milk

In 1977, as now, gay rights initiatives were a contentious issue on many state ballots, and entertainers often drew harsh criticism for taking political stances. So it's no wonder HBO thinks the time is right for a biopic about Anita Bryant.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the cable channel is developing a movie about the singer-turned-activist. 'Sex and the City' creator Darren Star is directing and co-producing the film, whose writer is Chad Hodge (best known for the CW's fugitive-family drama series 'Runaway,' whose pilot Star produced).

In the biggest casting shocker since Elizabeth Taylor appeared on General Hospital as Helena Cassadine, movie star James Franco is joining General Hospital for a couple of months as a mystery man who comes to Port Charles. Although not confirmed by the show, it's likely that Franco will be playing Vlad Cassadine, another member of that evil family that vexes the citizens of Port Chuck. His first airdate is November 20.

Why would Franco, who's busy with movies and has appeared in Spider-Man, The Pineapple Express, Milk and other hits, take a role on a daytime soap? There's no word from the actor yet, but it could be that they threw a lot of money at him. There's also the possibility that he's a soap opera fan and thought it would be a lark. Ummm, I'm thinking it's more likely the former.

If you are a big fan of America's Favorite Survivor, otherwise known as Rupert Boneham, you'll be happy to know that he is doing really, really well. When Rupert didn't Outwit, Outplay or Outlast the Survivor: All Stars, his fans voted him their all-time favorite Survivor, and he won $1 million anyway. What's he doing with that money? A lot. First, he launched RFB (Rupert Frederick Boneham) Enterprises to handle his personal appearances and speeches. He gave 200 speeches last year at $10,000 a pop. He created Tournament Towers, a production company contracted out for camera work for live sports events. His crew is currently building walkways and floors for vendors at the Super Bowl in Detroit. He also is dabbling in real estate, buying office spaces in his homestate of Indiana and renting them to businesses. His latest project is to create tie-dye milk cartons with his photo on it because, he says, he wants to "make milk cool."

And yes. He still wears the tie-dye.

[Via Pop Candy]