Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko is back on board for “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps,” and the word today is that Charlie Sheen is back in, too, reprising his character of Bud Fox.

That makes me happy, because both of these characters really symbolized what the movie was about, and I’d kind of like to see where they are now. That doesn’t take anything away from Shia LaBeouf, who plays a young, idealistic trader who goes to the dark side of finance.

Basically, great casting all the way around, including Josh Brolin as the new villain, the smarmy head of an investment bank. Carey Mulligan, Frank Langella and Susan Sarandon are also featured in the movie.

I’d love to see Martin Sheen come back as Bud’s dad, too. That’s him, pictured with Charlie Sheen.

Image: TM and © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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The 62-year-old actress is in negotiations to play the mother to Shia LaBeouf’s character, Jacob, an ambitious, young day trader. She’ll be joining an impressive cast that includes Frank Langella as Labeouf’s Wall Street mentor, Michael Douglas as newly-sprung Gordon Gekko, and Carey Mulligan, whom Sarandon starred opposite in the Sundance darling “The Greatest.”

I’ve also heard rumors that Josh Brolin might play a villain in the film. Wheeee!

Filming is set to begin this fall in New York, with a release date of April 23, 2010.

Image: Bauer-Griffin; Sarandon in NYC’s West Village in June 2009

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Fox is in final negotiations to star in DC Comics’ "Jonah Hex." If all goes well, she’ll play Leila, a gun-toting romantic interest for Hex (Josh Brolin), a bounty hunter being tracked by voodoo-guy Turnbull, played by John Malkovich. He wants to raise an army of the undead.

Fox is also attached to star and develop "Fathom," another comic-based movie, this one with an underwater slant. The story follows a girl named Aspen who discovers she’s an aquatic humanoid who can control water.

And to think Megan Fox began her acting career on the TV show "Hope and Faith"! Things really started to take off after "Transformers" and her sexy cover photo for GQ last year. I think it set a record for magazine sales.

Are you a Megan Fox fan? I can’t wait for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," but mainly because I have a thing for Shia LaBeouf.

Photo Credit: Clint Brewer / Splash News

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Now Antonio Banderas has just signed to co-star in Allen’s new movie, joining Freido Pinto, Naomi Watts, Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins. Shooting is scheduled to begin this summer.

But to get your fix sooner, check out Allen’s "Whatever Works,” being released by Sony Pictures on June 23. I think people either get Woody Allen or they don’t. I’m in the “get” camp. 

Image: DreamWorks Distribution

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All of the nominees are having a whirlwind week, and that’s putting it mildly. Each year, they gather for the Nominees’ Luncheon, and this year’s attendees included Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway, Robert Downey, Jr. (so darn cute, I can’t stand it) and a host of other stars. See what they had to say about all the hoopla. 

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The Hollywood Reporter did an awesome job of gathering some of the stars and filmmakers up for Oscars this year. See what Emma Thompson, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and others have to say about their projects.

In this clip, Emma Thompson, most recently in "Last Chance Harvey" and Brideshead Revisited," talks about where she keeps her Oscars.

Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro talk about playing the real-life characters of George W. Bush and Che.

Hugh Jackman discusses his movie "Australia," and Richard Jenkins riffs off "The Visitor."

Amy Adams, Sally Hawkins, Emma Thompson, Taraji P. Henson, and Michelle Williams talk about the politics of movie awards. I’m sure there’s a lot of it!

Listen as Emma, Sally and the others talk about how they choose parts, and how British and American actresses differ.

Do actresses have favorite directors? You bet! Hear Emma, Michelle and the others talk about their favorites. There’s a reason why directors and actors often pair up again and again.

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John Malkovich has also signed for the film, playing Turnball, a wealthy Southern plantation owner whose son is killed by Union soldiers during the Civil War. He blames Hex for the tragedy.

Jimmy Hayward is directing the pic, with “Crank” scribes Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor penning the screenplay. Shooting is scheduled to start this spring with a 2010 release date.

