EDWARD NORTON SIGNS UP FOR HULK 2

Hollywood star EDWARD NORTON is set to play the lead in the new film version of the INCREDIBLE HULK, reports claim.

Norton, 37, is set to take over from MUNICH star ERIC BANA, who played the role of BRUCE BANNER and the big green superhero in the first movie, HULK.

However, industry insiders have revealed that the two films will be quite different, with the new movie aiming to be closer to the original comics and less serious than the first.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent," said Marvel Studios' production president, according to Empire magazine

"His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk."

The original film was released in 2003, but despite a good start it failed to reach the heights of other Marvel film releases, such as SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN.

But the new film, which will see Banner return as the man trying to cure the condition which turns him into the Hulk, is likely to be more comic-book friendly on its release on June 13th 2008.

TRAVOLTA WON'T SHOW HIS BUTT

Movie star JOHN TRAVOLTA will be shaping up before anyone gets to see his butt in a film. The actor refused to show his behind while filming a nude scene in current film WILD HOGS, because it isn't toned enough. The PULP FICTION star says, "Bill MACy (William H MACey) was the only one who was meant to have a close-up and the rest of us were meant to be in the background. "I don't know if I'm in good enough shape for a nude scene." But he hasn't ruled out the possibility completely. He says, "If I'm ever going to show my booty, I want it to be in good shape and I feel I have more work to do."

JACKSON RECALLS TRIAL OF THE CENTURY WITH 50 CENT

MICHAEL JACKSON and 50 CENT are reportedly working on a new single, called TRIAL OF THE CENTURY. The track covers Jackson's legal and personal woes from the last few years, including his child molestation trial. Meanwhile, AllHipHop.com reports the pop superstar is getting into the street mixtape market under the name THE MJ UNIT. 50 Cent is the latest big name to be connected to Jackson's comeback album. The THRILLER star has also been working with AKON, will.i.am and CHRIS BROWN, among others.

EMI and Beatles settle royalty dispute

By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - The company representing The Beatles has settled a 30 million-pound royalty dispute with EMI Group, in a deal that could finally pave the way for the Liverpool band's music to go online.

Apple Corps, the company owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, said in December 2005 it would sue the record company after negotiations broke down.

Apple Corps said an audit had determined EMI had not been fulfilling the terms of its contract.

"We have settled on mutually acceptable terms and there will be no further comment," a spokeswoman for EMI said. A spokeswoman for Apple Corps said the deal had been agreed last month but would not give any further details.

Apple and EMI previously fought a separate, decade-long courtroom battle over royalties and other issues which was resolved out of court in 1989.

The announcement follows the settlement in February of another legal dispute -- a trademark disagreement between Apple Corps and computer and iPod company Apple Inc. which was also seen as key to putting the group's music online.

The Beatles have been one of the last big acts to hold out from putting their music on the Internet. Elton John said last month he would make more than 30 of his albums available for digital download

By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - The company representing The Beatles has settled a 30 million-pound royalty dispute with EMI Group, in a deal that could finally pave the way for the Liverpool band's music to go online.

Apple Corps, the company owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, said in December 2005 it would sue the record company after negotiations broke down.

Apple Corps said an audit had determined EMI had not been fulfilling the terms of its contract.

"We have settled on mutually acceptable terms and there will be no further comment," a spokeswoman for EMI said. A spokeswoman for Apple Corps said the deal had been agreed last month but would not give any further details.

Apple and EMI previously fought a separate, decade-long courtroom battle over royalties and other issues which was resolved out of court in 1989.

The announcement follows the settlement in February of another legal dispute -- a trademark disagreement between Apple Corps and computer and iPod company Apple Inc. which was also seen as key to putting the group's music online.

The Beatles have been one of the last big acts to hold out from putting their music on the Internet. Elton John said last month he would make more than 30 of his albums available for digital download