Amber Heard will join Johnny Depp in “The Rum Diary,” another (pre-‘Fear & Loathing’) Hunter S. Thompson adaptation that’s been speculated on in recent weeks? She’s in negotiations to play the female lead. Bruce Robinson (“How to Get Ahead in Advertising” — an amazing film if you’ve never seen — “Withnail & I”) is writing and directing, which is exciting, but the last film he did was the 1992 flub, “Jennifer 8.” [THR]
Warner Bros. says they would love their Batman and Superman franchises to last as long as the lucrative “Harry Potter” films. That series has successfully ran for seven films now, but no comic book film has ever ran past four films (Batman, Superman) and not been laughed out the door by installment III or VI, but ‘Potter’ has done a great job of switching up directors each time and keeping the tone and spirit intact (or at least, so we hear). [AlleyInsider via Slash]
After stalls, delays and stalemates Roman Polanski’s new rape case trial is now set for February 17, in Los Angeles of course, despite his attorney’s protests. [AP]
It’s not enough to adapt video games graphic novels into movies. Now it’s Milton Bradley board games. Next up is surely bubblegum single-panel comics. One of the original writers of “Tropic Thunder” is involved (not Stiller, not Theroux). [Variety]
A woman is a woman: Jude Law tries on a transexual role for a new movie called “Rage.” [Cinemablend]
“The Wrestler” and “Slumdog Millionaire” were the big winners at the London Film Critics’ Circle Awards. The former took best film and actor for Mickey Rourke, however Danny Boyle won Best British Director and the film took home the most awards of the night. David Fincher took Best overall director for ‘Ben Button.’ PS, U.K. awards do not factor into Oscar prognosticating. [Variety]
Ewan McGregor and Sundance sensation Carrey Mulligan are teaming up for the film, “The Electric Slide.” Doesn’t sound like the same project about bankrobbers that Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way productions was developing as it’s being produced by others. [ScreenDaily]
