Who Is Chris Pine?: And why is he getting the best roles in town?
Virtual unknown Chris Pine is in talks with J.J. Abrams for the role of Captain Kirk in the new Star Trek as well as the lead opposite George Clooney in Joe Carnahan’s film of James Ellroy’s White Jazz. Schedules of both pics overlap, which may force the mysterious Pine to choose between them. In other news, 93 percent of actors are unemployed. [HR] Madonna’s New Record Deal: Madonna is close to leaving Warner Bros. for a $120 mil deal with Live Nation Inc., a concert-promotion firm diversifying into other areas of the music business, which would distribute three of the pop star’s albums and promote her upcoming tours. In striking a deal with Live Nation, Madonna would solidify her position as the anti-Radiohead. [Billboard] Kudrow Books Hotel: Lisa Kudrow joins Don Cheadle and Emma Roberts in Hotel for Dogs, based on Lois Duncan’s 1971 children’s book about orphaned teenagers who secretly house stray dogs.
