NEWS/RUMORS (Jan 30th)

Kristen Wiig (SNL, MacGruber) and director/writer/producer Judd Apatow have been working on a secret comedy film that would star Wiig. She had previously had some amazing scene stealing appearances in previous Apatow films like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Walk Hard. Now the project has been revealed as Bridesmaids it will focus on some bridesmaids who want the chance to plan their friend's wedding. Knowing Apatow and Wiig it could be a parody on the rom-com/wedding/bride genre. Similar to Walk Hard's parody on the musical bio-pic.

Daniel Craig has been officially cast as Zeke Jackson in Jon Favreau's Cowboys & Aliens.

It's rumored that Katie Featherston (Paranormal Activity) could star opposite James Franco in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours.

Luc Besson has confirmed he's finished the Taken 2 script. It's unknown if Liam Neeson will return for the sequel. What seems odd is that the second film will incorperate humor. The real sticking point for the original's success was that is was a serious and gritty action film. We've seen previously what a Besson action/humor script looks like with the Taxi, Transporter and District B13 series along with the new film From Paris With Love. I'm hoping it still ends up grounded like the original.

While it had been rumored Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition) would direct the untitled Bond 23. Deadline Hollywood is reporting he'll work as an directing consultant not the film's actual director.

James Bobin will direct the new Muppet film. The script was written by Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Nicholas Stoller (Get Him To The Greek). Bobin was a co-creator on the shows Flight of The Conchords and The Ali G Show. He helped Sasha Baron Cohen create characters such as Ali G, Borat and Bruno.

Ti West (House of The Devil) will return to horror with The Innkeepers. West's previous film was an homage to the horror films of the 80's and I hope he'll continue to use those visual cues in this next project.

Philip Seymour Hoffman may join Guy Pearce (Memento) and Marie-Louise Parker (Weeds) in The Well.

Danny Elfman will score The Green Hornet. Elfman has previously scored many genre films such as Batman, Batman Returns, Darkman, Dick Tracy, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Men In Black, Planet of The Apes, Hulk, Sleepy Hollow, The Wolfman, Wanted, Alice In Wonderland, Hellboy 2 and Beetle Juice.

Disney recently closed the offices to Miramax films. The studio was an important part of the early careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith. Along with other independent directors spotlighting many small films. The Weinsteins wanted the chance to buy back the name since it was created by them in 79' using the first names of their parents. Of course Disney wouldn't allow that to happen.