middleton’s pregnancy. Playing a representative sent from Buckingham Palace, Martin advises the Duchess’ doctor to address her lady bits with any of the following words: the governess, the king maker, her Downton Abbey, Dame Judi Dench, among others.

“When the child is delivered, you must not reach for it unless it offers a hand to you,” Martin adds.

The evening wrapped with McCartney taking part in for a sketch that turned into a full-blown performance of “Wonderful Christmas Time,” along with the return of the New York City Children’s Chorus.

Saturday Night Live will return Jan. 15, with host Jennifer Lawrence and musical guest The Lumineers.

What did you think of this week’s ‘Saturday Night Live?’ Do you think Samuel L. Jackson dropped the f-bomb? Weigh in below.

If you’ve seen the trailer for Rise of the Guardians then you’ve seen a Santa that looks  like a Russian wrestler, an Easter Bunny who’s a dead-eye with a boomerang and human-hummingbird hybrid with a jones for baby teeth as they join together to fight an otherworldly force of evil.

No, this isn’t The Avengers for eight year olds. According to executive producer Guillermo Del Toro, Team Guardian got there first.

“When we started the movie, Avengers was not even a blip on the radar,” he told Celebuzz. “These movies take years to do.”

For Del Toro, this is his third time working in animation, the first being Kung Fu Panda 2 followed by Puss in Boots. He’s currently producing a digital remake of the classic Pinocchio and has Kung Fu Panda 3 waiting in the wings.

The director of hits like the Hellboy movies as well as the Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labyrinth, Del Toro took an active creative role working with first-time director Peter Ramsey on Guardians.

In the new movie, Jack Frost, voiced by Chris Pine, teams up with Santa (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) and a non-verbal Sand Man. Their foe is Pitch (Jude Law), an evil force on a mission to snuff out children’s sense of wonder. As children stop believing, the life force of the guardians is drained away.

“The way Peter [Ramsey] saw it was like a superhero team coming together,” said Del Toro. “But he didn’t want to take the characters and give them super powers or anything like that. He wanted opposite personalities, grander than life, personalities clashing and coming together as the story goes along.”

Unlike most executive producers, Del Toro consulted on story, themes, characters and the look of the movie.

“The character that we took the most time designing was Bunny,” he said about the muscle-clad rabbit with a thick Australian accent. “He went through three or four incarnations than the one you see. We went with a bunny that has sort of baggy pants and a little vest and he was a little prissy. And there was another one where he was wearing leather and physically was very different, he was much more close to a real bunny.”

What the team finally decided on was to dispense with his clothing altogether and shape its fur coat as clothing, with markings like tattoos.

For a filmmaker known mainly for horror/fantasy, Del Toro seems to have a pretty strong knack for pleasing the kids. While Guardians favors a dark palette and often broaches  darker themes, he noted that most classic fairy tales traditionally do the same, but are often scrubbed clean for modern audiences.

“You can go and insinuate darkness and show darkness but ultimately it needs to stay on the tracks,” he concluded, warning, “any kind of helicopter parenting that tries to prevent moments like that is only creating an illusion for the way the world exists.”

Rise of the Guardians opens in theaters nationwide November 21. Watch the film’s theatrical trailer below.

Heat up your Cheesy Blasters and open a bag of Sabor de Soledad, because NBC’s 30 Rock is premiering is seventh — and final — season this Thursday.

Over the years, stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin harnessed their star-power and had a little help from their friends by casting them as minor characters on the show. Aside from the regular cast, over 100 individual celebs have made caemos on the critically-acclaimed comedy.

From music heavy hitters like Maroon 5′s Adam Levine and Sheryl Crow to politicians Al Gore and Condoleezza Rice, almost everyone in Hollywood has poked their heads in the TGS With Tracy Jordan studio at one point during the show’s past six seasons.

Seeing how 30 Rock is starting its long farewell to TV tonight, Celebuzz is taking a look back at the show’s most memorable guest stars.

Which famous face has appeared on the show, and who’s set to return?

According to Fey, who stars as Liz Lemon on the show, pals Matthew Broderick, Elaine Stritch and Will Arnett will return for the show’s final goodbye.

Michael Sheen, who played Liz’s “settling soulmate” and now ex-boyfriend in Season 5, will also make an appearance.

“I think it will be hard,” Fey told Entertainment Weekly of ending the series. “[But] I would love to get another TV show on the air someday.”

Who would you like to see return for 30 Rock’s last season? Sound off below.