• Jake Gyllenhaal has signed on to play Joe Namath in a biopic of the star quarterback, Zap2it reports.
• John Cusack and Gong Li will topline the historical drama Shanghai, teaming up with 1408 director Mikael Hafstrom, writes ComingSoon.
• Josh Groban's holiday album topped the charts this week, Billboard reports, while Jordin Sparks' debut had the lowest sales numbers for any American Idol winner's album.
• The Writers Guild of America has slammed Carson Daly over his decision to return to work, writes Broadcasting & Cable.
• Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports that even if the strike ended today, shows would need up to five weeks to get back into production.
• The Hollywood Reporter has news that Matthew Perry will play the adult version of Zac Efron's character in the movie 17.
• Billboard reports that Aimee Mann's next album, Smilers, will feature a lot of synthesizer and zero electric guitar.
• According to ComingSoon, the Weinstein Company has acquired the screen rights to Bridie Clark's novel I Think She's Got It — before it's even been published.
• Variety reports that Walter Cronkite will receive the History Makers' first lifetime achievement award at the organization's fancy event in January.
• Wondering why House fired the candidate he did last night? TV Guide has some answers.

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