Bryan Cranston Leads 'Wakefield', Gina Rodriguez in Talks for 'Annihilation', Orlando Bloom Joins 'Romans'

Bryan Cranston continues to rack up the leading roles, perhaps making up for lost time. The Trumbo star will headline Wakefield, a film from writer/director Robin Swicord that is based on an E.L. Doctorow short story. It centers on a married man who unexpectedly leaves his wife. He also suffers a nervous breakdown and stays in the attic of his home for months. Cranston also revealed on The Howard Stern Show that his character will become romantic with a younger woman. [Variety]

Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez is in talks to join Natalie Portman in Annihilation, the next film from Ex Machina director, Alex Garland. Based on Jeff Vandermeer's book, the story centers on a group of skilled women who take on a mission where the laws of nature no longer apply. Portman plays the team psychologist and leader, while Rodriguez's specific role is unknown. Frances McDormand is also up to play one of the women, but has yet to strike a deal. [TheWrap]

Legolas...er, Orlando Bloom has been cast to star in Romans, a drama directed by the Shamassian Brothers that could make for a fine companion piece to Tom McCarthy's Catholic church drama, Spotlight. Penned by BAFTA-winning screenwriter Geoff Thompson and based on his own short, the film tells the true story of Malky, a man trying to overcome the cripping insecurity caused by the sexual abuse he suffered as a child by a trusted priest. Filming begins later this month. [THR]