Daily news dose: John Hughes dead at 59; Robert Luketic to direct new 'Barbarella' film

Here is your dose of film news for August 7, 2009:

Filmmaker John Hughes, whose credits include "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Sixteen Candles," died of a sudden heart attack Thursday in New York. He was 59. Some of his writing credits include "Dennis the Menace" and the "Home Alone" films.

Robert Luketic is in talks to direct "Barbarella," a new version of Roger Vadim's 1968 sci-fi adventure starring Jane Fonda. Joe Gazzam will write the script, which follows a sexual chick traveling the universe and undertaking different missions. Luketic recently helmed "The Ugly Truth." (THR)

Niki Caro, whose credits include the brilliant drama "Whale Rider" and "North Country," is set to direct "Buttercup," about a man who tries to get his life back in order after the death of his wife. Alice O'Neil wrote the script. (THR)

Bill Pohlad and Bob Berney's new distribution company Apparition will handle the release of Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life," about a family who must come to terms with a devastating loss. In doing so, they discover life’s most important lessons of unselfish love and forgiveness.

Zach Galifianakis recently talked to IGN about "The Hangover 2," and he had this to say: "He [Todd Phillips] is writing the script. But I haven't seen the script. I'm not running to do The Hangover 2. I told Todd, the last thing I want is the 'Police Academy' chain all of the sudden, where I'm only known from…"

Farhad Safinia is set to write the script for Universal's adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World.” Also, Ridley Scott will produce and potentially direct the film. Also producing is Leonardo DiCaprio, who may end up starring in the flick. (Risky Biz Blog)