X-Men: Apocalypse star Olivia Munn has been cast to replace Zoe Saldana in the upcoming action-thriller Hummingbird. The 37-year-old was roped in after Saldana bowed out of the project citing scheduling conflicts with Avatar sequels, reported Deadline. Hummingbird revolves around a female black-ops assassin, whose latest mark forces her to confront her true identity.

There’s a new superhero on the horizon, David F. Sandberg, who is directing the film adaptation of DC Comics’ Shazam for New Line studios!, has roped in Zachary Levi to play Billy Batson/Shazam!

The film follows Batson, who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word “Shazam!” — an acronym for ancient gods and historical figures , Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, from which the big Batson derives his heroic attributes when in adult form.

Irrfan Khan soaked in the autumn sun with a boat ride on the Hooghly during his trip to Calcutta. He was in the city to promote Qarib Qarib Singlle and his boat ride was in perfect sync with the theme of the Tanuja Chandra film that revolves around the escapades of Irrfan (Yogi) and Parvathy (Jaya). The National Award winner reminisced his Piku days as he visited the Howrah Bridge and recalled the time when he shot for the Deepika Padukone-starrer as he passed the shoot location. 

(Bharati K. Dubey)

Rhea Pillai wants the National Women’s Commission to appoint an observer in her domestic violence case against Leander Paes, alleging harassment by the tennis star’s lawyer. Rhea is hoping that a representative from the commission will be present in court for the next hearing. “I am making a representation before the National Commission for women... asking for an observer to be appointed... I have been subjected to harassment and humiliation by the Mr Abad Ponda, with his sexist insulting comments to me. This is not what I came before the court for. I came here for protection from the court and not to be further insulted by sexist derogatory remarks by the lawyer,” Rhea said in a statement. Rhea claimed when she asked Ponda — Paes’ lawyer — something addressing him as Mr Ponda, “he sniggered and spoke very rudely and said I don’t even know how to address someone like you” and “very nastily stated which surname should I use I’m confused”. The lawyer has denied the allegation.

(A correspondent)

Amitabh Bachchan will play a sports coach in a Nagraj Manjule. The Sairat director has finished the script and plans to hit the floors by the end of 2017.

Big B is shooting for Vijay Krishna Acharya’s film Thugs of Hindostan at present.

(Bharati K. Dubey)

Saif Ali Khan and R. Madhavan will reunite on screen after nearly 15 years. The stars had worked together in Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein and will be seen in Navdeep Singh’s latest film to be produced by Aanand L. Rai. We also hear Saif plans to do at least two films a year and is shooting for a web series by Anurag Kashyap at present.

(Bharati K. Dubey)