Today brings some potentially huge news regarding the continually complicated case of "The Three Stooges," the Farrelly Brothers-directed comedy based on the old timey funnyman trio. The already troubled production lost Sean Penn mere months ago, and while the role has seemingly been recast, it appears that another Stooge has left the building.

The Boston Globe reports that Paul Giamatti has landed the role of Larry in "The Three Stooges," filling the void left by Penn in June. But in true "one step forward, two steps backward" fashion, the article also reveals that Jim Carrey has fled the project, leaving the Farrellys with an entirely different Stooge to replace. Read more...

As we've already reported, Sean Penn and Hollywood are breaking up. Or at least going through a trial separation. One of the consequences of this newly announced hiatus is Penn's departure from the Farrelly Brothers' "The Three Stooges," a film that's now in jeopardy thanks to the actor's sudden exit.

With the role of Larry now open, it'll be up to a last-minute replacement to save the film. So who in the movie business could possibly jump in at the eleventh hour to knock noses and poke eyeballs with Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro? It remains to be seen -- but I've certainly got my picks. Read more...

"The Three Stooges" are down to Two. Sean Penn has said "soitenly not" to the Farrelly Bros.' "Stooges" revival, and walked away from the project, leaving Moe and Curly without their Larry. Quick, somebody call Shemp!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Penn is dropping out of "Stooges," as well as the thriller "Cartel." The actor's sudden change in plans is based on the need to spend more time with his family. Sources say that he may keep away from movie-making for as long as a year, though the two-time Oscar winner gave no set timetable. Penn and his wife Robin Wright Penn have been in and out of the tabloids for their marital woes. Who can really blame them for taking a little personal time?

Maybe the Farrelly Bros., who are facing a collapse of their "Stooges" remake. While Universal plans to move forward with "Cartel" and recast the leading role, "Stooges" has really been left in the lurch. The writer/director siblings have spent years trying to get their slap-happy film off the ground. They scored a big victory in landing Penn, Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro for the cast. "Stooges" was scheduled to begin shooting in August and MGM had set a release date of 2010.

Now the Farrellys need to decide whether they'll recast the part or wait for Penn, a delay that could cost them the other two Stooges. There's even a possibility that the entire film could be scrapped. That's certainly what MTV's Larry Carroll is hoping for. THR notes that "half of Hollywood would poke their eyes out for the part," so maybe the casting fun, drama and violence is just beginning...

MTV readers, are you sorry to see Sean Penn take a break from the big screen? What do you think should happen to "The Three Stooges" remake? If it goes forward, who would you like to see replace Penn as Larry?

Bret Easton Ellis is the Los Angeles-born, well-educated, bestselling novelist behind such classics as “Less Than Zero” and “American Psycho.” Now, his 2005 book “Lunar Park” is being made into a feature film with an unusual A-list casting in the works; and the strangest part is that it isn’t even the weirdest role the actor has landed in the last month.

“’Lunar Park’ is in some state of pre-production. This is a very funny town,” chuckled Easton Ellis when we spoke with him recently. “Oddly enough, Benicio Del Toro I think is going to do it.” Read more...

I'm sure fans of "The Three Stooges" have long wished for a full-length movie starring the legendary comedy trio. Who wouldn't want to see those three bashing each other in the head for two hours? But do you want to see them bad enough to accept three new Stooges in their place? Because according to Variety, that's exactly what the Farrelly Brothers have in mind. MGM is reviving the long-delayed project, allowing the director siblings to direct a brand new Stooges comedy for the studio.

"Three Stooges" won't be a remake or a biopic, but an original script penned by the Farellys and Michael Cerrone, starring three actors who will look, sound, dress, and act just like the Stooges. The movie will be structured similarly to the original short films, and feature a story that will span over three installments that are roughly 30 minutes each. Read more...