Thomas Haden Church is currently filming Jake Goldberger's upcoming indie drama "Don McKay" for Animus Films, according to Variety. Elisabeth Sue, Melissa Leo, Keith David and M. Emmet Walsh are also on board.

Written by Goldberger, the film centers on a man who left his hometown after suffering from a tragedy. When he returns home 25 years later, he finds his long-lost love on the verge of death and is consequently thrust into a bunch of troubles.

"McKay" is produced on a modest budget and is currently shooting in the Boston area.

Church's acting credits include "Sideways" and "Spider-Man 3." He most recently starred alongside Dennis Quaid and Ellen Page in "Smart People." Future projects of his include "Big Eyes," a drama in which he co-stars with Kate Hudson.

Goldberger recently penned the teen horror flick "Homecoming," which stars Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup.

George Clooney has acquired the rights to develop a big-screen version of Jonathan Mahler’s thriller “The Challenge,” according to Variety.

The book focuses on the struggle by U.S. Navy lawyer Charles Swift and law professor Neal Katyal to guarantee a fair trial for Salim Hamdan, the bodyguard and driver of Osama bin Laden.

At this stage, it’s not clear what role Clooney will play in the project, but he has the options to write, direct and topline the drama.

Considering Clooney’s excellent performance in Tony Gilroy’s recent legal thriller “Michael Clayton,” I would really like to see the actor take on one of the lead roles.

As far as helming goes, why not go for it? Apart from “Leatherheads,” Clooney proved he’s a dab hand at directing himself and others.

Over the past week we’ve heard and read quite a lot about the casting of Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming WWII drama “Inglorious Bastards,” and now things slowly seem to be coming together. Well, it’s about time.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brad Pitt has now officially joined the project. That’s right, Mr. Jolie has signed on to play Lt. Aldo Raine, leader of the Jewish resistance.

Also in negotiations to star in the violent drama is Simon Pegg, who would star as a British lieutenant. Additionally, Tarantino is in talks with Nastassja Kinski for the role of a German actress.

Just a few days ago, “Hostel” director Eli Roth also jumped on board. He will play one of the gang of Nazi hunters.

I’m glad the pre-production on Tarantino’s flick is moving ahead at a quick pace. If he really wants to have the film ready for the 2009 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, it’s about time to hit the sets and start shooting, literally.

Update on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10:59AM by Franck Tabouring

Something i forgot to mention. B.J. Novak is also in talks to star in Tarantino's flick. Read about it here.

Here’s some interesting news: according to Variety, actor Mark Ruffalo is the latest to step behind the camera. The “Just Like Heaven” star will direct and star in “Sympathy for Delicious,” a spiritual drama backed by Corner Stone Entertainment.

Written by Chris Thornton, who also stars as the lead character, the story takes place in Los Angeles and focuses on a paralyzed disc jockey who mysteriously becomes a faith healer.

Ruffalo plays a Jesuit priest who helps him explore his new gift and accept its limitations. Also on board is James Franco, who jumps into the role of a rock singer.

Ruffalo was last seen in “Reservation Road.” He will next star in Fernando Meirelles’ thriller “Blindness,” which opens Sept. 26, 2008. Other credits include “Zodiac” and “13 Going on 30.”

As for Franco, he will return to the big screen alongside Seth Rogen in David Gordon Green’s “Pineapple Express,” which opens tomorrow. He will also appear in George C. Wolfe’s upcoming romantic drama “Nights in Rodanthe.”