So, casting for Rob Marshall's Nine - ie, the movie adaptation of the musical which itself was inspired by a play which was an adaptation of Fellini's 8 1/2 movie (dizzy yet?) has been a Hollywood wet dream. The latest news come from ComingSoon.net who are saying that F to the E R G to the I E is in talks to join the already star studded cast (a Chicago gal Ms Velma Kelly, an Edith Piaf, a milkshake drinking oil man (sans son), a Dame Mrs Brown, a smouldering temptress Satine, an always returning Raimunda, a certain Ms Penny Lane and Sophia Loren - yes, she's a character unto herself!)

First I tried to think whether spelling bee-licious Fergie had ever been in a movie and of course Planet Terror and Poseidon memories kept whopping back (I tried to keep the latter's at bay, of course)... and then I wondered: what is Mr Marshall thinking? In any other movie this would be stunt casting or a way to draw in the crowds - but really, isn't the star wattage and the solid fan base for the musical enough?