Mark Wahlberg will step into Michael Caine's shoes when he stars in a remake of vintage 1969 crime caper The Italian Job. Executive produced by Working Title, the new version will relocate the bulk of the action from Italy to Los Angeles. But the makers are keen to insist that the classic Mini Coopers that featured so prominently in the original will still have a part to play in the remake. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Negotiator), The Italian Job begins filming at Paramount Studios on August 3. But what will happen to Caine's immortal phrase, due to the fact Americans don't know how to say the world bloody properly. "I only told you to blow the goddamn doors off" just doesn't have quite the same ring to it.
George Lucas has confirmed that the New York premiere of the new Star Wars film will benefit underprivileged children and the victims of September 11. "As a father and a film-maker, it's my pleasure to offer the film in support of the children of New York," quipped generous George. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones premieres in Manhattan on May 12.
Actress Geena Davis has given birth to her first child, a girl. The 46-year-old star of Thelma and Louise and The Accidental Tourist married her fourth husband, surgeon Rex Jarrahy, last September. She will next be seen in the sequel to the family comedy Stuart Little.
Russell Crowe's has agreed to donate his brain to Sydney University's medical research centre upon his death. The paper quotes a ubiquitous "friend" of Crowe as saying that "Russell has had such a rich life and would love to benefit other people in sharing those experiences."
