Sure Shots: Tom Hanks; Russell Brand; LEGO

* Has Tom Hanks ever played the President of the United States before? I don't think so, but he may be about to get his chance, and I can hardly think of an actor more suited to the role. Variety notes that Hanks has been offered the role in Patriot Down, about the Prez forced to go on the run when Air Force One is shot down in Afghanistan of all places. Hanks hasn't had a true hit film since 2007's Charlie Wilson's War, and even that could be considered disappointing considering the cast. His last film, Larry Crowne, proved to be a box office and critical dud. Patriot Down is being directed by Ian Stone, a longtime colleague and assistant to Steven Spielberg.

* After looking like he was going to be the next big thing, attempts to turn Russell Brand into a viable leading man were met with lukewarm results. Personally I think he's better in measured doses than hogging the whole show in a flick like Arthur. Brand is set to produce and star in The President Stole My Girlfriend, from writer Matt Portenoy(the Porky's remake). The story is exactly what it sounds like, with Brand starring as a hippie who has his sexy girlfriend stolen away by the prez. Brand will be seen next in Adam Shankman's Rock of Ages, and will co-star in Diablo Cody's directorial debut, Lamb of God.  [THR]

* In the works since 2008, Warner Brothers has finally greenlit that LEGO™ film everybody's been clamoring for. The Australian based Animal Logic film studio(the guys behind Happy Feet and Legend of the Guardians) will craft the live-action/animation hybrid, based on a script by Dan and Kevin Hageman. Back in 2010, Chris Miller and Phil Lord(Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) were brought on to direct, and now they've added Chris McKay(Robot Chicken) along to assist. The family adventure film is being prepped for a 2014 release. [Variety]