Zombie is wrapping up the script now and plans to film in the fall. He's hoping to shoot in Philly, but he's got to find a location that looks like the dear departed Spectrum.
Zombie, whose horror flicks like "House of 1,000 Corpses" and "The Devil's Rejects" have a '70s grindhouse feel to them, said "Bullies" would be his bloodiest film yet. That's hard to believe, considering his fimography, unless Zombie adds a subplot about Bobby Clarke getting gutted by a skate in the middle of a game.
No casting decisions have been made, although Zombie is looking for some guys who can skate (is Philly boy and avid Flyers fan David Boreanez too old?).
Philly ad-ed
Word to the wise: Don't invite DeSean Jackson, Swoop or Eagles cheerleaders over if you need your house cleaned, according to Angelo Vinci, 77, of Southwest Philly.
Vinci, along with football fans of other (lesser) cities, appeared in an NFL Films ad during the Super Bowl halftime show.
In the ad, Jackson pops out of a big, silver box and offers to help Vinci tidy up his house. Jackson "was a super guy, a real gentleman," said Vinci, a lifelong Philadelphian and season-ticket holder since 1958. "I expected him to be flamboyant like he is."
Vinci was impressed that Jackson sat with him for more than an hour, chatting and taking pictures with Vinci's wife. But being fly on the field does not translate into tidiness. "They didn't do a real good job," Vinci said, laughing.
Vinci sits in Section 137 in the 13th row, so say hi next time you see him at a game.
* Vinci wasn't the only Philadelphian in a Super Bowl ad. Chris O'Donnell, a graduate of St. Joe's Prep and La Salle University, appeared in a Jeep ad. In Hollywood, O'Donnell goes by Chris Dougherty.
'Smash'-ed
NBC's Broadway-based musical drama is drinking the Philly Kool-Aid. Tuesday night's season premiere boasted two local notables. Loyal column readers know that West Philly-born Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts grad (and Alvin Ailey alum) Abdur-Rahim Jackson appeared as a dancer. But Friends' Central grad Benj Pasek appeared in an offscreen role, as the co-writer of featured song "Caught in the Storm." It's available on iTunes Wednesday if you missed it in Tuesday's episode.
Pasek has been making a name for himself as a lyricist. Along with composer Justin Paul, Pasek's work was recently on Broadway in the musical adapation of the beloved movie "A Christmas Story."
A-Twitter
I've got to give props to former Rep. Patrick Murphy, who made me giggle with this tweet Tuesday: "I want to officially welcome @MrT to Twitter. You're a Great American, except for that time you embarrassed Rocky by hitting on his wife." Follow consumate Adrian defender Murphy at @PatrickMurphyPA.
OUT AND ABOUT
* Will Smith, who was in town for a speaking engagement at Temple with author Sister Souljah, attended the 78-61 Sixers victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday. Word on the street is Smith called the Four Seasons home during his Philly stay.
* Former Eagle (and part-time WIP personality) Hollis Thomas was spotted outside Club Risque after last week's Wing Bowl. Athlete at a strip club? Snooze, right? But sources say Thomas is a good tipper and well-liked by the gals on the pole. Good on you, Thomas! You help those ladies get their college degrees!
On Twitter: @PhillyGossip, @MollyEichel
