Jackie Robinson biopic in the works

Baseball fans, get ready, because Legendary Pictures has announced it's developing a film about Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player. Brian Hegeland ("The Order," "A Knight's Tale") is set to direct and former Walt Disney Studios Chair Dick Cook will be the executive producer.

This is not the first time someone has tried to bring Robinson's story to cinemas. In fact, Spike Lee once tried to direct a film about the baseball star with Denzel Washington as the lead. Robert Redford has been trying to breathe life into this story for many years as well. Only time will tell if Legendary Pictures can finally make it happen. (Via Deadline)

Justin Long joins Redford's 'The Conspirator'

Justin Long has boarded Robert Redford's upcoming "The Conspirator" and will be joining James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn in the flick about the events following the assassination of President Lincoln.

Penn plays Mary Surratt, the only woman in a group charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln. McAvoy will take on the role of Frederick Aiken, a war hero who thinks Surratt is innocent and chooses to defend her.

The Hollywood Reporter says Long is set to play McAvoy's best friend, a solider who lost a limb in the Civil War. James Solomon wrote the script for the film, which shoots soon.

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McAvoy, Wright Penn board 'Conspirator'

James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn will star in Robert Redford's upcoming drama "The Conspirator," a film that will focus on the events following the assassination of President Lincoln. James Solomon wrote the script.

Variety says Wright Penn is set to play Mary Surratt, the only woman in a group charged with conspiring to kill Lincoln. McAvoy will take on the role of Frederick Aiken, a war hero who thinks Surratt is innocent and chooses to defend her.

McAvoy's recent credits include the entertaining "Wanted" and beautiful "Atonement." He's got "The Last Station" coming up, and he will likely return for the lead role in "Wanted 2."

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Tuesday film news roundup: 'Twilight' convention news; 'Little Murder' cast adds three

Here are some short but interesting film news that appeared in the trades or on the Web today:

• "Twilight" fans! Are you ready for a "Twilight" convention to descend upon your city?

"Twilight" will soon return to traveling around the nation to offer fans of the series several three-day conventions to celebrate the phenomenon that is Stephenie Meyer's creation. Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Nashville, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Los Angeles are a few of the cities participating.

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