In development for nearly a decade, the adaptation of Deborah Moggach‘s “Tulip Fever“has seen all kinds of names — John Madden, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Peter Chelsom, Tom Hooper — kick the tires, but nothing coalesced. Earlier this year, the wheels started spinning again when Alicia Vikander became attached, and now she may be joined by Dane DeHaan. The actor is in early talks to star in the film, the story of an affair between a man and a woman in 17th century Holland, during a period where tulip bulbs became hot trading items, with a single bulb selling for as much as ten times the average annual salary. But his participation will depend on scheduling with Anton Corbijn‘s “Life,” but hopefully it’ll all come together. Justin Chadwick (“The Other Boleyn Girl,” “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom“) will direct. [Baz Bamigboye]
Two of our faves, Alan Arkin and Diane Keaton, are finally going to work together, as they gear up along with Annette Bening, Amanda Seyfried and Theo James for “The Most Wonderful Time.” Penned by Steven Rogers (“Stepmom”), and set to be directed by Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”), the movie will follow “Charlotte and Sam, a long-married couple who have been growing apart for decades and decide to host one last Christmas celebration before revealing to their family that they’re separating. Their grown children come home for the holidays with their own relationship issues and personality quirks, completely oblivious to their parents’ turmoil. As the entire family shares memories and creates chaos that includes a shocking episode at dinner, Charlotte and Sam begin to question their decision.” Production is aiming to start in 2014. [The Wrap]
The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” continues to assemble its cast of players for the tale of soul sensation, adding a couple more names to the mix. Dan Aykroyd and singer Jill Scott are now onboard the Chadwick Boseman-led film that will chronicle the wild life of the Godfather of Soul. The Ghostbuster will play president of Universal Attractions Ben Bart, with Scott as Brown’s wife, with the role apparently being written just for her. Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Nelsan Ellis and more already on board the Tate Taylor (“The Help“) directed flick which shoots this fall for an October 17, 2014 release. [THR]
“Game Of Thrones” priestess Melisandre aka Carice Van Houten is getting her lo-fi horror on, by joining Aaron Eckhart and Catalina Sandino Moreno in “Incarnate.” The story will follow “an unconventional exorcist (Eckhart), with the ability to tap into the subconscious of the possessed, who meets his match when a 9-year-old boy is possessed by a demon from his past.” (Sigh). Brad Petyon (“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” “Cats And Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore“) directs (double sigh). [THR]
Despite the spooky name “A Conspiracy on Jekyll Island,” the upcoming thriller starring Frank Grillo, Dianna Agron, John Leguizamo, Minnie Driver, Ed Westwick and Maggie Q is not about a two-faced, monstrous personality. Instead, the film from writer/director Aram Rappaport (“Syrup”) “follows an ex-Wall Street man, played by Grillo whom the Secretary of the Treasury enlists to thwart a cyber attack that threatens to derail the American economy. With the help of his wife, he recruits his rag tag team of misfits, and prepares to save the world from total financial implosion.” Maybe Jekyll is like, a metaphor. Filming kicks off this month. [Variety]
Rocker Joan Jett has dabbled in acting, and is now set to join the indie “Undateable John.” Co-starring Estella Warren, John Philbin, Daryl Hannah, Tom Arnold, Margaret Cho, Meredith Baxter and Shannen Doherty (that’s quite the cast), the indie rom-com follows “a Venice Beach surf punk musician who befriends misfit lovebirds Jane (Warren) and former pro surfer John (Philbin) at an AA meeting.” Cynthia Posner wrote the script which Demian Lichtenstein (“3000 Miles To Graceland“) will direct. [Deadline]
Lastly, Matthew Vaughn‘s “The Secret Service” with Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson has found its femme fatale in little known French-Algerian actress Sofia Boutella. A dancer and model too, her role seems to be pretty substantial as she will be involved in the production which is currently shooting right through January. [Deadline]