Liam Neeson is boarding 'Battleship'

Peter Berg's "Battleship" is still boarding, and Liam Neeson is the latest to join the crew. He joins a cast that already includes Alexander Skarsgard, Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and Rihanna.

Variety reports "Battleship," which is based on the popular Hasbro game, has already started shooting. Set photos showing Rihanna in uniform popped up on the Web recently. Film opens May 18, 2012.

Neeson will play Admiral Shane, while Kitsch stars as his future son-in-law. Decker is his daughter, and Skarsgard is on board to play Kitsch's brother. Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber wrote the script.

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First photos of Rihanna on 'Battleship' set

Rihanna is making the transition to the big screen with Peter Berg's action blockbuster "Battleship," and here are some first images from the set. Yep, that's Rihanna in uniform. Watch more stills below.

Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, and Hamish Linklater co-star in the film, which is set for release May 18, 2012. It's all based on the popular Hasbro game. More Rihanna photos right here.

Plot details are kind of sketchy still, but the IMDb synopsis goes like this: A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.

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Rihanna to board 'Battleship' movie adaptation

The next musical artist is making the transition to the big screen. This time, it's Rihanna, who will join Alexander Skarsgard and Taylor Kitsch in Peter Berg's upcoming Universal action flick "Battleship."

The film is based on Hasbro's board game, and it's ready to sail to theaters May 25, 2012. Variety also points out Kitsch plays a naval officer. Skarsgard is his brother. No word yet about Rihanna's role.

Jeremy Renner to board 'Battleship'?

Actor Jeremy Renner is nominated for an Academy Award for his extraordinary performance in "The Hurt Locker," and now, the guy's also in talks to star in Peter Berg's big upcoming adventure "Battleship."

A recent Reuters news article about Oscar nominees revealed this information. It also points out Renner will shoot a film titled "Raven" soon. It's a period thriller that also has Ewan McGregor attached to it.

But hey, Renner is no stranger to acting, because his credits include "28 Weeks Later," "North Country," "S.W.A.T.," TV's "The Unusuals" and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

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Taylor Lautner to star in 'Stretch Armstrong'

Universal Pictures has recruited Taylor Lautner ("The Twilight Saga: New Moon") to star in its upcoming film based on Hasbro's action figure "Stretch Armstrong," which will open everywhere in 3D in 2012.

The film is based on the toy brand that gained popularity in the 1970s and was relaunched in the '90s. Steve Oedekerk ("Barnyard," "Evan Almighty") wrote the screenplay, and Brian Grazer will serve as producer.

"...Taylor has emerged as a real star at the global box office. He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power," said Uni's Donna Langley.

In related news, Universal also moved Peter Berg's "Battleship" to May 25, 2012. "We believe in Pete Berg and the incredible vision that he and the Battleship team have for this film," said the studio's Adam Fogelson.

Lautner will also soon be seen in "Valentine's Day," followed by "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn." He's also set for "Cancun" and "Northern Lights." Busy guy, huh?

Pierre Morel will direct 'Dune' adaptation

'Taken' director Pierre Morel travels to the 'Dune' as director of the anticipated adaptation

Pierre Morel could be described as one of the busiest directors out there. The "Taken" helmer has a number of projects coming up, and the latest he's joined is Paramount Pictures' adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi adventure "Dune."

Peter Berg was originally set to direct the film, but Variety says Morel is now officially on board to get the show on the road. Josh Zetumer developed a draft of the script with Berg, but Paramount will hire a new writer to complete the project.

"Dune" arrived on the big screen in 1984, courtesy of David Lynch. THe novel was also adapted into a mini series for television. Berg was quite passionate about directing the film, but he recently backed out to helm "Battleship."

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Daily news dose: 'Battleship' gets release date; Harrison Ford says 'Indy 5' story in the progress

Here is a collection of short but important movie news out of Hollywood and from the Web:

• Universal plans to release Peter Berg's "Battleship" July 1, 2011. The film is a live-action version of the popular Hasbro board game. Berg told Variety the film is "a contemporary story of an international five-ship fleet engaged in a very dynamic, violent and intense battle."

• Harrison Ford apparently can't wait to return to the world of Indiana Jones. Speaking with France's Le Figaro, he said the story for a fifth "Indiana Jones" flick is already taking shape. George Lucas is busy working on the story, he said. I think they should just leave Indy alone for good. Enough is enough.

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Will Smith, Charlize Theron back for 'Hancock 2'

Updated on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10:45AM by Franck Tabouring

I still hate the idea of Columbia moving forward with "Hancock 2," but that's how Hollywood works and I may just as well stop complaining. Today comes word the leading cast will also be back for the sequel of the terribly disappointing "Hancock."

MTV recently spoke to returning director Peter Berg ("The Kingdom," "Friday Night Lights"), who kind of confirmed Will Smith and Charlize Theron will both be back to reprise their roles. "Everybody's going to come back for a sequel," he said.

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Bad news: Columbia hires 'Hancock 2' writers

Remember "Hancock," that terrible superhero movie with Will Smith as a drunk who gets an image makeover? Yeah, THAT sucker. It's a mystery to me that anybody out there would ever want to see a sequel, but apparently that's the case, at least according to Columbia, which is developing "Hancock 2."

Yep, the disastrous film that grossed a shocking $624 million worldwide gets a sequel, and according to the Hollywood Reporter, Adam Fierro and Glen Mazzara are set to write the script. Both have solid experience in television, working on shows such as "The Shield," "Crash" and "24" in several capacities.

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Peter Berg to tackle ‘Hercules’ for Universal

Peter Berg is set to direct the big-screen adaptation of Steve Moore’s comic book series “Hercules: The Thracian Wars,” according to Variety.

Released earlier this year through Radical Publishing, the series follows Hercules as he turns his back on the gods and finds comfort only in barbarous battle. Details about the plot of the film have yet to be announced.

Ryan Condal will write the screenplay, which according to producer Barry Levine, will stay true to the comic.

Berg most recently directed the Will Smith vehicle “Hancock.” His credits also include “Friday Night Lights” and last year’s “The Kingdom.”

I really don’t have a problem with Berg directing another big action blockbuster, but I seriously hope Condal will supply him with a decent script. Let’s wait and see.