2 Story Post

Marc Graser of Variety has Item #1:



Keri Russell has landed the female lead opposite Adam Sandler in Disney's "Bedtime Stories."

In the comedy, Russell will play a potential love interest for Sandler's character, a harried real estate developer whose life is suddenly turned upside down when the lavish bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew become real.

Adam Shankman ("Hairspray") is helming the pic, scripted by Matt Lopez, that's set to start lensing in February, and will get a holiday 2008 release under the Walt Disney Pictures banner.

"Stories" is being produced by Andrew Gunn's Gunn Films, along with Sandler and producing partner Jack Giarraputo through their Happy Madison Productions. shingle.

Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Ann Marie Sanderlin will exec produce.

Russell stars in "August Rush," and recently wrapped "The Girl in the Park," which also features Sigourney Weaver, Kate Bosworth and Alessandro Nivola.

Russell makes a fine chooce for the role. Even though she's best known for her skills as a dramatic actress, as a regular viewer of the TV series "Felicity", I know when given humorous material--no matter how brief it is--Russell can shine. And with Sandler around--laughs are sure to ensue just the same.

Michael Fleming pens story #2



New Line Cinema has firmed "Man That Rocks the Cradle" to be the first star vehicle for Samuel L. Jackson since the studio forged a deal with the actor's Uppity Films.

Bought as a spec script by Josh Cagan and based on a story by Cagan and Rob McKittrick, "Man That Rocks the Cradle" revolves around an overworked husband and father of four who decides the solution to all his problems is a live-in nanny. Jackson will play the nanny, Marion Delacroix, a reputed "kid whisperer" from the South.

Jackson will produce the film with Michael Nash through the Uppity Films banner. Chris Fenton and McKittrick will be exec producers.

Jackson, who's coming off "1408" and "Resurrecting the Champ," is in production on the Frank Miller-directed "The Spirit." The prolific actor recently completed the Neil LaBute's "Lakeview Terrace," Doug Liman's "Jumper" and the Jon Favreau-directed "Iron Man."

Jackson's a real Hollywood workhorse. The film should yield another great performance for his resume...