There’s some new casting and directing news, so let’s just get to it.

Pierre Pierre

Russell Brand is in early talks to star in the film about a a man who travels from Paris to London with a stolen painting. In his travels he meets a French police inspector, a serial killer and his mother, who owns a brothel. Larry Charles (Borat, Curb Your Enthusiasm) is directing.

SOURCE: Variety

Band Santa 2

Steve Pink (Hot Tub Time Machine) has signed on to direct the sequel to Bill Bob Thornton’s dark holiday comedy. The script was written by Johnny Rosewnthal, but Pinkwill be giving it a rewrite. Thorntnon is set to return as Santa, but there’s no word on which, if any, other original cast members will be returning.

SOURCE: Deadline

Untitle Cameron Crowe Film

Cameron Crowe is looking to go back to the romantic comedy genre that made him famous, and he’s enlisted current “It” girl Emma Stone to help him. Crowe’s new film will also be casting a male lead, but there’s no word on who that will be. Scott Rudin is producing with shooting schedule to start this Spring.

SOURCE: Deadline

The Heat

Oscar nominee Damien Bichir (A Better Life) has signed on for The Heat starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. The comedy is directed by Paul Feig, who had a surprise hit with last year’s Bridesmaids.Bichir just wrapped Machete Kills and appeared in this summer’s Savages.

SOURCE: Deadline