9.28.07: Kingsley Falls For The Taj Mahal; Goyer Set For Vampire Thriller ‘Baltimore’

Oscar winner on board for Taj Mahal tale, Blade veteran takes a stab at Baltimore, and Murray and Schwartzman give voice to The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Kingsley Readies Indian Saga

Sir Ben Kingsley, who’s already nabbed an Oscar for his Mahatma Gandhi portrayal, is set to play emperor Shah Jahan, the Mughal leader who built the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his wife. Former Miss World and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai will play Jahan’s legendary wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in the film covering the monument’s creation and the end of Jahan’s imprisoned life. More at Reuters.

Goyer Stalks Vampire Flick

Graphic novel Baltimore, or The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire is ready to hit the big screen. Blade veteran David Goyer will direct Lord Henry Baltimore’s plight to rid the world of the Red King, the embodiment of all evil. Original authors Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden will pen the screenplay. More at Variety.

Cruise Campaigns As Lambs Supporting Player

Lions for Lambs’ Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford will all vie for supporting acting slots on this year’s Oscar ballot even though all three receive top billing on the political drama due in theaters November 9. More at the Los Angeles Times.

Anderson Wrangles Murray And Schwartzman For The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman will lend their voices to the Wes Anderson’s animated The Fantastic Mr. Fox. George Clooney and Cate Blanchett vocalize Mr. And Mrs. Fox in the classic children’s tale of animal vs. farmer. More at Dark Horizons.

Charvet Goes Pro

David Charvet (Melrose Place, Prisoners of the Sun) will star as a basketballer turned beach volleyball pro in Green Flash, scheduled to release August 2008, to coincide with the upcoming Summer Games. More at Variety.com.