Take five each week and catch up on the big happenings in the world of movies. You'll find the latest development news, casting announcements, and the best recent trailer premieres.

Eddie Murphy Drops Out of Richard Pryor Biopic

Eddie Murphy has always credited Richard Pryor as being his inspiration for getting into comedy. Murphy did a pitch-perfect imitation of Pryor in his concert film, "Raw," and he cast his idol in his sole directorial effort, "Harlem Nights." It seemed only natural when it was announced in February that Murphy would star in a film about Pryor's life.

So it was a big shock when Entertainment Weekly broke the story last week that Murphy was dropping out of the Pryor biopic. The movie, called "Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said," will be written and directed by Bill Condon. Condon was also behind "Dreamgirls," the 2006 musical that earned Murphy his only Oscar nomination. According to the report, Murphy left over conflicts with the project's original studio, Paramount Pictures.

Even more surprising is the identity of the star who is stepping into the role of Pryor: Marlon Wayans. Best known for the comedies he has made with his brothers like "Scary Movie," Wayans had a big action hit this summer with "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." But he has also given a few acclaimed dramatic performances, most notably as a heroin addict in "Requiem for a Dream."

EW.com reports that Wayans filmed a 13-minute screen test where he "transforms into Pryor" that secured the role for him. Condon used a similar approach while making "Dreamgirls" to prove that Beyoncé Knowles was right for the lead in that film.

While the movie will obviously have its share of comedy -- its producers include Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, along with Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor -- it will also tell the dramatic story of the comic's battles with drug addiction. There is no word yet if it goes into Pryor's later years when he was confined to a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. The film is set to begin shooting in the spring.

Angelina Jolie To Replace Charlize Theron As Big Screen 'Tourist'?

Charlize Theron has decided not to go globetrotting as "The Tourist" -- and Angelina Jolie might step in to replace her.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Charlize has backed out of the thriller after being attached to the project for quite some time.

As a result, Angelina is now reportedly in talks with the studio to replace her.

"The Tourist" -- a remake of the 2005 French thriller "Anthony Zimmer" -- follows an American tourist traveling abroad who is seduced by a beautiful woman and becomes caught in an international plot involving Interpol and the Russian mafia who both mistake him for a criminal mastermind.

"Terminator: Salvation" and "Avatar" star Sam Worthington is lined up to play the male lead.

No reason for Charlize's departure from the film was given. Shooting is slated to begin in early 2010.

Singer Says He May Make Another X-Men Movie

Bryan Singer said Sunday he's interested in making another "X-Men" movie and has discussed the possibility with Twentieth Century Fox.

The American director made "X-Men" and "X2: X-Men United," but passed on the third installment so he could make "Superman Returns." "Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner ended up shooting that film, "X-Men: The Last Stand." South African filmmaker Gavin Hood made another spin-off, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which was released earlier this year.

"I'm still looking to possibly returning to the 'X-Men' franchise. I've been talking to Fox about it," Singer said at a talk at South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival.

"I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast," he said, referring to the Australian star who plays Wolverine.

Kristen Bell cast in 'Burlesque'

Kristen Bell will star as Christina Aguilera's rival in "Burlesque," Screen Gems' musical drama being directed by Steve Antin.

"Burlesque" centers on the journey of an ambitious small-town girl (Aguilera) with a big-town voice who finds love and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club, reminiscent of the nightclub in Bob Fosse's "Cabaret."

Bell will play Nikki, the loose-cannon lead dancer and main attraction at the club who spirals out of control when Aguilera's character suddenly gets the spotlight.

Already cast are Cher as the nightclub owner and Stanley Tucci as the man who helps turn Aguilera from bumpkin to bombshell. Shooting begins Nov. 9 with a release aimed for Thanksgiving 2010.

Trailer Premiere: Zac Efron in 'Me and Orson Welles'

"High School Musical" star Zac Efron attempts a more grown-up and dramatic role in "Me and Orson Welles," directed by Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused"). It's based on the novel about a young actor who gets cast in Orson Welles' groundbreaking 1937 stage production of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." Also starring Claire Danes, "Me and Orson Welles" opens November 25th.