-- Aziz Ansari is in talks to star in "30 Minutes or Less," an upcoming comedy directed by "Zombieland" helmer Ruben Fleischer. Danny McBride is reportedly in negotiations to co-star. In the movie, Ansari's character is forced to rob a bank after he and his buddy come into unfortunate contact with a bomb vest. [The Hollywood Reporter]
-- Happy birthday to Taylor Kitsch, indeed! The "John Carter of Mars" actor has snagged the leading role in director Peter Berg's "Battleship," on his birthday no less! [Heat Vision]
-- Remember the high profile New York City car crash that occurred during filming for "The Sorcerer's Apprentice?" It sounds as though the crash was for a good cause, as co-star Jay Baruchel explains: "No one expects there to be Ferrari chases or whatever in this movie, but we have the sickest car chase this year, for sure." [MTV.com]
-- Michelle Williams is circling a leading role in "The Emperor's Children" from "Greenberg" director Noah Baumbach. The movie focuses on a trio of Brown University graduates struggling to establish themselves in life as they approach their 30s. Keira Knightley, Eric Bana and Richard Gere are also attached to the movie. [The Wrap]
-- "Wanted" director Timur Bekmambetov is looking to direct "Red Asphalt" for Lionsgate, described as "an edgy 3-D thriller," though further plot details are under wraps. With a title that effectively translates into "bloody road," the promise of 3-D and Bekmambetov at the helm, this is officially a project that I am very interested in. [The Los Angeles Times]
-- Who ordered the "Johnny English" sequel? Anybody? Bueller? Well, here it is anyway — Rowan Atkinson is back in the British spy role for "Johnny English 2," with production looking to begin this August. [Variety]
-- Even if Peter Jackson and Neill Blomkamp are no longer on board, a "Halo" movie is still very much in the cards. "We're going to make a movie when the time is right," says "Halo" mastermind Frank O'Connor. [IGN]