Xmen-Origins.com

Casting Bits: Nicole Kidman Options The Family Fang , Olivia Wilde, Jessica Biel, Judy Greer, Etc. Shortlisted for Burt Wonderstone , Shiloh Fernandez Joins The East
[1] Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films and Olympus Films have teamed up to acquire the movie rights for Kevin Wilson’s bestselling book The Family Fang, which they plan to develop as a starring vehicle for Kidman. The two companies previously collaborated on Rabbit Hole, for which Kidman received a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Wilson’s debut novel centers around a couple of performance artists who regularly incorporate their unwilling children into their bizarre acts. Years later, misfortune prompts the now-grown son and daughter to return home, where they find their parents gearing up for one final masterpiece. [Deadline [2]] After the jump, New Line pulls together an intriguing shortlist for Burt Wonderstone’s female lead, and The East’s terrorist organization gets one more member. With stars Jim Carrey and Steve Carell firmly in place, the magician comedy Burt Wonderstone is now seeking a female lead. New Line has put together a shortlist of actresses who could star in the unspecified role, including Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan, Judy Greer, Sarah Silverman and Jessica Biel. It’s an interesting mix of actresses — while Wilde, Monaghan, and Biel seem like more typical love interest types, Silverman and Greer are usually cast for their comedic chops. Which isn’t to say the former group can’t be funny or that the latter can’t be pretty and charming, but I don’t think it happens often that, say, Biel and Silverman are up for the same job. (Personally, I’m pulling for the very talented, very funny Greer.) Directed by 30 Rock’s Don Scardino, Burt Wonderstone follows a Vegas magician (Carell) who breaks up with his stage partner and finds himself upstaged by a younger, hipper illusionist. [Deadline [3]] Shiloh Fernandez has boarded the cast of The East, which is being directed by Zal Batmanglij from a script by Batmanglij and Brit Marling. The film stars Marling as an agent from a private security firm who’s tasked with infiltrating an ecoterrorist organization known as The East. However, she finds herself falling for its leader, played by Alexander Skarsgard. Fernandez will play free-spirited, sexually adventurous member of the group. As previously reported, the thriller will also feature Ellen Page as another member of The East and Skarsgard’s ex, Patricia Clarkson as Marling’s boss, and Toby Kebbell as a doctor. Production on The East is expected to begin shortly. Fernandez most recently starred Catherine Hardwicke’s Red Riding Hood opposite Amanda Seyfried, and will next appear in Syrup with Amber Heard, Kellan Lutz, and Brittany Snow. [Variety [4]] [1] http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/Nicole-Kidman.jpg [2] http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/nicole-kidman-acquires-kevin-wilson-novel-the-family-fang-as-star-vehicle/ [3] http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/new-line-looking-to-conjure-burt-wonderstone-female-lead/ [4] http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118045161