Entertainment Today: Showbiz News

GOOD NEWS FOR CHRISTOPHER REEVE

"Superman" star Christopher Reeve reportedly may be on the road to walking again.

A 1995 equine accident left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down, unable to breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. But according to People magazine, the 49-year-old actor and director has regained some movement and sensation in his hands and feet and can even breathe on his own for 90 minutes at a time.

Reeve -- who now can tell the difference between hot and cold and feel a pin prick just about anywhere on his body -- is quoted by the magazine as saying, "To be able to feel the just lightest touch is really a gift."

Doctors credit the positive change in Reeve's condition to years of rigorous therapy, consisting of electrical muscle stimulation and repetitive motion exercises. His doctor says it's possible the actor, who will be 50 on Sept. 25, may walk again.

'SWIMFAN' STAR REPLACES RENFRO IN FREDDY FLICK

With his teen stalker film, "Swimfan," No. 1 at the box office this week, actor Jason Ritter just received more good news -- he has been tapped to replace Brad Renfro ("Apt Pupil") in New Line Cinema's eagerly awaited blood-fest, "Freddy vs. Jason."

The Hollywood Reporter blames "creative differences" for Renfro's rapid exit but says Ritter has been hired to take over the role opposite Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland in the horror flick.

The latest installment of the popular "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th" franchises follows a group of friends as they pit against each other legendary evildoers Freddy Krueger and Jason Vorhees.

Robert Englund will once again play Freddy, but the role of Jason has yet to be cast. The film is scheduled for release some time next year.

HARRISON ALBUM SET FOR NOVEMBER RELEASE

Former Beatle George Harrison may have passed away last November, but that doesn't mean his fans have heard the last of him. In fact, a brand new Harrison album is being released on Nov. 19, just 10 days before the first anniversary of his death.

Called "Brainwashed," the album was produced by the 58-year-old Harrison, his son, Dhani, and Harrison's fellow "Traveling Wilbury" band member, Jeff Lynne. Boasting 11 new compositions and one cover track, the album is the first compilation of Harrison's solo work to be released since his 1987 effort, "Cloud Nine."

WHITNEY SLAPPED WITH WATER TICKET

She may be one of pop music's most talented divas, but New Jersey's Mendham Township police say she still is not entitled to waste water during a drought.

Police say they issued Whitney Houston a summons for violating the Garden State's water-use restrictions after sprinklers were found running at the estate she shares with hubby Bobby Brown.

The Star-Ledger of Newark quotes police Lt. Jim Hughes as standing firm when asked about the incident. "Nobody gets special treatment here," he declared.

So far, about 15 township residents have been issued a summons for violating the water restrictions, which ban citizens from watering their lawns and washing their cars. Violators face fines of up to $1,000.

Houston spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer is defending the singer, pointing out Houston wasn't even in the state when the sprinklers were discovered running.

"A judge will understand that someone taking care of the property obviously made a mistake," Seltzer said. "Whitney is very conscious about the environment and she will care if in fact this law was breached."