Hugh Hefner has given his stamp of approval for the prospect of Robert Downey Jr. playing him in a biopic (for what seems like the third time). Of the potential project, the Hef revealed: “Downey and I have talked about it and it is a very real possibility. He’s a marvelous actor and I would be honored if he decided to do it.” That’ll be easy enough for Downey Jr. He’ll just channel Tony Stark again. Brett Ratner was once attached to this project, but it remains to be seen if he’s still onboard. [Hollyscoop]
Roman Polanski will officially not appear in court this Thursday for his child-sex case, revealed his lawyer. The lawyer further argued that Polanski’s personal appearance in court is irrelevant to the question of whether judicial and prosecutorial misconduct violated his constitutional rights. He also noted that there is no legal precedent to support a finding by Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza that the issues can’t be addressed in Polanski’s absence. [Variety]
Cilian Murphy will star in “Peacock,” the story of a Nebraskan bank teller named John who possesses distinct male and female personalities which are unaware of each others existence. He must then try and convince townsfolk that the two are actually a married couple. Co-starring in the “Hitchcockian thriller” will be Josh Lucas, Ellen Page, Susan Sarandon and Bill Pullman. [MTV]
Dianne Wiest and Tammy Blanchard have joined the film adaptation of “Rabbit Hole.” Based on a stage play, the John Cameron Mitchell helmed project also stars Aaron Eckhart and Nicole Kidman as couple who struggle to cope with the deaht of their 4 year old son. [Coming Soon]
Toy company Kubrick have unveiled a line of “Where The Wild Things Are” action figures going for $20 a piece. [Momentum Of Failure]
Christina Aguilera will make her acting debut in Steve Antin’s “Burlesque.” The pop star will play an ambitious smalltown girl with a big voice who finds love, family and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club. [Variety]
Wilmer Valderama and Jason Ritter has jumped on board “The Dry Land,” an indie-drama that follows a young soldier, played by Ryan O’Nan, who returns home from a tour of duty only to find that his small-town life no longer fits. [THR]