Amanda Knox lands book deal with reported seven-figure advance

Amanda Knox has landed herself a book deal, after numerous publishing houses battled for the rights to the American student's memoir.

Knox was cleared of murder in October in an Italian appellate court, after years of turmoil surrounding the death of Meredith Kurcher, Knox's roommate at a study-abroad program in Perugia, Italy. 

A tabloid sensation (and inevitable Lifetime movie), Knox and then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were both convicted of the crime. The conviction was later overturned and both were released. 

Knox was shipped back to her sleepy hometown outside Seattle, where requests for explosive first interviews and this very book deal have been pouring in. No word from publisher HarperCollins on when the book will hit shelves, but the advance is reported to be in the seven-figure range. 

In terms of content, expect musings on her life before Kurcher's tragedy, her police questioning and life in the clink. Would you read Knox's book? Tell us in comments.

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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Amanda Knox speks at a news conference shortly after her arrival home at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle in October. Credit: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

Harry Potter fans take over Trafalgar Square for 'Deathly Hallows -- Part 2' premiere [Pictures]

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson traipsed the red carpet Thursday in London as the world premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" apparated in Trafalgar Square. Surrounded by droves of fans crowding into the British landmark, they headed for a screening of the eighth and final film in the franchise.

"It's a moment that you have to let yourself sit back and say 'this is really cool,' " said Radcliffe, who went through 160 pairs of glasses and wore out 60 to 70 wands playing the boy wizard. "The atmosphere is unrepeatable, so this is fitting."

Photos: 'Deathly Hallows -- Part 2' London premiere

Radcliffe, who took a break from his Broadway show to make the premiere, said he kept two pairs of glasses, one from the first film and one from the final film, that he would pull out if he ever felt "nostalgic."

"It's my whole childhood," said one fan, who was among an estimated 18,000 expected at the event.

Warner Bros. set up the massive premiere in front of the National Gallery and crews created a makeshift Diagon Alley to neighboring Leicester Square, where the cast would be viewing the film.

The day got off to a wet start as rain poured down on fans in a very British fashion, but the weather dried as the stars came out and fans waited eagerly to catch a glimpse of Radcliffe, Grint, Watson and the woman who imagined it all: J.K. Rowling, whose books have sold more than 450 million copies.  

"I knew I would one day I'd be standing in Trafalgar Square with people chanting my name, and I wasn’t even called J.K. then!" Rowling joked about the ultimate premiere.

"They're such British books. We just needed to stay true to the essence of the books and the Britishness because Hogwarts is in Scotland," added the author, who also served as a producer on the David Yates-directed film.

"Thank you for making glasses, spectacles and red hair very cool," producer David Heyman said to Rowling. "Thank you for encouraging a generation of young people to read. Thank you for allowing us to make films of your books."

"You just have to let yourself kind of revel in it because it won't happen again," Radcliffe said. "It's a day to be elated."

Over 10 years, Radcliffe's boy wizard faced dementors, Death Eaters, boggarts, backfiring spells, love and He Who Must Not Be Named, played by a serpentine and noseless Ralph Fiennes, with whom he'll have a final showdown in "Deathly Hallows -- Part 2."

"I got used to [not having a nose] now," Fiennes said. "Now it's strange to see myself with a nose!"

Bristol Palin memoir: She lost her virginity after too many wine coolers; Levi Johnston is a lying, cheating gnat

Bristol Palin is opening up about her ex-fiance Levi Johnston, losing her virginity and her mother Sarah Palin’s vice presidential run in her new memoir "Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far."

Among the most personal details Palin reveals is the story of losing her virginity: The 20-year-old writes that she was on a camping trip with Johnston and drank too many wine coolers. She later woke up in the tent alone and could hear Johnston talking with friends outside. She had no memory of what happened.

They both vowed to wait until marriage to have sex again, but that didn't hold. When she got pregnant with their son Tripp, it took eight at-home pregnancy tests to convince her it was really happening, she said. She had been on birth control for cramps and never expected to conceive.

