Thursday February 4, 05:54 PM

Showbiz people briefs

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Terrence Malick has lined up Christian Bale, Javier Bardem, Rachel McAdams and Olga Kurylenko for his next film, an untitled romantic drama. The production is scheduled to go before cameras in the fall. Malick's "The Tree of Life," the follow-up to 2005's "The New World," is due for release later this year.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Gary Cole has been hired as the lead in "Uncle Nigel," TBS' first hourlong comedy pilot.

He plays Nigel Wells, a veteran Philadelphia homicide detective who partners with his inexperienced, incompetent nephew. The project comes from "Monk" creator Andy Breckman.

Cole most recently had a recurring role as a hapless talent agent on HBO's "Entourage." He also voices a recurring character on Fox's "Family Guy."

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Newly minted Oscar nominee Mo'Nique will emcee a celebrity-filled comedy special set to air on Showtime.

The "Precious" star will host "Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All-Star Comedy Jam," which will be taped in Dallas on the eve of the Feb. 14 NBA All-Star Game. Performers include comedians George Willborn, Mike Epps, Paul Mooney, Michael Blackson and Corey Holcomb.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Oscar winners Kathy Bates and Whoopi Goldberg have joined the cast of Nicole Kassell's love story "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal, which is currently filming in New Orleans. Bates most recently starred in "The Blind Side." Goldberg will next be heard as one of the voices in "Toy Story 3."

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