CNN - The Hollywood Minute

The Hollywood Minute

March 14, 1996
Web posted at: 11:00 p.m. EST

From Entertainment Correspondent Dennis Michael

HOLLYWOOD, California (CNN) -- It has long been reported as a done deal, but Warner Brothers finally let the other costume boot drop. George Clooney has officially signed up to star in "Batman and Robin," the fourth Batman film. Daily Variety also reports the rest of the cast is firming up, with Arnold Schwarzenegger assuming the role of the villain, Mr. Freeze.

Emma Thompson will have several things on her mind at the Academy Awards. The actress is up for Best Actress honors, and Best Screenplay for her script for "Sense and Sensibility." Thompson has also agreed to be a presenter at the annual Oscar gala.

Rob Reiner has been honored by the American Civil Liberties Union. The filmmaker behind "The American President" was given the "Torch of Liberty" award this week. The band Spinal Tap, which was created for his comic documentary "This is Spinal Tap," performed "Unplugged" at the benefit.

Actor Mel Gibson is on the mend. The Oscar nominated filmmaker underwent an appendectomy in March in New York. The surgery interrupted work on his latest film, "Ransom." Gibson was released from the hospital Sunday March 9.

Faye Dunaway is on her way to Spain. Shooting begins in March on the movie "In Praise of Older Women," which is based on a Hungarian novel. Most of the film is in Spanish, but Dunaway's character will speak English. The film is set during the Spanish Civil War.

Michael Douglas is looking at getting into "The Game." The Hollywood Reporter trade paper indicates the actor is in talks with Propaganda Films to star in the movie of that title, although the film's schedule might preclude Douglas working on a Universal Picture called "Dante's Peak."

John Goodman is staying up late this weekend. The actor is playing host on "Saturday Night Live." It's his seventh time as guest host of the venerable comedy series.

Oliver North's acting career is getting another small boost. North is returning to NBC's drama series "JAG," once again playing a mysterious U.S. military operative known only as Ollie. North appeared in the show once before, in October 1995.

Casting is just about complete on the new version of Stephen King's "The Shining." Daily Variety notes Steven Weber, star of "Wings" is set in the role performed by Jack Nicholson in the film version -- and Rebecca DeMornay will play his wife. King is writing the script and will produce the film for ABC. The horror novelist has made no secret of his intense dislike for the movie version.

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