Giovanni Ribisi joins 'Gangster Squad'

Warner Bros. is currently developing "The Gangster Squad," and Giovanni Ribisi is the latest to join the crime drama which Ruben Fleischer is directing. Also on board are Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Michael Pena and Josh Brolin.

Will Beall wrote the script, which focuses on the LAPD's gang of mercenary cops who were after gangster Micky Cohen (Penn) in the 1940s. Deadline says Ribisi will play Conway Keeler, a cop who is also a master of electronics and wires.

Ben Affleck was originally attached to direct "Squad," but Fleischer took over. As for Ribisi, he starred in "Public Enemies" and "Avatar," and he will soon be seen in "The Rum Diary," "Contrband" and "M."

Movie Review: 'The Tree of Life'

Seen on: June 7, 2011

The players: Director: Terrence Malick, Writer: Terrence Malick, Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain

Facts of interest: Heath Ledger was originally cast in the lead role, but it eventually went to Brad Pitt.

The plot: The eldest son of a 1950s-era Midwestern family sets out on an existential journey that leads him to question his faith while seeking answers to life’s most challenging mysteries.

Our thoughts: Terrence Malick has always been enamored (perhaps even obsessed) with the human condition. For the reclusive auteur, it is life’s great mysteries, its unexplainable inscrutabilities that are the fodder of his art. "The Tree of Life," his most sprawling and overwrought film to date, attempts to answer the great “whys” of our existence by starting at the very beginning.

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Fox Searchlight to release 'Tree of Life'

Fox Searchlight Pictures has acquired the theatrical rights to Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life," which stars Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain. The studio said it will release the film next year.

"Terrence Malick has crafted a deeply moving, keenly observed and magisterial film. Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and the entire cast's performances are simply amazing," said the studio's Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley.

"The Tree of Life" is the impressionistic story of a Midwestern family in the 1950s chronicling the journey of the eldest son Jack (Sean Penn) through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years.

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Intense trailer for 'Fair Game' hits!

Here's quite a compelling trailer for Doug Liman's upcoming thriller "Fair Game," which is based on the story of Valerie Plame. Currently on track for a November release, the film stars Naomi Watts as the lead.

The story is one many of us are familiar with. Watts plays Plame, whose status as a CIA agent was revealed by White House officials after her husband wrote a controversial New York Times article.

Trailer looks pretty entertaining, promising a set of strong performances. Sean Penn plays Valerie's husband, and Sam Shepard and Bruce McGill co-star. Liman also helmed "The Bourne Identity."

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Good news: Christoph Waltz to star in 'Water'

Here's some good news for all Christoph Waltz fans (me included): the ruthless villain from "Inglourious Basterds" is apparently in talks to join Francis Lawrence's upcoming drama "Water for Elephants."

At least that's what Deadline Hollywood is reporting. Sean Penn was attached to the project, but no deal was made, and Waltz is now supposed to take over in the movie based on the book by Sara Gruen.

Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in the film about a veterinary student (Pattinson) who quits school after the death of his parents and joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Witherspoon is set to play the circus' equestrian star, who is married to an animal trainer, the role Waltz will be taking on. He's both an asshole to his wife and his animals. Sounds just like the role for Waltz.

Waltz, of course, is nominated for an Oscar for this role in "Basterds," and if he doesn't win it, I will never ever watch or speak or write about the Academy Awards every again. There you have it.

Also, since his "Basterds" role, Waltz has been in high demand. He will play another bad guy in Michel Gondry's upcoming "The Green Hornet." Isn't he just the most brilliant villain ever?

Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn may drink 'Water'

"Twilight" star Robert Pattinson and Sean Penn may hook up with Reese Witherspoon for Francis Lawrence's upcoming drama "Water for Elephants," which Fox 2000 is prepping for a June start.

