This and that in film news: Steve Zahn joins 'Wimpy Kid;' Carla Gugino goes 'Sucker Punch'

Here are some interesting film bits you shouldn't miss on August 4, 2009:

• Steve Zahn is set to star in Thor Freudenthal's adaptation of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," based on Jeff Kinney's novels. The film follows a pre-adolescent wise guy who gets into quite a bit of trouble at school and at home. Zachary Gordon will play the lead. (Variety)

• Carla Gugino from "Watchmen" and "Race to Witch Mountain" is set to star in Zack Snyder's "Sucker Punch," about a girl locked inside a mental institution. Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, and Abbie Cornish are already on board. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Renny Harlin ("Cliffhanger") has come on board to direct an untitled film focusing on the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia. The plot will follow a journalist and his cameraman who get caught in the crossfire in Georgia. Production will kick off this September. (Variety)

Click to read more ...

John August to write 'Preacher' for Sam Mendes

John August will write the screenplay for Sam Mendes' big-screen adaptation of Vertigo’s comic book series “Preacher.”

Created by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion in the ‘90s, the series followed a Texas preacher possessed by Genesis, a spiritual being conceived by an angel and a demon.

Along with a girlfriend and a vampire, the preacher embarks on a cross-country search for God, who abandoned his duties in heaven.

August has quite the experience as screenwriter. His credits include "Charlie's Angels," "Big Fish" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and he also recently wrote and directed "The Nines."

As for Mendes, his "Revolutionary Road" is currently playing. He's also wrapping up "Away We Go," a comedy with John Krasinski.

Source: Variety