Sean Penn, Scarlett Johansson romance makes sense: friends

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

While the public may be surprised by the budding romance between Scarlett Johansson, 26, and Sean Penn, 50, Hollywood folks who know the two stars think it could be a perfect match.

“There may be a generational gulf there, but trust me, Scarlett and Sean are more alike than you’d think,” said a longtime Johansson associate.

“Both are very cerebral and intense, but more important, the two of them are all about the work. They both are tough, totally career-focused, no-nonsense people. … I also think they were attracted to each other by their innate bitchiness,” the source added with a laugh.

“Ryan Reynolds [the husband she’s divorcing] was too nice for her. Plus another thing Scarlett and Sean share: A total, deep-seated hatred for the media!”

† On a more positive note, a close Penn pal said Saturday, “You can tell that Scarlett is in total awe of Sean — and he respects the fact that she is as sharp and funny as she is beautiful and sexy. Not a bad combination.”

MEANWHILE ... Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz is said to be royally riled that his estranged wife Ashlee Simpson already has moved on — to fellow rocker Craig Owens, whose D.R.U.G.S. band’s debut album was released on Wentz’s Decaydance label!

By the way, D.R.U.G.S. stands for Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows.

† Speaking of splits, word has it Justin Timberlake’s yearlong attempt to break up with Jessica Biel (now accomplished) was complicated both by his conflict avoidance issues and Biel’s “stalker-like” obsession to maintain their relationship — well after Timberlake had dropped strong hints he wanted out.

TV TALK: Don’t be surprised to see LeAnn Rimes around town in the near future. Her hubby-to-be — Eddie Cibrian — starts filming NBC’s new “Playboy” show Tuesday. He plays a slick lawyer/playboy who hangs out at Hugh Hefner’s Chicago Playboy Club, circa 1963.

ANOTHER VOICE: A local film in development will make folks think about a sports-themed, American take on the Oscar-winning “The King’s Speech.”

Veteran media pro Ruth Ratny is executive producing “Butterbean,” based on former Bulls star Bob Love and his struggles both with stuttering and a back injury that forced his retirement from the NBA. “Butterbean” (Love’s lifelong nickname, inspired by his love of the veggie) is being written by Jim While, who produced an award-winning documentary about Love. Longtime sports films coordinator Mark Ellis is attached to direct.

THE SHEEN SCENE: Thanks to the quick sellout of the Charlie Sheen live shows at the Chicago Theatre and in Detroit, Live Nation is said to be scrambling to set up more gigs — here and around the nation.

A big chunk of Sheen’s take from those shows will go to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

† John Stamos has joined Rob Lowe in denying rumors he’d replace Sheen on “Two and a Half Men.” Stamos told Ryan Seacrest, “It’s not part of my career plan right now. I’m on a different trajectory.”

TAKE NOTE: It’s interesting Angelina Jolie just hired the big United Talent Agency to represent her — but just as a screenwriter and director, not an actress. Sounds like the Oscar winner, whose still-untitled Bosnia flick is in post-production, is more interested in being behind the camera these days, rather than in front of it.

TUNE TIME: Chicago singer Laury Shelley, who toured for five years as vocal soloist with Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Michel Legrand (“Yentl,” “Brian’s Song,” “Summer of ’42”) has just released a new CD, “Pieces of Dreams,” and will perform at the Jazz Showcase March 21.

FASHION FLASH: None other than style maven Carson Kressley himself will host the big launch of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association’s “Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival” Aug. 26 — a late summer marketing blast for Boul Mich retailers.

SEEN ON THE SCENE: While Dennis Rodman and Joakim Noah were hangin’ out at the Japonais Chicago, the eatery’s owner, Miae Lim, was busy hosting Paris Hilton and beau Cy Waits at the Japonais in Las Vegas — where a special “Keeping Up With the Kardashians’’ episode was just taped. … Atlanta Hawks players Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia were spied at Bistro 110. … After his gig at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire, “American Idol” champ Lee DeWyze happily bowled a few frames in the new venue’s bowling lounge.