Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty ImagesSimon Pegg and Nick Frost have beamed up a big haul for Paul.
According to Variety, comedy heavyweights Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and Jane Lynch have joined the frequent double act for their latest big-screen partnership.
The Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead duo penned the film, chronicling two sci-fi geeks who take a road trip to Area 51 and end up crossing paths with the titular E.T. (Rogen).
Rounding out today's credibility-heavy castings: Al Pacino, Hoffmans Dustin and Philip Seymour and Jon Hamm's real-life leading lady.
• Death apparently becomes Al Pacino. According to Variety, the actor is set to star as right-to-die doctor Jack Kevorkian. The as yet untitled HBO film will follow the construction of his "Mercy Machine" and the media frenzy surrounding his first assisted suicide. Barry Levinson directs.
• Dustin Hoffman has booked it to Barney's Version. Per Variety, Hoffman joins Paul Giamatti in the indie drama, adapted from Mordecai Richler's best-seller. The actor will play a retired cop and father of the titular Barney, who has led an irresponsible life punctuated by three marriages and being named a "person of interest" in the disappearance of his friend.
• Philip Seymour Hoffman is going from screen to stage, signing on to star as the villainous Iago in a New York production of Othello. Hoffman will tread the boards at the Public Theater in the Shakespeare production beginning Sept. 12.
• 24 is adding to its ranks. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Kissing Jessica Stein star and Jon Hamm's better half, Jennifer Westfeldt, has signed on to star as an ambitious journalist with ties to a Middle East leader in the upcoming eighth season of the Kiefer Sutherland drama. Also on board the new season is The Notorious Bettie Page's John Boyd, who joins the CTU team. Production begins today.
• If you loved Yo Momma—and really, who hasn't spent some time loving Yo Momma—Wilmer Valderamma just signed a three-year deal with RelativityReal to create more reality programming and/or treat your mom without the utmost regard for her feelings.
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