NEWS ROUND UP FOR MARCH 21ST-27TH: FOURTH INHERITANCE BOOK, AVENGERS, HUNGER GAMES, LOIS LANE, FRINGE, SECRET CIRCLE, AND FUTURAMA

Christopher Paolini’s Last Inheritance book announced (Eragon fans rejoice!) via The Mad Hatter’s Bookshelf

2011 is turning out to be the year of the mega blockbusters in the world of Fantasy. Between Martin, Rothfuss, Abercrombie, Sanderson, and Grossman there is nearly an unprecedented number of top tier authors vying for our book dollars this year. And another one just joined the crowd. Christopher Paolini’s last book in the Inheritance cycle/Eragon series the aptly title Inheritance will be released this November 8th right in time for the holidays. The series has done so well Random House is anticipating a first printing of 2.5 million.

Marvel CCO Joe Quesada Talks THOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA and THE AVENGERS; Confirms AVENGERS is Filming via Collider

“Quesada confirmed that Joss Whedon’s The Avengers has started filming. When asked if he feels that the film really is the culmination of everything that’s come before and that it’s going to top everything, Quesada responded thusly: “Yes, I mean again, look at the cast. Just starting with the cast, it’s like a rock concert.”

Lionsgate allegedly testing actors to play Peeta & Gale in ‘The Hunger Games’ via Examiner

“According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate tested five actors on Friday to play Peeta: Josh Hutcherson, Alexander Ludwig, Hunter Parrish, Lucas Till, and Evan Peters. In the original article, however, the THR report included two errors in their original name listings. Instead of “Lucas Till,” THR said the actor was “Lukas Pill.” THR also spelled Parrish’s last name wrong. Though later corrected, these sort of mistakes take away from the story’s credibility and make one question its authenticity.”

Superman news: Amy Adams will be Lois Lane via LA Times

“There was a big, giant search for Lois,” Snyder said. “For us it was a big thing and obviously a really important role. We did a lot of auditioning but we had this meeting with Amy Adams and after that I just felt she was perfect for it.”

‘Fringe’ renewed for a fourth season via EW

Excellent news for Fringe fans: The drama has been picked up for a fourth season. The cat was let out of the bag this afternoon when J.H. Wyman, an executive producer on the Fox drama, tweeted this to fans: “Fringe was picked up!!!! Thanks Fringedom!”

Louis Hunter Cast on The Secret Circle via TV Fanatic

Louis Hunter, an unknown in the United States whose most prominent work has been on the Australian soap opera Out of the Blue, has landed a key role on this upcoming CW drama. He’ll portray the witch Nick Armstrong, a drug dealer who lives next door to Britt Robertson’s Cassie.

Natasha Henstridge is in on The Secret Circle via TV Fanatic

Natasha Henstridge is the latest actress to come on board The Secret Circle. The long-time actress will portray Dawn Chamberlain on the upcoming CW series. The character is the vice principal of New Salem High School and was a friend of Cassie’s (Britt Robertson) mother growing up. Dawn knows all about the coven of witches at the center of the drama.

Comedy Central Renews Futurama For Two More Seasons via Yahoo

The network will pick up the animated series for another two seasons of 13 episodes, not including the remaining episodes of Season 6 that will return on June 23. This will keep the crew of Planet Express employed through 2013.