* Marvel made it a point to give Idris Elba a bit more to do this time as Heimdall in Thor: The Dark World, and it's safe to say the popular actor is a part of the reason for the film shattering the box office last weekend. He'll now go from saving Asgard to saving Paris in Bastille Day, an action flick penned by Andrew Baldwin that once had Pierre Morel (Taken) attached to direct. He's now out, and a new director is being sought to helm the film about a washed up CIA agent who must protect a young American artist falsely accused of a terrorist attack. Elba will be seen next in a possibly Oscar-worthy performance in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. [Variety]
* The Entourage gang have hugged it out and settled their contract disputes, which means director Doug Ellin can start filling out the rest of the cast. Anybody whose seen the show know there should be plenty of room for hot, scantily-clad babes (maybe a Sasha Grey cameo, please?), and it looks like one is going to be played by Kate Upton. The Sport Illustrated model is being eyed for the female lead in the film, which means Vinnie Chase (Adrien Grenier) will probably sleep with her early and often. Upton's first two major acting credits are pretty horrendous, having appeared in Tower Heist and then as a buxom nun in The Three Stooges.
* Catherine Keener (Enough Said) and newcomer Travis Tope have joined Chloe Moretz in November Criminals, an adaptation of Sam Munson's mystery novel. Directed by Sacha Gervasi, who is writing Steven Knight's original draft, the film centers on rebellious high school student Addison Schacht who delves into the seedy Washington, DC underbelly to investigate a classmate's murder. Tope will take the lead role opposite Mortez, who plays Addison's best friend, Phoebe. Keener will play Phoebe's mother, with the search now on for someone to play the father.
