'Rambo', 'Glory' writer Kevin Jarre dies

Famed screenwriter Kevin Jarre has died at the age of 56. 

The scribe behind Tombstone and instalments of the Rambo andMummy franchises passed away unexpectedly after suffering heart failure on April 3, his family told The Los Angeles Times. 

The self-confessed "Civil War freak" also wrote the critically-acclaimed Glory, a drama about the historic conflict's first all-black volunteer company, which collected three Oscars in 1989 - including a 'Best Actor' award for Denzel Washington. 

Jarre said of Glory at the time: "I never thought I could interest anybody in it. A Civil War epic, about black people? But I'd got really attached to the story... I'd end up in tears when I got through writing."

Other titles in Jarre's filmography include 1997 Brad Pitt thriller The Devil's Own and Bruce Willis actioner The Jackal, on which he served as a producer.

Kate Becksinsale offered Total Recall

Kate Beckinsale has been offered the role of Lori in Sony Pictures' Total Recall remake, according to Deadline.

This news shouldn't come as a huge shock, as Beckinsale is married to remake director Len Wiseman, and they've previously worked together on several Underworld movies.

Only scheduling problems could keep her away from Recall, as she's currently busy shooting Underworld 4: New Dawn (and it'd probably lead to some awkward dinner table moments if she just turned her hubbie down…)

If she signs on, she'll star opposite Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid (the character played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original).

Lori (formerly played by Sharon Stone) is Quaid's wife, though like most things in the Philip K. Dick-inspired movie, she's not all she seems.

There's still another major female role to be cast: Mars-based freedom fighter Melina.

Deadline are reporting that Eva Mendes and Rosario Dawson are serious contenders for the role, though it's still not clear if either of them will actually get an offer.Total Recall also has Bryan Cranston onboard as villain Vilos Cohaagen, and it's scheduled for release on 22 August 2012.

Emile Hirsch joins Oliver Stone's 'Savages'

Emile Hirsch has been confirmed as the latest cast member of Oliver Stone's film Savages, according to Variety.

Earlier today it was reported that John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Blake Lively are also in line for roles in the film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow.

The story revolves around two friends (Kitsch, Aaron Johnson) from Laguna Beach who farm marijuana and share the same girlfriend, who is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.

Benicio del Toro and Salma Hayek are also confirmed to star in the project. The Universal Pictures movie will start production in July.

Emile Hirsch will appear in the December release of sci-fi thriller The Darkest Hour.

Wes Craven expects 'Scream' stars to return

Wes Craven has suggested that Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette will star in another Scream movie.

Speaking to MTV, the director said that at least two more films are planned for the franchise following the recent release of Scream 4.

The "core characters" played by Campbell, Cox and Arquette will most likely appear in future instalments, Craven revealed.

"I imagine the core characters will continue. I suspect they'll be with us until the end, because they just are the heart and soul of the movie and especially since we tend to kill off most of the other people," the horror filmmaker said.

"They'll be with us. There will be some continuation of the drama of Sidney Prescott's family and the ghosts that haunt it."

The 71-year-old helmer recently admitted that making Scream 4 was a "stressful" experience.

Old Spice man confirms 'Luke Cage' talks

Isaiah Mustafa has been linked with the lead role in a movie based on comic book hero Luke Cage.

Speaking to Superhero Hype, the Old Spice ad star confirmed that he has met with Marvel to discuss the proposed film project.

"I've already had a meeting with Marvel. I talked to them and I told them that I was a gracious reader of their comics and that I wanted to be Luke Cage. So we'll see where they take it," he said.

The actor went on to say that the character's dedication to his home neighbourhood of Harlem is what makes the role appealing.

"Luke Cage has a lot going on. He's this man, he's got all these powers and abilities and he can use them to save whatever major city, but instead of doing that he uses them to help Harlem. He wants to fix his neighbourhood, and that's what's so admirable to me," he added.

"Instead of leaving and going someplace bigger, he stays right where he needs to be and tries to do the best that they can."

Last year, it was reported that Marvel Studios has plans for a Luke Cage movie, and was in preliminary talks with an unnamed actor for the title role. R&B singer Tyrese Gibson was previously linked with the part and John Singleton with the director's chair.

Marvel is yet to officially confirm that the character is heading for the big screen.