Daily Casting Report – 12/15/2004

It seems that Hollywood is searching high and low for new material. They found it in the life story of Zell Kravinsky. Radar Pictures and Plan B productions recently fought for the movie rights to Mr. Kravinsky’s life story, a project titled, “The Gift.” Why is his life is so interesting. It seems that he donated his entire $45 Million Real Estate fortune to charity, and as if that wasn’t enough, he then donated his kidney to a complete stranger. It was an act strange enough to cause the hospital staff to recommend him for psychological examinations. He is quoted as saying, “If you could do more, and you’re not doing it, why not?” Profound as it might seem, his life story will be brought to the screen by Jacob Aaron Estes (Summoning, Mean Creek).

More stories from real life, Ralph Lamb’s life story will be brought to the big screen by MGM. Lamb is a cowboy who left it all behind to become Las Vegas’ sheriff. He is acclaimed for cleaning up the city bent on self-destruction. Nick Pileggi (Casino) is set to pen the script for producer Arthur Sarkissian.

Sean Bean is set to join costars Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor in “The Island,” a film directed by Michael Bay.

Noam Murro will make his film directorial debut with “Human Capital,” a script based on Stephen Amidon’s novel, which he is also adapting.

James Bobin will replace Barry Sonnenfeld to direct “The Heartbreak Kid,” after Sonnenfeld backed out of the project.

Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck are set to write a Will Ferrell comedy titled “Bronze God.”

Chris Cooper will join Peter Sarsgaard (Garden State, The Cell), Jake Gyllenhaal (The Day After Tomorrow, The Good Girl) and Jamie Foxx (Ray, Collateral) in “Jarhead,” directed by Sam Mendes (Road to Perdition, American Beauty).