Ex-Bond Girl Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) will star in Like a Virgin, the directorial debut of actor/writer Catherine Shepherd (The IT Crowd, Magicians). In what sounds like a lot like Kevin Smith's Dogma, the story centers on Mary, who is visited by the angel Gabriel during a night out and informed she's been chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah. Talk about pressure! [Deadline]
The Iraq War drama Megan Leavey has found its male lead in Need for Speed's Ramon Rodriguez, joining star Kate Mara. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish), the film tells the true story of Leavey, a female Marine in the K-9 bomb-sniffing unit alongside her combat dog, Rex. When the two are injured while on tour, she gets discharged and then fights for years to become Rex's owner. Rodriguez will play another dog handler, Cpl. Matt Morales, who has an up and down relationship with Leavey. [Deadline]
