We can’t even tell which is which!Photos: Getty Images
Brad Pitt, Matt Damon Interchangable
Pitt Pinch-Hits for Damon: Brad Pitt will replace the busy Matt Damon in Paramount’s boxing drama The Fighter, playing the half-brother and trainer of real-life world lightweight champion “Irish†Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) under the direction of Darren Aronofsky. Future Rule No. 1 on the Fighter set: “Don’t mention The Fountain.†[HR]
No Justice, No Peace: Legendary helmer George Miller (Mad Max, Babe, Happy Feet) signs on to direct Warner Bros.’ Justice League of America, which features a team of superheroes led by Superman and Batman. Pic could potentially complicate active Superman and Batman franchises, and current Dark Knight Christian Bale has reportedly signaled his uneasiness with the project. And if Christian Bale is uneasy, can a hunger strike be far behind? [Variety]
Heigl Is Lost & Found: Katherine Heigl has optioned the film rights to Jacqueline Sheehan’s novel Lost & Found, about a psychologist who deals with her husband’s death by relocating to a remote Maine island to work in an animal hospital. It’s not yet clear whether she will star in the project, but she totally should, as her fan base has been clamoring to see Heigl play a widow in heavy winter clothes. [Variety]
Ribisi Joins Avatar: Giovanni Ribisi signs on to James Cameron’s $190 million sci-fi epic Avatar, alongside Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, and, reportedly, six “synthespians.†[HR]
Bravo Unleashes Manhattan Moms: The Bravo network starts production on a new reality series, Manhattan Moms, which focuses on highly privileged New York–based socialites and their families. This sounds great, definitely, but we already had plans to just stare at the wall that night, so let us know how it is! [HR]
24, the Plays: Billy Crudup, Julia Stiles, Edie Falco, and numerous other celebrities will join playwrights David Lindsay-Abaire, Warren Leight, and Theresa Rebeck on October 22 for this year’s 24 Hours on Broadway event at the American Airlines Theater. The event, in which 6 writers, 6 directors, and 24 actors create 6 short plays in 24 hours, raises money for the arts-education program Working Classroom. [Backstage]