Variety says the two are in talks to star in the film about a veterinary student (Pattinson) who quits school after the death of his parents and joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Witherspoon is set to play the circus' equestrian star, who is married to an animal trainer (Penn). The film is based on the book by Sara Gruen. Richard LaGravenese ("Freedom Writers") is writing the script.

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Owen Wilson joins new Farrelly comedy; Sean Penn retuns to 'Three Stooges'

Owen Wilson gets a pass for something, while Sean Penn reportedly returns to acting

A bunch of Farrelly news hit the Web today, starting with the announcement that Owen Wilson will join Jason Sudeikis in Bobby and Peter Farrelly's upcoming comedy "Hall Pass," which Fox threw out and New Line picked up in turnaround.

The Hollywood Reporter says the film will focus on a married couple planning to spice up their relationship by giving each other passes to have sex with different people. Wilson would play the husband, and Sudeikis would play his friend, who also receives a pass.

Meanwhile, Sean Penn is apparently part of the Farrellys' "The Three Stooges" again. The actor dropped out because he wanted to take some time off, but THR says Bobby recently said they got him back. It's unsure though when this film will actually head into production.

Wilson's voice was recently featured in "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and he will also appear in "Little Fockers." As for the Farrelly bros., they haven't done anything since "The Heartbreak Kid," which I hated. Here's to hoping they will make another funny movie or something.

Sean Penn's had enough; leaves two projects

In an effort to devote more time to his private life, Oscar winner Sean Penn has dropped out of two big projects: "Cartel" and "The Three Stooges."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Penn already announced he's not going to be available to play the parts. It's not clear how long he'll take a break from acting, but the trades say it could last up to a year, if not longer.

Penn was set to star in "Cartel," Asger Leth's drama about a man who embarks on a dangerous mission to protect his son after his wife is killed in the world of Mexican cartels. Penn will be replaced by someone else.

The second project is Peter and Bobby Farrelly's "The Three Stooges," which also stars Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro. No word yet on what the Farrellys plan on doing - recast the role or postpone the film all together.

Whatever the specific reason for Penn's departure, let him take a break. Plus, he's got two projects already in post-production: "The Tree of Life" and "Fair Game." He'll be back, I'm sure...

Daily news dose: Vanessa Redgrave joins 'Robin Hood;' Sean Penn boards 'Stooges'

Here's your dose of film news for March 25, 2009:

• Vanessa Redgrave is the latest to join Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood," which also stars Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand and Alan Doyle. Redgrave is set to play Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, King John's mom. Lea Seydoux is now also part of the cast. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Sean Penn is set to play Larry in Peter and Bobby Farrelly's "The Three Stooges," and Jim Carrey is in talks to play Curly. Also, MGM is trying to get Benicio Del Toro to play Moe. The Farrelly bros. also wrote the script and will shoot the whole thing in the fall. Expect it in theaters next year. (Variety)

• Cameron Diaz is in talks to star in "Swingles," a comedy written by Duncan Birmingham. The Hollywood Reporter says the flick "focuses on a man and woman whose respective best friends meet and fall in love, leaving them without a wingman/woman for the first time in their adult lives."

• The Winter Olympics rule, and that's why we will have to wait for the Oscars a little longer next year. Yep, the 82nd annual Academy Awards will be presented March 7, 2010. Nominations ballots will be mailed Dec. 28, 2009. Nominations will be announced Feb. 2. (Variety)

Sean Penn may board Universal's 'Cartel'

Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Penn is in negotiations to star in Universal's upcoming drama "Cartel."

According to Variety, the plot follows Ed Marker, who embarks on a dangerous mission to protect his son after his wife is killed in the world of Mexican cartels.

Asger Leth ("Ghosts of Cité Soleil") is directing a script by Peter Craig. The trade said the project was originally planned as a remake of "La scorta," a 1993 Italian flick.

Penn was last seen in "Milk," for which he received an Oscar. He's got several other projects in development, including Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" and possibly Doug Liman's Valerie Plame drama "Fair Game."

"Cartel" may head into production this summer. The project marks Leth's feature film debut.