September 29, 2006

Finally, it is decided. Ain't It Cool News has reported that Robert Downey Jr. has landed the coveted role of the titular hero in "Iron Man", ending the questions and speculations that have been circulating around lately on the matter.

Based on Marvel's iconic superhero, the picture will take focus on a billionaire weapons-manufacturer, Tony Stark, who equips himself with a high-tech suit of armor to fight against evil on a global scale as Iron Man. Filming is slated to begin in February 2007 with Jon Favreau helming and Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Mark Fergus, plus Hawk Ostby writing the script.

Two great talents are in the brink to bring more light to "The Girl in the Park." Variety has revealed that Sigourney Weaver and Kate Bosworth have both already engaged in talks to join the project, a directorial debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Auburn.

A production of Furst Films, the dramatic feature tells about a woman who is still traumatized by the disappearance of her 3-year-old daughter 15 years ago. Upon meeting a troubled young woman, she quietly keeps at heart a hope that she may be her missing child.

This just in. Britney Spears is in negotiation to publish the first photos of second son, Sutton Spears, in People. The superstar reportedly is still negotiating a lucrative deal for the exclusive rights to the first photos of Sutton.

In the meantime, rumors are swirling that OK! magazine has also tried to buy the rights of the photos for $2 million. However, Spears turned it down and instead stick it with People which also snapped her first son, Sean Preston, and her wedding to husband Kevin Federline.

Landing one more big-screen stint after taking part in thriller flick "Shadow Puppets" , TV star James Marsters has eagerly enlisted himself in dramatic feature of "P.S., I Love You" following the recent inclusion of Lisa Kudrow and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Being the latest talent to join in, Marsters will be billed as the best friend of the late husband of the film's main character, Holly Kennedy, played by Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank. Richard LaGravenese is in charge to direct with Steven Rogers writing the script and Wendy Finerman serving as producer.

Singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher has been tapped to co-host the fifth season of the USA show "Nashville Star", the program attempts to find fresh talent in the country music industry.

Jewel reportedly will be working alongside Cowboy Troy, who also co-hosted during the most recent programs. The new season will begin Jan. 11 with winner set to receive a recording contract.

Fans of R.L. Stine must be delighted over this news. Variety has learned that 20th Century Fox has satisfyingly gained film rights to make "The Rotten School", a big-screen version of Stine children's book series of the same title.

Written as comedies for kids, the "Rotten" series follows the zany boarding school adventures of Bernie Bridges as he generates scheme against his teachers and rival students. The first book, "The Big Blueberry Barf-Off!", was released last year under HarperCollins Publishers and Parachute Publishing.

Hollywood screen beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones has been dropped as the face of communications giant T-Mobile in the US.

The actress has been appearing in TV and print adverts for the mobile phone company in America since 2003, and has earned millions from the deal.

The Rolling Stones announced Thursday September 28th that they will play the Beacon Theatre on October 29th and 31st.

The rock and roll band reportedly will kick off their first show during the climax of President Bill Clinton's 60th birthday bash in the city.

Wes Craven is back to his field of expertise. The Cleveland-born filmmaker has just landed deal with Rogue Pictures to both write and direct a new horror picture for the company, Variety has reported.

Eyeing to start production by next spring, Craven has eagerly revealed a bit tidbit about the untitled project. "It is rooted in the supernatural with a 16-year old central character, but it's more 'Sixth Sense' than a slasher film," so he said.

Pop diva Madonna is doing better than Britney Spears in case of music. The singer has been awarded a Guinness World Record for being the Highest Paid Female Singer on the planet, steps into the shoes of Spears who's been on the top spot, taking in an estimated $50 million (£26.6million) in 2004.

Spears had managed to hold on to the record since 2001, when she entered the Guinness World Records for earning $38.5million (£20.5 million) in 2000. Numbers of people included in the Guinness World Records 2007 book, include the likes of James Blunt, Arctic Monkeys, and Simon Cowell among others.

Again nabbing role in period piece after her recent inclusion in "The Other Boleyn Girl" cast, Scarlett Johansson has given her agreement to take part in "Mary Queen of Scots", a new project from 2929 Entertainment, The Hollywood Reporter revealed.

The beauty, widely known for her role in "Lost in Translation", is billed to play the title character, who was beheaded in 1587 after being declared guilty of treason for her involvement in the so-called Babington Plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. The movie itself will depict the antagonistic relationship between the two queens with Elizabeth trying to undermine Mary's rule.

Miles Davis, one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century, was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on Thursday September 28th.

Davis family members, including his son, Erin, and daughter, Cheryl were among the event's attendances.

Jaime Pressly makes headlines as she is reported to be pregnant and is planning to get engaged with DJ boyfriend Eric Cubiche.

Speaking on that matter, Pressly tells American publication US Weekly, "We're going this weekend to (Beverly Hills jewelry store) XIV Karats to design my engagement ring. I'm really looking forward to it."

Daniel Craig, the new James Bond actor, spills his guts. The Hollywood heartthrob opens up about his love life, telling Parade in its upcoming issue he's happily dating "a beautiful American producer" named Satsuki Mitchell.

"We're together, and she's been experiencing this whole situation with me," Craig said. "That's incredibly important."

The boxer-turned-actor Tony Danza and his wife of 20 years Tracey Robinson are separating. The couple announced their separation Thursday, September 28th, the actor's rep, Jill Fritzo, told E! News.

Tony and Tracy have had two teenage daughters, Emily and Katie. Tony, in addition, also has a son, Marc, from his first marriage.

First it was her attorney, and now it's the turn of her ex-boyfriend to talk. Larry Birkhead, a photographer who once dated Anna Nicole Smith, says he is the father of the former Playboy playmate's newborn daughter, Dannie Lynn Hope, and is seeking a DNA test to prove it.

In an interview on US magazine's website, Larry claims Anna's lawyer Howard K. Stern's statement on CNN's "Larry King Live" Tuesday that he actually is the father of the newlyborn, as "laughable". "I know I am the father of the child," Larry insisted. "I look forward to having a relationship with my new daughter."