Castings: This Week's Castings News In One Place
January 23rd, 2005
Posted by: Anthony Langlois
Source: Various

Fox 2000 has added teenage actress Sara Paxton (Sleepover) to their adaptation of Alice Hoffman's children book 'Aquamarine'. Paxton plays Aquamarine, a mermaid discovered by two teenage girls (Emma Roberts and pop star Jo-Jo) in their beach club's swimming pool. Rookie director Elizabeth Allen handles a screenplay by John Quaintance (TV's 'Joey').

Kate Hudson has apparently bought the rights to Hitchcock's classic thriller 'Vertigo', in a bid to remake the movie. Hudson would supposedly take over the dual role once played by the statuesque Kin Novak. The actress is also in talks to star in the long-rumoured feature version of 'I Dream Of Jeannie', which might be fast-tracked, should Niki Kidman hit big with 'Bewitched'. Anything to help us forget 'Alex & Emma' and 'Raising Helen'. Wasn't she once nominated for an Oscar?

Funnyman Bill Murray, who enjoys his second-wind thanks to a string of acclaimed indies, will reportedly have a small but pivotal role in the long-awaited *cough* sequel 'Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction', playing an American working at Scotland Yard. The 54-year-old actor was coaxed into the movie by returning star Sharon Stone, upon meeting sometime last year.

Kevin Smith-related site News Askew claims that Smith's buddy Ben Affleck is in talks to star in 'Daredevil 2', with helmer Mark Steven Johnson (who's working on Ghost Rider) to return. Since Affleck once said in an interview that he wouldn't done the red suit again, yours truly sought confirmation from Fox studios, alas without any luck. As soon as I know more, so will you all.

Madonna secured a bunch of industry pals for the big-bucks adaptation of her own children's Book 'The English Rose'. Her new clone, Britney Spears, will voice the story's heroine Binah. Also on board are David Bowie and Snoop Dogg, while the material girl herself will voice the fairy godmother. Maybe Michael Jackson could play the nanny…

After13 appearances alongside buddy Adam Sandler, actor Allan Covert will finally get the lead part, from his own spec script. Covert will star in "Grandma's Boy", about a thirty something man still living with his grand mother. Sandler's Happy Madison shingle will produce for Fox.

'The Book Of Revelations', adapted from Rupert Thompson's erotic novel, has been cast with Greta Scacchi, Colin Friels and Tom Long, under indy director Ana Kokkino. The book, and film, tells of a man's redemption throughout a mystery plot of power and sex.

Gwyneth Paltrow joins Golden Globe winner Annette Bening (anybody seen that lame kiss on the cheeks from her husband?) for Sony's 'Running With Scissors'. The true-life film, based on Augusten Burroughs' best-selling memoirs, tells of a boy given away by his delusional mother to a strange doctor who bears a troubling resemblance to Santa Claus. 'Nip/Tuck' creator Ryan Murphy writes and directs.

Scribe Ted Griffin's long-delayed brainchild 'Solace' just got a Bruce boost. Producer Tripp Vinson told ComingSoon he was moving forward on the project, with none other than Bruce Willis attached to star. The story centres on a psychic hired to track down a serial killer (wasn't that called 'Suspect Zero'?).

'Braveheart' beauty Sophie Marceau has backed out from starring in 'le Concil De Pierre', to be replaced by equal beauty Monica Bellucci. The reason? According to French site FilmDeCulte, Marceau has won the part of Sophie Neveu, in Ron Howard's 'The Da Vinci Code'. The actress apparently beat out fellow French ladies Audrey Tautou, Virginie Ledoyen, Amira Casar, Judith Godrèche and Linda Hardy, for the coveted role.

Will Ferrell is set to play a man with a bizarre affliction, in 'Stranger Than Fiction'. The Funnyman will star as an IRS auditor who hears a constant narration of his life, which eventually affects his professional and romantic life. Maggie Gyllenhaal co-stars, under 'Finding Neverland' director Marc Foster.

Wes Bentley, who shot to fame as strange neighbour Ricky Fitts in 'American Beauty', has been cast as main villain Blackheart, for Columbia's adaptation of 'Ghost Rider'. Filming is schedules to begin next month, unless the supposed lead actor decides to drop…*cough*

Screen beauty Cate Blanchett is in talks to star as the OTHER famous Potter, Beatrix that is. The actress would play the 19th century writer in 'Miss Potter', about her lonely life marked by isolation and illness which led to her empathy and fascination towards little furry animals. Bruce Beresford looks to direct. Potter, for children at heart like me, created some unforgettable character such as Peter Rabbit and Tom Kitten.

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