Movie News Daily

Movie News Daily

Clooney Dominates Cannes

In the first major pickup of this year's Cannes Film Festival, Overture has nabbed the rights to 'Men Who Stare at Goats,' which stars Clooney as an ex-member of a secret Army unit that uses paranormal tactics, according to Variety. In addition, Focus Features announced at the fest that George will star in 'A Very Private Gentleman,' about a misanthropic assassin who runs into trouble when he begins to form personal relationships with members of the idyllic Italian town in which he's hiding. (May 19)

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Martin Luther King Jr. Bio Heads for Big Screen

Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks have a dream to bring the story of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to the big screen -- and they're making it come true. Variety that DreamWorks has acquired the rights to MLK's life story and is set to make a biopic with Spielberg producing. The iconic role has yet to be cast, but we're thinking Jamie Foxx fits the bill perfectly. (May 19)

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Mel Gibson Settles 'Passion' Lawsuit

It's been a big week for Mel Gibson. Hot on the heels of the news that he's expecting a baby with Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, the Hollywood Reporter confirms that he's settled a lawsuit with 'Passion of the Christ' screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald sued Gibson for $10 million in February 2008, alleging that he was told the film's budget was considerably lower than it actually was. A June 3 trial date has been canceled, but details of the settlement have not been revealed. (May 19)

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'New Moon' Poster Debuts

Can't wait to sink your teeth into the 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon' this November? This should whet your vampire lust even more: Summit Entertainment has released the official 'New Moon' teaser poster, showcasing a brooding (and -- no shocker here -- immaculately coiffed) Robert Pattionson, as well as Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and the human object of their vamp/werewolf desires Bella Swann (Kristen Stewart). Get more about 'New Moon.' (May 19)

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Critics Boo Von Trier's 'Antichrist'

Controversial filmmaker Lars Von Trier's latest movie, 'Antichrist,' didn't go over so well at the Cannes Film Festival. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a Sunday screening of the film -- which features a talking fox, scenes of explicit sexual gore and a leg-drilling scene that would make Eli Roth blush -- elicited boos, jeers and howling laughter from critics. When angry journalists demanded Von Trier "explain and justify" himself, he simply declared himself "the world's greatest director." Riiiight. (May 19)

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Hemsworth Nabs Leads in 'Thor,' 'Red Dawn'

It looks like Hollywood has a new It Boy. Hot off his turn as James T. Kirk's dad in 'Star Trek,' Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has booked lead roles in director Kenneth Branagh's Norse superhero blockbuster 'Thor' and the remake of '80s Russian invasion cult classic 'Red Dawn,' according to the Hollywood Reporter. Hemsworth will play the titular blond-maned, hammer-wielding deity in 'Thor' and take on the role originated by Patrick Swayze in the original 1984 'Dawn.' (May 18)

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Bradley Cooper to Play Face in 'The A-Team'?

Take a good look at Bradley Cooper's mug because it may be the face of Face in director Joe Carnahan's upcoming 'A-Team' movie. At yesterday's press junket for 'The Hangover,' Cooper seemed to confirm to IESB that he'll play Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck in the big-screen adaptation of the hit '80s show, about a ragtag quartet of war heroes who, while on the lam for a crime they didn't commit, become good-guy vigilantes for hire. (May 18)

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Connelly, Neeson Take 'Wrong' Turn

Jennifer Connelly and Liam Neeson have signed on to star in the drama 'What's Wrong With Virginia,' Variety reports. The film, which marks the directorial debut of Oscar-winning 'Milk' screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, centers on a charming but psychologically troubled woman (Connelly) whose secret 20-year affair with a man running for state senate (Neeson) is tested when her son begins dating his daughter. Can't imagine why that would be weird for anyone. (May 18)

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Penn to Rock in 'Place'

Sean Penn is in talks to play a retired middle-aged rock star in 'This Must Be the Place,' Variety confirms. Bored with retirement, Penn's former rocker sets off on a quest to find his father's executioner, an ex-Nazi war criminal now living as a refugee in the U.S. No doubt he plans to rock said executioner's world. (May 18)

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Marion Cotillard to Star in 'Mouchoirs'

'La Vie en Rose' Oscar winner Marion Cotillard is set to star in the French-language ensemble 'Les Petits Mouchoirs,' Variety confirms. Described as a tragicomedy, the third film from 'Tell No One' director Guillaume Canet follows a group of friends who experience some startling revelations while spending their traditional summer holiday together on the French coast. (May 18)

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