The Bulletin: Heavy "Metal"

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner ("X-Men," "Constantine") will develop "Metal Men," an adaptation of Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito's humorous 1960s DC Comics series, with Warner Bros. Pictures, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Eric Champnella ("Mr. 3000") will write the script, in which playboy scientist Dr. William "Doc" Magnus invents six artificially intelligent but dysfunctional robots (Gold, Iron, Lead, Tin, Mercury and Platinum) with powers synonymous with each's namesake metal. Jack Leslie will produce. Read The "Metal Men" Completist's blog entry "Pinch Me," a shrine to the obscure superheroes.

Sandler, Shankman Ready for 'Bedtime'
An architect's lavish bedtime stories to his niece and nephew strangely come true in "Bedtime Stories," a family comedy Adam Shankman ("Cheaper By The Dozen 2," "Bringing Down The House") will direct with Adam Sandler as star for Walt Disney Pictures, reports Variety. Matt Lopez wrote the script. Andrew Gunn will produce, and Shankman, Gibgot and Ann Marie Sanderlin will executive produce. Production on "Bedtime Stories" will begin in August.

O'Toole Paints 'The Christmas Cottage'
Peter O'Toole is in final negotiations to star in "The Christmas Cottage" (Dec. 14), a partial biography on American painter Thomas Kincade, reports The Hollywood Reporter. O'Toole will star as Glen Weissler, an artist and mentor to Kincade. Michael Campus will direct for Lionsgate. Production will begin in Vancouver and Whistler in April.

Gorey's 'Guest' Welcome
Walden Media, Fox 2000 and The Jim Henson Company will develop "The Doubtful Guest," an adaptation of macabre illustrator-author Edward Gorey's classic tale, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Brad Peyton will direct, and Matthew Huffman wrote the script. In 1957's "The Doubtful Guest," a mysterious, mischievous creature unleashes unwelcome misery on a whimsical family. Lisa and Brian Henson and Jason Lust will produce.