We all remember the kid in high school who was lucky enough to hang out with the most popular kid, and thereby enjoyed riding his coattails all the way to the top. Now, we'd never say that Jay Roach is one of those people -- his "Austin Powers" and "Meet the Parents" films have made him an in-demand Hollywood talent in his own right -- but being a close friend of red-hot star Sacha Baron Cohen certainly doesn't suck.

"I'm working on a remake of a French film called 'The Dinner Game'," explained Roach. "I thought it was a great story, and I don't think many people got to see it here, so I hope to not mess it up. There's a history in Hollywood of doing remakes that don't live up to the original, but there's something in this translation for which Sacha would be perfect for." Read more...

Like a bad penny, our links of the day always show up – back today with news on "Beowulf," "The Love Guru," Sacha Baron Cohen, and Tom Cruise.

- Uncensored "Beowulf" trailer hits web, lots of violence and Angelina sexiness ensue. (Official Site)

- Fascists everywhere rejoice! Vadim Pereleman to direct Angelina Jolie in "Atlas Shrugged." (Variety)

- "Tron" director takes on "Soul Code," a female-friendly sci-fi flick. (Variety)

- Sacha Baron Cohen is a "Schmuck." (Variety)

- Springtime for Tom Cruise. The cast of "Valkyrie" poses for the camera. (Daily Mail)

- Ashley Judd to headline drama "Helen." (Variety)

You would think that after rolling around naked with Sacha Baron Cohen in "Borat," Ken Davitian would be looking for opportunities to work with his shirt ON. But, hey, whatever works, the affable 54-year-old joked, revealing exclusively to MTV News that he's set to star as "the big bad guy" in a spoof movie called "Hunting and Fishing."

"It's a spoof on '300’ from the same people [who made] 'Epic Movie' and 'Scary Movie,'" Davitian revealed. "It spoofs a lot of movies but the theme is the Spartan era. I'm like ['300’ villain Xerxes]."

We can't imagine King Leonidas would have much of a sense of humor about being spoofed by the "Epic Movie" guys (Sample line: "This is a FARTA!?!"), but the stick in the mud would then be the only one not laughing, Davitian assured. "It just keeps going and going but it's hilarious," he insisted. "When you read it and it's funny, then you know it's going to be even funnier." Read more...

Sacha Baron Cohen wanted to be among the first to congratulate "Knocked Up" star Seth Rogen on the film's strong opening weekend. "How are you handling it?" he asked Rogen backstage. Letting loose one of his trademark staccato laughs, Rogen looked at his female companion and replied, "It's easy. We don't go out much!"

Daniel Craig's voice returns for Bond 22, "Die Hard" director to possibly make longest, greatest car chase film of all time, Myers goes imaginary and more, in today's issue of The Dailies.

- Paul Haggis, screenwriter of "Casino Royale," returns for another go at the Bond franchise. (LA Times)

- Taking a break from street hockey, Mike Myers signs up for "Walter Mitty" remake. (Variety)

- Original "Die Hard" helmer John McTiernan saddles up with Karl Urban for "Run," with 100 pages of car chases in the script. (Variety)

- "Austin Powers" director Jay Roach takes on comedic tale of man who trains short nerdy guy to act more like his late friend. Or something like that. (Hollywood Reporter)

- Sam Neill doesn't come out when it's sunny. Joins futuristic vampire flick "Daybreakers." (Screen Daily)

- Sacha Baron Cohen pops up in LA to shoot his "Borat" follow-up, "Bruno." (Defamer)