EXCLUSIVE: Read it here first...

A Marshall Plan for Renée and Catherine?

Thu., Apr. 12, 2007 4:09 PM PDT by Marc Malkin

Miramax/ZUMAPress.com

Rob Marshall is back. And let's just hope he's bringing Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones with him.

Marshall, who directed one of my absolute favorites, Chicago, and the Weinstein Company are now going to bring another musical, Nine, to the big screen.

Marshall will direct, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, the composer and lyricist for the original 1982 Broadway production. No casting has been decided, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear Zellweger and Zeta-Jones will be getting on board.

Based on 8 1/2, Federico Fellini's 1963 movie, Nine is about a world famous film director, Guido Contini, who has to balance the many women in his life as he prepares to make his latest flick.

I saw a revival of the show on Broadway a few years ago starring Antonio Banderas. It's a beautifully romantic piece. Like Chicago, it's successful at being both funny and dark.

I can't wait to see what Marshall & Co. does with this one.

Bravo, Mr. Marshall!