The Beat

Adam Duerson

July 30, 2007

HOLLYWOOD IS looking for two actors who can handle roles requiring drama chops as well as athleticism. Unfortunately for Leo and Brad, they also require four legs. Earlier this month Universal Pictures bought the rights to Buzz Bissinger's recent Vanity Fair article about 2006 Kentucky Derby champ Barbaro, with Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) set to direct.... Berg and the rest of his Lights crew have another casting decision to make—the show needs a female soccer coach. First on their wish list: Rosie O'Donnell. It's not so far-fetched. On her blog Rosie wrote, "I love the show. I hope it comes true." ... Dale Earnhardt Jr. digs Ludacris and rockers the Matthew Good Band, but he also has a soft spot for the classic stuff. On Aug. 13 Junior (above), who was turned on to Elvis Presley by his grandmother, will emcee a screening of Viva Las Vegas on the Graceland lawn as part of festivities to mark the 30th anniversary of Presley's death. "There's a powerful connection people have with the music they grow up with, and Elvis fits into that category with me," Earnhardt said.