I’m not familiar with the character of Jonah Hex. Any thoughts on whether Brolin will do justice to the role?

Image: Newscom

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Nights in Rodanthe.

Soul Men. Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac play two singing legends who agree to reunite for one last concert. Official Site

Frozen River. When her husband runs off with the payment for their new home, Ray (Melissa Leo) turns to crime. [Official Site]

W. Oliver Stone’s homage to George W. Bush, with Josh Brolin in the title role. An interesting movie, but a little weird. [Film Gecko Review] [Official Site]

Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

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I’m trying to imagine the movie that would involve those three guys. Should be interesting!

And who knows what the plot will be … even the actors don’t know when they’re shooting Woody Allen movies — which, frankly, calls for a lot of trust, don’t you think? I guess they figure Woody wouldn’t make a porn movie or anything.

Brolin and Hopkins are the first to be cast in the ensemble flick. Shooting is set to start in London this summer.

Image: Proof, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 2007; Source: Variety

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“It is such a thrill to be recognized in this category with these remarkably talented women. I was with my parents and my dog when I got the news, and we were all overjoyed — although I’m not sure my dog knew what was going on. This is a great day to be an actress!” — Anne Hathaway, best-actress nominee for Rachel Getting Married

More after the jump…

“Working with Clint Eastwood was a reward in itself that will last me a lifetime. To receive a nomination from the Academy on top of that is a privilege beyond any expectation. It has been an exceptional year for acting, and I am honored to be in the company of these talented actors whose performances all deserve this recognition.” — Angelina Jolie, best-actress nominee for Changeling

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“I am so honored to be nominated for a film in which I am so proud and to be included with such a wonderful and talented group of women. It was an honor to work with [director Darren Aronofsky] and the rest of the cast and crew of The Wrestler. Congratulations to Mickey [Rourke], for an extraordinary performance.” Marisa Tomei, best supporting actress nominee for The Wrestler. Rourke received a best-actor nomination for his role in that film.
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“It’s everything that you could possibly imagine it is, and not that I needed the nomination to know I was on the right path, but it certainly helps. It really does.” — Viola Davis, supporting-actress nominee for Doubt

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“I couldn’t have imagined anything like this a couple years ago. You just do your work and are happy you’re able to make some money. This is very, very special, especially because of the movie. It wasn’t that I read this character and said, `I have to do this character.’ It was more about the movie.” — Josh Brolin, supporting-actor nominee for Milk

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“I didn’t know at first what awards we’d won, and when I finally found out, I thought it was pretty great. To have as many as eight is pretty good.” — Milk director Gus Van Sant, who received a best-director nomination for the film

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“I am overjoyed by these nominations and deeply grateful that the Academy has embraced the music of this film. Slumdog Millionaire has paid magical dividends for so many people around the globe. I am deeply honored to be a part of a film that has inspired so many.” — A.R. Rahman, nominee for original score and original song

“I’m delighted for Kate. I think she did two astonishing performances in Revolutionary Road and in The Reader. Whichever one the Academy went for, I think it’s her year. I think it’s her turn. I think that it’s wonderful for her, but I do think she’s done two astonishing performances.” — Stephen Daldry, director of The Reader. Winslet received a best-actress nomination for her role in that film.

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“I’m extremely happy to have been nominated. And very fortunate. Playing Hanna Schmitz will always remain one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever been blessed with. I’m genuinely thrilled, not just for myself, but for the wonderful Stephen Daldry and David Hare. These nominations are a testament to their unwavering commitment to this film. And I’m also very happy for all the people in Germany whose hard work on `The Reader’ has been rewarded by these nominations. Surely Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack are smiling down on us today!” — Kate Winslet, best-actress nominee for The Reader.

Images: Rachel Getting Married, Sony Pictures, 2008; Mickey Rourke, Newscom; Revolutionary Road, DreamWorks Distribution, 2008

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