Posted: Tue., Mar. 30, 2004, 9:24pm PT

Sarandon to be queen of 'Elizabeth'

Greer, Biel in talks for roles

By Dave McNary

Sarandon

A correction was were made to this article on Mar. 31, 2004.

Paramount has tapped Susan Sarandon for Cameron Crowe's romantic comedy "Elizabethtown," starring along with Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom.

Sarandon is in talks to portray the role of the mother of Bloom's character for the project, produced by Crowe and Paramount-based Cruise/Wagner with lensing expected to start this summer.

Described as a love letter to the resilience of the life force, "Elizabethtown" centers on an unexpected romance that develops against the backdrop of the elaborate memorial for a Kentucky patriarch.

Also in talks are Judy Greer for the role of Heather, Jessica Biel for Ellen and Loudon Wainwright III for Uncle Dale. Paula Deen is also in negotiations for a role.

Crowe, who's directing and scripting, decided last fall after second-unit shooting to push the start of production back from first quarter 2004. That led to Ashton Kutcher being replaced by Bloom.

"Elizabethtown" was originally developed with Par and DreamWorks co-financing, but DreamWorks dropped out recently (Daily Variety, March 12).