Buzz Briefs: Chris Brown, Jackie Chan
Chris Brown In Negotiations For A New Thriller
Singer/actor Chris Brown is in final negotiations to appear alongside Matt Dillon, Idris Elba and rapper T.I. in the Screen Gems thriller "Bone Deep."
The "Stomp the Yard" star is also in talks to executive produce.
The film revolves around a group of criminals who plan a major heist at a money depot, with two detectives hot on their trail. Brown will play one of the members of the heist crew.
If he inks a deal, it will mark Brown's fourth film with Screen Gems, the Sony specialty label.
Brown made his feature film debut with the studio's "Stomp the Yard," which grossed more than $60 million at the domestic box office, and co-starred in November's holiday film "This Christmas," which brought in $49 million. He's also slated to star in the studio's sports drama "Phenom."
Brown, a Grammy-nominated performer, recently was named best male artist at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards and won male artist of the year, new artist of the year and artist of the year at the 2007 Billboard Music Awards.
Jackie Chan Museum Planned In Shanghai
Jackie Chan's Web site says construction has begun on a museum for the action movie star in the Chinese financial capital Shanghai.
A statement published Friday says the 54-year-old attended a ceremony marking the start of work earlier this week.
The museum will house props and costumes from Chan's movies, photos and other memorabilia, the Web site said. Construction is scheduled to finish in October 2009.
Scott Bakula Set To Star In TNT Pilot
Scott Bakula is set to star alongside Ray Romano and Andre Braugher in the TNT drama pilot "Men of a Certain Age."
Scott Winant of "Californication" is set to direct the pilot about a struggling actor (Bakula) dating a much younger woman. "Men" revolves around three college pals now in their 40s who are grappling with middle age.
Bakula most recently starred in a Steve Soderbergh feature "The Informant" alongside Matt Damon. He also had a recurring role in "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
Randy Travis To Visit New York To Promote New CD
Country Singer Randy Travis is coming out with his first new album in eight years. The album entitled "Around The Bend" will be released on July 15.
Travis will be in New York City next week in support of his new release, appearing on several shows including "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Tuesday, "Good Morning America" on Wednesday, "Regis & Kelly" on Thursday and "The Today Show" on Friday.
The six-time Grammy winner will be performing songs from the new album, as well as hits including "Forever And Ever Amen."
Kathy Matea Looks Back In History
Country singer Kathy Mattea is continuing her exploration of coal mining history by planning a visit to a restored jail where miners facing treason charges were once held.
The Cross Lanes, W.Va., native plans to visit Old Jefferson County Jail in Charles Town next Friday. She also plans to participate in a panel discussion about the jail's history.
Mattea, whose grandfathers were both coal miners, recently released an album of songs about mining, and has toured mountaintop removal sites in southern West Virginia.
The jail entered labor history in 1922, when union leader Bill Blizzard was held there while facing treason charges for his role in the miner uprising known as the Battle of Blair Mountain. Blizzard was acquitted.
The old jail now holds county offices.
Three Returning Series Are Adding New Recurring Characters
ABC's "Ugly Betty," NBC's "Heroes," and FX's "Damages" are all adding to their cast
On "Betty," Val Emmich from "Cashmere Mafia" will play Jesse, a potential love interest for Betty (America Ferrera).
On "Heroes," Ntare Mwine from "The Riches" will play an African who is artistic and close to many of the original heroes. His special abilities will be developed throughout his nine-episode arc.
Mario Van Peebles will appear in six episodes of "Damages," reprising last year's guest-starring role as Agent Harrison. His acting duties stem from his stint as a director on a couple of episodes last season.