NOAH (Cast Speculation)

• BATMAN AINT DOINGNOAH BUT MAGNETO MIGHT

Michael Fassbender for Noah

Variety reports that Oscar winner Christian Bale -- said tobe the first choice of director Darren Aronofsky to play the title role in hisBiblical epic – is no longer attached to the film as he is already committed himselfto two Terrence Malick movies that he's slated to shoot next year, thatschedule seems to conflict with Noah.

The trade claims X-Men: First Class actor Michael Fassbenderis now being eyed for the role of Noah: "While Fassbender has not yetreceived an official offer, sources tell Variety that he has discussed the partwith Aronofsky. Fassbender finds himself available now that WB's Londongrad hasstalled following the departure of helmer Rupert Wyatt, whom Fassbender waskeen to work with."

Paramount and New Regency aim to begin production on Noah inMarch. John Logan penned the most recent draft of an original script byAronofsky and Ari Handel.