On the Slate

Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire and Kate Hudson sign up for new movies

Gyllenhaal’s Royal Role

Hollywood’s inability to turn hit videogames into hit movies — D.O.A. really was D.O.A. — has plagued the industry, which is why the announcement that Jake Gyllenhaal (pictured above) has been cast to play the titular Prince in the film adaptation of the action game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is so exciting. Finally, a cutie-pie A-lister who just might be able to attract female viewers who’ve traditionally shunned the videogame-movie genre. Gyllenhaal is joined by up-and-coming British actor Gemma Arterton, who’ll get plenty of attention this November when she stars opposite Daniel Craig as a British agent in the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace. Also good news, chick-friendly director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mona Lisa Smile) is slated to direct. Look for Prince to hit screens next summer.

Muted Maguire

Tobey Maguire takes his subdued screen presence to the next level when he stars in Quiet Type, which focuses on a mute man who travels to New York City to fulfill his dream of leading an orchestra. Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) pens the script, but there’s no word yet on a director or co-stars.

Hudson Picks Up a Brush

Kate Hudson will portray real-life painter Margaret Keane in the bio-pic Big Eyes. Keane’s husband, Walter, signed his name to her paintings of doe-eyed women and children that were immensely popular back in the ’60s. Ultimately, she had to go to court to prove she was the real artist. Thomas Haden Church will play Walter, while directing team Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski go behind the camera.  

Briefly

• Ewan McGregor will play Hilary Swank’s lover in Amelia.
• In Heartless, Jim Sturgess is a man trying to get out of his pact with the Devil.

• Comedian Rainn Wilson joins the cast of Transformers 2.

• The Greatest stars Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as parents grieving over the death of their teenage son.
• Look for Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller to team up for Hardy Boys, which finds former teen sleuths the Hardy Boys plying their trade as adults.