According to Palin, Johnston was less than supportive, saying, "Better be a (bleeping) boy."

Much of her history with her ex-boyfriend, who posed for Playgirl after their split, overlaps with her mother's run for vice president in 2008. In the book, she relives the family’s trip to Dayton, Ohio, where then-Gov. Sarah Palin announced she would be running alongside Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and to the GOP convention, where the media found out Bristol was expecting.

Johnston was along for the ride, and Bristol explains that in her mind, having him there "somehow legitimized us as a couple.”

However, soon after Tripp was born things fell apart. Not only was Johnston cheating, but she and her family found out he was blabbermouth too.

The way she sees it, he is "the gnat named Levi Johnston constantly spreading false accusations against our family” and the guy "who cheated on me about as frequently as he sharpened his hockey skates."

Despite their ups and downs, the two did try to reconcile briefly. He proposed and the couple sold their engagement story to Us Weekly, but they quickly split. It turned out, she writes, that Johnston told her he was having another baby with someone else.

This time they stayed apart. "I'd just made a complete fool of myself and given my family the middle finger," she says.

Since the break-up, Palin has competed on "Dancing With the Stars," worked as a spokeswoman to help prevent teen pregnancy (and made some serious dough doing it) and even has her own reality show coming up on the Bio channel. In her eyes, she's "just a normal girl who couldn't hide her problems and learned a few lessons along the way."

However, more problems with Johnston loom: His book, "Deer in the Headlights: My Life in Sarah Palin's Crosshairs," is due out in the fall.

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-- Emily Christianson

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Bristol Palin at the White House Correspondents dinner on April 30, 2011. Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Orlando Bloom to return as Legolas in 'The Hobbit' films

Orlando Bloom is officially heading back to Middle-earth to reprise his role as hot elf Legolas in the "Hobbit" films -- the prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

The film's producer and director Peter Jackson wrote on his Facebook page Friday: "I'm thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older -- and he doesn't! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf."

Recently, Bloom has been playing the role of new dad with wife and Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr.

The British actor will join Elijah Wood, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen in the much-anticipated prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" story that  takes place 60 years before J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy. British thespian Stephen Fry was added to the cast last week as Master of Laketown.

Shooting for the two 3-D films began in mid-March in New Zealand and will hit theaters in late 2012 and 2013, according to Variety.

Bloom recently read Shakespearean passages at a Los Angeles Philharmonic performance and was noticeably absent from the most recent installment of "The Pirates of the Caribbean."

But expect to see quite a bit more of him in the coming year. Bloom will star as the Duke of Buckingham in October in Paul W.S. Anderson's "The Three Musketeers," which also stars Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Milla Jovovich, Christoph Waltz and Juno Temple.

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-- Nardine Saad
twitter.com/NardineSaad

Photos: Top, Orland Bloom. Credit: D Dipasupil / Getty Images. Bottom: Orlando Bloom as Legolas in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Credit: Pierre Vinet / New Line Home Entertainment

Lenny Kravitz to play Cinna in 'The Hunger Games' film

Lenny Kravitz will join the cast of "The Hunger Games" as Cinna, the stylist and friend to heroine Katniss Everdeen in the big-screen adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novel.

Kravitz, who played an orderly in the Oscar-nominated film "Precious," has been cast as the designer from Panem's Capitol who is assigned to give Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) a makeover before partaking in the nationally televised ceremonies that precede the 74th annual Hunger Games -- a battle to the death between 24 boys and girls from the various North American districts.

"When I saw Lenny's work in 'Precious,' I was just knocked out," director Gary Ross said in a statement. "It was quiet and strong and understated and open-hearted; all qualities which define this character. I'm really looking forward to this ride."

Kravitz joins Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Wes Bentley in the film about a deadly game that fatally pits Katniss against her peers and love interest for the entertainment of the Panem -- a dystopian country that remains in the ruins of North America.

