12.19.07: Pitt climbs up the right 'Tree'

Pitt is a Life saver, Affleck carpetbags Norton's State, Jackson has $40 million more to spend on Christmas gifts, and more

Pitt gives new Life to Malick’s latest

Brad Pitt will star in Tree of Life, the latest film from legendary director Terrence Malick. The plot has long been kept under wraps, but Pitt would replace Heath Ledger in the lead role. Sean Penn has been attached to the project as well, though he has also signed on to the biopic Harvey Milk for director Gus Van Sant, which could complicate matters. More at Variety.

Affleck replaces Norton for Play date

Meanwhile, State of Play, the film that Brad Pitt left, has seen another one of its leads take off – Edward Norton, who was scheduled to play an up and coming politico in the thriller, couldn’t star in the film after the delays to replace Pitt in the project. Now, Ben Affleck is in talks to replace Norton to play opposite Russell Crowe, who took over Pitt’s role as a muckraker who uncovers the politician’s involvement in a murder. More at Variety.

Jackson is $40 million richer, thanks to The Hobbit

The New York Times follows up on yesterday's news that New Line, MGM and Peter Jackson have agreed to make a two-film version of The Hobbit, following the settlement of Jackson's lawsuit against New Line seeking money the director felt he was still owed from the profits of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. According to two anonymous sources close to the talks, Jackson took home $40 million to drop the suit. More at The New York Times.

McConaughey grapples with Grackle injuries

Matthew McConaughey required stitches after training for his latest film The Grackle left him with a scar on his face. According to his publicist, McConaughey had been doing Ultimate Fighting Championship-level training for his role as a bar brawler in the comedy. More at The Los Angeles Times.

Another Chow tackles Dragonball

Kung Fu Hustle's Stephen Chow may be producing, but Chow Yun Fat will be in front of the camera for Dragonball, the Fox adaptation of the manga that stars Justin Chatwin as an alien who must collect dragonballs on behalf of his dying grandfather. Chow Yun Fat will play the alien’s mentor. More at The Hollywood Reporter.

Nichols and Lee sign G.I. bill

Rachel Nichols, who snagged a role in J.J. Abrams’ reboot of Star Trek, and Korean actor Byung-Hun Lee will star in Paramount’s bigscreen version of G.I. Joe. The film, set to be directed by Mummy director Stephen Sommers, has already cast Sienna Miller and there’s speculation that Avatar star Sam Worthington has already landed the lead. Nichols will play Scarlett, the martial arts expert and master sergeant of the squad while Lee will play Snake-Eye’s sibling Storm Shadow. More at Latino Review.