Having just wrapped on the Glenn Ficarra/John Requa comedy “Focus,” it looks like Will Smith is ready to give the sci-fi genre another chance. He’s in talks to lead “Brilliance,” which is based on the Marcus Sakey novel of the same name. In a world where one percent of all children are born as “brilliants,” Will Smith plays federal agent Nick Cooper, a fellow brilliant who’s especially gifted at hunting down terrorists. But in order to track down a brilliant that’s been deemed the most dangerous man alive, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in.
The project’s been setup at Legendary Pictures and the script was penned by David Koepp (“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”). On board to direct is relative newcomer Julius Onah (“The Girl Is In Trouble”), who also has the JJ Abrams-produced project “God Particle” on his slate. Curiously, there hasn’t been any news regarding “God Particle” in over a year, is it not happening anymore? At any rate, “Brilliance” should move forward quickly if Will Smith signs up to star. Let’s just hope he’ll leave his son Jaden at home for this one. [Variety]
The young British actress Holliday Grainger (“Bonnie and Clyde”) is in negotiations to star alongside Christoph Waltz in “Tulip Fever,” an adaptation of the romance novel by Deborah Moggach. The book is set in 1630s Amsterdam and Grainger would be playing Sophia, the wife of a wealthy merchant who begins an affair with the artist who’s been hired to paint her portrait (the part was previously attached to Alicia Vikander). Together, they decide to gamble on the booming tulip market so they can raise enough money to run away. Director Justin Chadwick (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) has signed on to helm the film and the project’s been set up with The Weinstein Company. [The Wrap]
You may have only caught her in brief roles in movies such as “Identity Thief” and “The Last Stand,” but Genesis Rodriguez’s star is continuing to rise. She’s most recently signed on to star alongside Topher Grace in “Home,” an upcoming supernatural thriller from Blumhouse Productions. “Home” centers on a man who’s recently inherited his deceased parents’ mansion and begins to suspect that it’s haunted. Patricia Clarkson is also attached to the film. Adam Alleca wrote the script and Dennis Iliadis (“The Last House on the Left”) will direct. No word on who Genesis Rodriguez will play. Aside from “Home,” she’s recently wrapped on Kevin Smith’s “Tusk” which is expected to come out later this year. [The Wrap]
Rev up that rockin’ Dave Navarro riff, we have got some bro-tacular news for “Entourage” fans who can’t wait for the upcoming movie to drop. It looks like Ari Gold has found his new assistant and he will be played by Scott Mescudi (better known as Kid Cudi). As everyone remembers, Ari’s former assistant Lloyd moved up the corporate ladder and has become a rep for the agency. Well, now Ari willl get to hurl all his abuse towards Kid Cudi, whose character doesn’t have a name yet, but you just know it’ll be something awesome. Victory! [Deadline]