Film news recap: Damon as Bobby Kennedy, Maguire as Bobby Fischer, Rourke as Conan’s dad

(AFP/Max Nash)

Deals are in the works with actors and directors on film projects about Bobby Kennedy and Bobby Fischer. Plus a tough choice for Mickey Rourke.

Matt Damon is set to portray Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) in a film based on His Life, a biography by Evan Thomas, to be directed by Gary Ross ( Seabiscuit, Pleasantville). Damon's portrait will focus on RFK's change from the shadow of his older brother President John F. Kennedy prior to his death in 1968. RFK's assassination was the backdrop for Emilio Estevez's 2006 film, Bobby. In addition, director Chris Columbus ( Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) is developing The Last Campaign about Kennedy's presidential run.

Since Tobey Maguire will not star in the next Spider-Man movie, he is developing several projects, including a film titled Pawn Sacrifice about the celebrated chess master Bobby Fischer, who beat the Russian champ, Boris Spassky in 1972. He plans to produce and play the lead role. After Brothers, Maguire's next film is a dark comedy about a pest problem called The Details, with Elizabeth Banks and Ray Liotta.

Mickey Rourke ( The Wrestler) who plays the villain Whiplash in the upcoming Iron Man 2, may have to choose between Conan, shooting in Bulgaria in March and War of the Gods which begins production in April. He also stars in the upcoming Rambo V, The Expendables, St. Vincent, and a few more films.

RC