The script be Paul Haggis (and re-written by Rachel Getting Married‘s Jenny Lumet) has long been considered one of the best unmade films, and is loved by both New Line Cinema and star Bradley Cooper. And do you have any idea how hard it is to get Bradley Cooper to love you? His wild heart cannot be tamed.

But De Niro is simply not interested which has proven to have a ripple effect on the entire production. Cooper doesn’t want to appear disloyal to De Niro (who can blame him after the master thesp’s turn in Rocky & Bullwinkle), and Demme doesn’t want to make the film under negative circumstances. Maybe if Demme were to write in a scene where Ben Stiller accidentally serves poop at dinner or one where Billy Crystal prescribes him a drug that causes extreme cottonmouth and zany side effects, he’d have De Niro’s commitment. Until that time, however, Kevin James needs someone to play a stern judge in a movie about a fat lawyer who falls down a lot. And then Queen Latifah is all like, “Awwwww, Hell no!” (Deadline)

“The story is about an alcoholic who reforms his ways after falling in love with a girl, only to relapse after she dies shortly before their wedding. Drowning his sorrows on what would have been their honeymoon, he crosses paths with her father, who is there to scatter his daughter’s ashes on her favorite beach.”

Sounds hilarious! Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper have been previously connected to the project but it’s not known whether they’re still in.  And it’s supposed to be called Honeymoon With Harry but I’m guessing it could be changed to something wacky along the lines of Bananas or Animal Crackers. (via The Playlist)

Demme hasn’t done any sort of TV work in decades, but his pedigree in film is strong, to say the least. He scored a historic Oscar sweep (including Best Director) for The Silence of the Lambs and proved his relevance recently with the acclaimed Rachel Getting Married. While television is a different format, I don’t think expecting greatness from his involvement here is presumptuous.

The CBS pilot focuses on a type-A surgeon whose world is turned upside down after his ex-wife dies and starts haunting him from the grave. But not “scary-haunting.” More like “Casper-haunting” in that she teaches him life lessons and crap. Assuming it gets picked up, your grandparents’ new favorite television show will be on CBS this fall. (Vulture)

The director’s chair left vacant by David O. Russell on Pride And Prejudice And Zombies is being retro-fitted for a few more asses. Jonathan Demme, Matt Reeves, the Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs guys, and Mike White joined previously announced asses David Slade, Neil Marshall, and Mike Newell for a shot at plunking down for some on-set bad back support.

As with everything nowadays, the casting list is also uncertain now that Natalie Portman has walked from the starring role. Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson, Mia Wasoshoushawkasa, Tilda Swinton, and Catherine O’Hara are all rumored for the project. It’s impressive that so many big names (and Mike White) are interested in the project. I’m sure it will end up in good hands (or Mike White’s). (The Wrap)