Cinematical

Australian beauties Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts are in talks to co-star in Need, a thriller that would be directed by Ryan Murphy, the creator of the popular television series "Nip/Tuck." Variety describes the project as a "sexy thriller" in which Watts would play a psychiatrist and Kidman would play an unstable patient who steals Watts' husband. The role could mark a long-awaited return to the villainous roles Kidman played well in films such as To Die For and Malice. The project is currently sewing up independent financing and would be produced by Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal; a filming start in the fall is anticipated.

Murphy's star is on the rise, as he recently erected a production shingle and sealed a development deal with 20th Century Fox, that includes a first-look component. His deal, which has toeholds in 20th Century Fox TV, FX and Fox.net, is reportedly worth $15 million a year. He also recently directed Running With Scissors and has an adaptation of the Elizabeth Gilbert book Eat, Pray, Love and the Watergate drama Dirty Tricks forthcoming.

Kidman is currently wrapping The Invasion, a re-make of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and is next delving into the filming of Baz Luhrmann's World War II-era epic Australia, that intertwines a three-way love story with the Japanese attack on Darwin, Australia. She has also recently completed filming on His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass and Margot at the Wedding, from The Squid and the Whale's director, Noah Baumbach. Naomi Watts' upcoming projects include a much talked-about re-make of The Birds, which Alfred Hitchcock make famous. Cinematical will keep you posted as more details on Need become available.