The Gossip Monkey here.....

First up, I see FOX are denying my bit that Kiefer has been offered a three-picture deal to star in a series of "24" movies. I'll stand by my claim - my source for this was pretty darn reliable - and can only assume that they just don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet. I know Clint, for one, is of the whole 'Until it's showing at a cinema near me, I won't believe it' stance, but that's a good way to be, you're not dissapointed then if someone pulls the plug on it. Still, the Monkey's heard there's something going on there....so don't go Jungle Fever just yet. When it does happen...I'm there. "24 : The Movie", how cool would that be? heck, Elisha Cuthbert could wear fluffy skivvies - though, much less would be preferred - and it'd sell.

Anyway, wanted to post a bit of news about the forthcoming "V For Vendetta" and the latest from the "Shaun of the Dead" guys...No, I'm not taking over the site, I'm simply earning more bananas for the weekend that is fast approaching...and as Clint is already well into the weekend, and I'm sure, off with his pals getting potted in a bar somewhere, it gives all us who are still waiting for the weekend to begin something to read now, doesn't it?

UK actor writer Simon Pegg's eagerly awaited follow up to his Rom Zom Com hit 'Shaun of the Dead' is titled 'Hot Fuzz' and will begin shooting in a few week's time. The pic is a comedy that pretty much sends up the buddy buddy cop pics of the 80's and 90's, like he and his team did with the zombie movies. Pegg will once again be acting, but center stage will be former Bond Timothy Dalton and "Moulin Rouge" and "Gangs of New York" actor Jim Broadbent. Edgar Wright is up for directing duties.

I was fortunate enough to be allowed out last year on a visit to the Warner Bros set of "V for Vendetta". I had a chat with the lovely Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving and James McTeigue for their Wachowski penned flick. I did happen to save the skin of a certain magazine journo by lending him my oh-so-comedic interview tapes, however I would have rather lent out my collection of various tapings of jungle animal sounds as he seems to have done a runner with the vocal delights of Ms. Portman and Mr. Weaving. I shall hunt them and him down, seeing as the UK Premiere is supposed to be occurring on March 8th. Despite some great, (yet this is kinda happening for real right
now) effects of London landmarks exploding, early word for the entire movie isn't so good. A friend who has seen it just liked Stephen Fry's performance. I bet he did too.

Despite the rumours, I can tell you that Michael Keaton will not be in "Grindhouse", the new Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez film. I don't know whether he wants to be, or has met with the filmmakers, but I can tell you that he hasn't been offered a role in the film. Most of the roles have been filled, but the guys are waiting a couple of weeks before announcing the names. Definitely no Mr Mom in there though. At the same time, an insider over at Warner in Burbank gave me a short update on those "Batman Begins 2" rumours that are doing the rounds - Hugh Jackman and Hugo Weaving have NOT been contacted about roles in the film. Apparently the Nolan's are going to finish the script before they even consider casting - and that includes officially offering Paul Bettany the role of The Joker. His name has been mentioned, but he's merely "one of several possibilities", I'm told.

Until next week's usual column,
Monks