Here is this weeks production news from Hollywood and beyond……. Russell Crowe is at the top of the list of considered leads for TRIPOLI, the upcoming Ridley Scott film for 20th Century Fox. It follows the story of William Eaton, an american ambassador who helped the heir to the throne overthrow the corrupt ruler of Tripoli in the early 1800\’s. Crowe is also in talks to star in Imagine Entertainments Jim Braddock bio CINDERELLA MAN, and may take a small part in Ron Howards THE ALAMO. Andy Garcia is the latest actor to join Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz and Edward Burns in Director James Foleys CONFIDENCE, for Lions Gate Pictures. Rap Impressario Coolio has joined the cast of the currently filming DAREDEVIL, details on his role are unknown. Dakota Fanning, who played Sean Penns daughter in I AM SAM, has signed to play opposite Mike Myers in THE CAT IN THE HAT for the studio triumvirate Universal, Dreamworks and Imagine Entertainment. Ben Affleck will star in SURVIVING CHRISTMAS for Tall Trees Production and Director Mike Mitchell. It is the story of a man who returns to his childhood home during the holidays and convinces the family that now lives there to adopt him for the Christmas season, and he pays them to pretend they are his real family. MTV Films and Paramount Pictures will produce a remake of the 70\’s cult classic THE WARRIORS. The original follows the titular street gang who are accused of killing a rival gang leader. They are chased throughout New York by other gangs looking for revenge. Ala\’ CHARLIES ANGELS, guns and knives will be replaced by martial arts and street fighting in the remake. Miramax and Martin Scorcese have finally settled their differences over GANGS OF NEW YORK, and have set a final release date for this Christmas. Dreamworks has won the auction for the rights to another 70\’s cult film, BILLY JACK. The film was picked up to be a new vehicle for Keanu Reeves following the upcoming MATRIX sequels. Danny DeVito and Jersey Films will produce. Disney Studios has acquired the domestic Theatrical, home video and TV rights to SPIRITED AWAY, the animated feature from Japanes legend Hayao Miyazaki. SPIRITED AWAY is the highest grossing film in Japanes history. The film will be released in the fall after redubbing, which will be headed up by TOY STORY creator John Lasseter.
