Damon in talks for 'True Grit' remake

Matt Damon is in discussions to star in writer-director Ethan and Joel Coen's remake of "True Grit." He would take on the role Glen Campbell played in the 1969 original, a Texas Ranger tracking an outlaw along with a gruff U.S. marshal. John Wayne won an Oscar as the marshal. The Coens ("A Serious Man") are moving fast on their adaptation of the Charles Portis novel, and production is likely to start in the spring. Their "No Country for Old Men" star, Josh Brolin, also is in talks for a "True Grit" role.

Chicago's Cultural Affairs Department and the Grant Park Orchestral Association have named Elizabeth Hurley the new executive director of the Grant Park Music Festival. Hurley, 47, has served since 2006 as development director for the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she was responsible for managing fund-raising activities. She spent 1990-2005 at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, culminating in a five-year stint as vice president of development. Hurley starts Dec. 7, replacing longtime artistic director James W. Palermo, who left to become president and CEO of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The festival presents free summer performances by the Grant Park Orchestra and Grant Park Chorus.

Now that she's used to being surrounded by cranky young people a long way from maturity, Kate Gosselin figures she's ready for Hollywood. "I'd love to be in a movie at some point," she said during a special Q&A edition of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" on Monday. "I'd love to be the voice of a cartoon character in a movie for my kids. I think that would be fun." With estranged husband Jon refusing to allow shooting of the couple's children, TLC announced future episodes that will be built around existing footage, including "Top Moments" on Nov. 9 and "Never Before Seen" on Nov. 16.

Tonight's House of Blues headliner, Taking Back Sunday, will schmooze with fans before the show in a promotion by the venue's owner. The rockers will be at the club, 329 N. Dearborn, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. to take pictures and answer questions. Today only, promoter Live Nation is selling tickets to upcoming club shows with no service fees.