Photos: Meet the cast of 'Hunger Games'

The "Fly Away" singer made a name for himself as a rock musician over two decades, has won four consecutive Grammys and has set the record for most wins in the male rock performance category. He has also appeared in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Zoolander." Kravitz is set to release his ninth studio album, "Black and White America" on Aug. 30.

His character, Cinna, is a mild-mannered first-time stylist whose own wardrobe is much less flamboyant than that of his fellow Capitol citizens. He usually wears all black with just a touch of gold eyeliner. He creates designs such as the "Girl on Fire" costume for Katniss and her fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), which gives them a highly public profile that prompts wealthy benefactors to occasionally intervene in the games, giving them gifts to ensure their safety in the arena. 

"The stunning and unique designs Cinna creates for Katniss define her public identity, and in an all too real way, could also contribute to her very survival," according to a statement from Lionsgate.

Don Lemon comes out in book 'Transparent'

CNN weekend anchor Don Lemon is gay, the journalist announced in his memoir "Transparent."

"I abhor hypocrisy," Lemon told the New York Times. "I think if you're going to be in the business of news, and telling people the truth, of trying to shed light in dark places, then you've got to be honest. You've got to have the same rules for yourself as you do for everyone else."

The 45-year-old anchor's book chronicles his personal life -- growing up without a father and being molested as a child -- and his career as he worked at local stations in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York before starting at CNN. He was cautious about detailing his personal life in the book, a project that was just supposed to be an inspirational pamphlet.

"I'm talking about something that people might shun me for, ostracize me for," Lemon said about being scared to come out.

Lemon made no secret of his sexual orientation: co-workers and managers knew he was gay and the network had assured him of support, he said. But the book was his first public announcement.

"It's quite different for an African American male. It's about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You're taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine," he said. "In the black community they think you can pray the gay away. ... You're afraid that black women will say the same things they do about how black men should be dating black women..."

"I guess this makes me a double minority now."

Lemon appeared as a guest Monday on "CNN Newsroom" and will appear on "The Joy Behar Show" on CNN's sister channel HLN.

"Transparent" lands in stores June 16.

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Photo: Don Lemon on the cover of his memoir, "Transparent." Credit: Farrah Gray Foundation

'The Hunger Games': Woody Harrelson cast as Haymitch Abernathy; District 10 tributes named

Woody Harrelson will be joining Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci and Liam Hemsworth in "The Hunger Games," the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel about a deadly match that pits teens against one another.

Harrelson will play Haymitch Abernathy, a former Hunger Games champion who becomes a mentor to Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen and the other "tributes" from his district competing in the nationally televised event. Tributes are boys and girls ages 12 to 18, two from each of 12 districts in the country of Panem, who are offered up to participate in the annual fight to the death.

"Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind," director Gary Ross said in a statement. "I'm so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I can't wait for us to get to work."

Photos: Meet the cast of 'Hunger Games'

Lionsgate described Harrelson's character as strong and attractive in his youth, transformed to jaded and unfocused after competing in the deadly arena. He's also drunk most of the time; however, mentoring Everdeen and Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson) sobers him up.

Harrelson previously starred in "Zombieland" and "No Country for Old Men." But you may recognize him from a little show called "Cheers."

District 10 tributes have also been cast: newcomer Dakota Hood and stuntman Jeremy Marinas, who has appeared as a dancer in Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never," "The Green Hornet" and "The Expendables." 

Stanley Tucci was added to the cast Monday; he'll be playing flamboyant Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman.

Actors playing Katniss' designer Cinna, President Snow and the tributes Cato and Clove have yet to be announced, but shooting is set to begin this month with a theatrical release set for March 23, 2012.

Do you think Harrelson will make a good Haymitch? Tell us in comments.

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Photo: Woody Harrelson. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

Stanley Tucci cast in 'The Hunger Games'

This post has been corrected. See the note below for details.

Stanley Tucci will be joining Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games."

