By SHARON EBERSON, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A little curiosity went a long way to Gina Carano's transformation from mixed-martial-arts fighter and "American Gladiator" competitor to action-film star in "Haywire."

Stefan Karl gets all green and mean when he becomes the Grinch, and it's not too much of a stretch, he says.

While growing up in a small Icelandic fishing village, Karl was exposed to the "'Cat in the Hat' and 'Green Eggs and Ham' and all that," he relates in a Dr. Seusslike sentence. As for the Grinch, "We were probably made for each other. I always loved him."

On a San Diego stage with a lineup of superheroes of the Hollywood and comic-book variety, a particularly happy Clark Gregg stood between Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson after he had just learned he would be among the all-star cast of "The Avengers," which hits screens next summer.

Joel Edgerton has starred opposite Cate Blanchett onstage in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and owns a piece of "Star Wars" history as Luke Skywalker's Uncle Owen, so the triple play of fighter, teacher and family man didn't phase him when he read the script for "Warrior."

SAN DIEGO - There's a Web community of horror fans who are dedicated to the proposition that real vampires don't sparkle. Even at Comic-Con International, where "Twilight" films are bathed in the glow of adoration, you could witness the occasional pushback from fans and Hollywood players.

Like the character he plays, Daniel Radcliffe's name quickly became known throughout the world -- make that the Muggle world -- when he was just a boy.

He was 11 when cast to play the title character in the "Harry Potter" movies, now the most successful film franchise ever.

ORLANDO, Fla. - If you're not into roller coasters and you're not all about the merchandise, then the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be a bit of a rough ride. On the other hand, if you love thrills and having your stomach tied in knots and you crave a taste of Butterbeer, then you might pronounce it "brilliant."

The deep voice emanating from the other end of the phone exudes calm and good humor, more laid-back Australian surfer than hammer-wielding Norse God of Thunder.

SAN DIEGO - Seth Rogen slimmed down before our eyes, going from the portly stoner he so often portrays in raunchy comedies to a sleeker version who could cut a figure in a suit -- and seem more like the guy audiences might imagine as the playboy-turned-masked crime fighter in the big-screen version of "The Green Hornet."

Once a comedian, always a comedian.

Right up there with discovering Kreepy Karen Christmas ornaments for a festive take on "Night of the Living Dead" are a litter of zombie Hello Kitty holiday decorations.