The Bulletin: Rourke Knocks Cage Out of the Ring

Mickey Rourke will star in "The Wrestler," now in development at Darren Aronofksy's Protozoa Pictures, instead of Nicolas Cage, once in talks to star, reports Variety. Robert Siegel wrote the script, in which weary professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson, in retirement, entertains the prospect of a rematch with The Ayatollah, an old nemesis. Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream") will direct. Production will start in January.

Wahlberg is 'Max Payne'
Mark Wahlberg is in negotiations to star as Max Payne, an archetypal street detective, in an adaptation of the Rockstar video game, reports Variety. John Moore ("Flight of the Phoenix") will direct, and Julie Thorne will produce with Scott Faye. Beau Thorne wrote the script.

Newell Sought for 'Persia'
Jerry Bruckheimer sent an offer to Mike Newell ("Love in the Time of Cholera," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") to direct "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (2009), reports Variety. Newell met with executives to discuss the adaptation of the video game, with negotiations to begin shortly. Jeffrey Nachmanoff ("The Day After Tomorrow") and Jordan Mechner wrote the script.

Polanski Sees 'Ghost'
Roman Polanski will direct the political thriller "The Ghost," an adaptation of Robert Harris' novel in which a ghostwriter's assignment to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister throws his life into jeopardy, reports Variety. Harris will write the script. Robert Benmussa and Alain Sarde will produce.

Verhoeven to Direct 'Thomas Crown' Sequel
Paul Verhoeven ("RoboCop," "Basic Instinct," "Black Book") will direct "The Topkapi Affair," a sequel to John McTiernan's romantic caper "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1999), reports FilmTotaal. Pierce Brosnan will star.

Hartnett, Rockwell in 'End Zone'
Josh Hartnett and Sam Rockwell will star in "End Zone," an adaptation of Don DeLillo's novel, reports Variety. George Ratliff will direct. Ratliff wrote the script with David Gilbert. Production will start in February in New Mexico.

Scott to Throw 'Stones'
Ridley Scott will direct "Stones," a supernatural thriller about ancient shrines, reports Variety. Matt Cirulnick wrote the script. "Stones" will resume development when the Writers Guild of America strike concludes. Scott will follow "Body of Lies," a geopolitical thriller now in production with Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, with "Nottingham," with Crowe to star as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Mark Your Calendar
On DVD: "Resident Evil: Extinction" will be available for rental and purchase Jan. 2; and "December Boys," with Daniel Radcliffe, Dec. 11.