Tucci will play Caesar Flickerman, the upbeat host of the Hunger Games, a twisted entertainment spectacle that pits teenage boys and girls against one another and is televised for all of North America to see.

Tucci appeared in "The Devil Wears Prada," "Julie & Julia" and recently in "Burlesque."  He is generally a character actor long known for his good-guy roles, but his startling performance as a pedophile/killer in  "The Lovely Bones" earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nomination last year.

He'll be playing Abraham Erskine in this summer's superhero flick "Captain America: The First Avenger" starring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Dominic Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones.

Flickerman, Tucci's "Hunger Games" persona, is a smooth-talking character known for his "outrageous appearance and buoyant personality." The host conducts interviews with the 24 tributes -- boys and girls from each of the country's 12 districts -- that are presented on every television in the nation. 

"He is famous for turning any conversation around to the positive and finding humor in even the most dire circumstances," according to a statement from Lionsgate. 

We love Tucci in over-the-top roles, so we're excited to see how he fares in powder blue eyeshadow.

Last week, "American Beauty's" Wes Bentley was added to the cast as Seneca Crane, the head game-maker of the 74th annual Hunger Games.

The film, which goes into production this month, is due out March 23, 2012.

For the record, 3 p.m. May 8: This post originally said Tucci was nominated for an Oscar this year. In fact, Tucci was up for the Oscar at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010.

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Photo: Stanley Tucci. Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Saoirse Ronan cast in movie version of Stephenie Meyer book 'The Host'

"Hanna" star Saoirse Ronan has been cast in the big-screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's adult sci-fi love story "The Host."

Ronan will play Melanie Stryder, a 20-year-old human girl whose mind is invaded by a parasitic alien, MTV reported. Ronan, 17, may have to be aged a bit for the Inferno Entertainment production, which is currently without a director. Former director Susanna White recently pulled out of the project, written by Andrew Niccol of "The Truman Show."

Ronan, who starred in "The Lovely Bones" and was nominated for an Oscar for "Atonement," will have to play a role within a role as her character's body hosts the invading "soul" named Wanderer.

Sorry "Twi-hards" -- no vampires, werewolves or Edward Cullen in this Meyer series, but bookworms say it packs the same heart-melting punch.

The "Twilight" author's "The Host," on bookshelves since 2008, follows Bella-like lead Melanie as the soul probes her thoughts and she fights against it with visions of Jared, the love of her life, one of the few humans in hiding who have not yet been invaded by the parasite. Eventually, Wanderer begins to yearn for Jared, whom she was sent to seek out. A love triangle ensues -- involving only two bodies instead of three -- then host and Wanderer set out to find Jared and ultimately deal with the love they simultaneously feel.

Um, where's Katy Perry's "E.T." when you need it?

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— Nardine Saad
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Photo: Saoirse Ronan. Credit: Peter Kramer / Associated Press

Jennifer Love Hewitt and boyfriend Alex Beh have split

Jennifer Love Hewitt and her director-boyfriend Alex Beh have split after dating for less than a year.

The couple called it quits about a month ago, a source told E! News. Though the reason for the split is unclear, the 32-year-old "Ghost Whisperer" star told Ellen DeGeneres earlier this year that she had already picked out three wedding rings for her future husband to choose from, whoever he may be. Um, could that have been it?

"She's doing fine," Hewitt's rep told People.

With Jamie Kennedy, Carson Daly, John Mayer and former fiancé Ross McCall on her list of exes, the author of "The Day I Shot Cupid" is living up to her book's title -- but not quite living up to her middle name.

She and Beh were set to costar in "Warren," a film he is also directing and producing that was supposed to start shooting in Chicago this spring. She was supposed to play his ex-girlfriend in the film, E! reported. Fitting, no? Whether the film's fate will mirror the couple's was unclear.

Hewitt, however, is set to appear in an upcoming episode of FX's Betty White sitcom, "Hot in Cleveland."

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Photo: Jennifer Love Hewitt and Alex Beh attend a MOCA event last November. Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images.