Jason Patric (THE LOSERS) has been picked as the male lead in FX's pilot POWERS, based on Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming's graphic novel, reports Deadline.com.

Universal has hired Ian McShane (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES) to play one of seven dwarves in SNOW WHITE AND HUNTSMAN, reports Heat Vision.

FX has chosen Lucy Punch (BAD TEACHER) as the female lead in its pilot POWERS, based on Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming's graphic novel, reports Deadline.com.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 178 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.

Peter Jackson posted on Facebook that Evangeline Lilly (TV's LOST) and Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) have joined the cast of THE HOBBIT.

Deadline.com reports that Peter Jackson has cast the roles of Bard and Smaug in THE HOBBIT.

Charlie Day (HORRIBLE BOSSES) is in negotiations to board Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM, reports Variety.

HitFix has a spoiler scoop on another BATMAN BEGINS actor returning for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

Russell Crowe is in talks to take the role of Superman's father Jor-El in MAN OF STEEL, reports Variety.

Matthew Fox, Ed Harris and Julia Levy-Boeken are circling Marc Forster's WORLD WAR Z, reports Deadline.com.

Josh Stewart (TV's THE COLLECTOR) has boarded the cast of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, reports Variety.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Playtone's Tom Hanks is talking with his FORREST GUMP director Robert Zemeckis about turning the Mattel toyline MAJOR MATT MASON into a feature film.

James Badge Dale (TVs THE PACIFIC) is in talks to join the cast of WORLD WAR Z, reports Show Blitz.

French actress Elodie Yung (DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM) is in discussions to join G.I. JOE: COBRA STRIKES, reports Heat Vision.

Diego Luna, best known for roles in Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN and Steven Spielberg's THE TERMINAL, is in discussions to board Sony and MRC's ELYSIUM, reports Variety.

Anthony Mackie (THE HURT LOCKER) has joined the cast of Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow's GANGSTER SQUAD, reports Variety.

Variety reports that Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessie Eisenberg are in talks to lead the heist thriller NOW YOU SEE ME.

Deadline.com is reporting that Leonardo DiCaprio is circling Quentin Tarantino's DJANGO UNCHAINED.

Michael Pena (CRASH) has boarded Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow's GANGSTER SQUAD, writes The Hollywood Reporter.

Dwayne Johnson is in discussions to join the cast of G.I. JOE: COBRA STRIKES, reports Deadline.com.