'Stretch Armstrong' gets new writer, director

Here are some news about Universal Pictures' upcoming film based on Hasbro's action figure "Stretch Armstrong," which will open everywhere in 3D in 2012. The studio has recruited Nicholas Stoller to rewrite Steve Oedekerk's original script. Also, Rob Letterman has jumped on board to direct the movie.

The film is based on the toy brand that gained popularity in the 1970s and was relaunched in the '90s. Plot details are unknown, but Taylor Lautner is set for the lead role. Stoller is the guy who directed "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and upcoming comedy "Get Him to the Greek."

Stoller also penned "Gulliver's Travels," which Rob Letterman directed. That film will open later this year. Letterman, by the way, co-directed "Monsters vs Aliens" and "Shark Tale." Ineresting grouping Universal has going on for this one. (Source: Variety)

Daily news dose: Jack Nicholson joins Brooks comedy; Kurt Wimmer to write 'Total Recall' remake

Here's your dose of film news for June 3, 2009:

• Jack Nicholson ("As Good As It Gets") is in talks to join Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson in James L. Brooks' upcoming untitled comedy for Columbia Pictures. Written by Brooks, the film focuses on a love triangle, with Rudd and Wilson playing two men competing for Witherspoon's heart. Nicholson would play Rudd's father. (Variety)

• In February, we found out Columbia Pictures is developing a "Total Recall" remake, and according to Variety, Kurt Wimmer will write the script. Wimmer's credits also include "The Thomas Crown Affair," "The Recruit" and "Salt." Neal H. Moritz will produce the remake of the film that was based on Philip K. Dick's story and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

• Producer Brian Grazer has joined Universal and Hasbro's big-screen adventure "Stretch Armstrong," based on the action figure launched in the 1970s. Steve Oedekerk is writing the script for the project, which the studios plan to release April 15, 2011. Stretch is a muscled blond man whose arms and legs can stretch out. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• Amanda Bynes has scored a two-picture deal at Screen Gems, according to Variety. The "What I Like About You" actress will star in Will Gluck's comedy "Easy A," about a high school student who seeks financial and personal gain by pretending to be the school slut. She will then star in an another untitled project. Bynes last appeared in "Sydney White."