Here's your dose of film news for March 2, 2009:

• Jason Bateman is the latest to join George Clooney in Jason Reitman's upcoming "Up in the Air," based on the novel by Walter Kirn. The film follows a counselor who helps large companies fire their executives and spends most of his time flying to collect one million frequent-flyer miles. (Variety)

• At this year's WonderCon, J.J. Abrams briefly talked about a sequel to "Cloverfield." "We're actually working on an idea right now," he said. "We have an idea that we thought was pretty cool that we're playing with, which means there will be something that's connected to 'Cloverfield,' but I hope it happens sooner than later because the idea is pretty sweet." (via ComingSoon)

• Gurinder Chadha is currently developing "It's a Wonderful Afterlife," which she describes as "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" meets "Shaun of the Dead," according to Variety. The plot follows a British-Asian mother who's ready to engage in anything to marry off her daughter, even serial murder.

• Paul Giamatti, Sacha Baron Cohen and Reese Witherspoon are ready to star in Alexander Payne's upcoming film "Downsizing," about "a married couple who are low on money and decide they can have a much nicer life retiring as little people." (Variety)

Vera Farmiga is the latest to join George Clooney in Jason Reitman's adaptation of Walter Kirn's novel "Up in the Air." Also starring is Anna Kendrick.

Clooney plays a counselor who helps large companies fire their executives. He spends most of his time flying and tries his best to collect one million frequent-flyer miles.

Variety reported Farmiga plays a businesswoman who launches into a romance with Clooney's character via encounters at airports and hotels. Kendrick also stars as someone who gets somehow involved with him.

Farmiga, whose credits include "The Departed" and "Running Scared," can currently be seen in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas." She will next star in Rod Lurie's "Nothing But the Truth."

Anna Kendrick is set to star opposite George Clooney in Jason Reitman's upcoming adaptation of Walter Kirn’s novel “Up in the Air.”

In the film, Clooney plays a counselor who helps large companies fire their executives. He spends most of his time flying and tries his best to collect one million frequent-flyer miles.

The Hollywood Reporter says Kendrick will play the female lead, who gets somehow involved with Clooney's character.

Kendrick is currently onscreen as Jessica Stanley in "Twilight." Her credits include "Rocket Science," as well as the upcoming projects "The Marc Pease Experience" and "Elsewhere."

As for Reitman, he directed "Thank You For Smoking" and "Juno."

George Clooney is currently in negotiations to star in Jason Reitman’s big-screen version of Walter Kirn’s novel “Up in the Air,” according to Variety.  

The story focuses on a counselor (Clooney) who helps large companies fire their executives. He spends most of his time flying and tries his best to collect one million frequent-flyer miles.

Retiman has been working on the adaptation of the novel for quite some time, but he put the project on hold to direct “Juno.” Apparently he finished the script two weeks ago and recently showed it to Clooney.

Reitman’s directing credits also include the brilliant “Thank You For Smoking.” His indie hit “Juno” earned four Oscar nominations and won best screenplay written directly for the screen (for Diablo Cody).

Clooney will next star in Ethan and Joel Coen’s crime comedy “Burn After Reading.” He’s also working on the voice-over of the lead character in Wes Anderson’s upcoming animated film “The Fantastic Mr. Fox.”

I haven’t read Kirn’s book, but the story sounds pretty interesting. How about you? Have you read it? Is it worth the investment? Let me know by sharing your thoughts below!