Entertainment Tidbits

Brad Pitt and director Edward Berger will collaborate on the feature film The Riders, based on Tim Winton's novel. The story follows a man searching for his missing wife across Europe with his daughter. David Kajganich is adapting the screenplay. Production is set to begin in early 2026 across multiple European locations. (THR)

Matt Lauria has joined the cast of the upcoming CBS series Sheriff Country, a spinoff of Fire Country. Lauria will play Boone, the longtime partner of the show's lead character, Sheriff Mickey Fox, portrayed by Morena Baccarin. Lauria previously appeared in CSI: Vegas, Outer Range, Friday Night Lights, and Parenthood. (Variety)

Gene Hackman died due to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's, according to a new autopsy report. The report details Hackman's poor heart health, including congestive heart failure and an irregular heartbeat. Toxicology tests revealed Hackman had likely not eaten for an extended period prior to his death. (AP)

Terrence Howard said he would refuse to portray a gay character in a movie. "I would cut my lips off. ... If I kiss some man, I would cut my lips off," he said in an interview. Howard revealed that even turned down the role of Marvin Gaye, due to rumors about his sexuality, which he claimed producer Quincy Jones confirmed. (Complex)

Paul Rudd recounted an embarrassing incident during an off-Broadway play with Rachel Weisz, where his boxer briefs inadvertently revealed his genitals to the audience. Rudd described his surprise at the audience's laughter, realizing his exposed state due to the ironic title of the production, The Shape of Things. (EW)