It was predetermined that comedy titans Seth Rogen and Adam McKay would join forces sooner or later, and indeed, they have. Rogen will star in and McKay will direct a comedy, for which plot details are under wraps, for Gary Sanchez Productions, Point Grey Pictures and Good Universe. The project is based on an idea from Ben Schwartz ("House Of Lies," "Parks And Recreation"), who will also co-star. “Every 2,000 years, the planets of our galaxy align in a perfect line that funnels the cosmic energies of the universe to flow into one perfect comedic collaboration. The time is now. This is that project. Nothing will ever be the same. McKay and Schwartz are real smart, well-endowed guys, and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with them,” Rogen and producing partner Evan Goldberg said in one of the best press statements ever. [THR]
"Ben-Hur" now has a baddie in Toby Kebell. "The Fantastic Four" and "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes" star joins Jack Huston and Morgan Freeman in the Timur Bekmambetov directed chariot movie. The actor will play Messala, who betrays his titular best bud. [Variety]
Astrid Berges-Frisbey ("Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," "I Origins") has landed the role Guinevere in Guy Ritchie‘s franchise starter "Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur." The movie will find "the love story in the blooming stages, with the young princess saving the young prince and helping him believe in himself." Idris Elba also stars. [THR]
Andie MacDowell (where has she been?) and Jada Pinkett Smith are lining up roles in "Magic Mike XXL." Plot details on the road trip sequel are under wraps, but Smith would apparently play the owner of a strip club. Production starts soon. [Variety/Deadline]
Anthony Mackie is joining Sandra Bullock and Scoot McNairy in the George Clooney produced, David Gordon Green directed "Our Brand Is Crisis." Based on the documentary by Rachel Boynton, the story follows "the use of U.S. political campaign strategies in South America." Production begins this fall, and the previously reported as a cast member Billy Bob Thornton has dropped out. [THR]
A live action Grumpy Cat movie exists, and grumpy specialist Aubrey Plaza will voice said feline. You and your hipster friends better not miss Lifetime movie "Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever" on November 29th at 8 PM. [THR]
"Skyfall" star Ben Whishaw will keep his skills in check by starring in the BBC series, "London Spy." As you’ve guessed, it’s set in the world of British espionage, and production begins next month. [THR]
Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor and Aiden Gillen have joined "Once" director John Carney‘s next musical effort "Sing Street." Bono and The Edge wrote the music for a project about "a 14-year-old named Cosmo growing up in 1980’s recession-hit Dublin who must break free of a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, deal with his drop-out older brother’s antics, and survive a new public school where the kids are rough and the brothers are tougher." Filming is now underway. [Cineuropa]
Patrick Fugit has joined Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterston in Alex Ross Perry‘s "Queen Of Earth." Production is now underway for the thriller, which regards "two childhood friends who meet up for a relaxing weekend at a beach house. But they soon become aware of how disconnected from each other they are as adults, allowing their suspicions to bleed into reality." [THR]
Nick Frost, Nathan McMullen and Michael Troughton will guest star in the upcoming "Doctor Who" Christmas special. No word yet on the plot details, but we’re sure the TARDIS will reveal all soon enough. [THR]