TGIF!
Nina Simone biopic, Nina, starring Zoe Saldana screened yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival to buyers despite being hit with a lawsuit just one day before. Director Cynthia Mort says that the film was stolen by a British production company and she has been excluded from the final editing process. A source close to the production of the film says, “We’re considering our options but the film has gone over well. Zoe Saldana has done a terrific job.” [HollywoodReporter]
Letoya Luckett has been cast in Drumline: A New Beat, the sequel to Nick Cannon’s 2002 feature film, Drumline. The sequel will focus on new characters at Atlanta A&T University. Luckett will play Dr. Nia Phillips the university’s Dean, original Drumline co-star Leonard Roberts will play her love interest. Production for the film is set to begin in the spring with a fall 2014 premiere. [MadameNoire]
Donald Sterling has hired an attorney to inform the NBA that he is planning to sue the league. Lawyer Maxwell Blecher penned a letter stating that Sterling was done nothing wrong and that “no punishment is warranted.” He also informed them that he has no intentions to pay the past due $2.5 million fine. [HollywoodReporter]
Halle Berry is set to star in a new thriller, Kidnap about a mother who will stop at nothing to rescue her abducted son. Described as a female twist on Taken, Berry will also executive produce the project through her 606 Films Company. [Deadline]
Columbus Short has plead not guilty to felony charges of battery following an alleged bar brawl in March. Although he turned himself in regarding the matter, he is maintaining his innocence. The former Scandal star has also plead not guilty in his misdemeanor spousal battery case with wife, Tuere Short. [Vibe]
Ludacris will join ABC’s Rising Star music competition as a celebrity judge. The summer singing competition debuts Sunday June 22. [HollywoodReporter]