Hugh-ge In China: Hugh Jackman has joined South Korean actress Jeon Ji-Hyun and Chinese actress Li Bingbing in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Directed by Wayne Wang, the English-language film is an adaptation of Lisa See’s novel about two women navigating strict cultural norms in 19th century China. Chinese media says Jackman will play the male lead while his publicist says “he is doing an unbilled cameo.†Either way, Jackman is going to China to work with Wang, that much we know. [THR]
Backstage Pass: Zooey Deschanel is taking her quirk to HBO for a starring role in a half-hour pilot based on the Pamela Des Barres’ memoir I’m With the Band: Confessions of a Groupie. The “dramedy†will relay Des Barres’ story of sleeping with rock legends like Mick Jagger and Jimmy Page and maybe add in Ben Gibbard just so Deschanel feels comfortable. [Deadline]
Crime Family: Virginia Madsen will star in ABC’s dramatic comedy Scoundrels. Based on the New Zealand series Outrageous Fortune, the show focuses on the mother in a family of criminals who decides to set her children straight after her husband lands in the clink. This is ABC’s second attempt to adapt the show after 2008’s failed pilot Good Behavior. Now that the title has been shortened, the network is pretty sure it has a hit. [HR]
Senior Aide: HBO is teaming back up with the brains behind Entourage, including Mark Wahlberg, to develop a political drama written by Ben Schweirn. The show revolves around a young political aide and his relationship with his hero the former president. Somebody call Jimmy Carter. [Variety]
Big Love: Billy Gardell will play the male lead in Mike and Molly, CBS’ upcoming Chuck Loree pilot about an overweight couple that meets in Overeaters Anonymous. This one’s for you, Midwest! [HR]