Entertainment Today: Showbiz News

YOKO RE-MIXES LENNON'S LAST SONG

Yoko Ono's record label says she and the Pet Shop Boys have recorded a dance version of John Lennon's last song, "Walking on Thin Ice."

A Parlophone spokesperson has described the track as "very good," but did not offer a date when the re-mix will be available in record stores.

The former Beatle was married to Ono when he was gunned down by a deranged fan outside his New York apartment building more than 22 years ago. The couple reportedly had been working on the song at the time of Lennon's death. The original version was released two months after he died.

JOEY PANTS MEMOIR COMING TO BIG-SCREEN

Actor Joseph Pantoliano is set to direct and star in a film based on his memoir, "Who's Sorry Now: The True Story of a Stand-up Guy."

The "Sopranos" and "Daredevil" star told United Press International he has sold his book to Holedigger Pictures, the company that produced last year's art-house favorite, "Roger Dodger."

"We're actually in pre-pre-production," said Pantoliano, better known as Joey Pants. "We're going to start doing a re-write of the script. We're in casting. We have offers out and we're going to start shooting May 12."

The actor-author, who recently opened a restaurant in Connecticut where he lives with his family, also is launching his own line of eye-wear later this month. He currently can be seen on Broadway in the two-person play, "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune."

Pantoliano said he chose to play nice-guy characters in the play and his two new films to balance out Ralphy Cifaretto, the creepy thug that recently got whacked on the hit HBO drama, "The Sopranos."

Asked if he got a lot of offers to play villains after playing Ralphy for two years, Pantoliano insisted: " No. The proof is in the pudding."

"I'm doing 'Daredevil' now. I'm doing 'Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune' now. I've just finished doing 'Bad Boys II' where I play a detective, reprising my role. I did a movie this summer where I play a book publisher, that I produced and starred in, called 'Second Best' and now I'm doing my book. So, no. The thing is that, 'The Sopranos...' I was fortunate that my career was moving right along when I decided to do this two-year job and even though I played a very flashy character in 'The Sopranos,' I was only on that show for 17 hours. I was a small part of that huge franchise. I wasn't there long enough, intentionally. I thought it was a good career move that I went in knowing that it was only a two-year job and what harm could it do me to be identified with that character for such a short span?"

That said, Pantoliano noted working on "The Sopranos" was "an enormously great experience." Pantoliano's run in "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" ends next month. "Daredevil" is in theaters now.

BABY FOR CARTER AND BURTON

Filmmaker Tim Burton and his "Planet of the Apes" leading lady, Helena Bonham Carter, reportedly are expecting their first child.

The World Entertainment News Network quotes a friend of the couple as saying: "It came as something of a surprise, but a very welcome one. Helena and Tim are both rather eccentric, but they make a great couple and could not be happier about the pregnancy."

The pair met two years ago on the set of "Apes," while the "Sleepy Hollow" and "Edward Scissorhands" director was still with his long-time girlfriend, Lisa Marie.

Carter, the stunning British actress who starred in the period dramas "Howard's End" and "Lady Jane," has said of Burton in the past: "I found him instantly intriguing. We are a perfect match. Tim and I are very serious. I would not rule out the possibility of us getting married."