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Some interesting casting news this week – we’ll break this up into four parts.

First up, Variety is reporting Ray Liotta has joined the cast of THINGS FALL APART, and independent drama directed by Mario Van Peebles.  He’ll co-star with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who along with Randall Emmett is also producing the film under their Cheetah Vision Films banner from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller. The film is said to be about a star football running back (Jackson) who faces a personal tragedy and his own mortality during his senior year in college. Liotta is portraying the doctor in the film.  It’s being shot currently in Michigan. Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P and Steve Eastin also star.

Next up, the great Sam Rockwell (IRON MAN 2). Deadline reports Sam is interested in the rather unusual-sounding film SWEET BABY JESUS, and the role of “Joe” – a guy who finds himself accompanying his pregnant teenage girlfriend to Bethlehem, Maryland. The girlfriend’s name is Mary and soon the town is under the impression it’s about to witness the Second Coming.  This is a comedy folks, so settle down. The movie is set to film in August on location in Maryland. Peter Hewitt (GARFIELD) is directing. The French production will then do studio work in Ireland. Deadline notes British equity investors are financing the $10 million project. Rockwell (if he takes the role) would be playing opposite British pop star Pixie Lott as Mary (Lott is huge in the UK). Britney Spears was originally going to play the Mary part, but dropped out… whew! Bette Midler will play “innkeeper” Eleanor and Kim Cattrall will be Mary’s mother Darlene. Sound interesting to you?

Next, THR reports that Romola Garai (DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS) is in negotiations to join the cast of Focus Features’ romantic comedy titled ONE DAY for director Lone Scherfig. Production is set to begin in the summer in London. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess as people who meet during their 1988 graduation and proceed to meet one day a year for the next 20 years. The story tracks their lives and loves until they realize they were meant for each other. The British-born Garai will play the woman Sturgess’ character marries then ultimately divorces during those years. The project is based on a novel by British author David Nicholls, who adapted the screenplay.

And finally from Playlist – Madonna’s film W.E. (which she is directing) is about the relationship between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, which led to the King’s abdication from the throne. Initially the cast included Ewan McGregor, Vera Farmiga and Abbie Cornish, who for a while were signed to be in it.  However, Farmiga dropped out a few ago back due to her pregnancy, and McGregor left to be in Terry Gilliam’s THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE. But according to the Daily Mail, two more competent actors have now joined the project. Farmiga is being replaced in the role of Wallis Simpson by Andrea Riseborough (LOVE YOU MORE) – Andrea is actually a decade younger than Farmiga. The script calls for the part to span almost 40 years, and the film’s producer Colin Vaines says that the director was “amazed at how Andrea can go across the full range.” McGregor so far has not been replaced. Oscar Isaac (King John in Ridley Scott’s ROBIN HOOD) however has also joined, and will be playing a security guard that Abbie Cornish’s character falls in love with in the film. Everyone seems to think this movie is destined to bomb, since Madonna is at the helm, but it might also end up being a really pleasant surprise. More news at it develops.

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