Top Story
Director Chris Nolan, who helmed the films Memento and Insomnia, has been tapped to breathe new life into Warner Bros.’ Batman franchise, Variety reports. It is unclear, however, whether Nolan would write the script for the project. “All I can say is that I grew up with Batman, I’ve been fascinated by him and I’m excited to contribute to the lore surrounding the character,” Nolan said. “I had a fantastic experience with the studio on Insomnia, and I’m keen to repeat that experience.” Nolan is sure to bring his inventive style to the languishing Batman franchise, which languished after four movies that grossed more than $1 billion.
Celebs
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones failed to bring an early end to their legal fight against celeb mag Hello!, which published photographs of their wedding, Reuters reports. The couple is suing the magazine for $3.27 million after it printed unauthorized photos of their New York wedding in November 2000. Senior judge Andrew Morritt said the magazine’s defense should be heard at a trial due to start next Monday in London.
Actress Anjelica Huston and director Martin Scorsese have been chosen to receive the annual Hasty Pudding awards at Harvard University, The Associated Press reports. The awards are given to performers who’ve made a “lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment.” Huston will lead a parade through the streets of Harvard Square on Feb. 6 with Harvard students dressed in drag while Scorsese will appear Feb. 13 at the opening night of the troupe’s theatrical production, It’s a Wonderful Afterlife.
Prosecutors may subpoena singer Aretha Franklin to obtain information about her home in Bloomfield Township, Mich., which was destroyed in a fire in October. According to the AP, the Oakland County prosecutor’s office will decide this week whether to issue an investigative subpoena that would compel her to testify. Since the Oct. 25 blaze, investigators have complained that Franklin has not been cooperative, an accusation the singer has denied.
Tube
ABC scored a ratings victory Sunday night with its telecast of Super Bowl XXXVII, according Nielsen Media Research. Preliminary data for the top 55 major television markets shows the football championship pulled a 43.8 rating and a 62 share in households, making it far and away the most-watched program of the night and the most successful Super Bowl telecast in five years, Reuters reports.
Rob Lowe is finalizing a deal to star in and produce a new drama pilot under consideration for next fall at NBC. According to Variety, Lyon’s Den is described as an ensemble legal drama set in a mid-sized, century-old law firm. Lowe would play an idealistic attorney trying to make his mark on the world while struggling to escape the shadow of his powerful father, a state senator. Lowe, who earned about $75,000 per episode for his work on the West Wing, is expected to earn significantly more for Lyon’s Den if the project goes to series.
ABC is bringing back the 1980s dance competition show Dance Fever, which could hit the air as early as June, Variety reports. The show will feature a nationwide search for contestants in popular dance forms, including hip-hop and salsa. The network has ordered 13 one-hour episodes of the series, with host and celeb judges are to be determined. The show will likely end in a championship to be staged in either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
