9.26.07: Aniston picks project while James hits the 'Mall'

Aniston and Eckhart sign-up for Traveling, James patrols the Mall, and Mirren, McAdams and Wright Penn Play

Aniston and Eckhart flock to Camp

Jennifer Aniston is set to star with Aaron Eckhart in Brandon Camp’s directorial debut, Traveling, for Universal Pictures. Aniston plays a hotel floral designer who meets a famed self-help guru and widower (Eckhart) while he’s in town conducting a weekend grief-coping seminar. As their lives intertwine, he realizes that he has yet to fully embrace his personal agony. More at Variety.

James tackles the Mall

Kevin James will co-write, produce and star in the Columbia Pictures comedy Mall Cop. The I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and King of Queens star plays a docile security guard on duty when his mall is invaded by a pack of thieves. More at Variety.

Trio negotiates State of Play

Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright Penn are in talks to join Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Jason Bateman in State of Play. Kevin Macdonald is set to direct the Working Title and Universal adaptation of the BBC murder mystery miniseries that pits a congressman (Norton) against his campaign manager-turned journalist (Pitt) after the former’s research assistant and mistress ends up dead. Mirren will play a tough talking newspaper editor, McAdams assumes the role of cub reporter and Wright Penn will sign on as the politician’s ex-wife. More at the Hollywood Reporter.

Batman special effects turn deadly

A special effects technician died Tuesday while prepping scenes for Batman: The Dark Night in London. The man, whose name has not been released, was fatally injured when his camera toting 4x4 vehicle struck a tree during a dry run of a shot that required his vehicle to follow and eventually film a stunt vehicle at a special effects facility. Warner Bros., through a released a statement, said no cast members were involved in the accident, the crash did not happen during filming or on set and that an investigation is underway. Batman, starring Christian Bale and directed by Christopher Nolan, is set for a 2008 release with lensing in London, Chicago and Hong Kong. More at the Hollywood Reporter.

Robb hikes Witch Mountain

AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) will play the female lead in director Andy Fickman’s retelling of the classic sci-fi film, Witch Mountain. The 13-year-old actor joins Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the Disney pic that promises to carry a darker tone than its sunny 1975 predecessor. More at MTV.