Depp admits deep desire for 'Wonderland'
LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Johnny Depp said he had such a desire to take part in the film version of "Alice in Wonderland," he was prepared to play the film's female lead.
Depp, 46, said it was a "great challenge" to play the role of the Mad Hatter in the newest film from director Tim Burton, known for films such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Parade Magazine reported online Friday.
"To be honest, he could have asked me to play Alice and I would have said yes. I would have done whatever character he wanted. The fact that it was the Mad Hatter was a bonus because it was a great challenge," Depp said.
Depp also spoke with Parade about his connection with Burton, whom he has worked with on seven films ranging from "Scissorhands" to "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."
"There is some kind of connection, some sort of understanding that Tim and I have that is at most times unspoken," Depp said.
Precious' named Spirit Awards' top film
LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- Judges at the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles said "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" won the event's best feature prize.
The Hollywood Reporter said in addition to earning top film honors at Friday's event at the LA Live complex, "Precious" helped Lee Daniels earn a best director award and allowed Geoffrey Fletcher to take home a best first screenplay award.
"Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe was also honored with a best actress award while Mo'Nique earned a best supporting actress award for her role in the drama.
Other big winners on the night were Jeff Bridges, who earned a best actor award for his role in "Crazy Heart."
"It makes me weak in the knees," Bridges said while accepting his award.
The event also saw actor Woody Harrelson earn a best supporting actor award for his performance in "The Messenger," the Reporter said.
"Crazy Heart" also won a best first feature award at Friday's awards ceremony, while Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber were honored for best screenplay for "(500) Days of Summer."
Complaint against model Campbell withdrawn
NEW YORK, March 6 (UPI) -- A chauffer said he has withdrawn his complaint against Naomi Campbell, saying he "overreacted" to a New York incident involving the British model.
Limousine driver Miodrag Mejdina said in a statement he withdrew his police complaint against Campbell, who he accused of hitting him as he drove the supermodel through New York this week, The Times of London reported Friday.
"On March 2nd, I had an argument with Naomi Campbell, I got angry and overreacted. It was a misunderstanding and I regret involving the police," said Mejdina, who claimed the incident happened after Campbell had an argument with her boyfriend.
"This whole thing has been blown out of proportion and I apologize to Ms. Campbell for causing that to happen."
Campbell, 39, appeared to accept Mejdina's apology, saying she is simply attempting to put the incident behind her.
"I try to treat everyone with respect and I am pleased the driver has apologized. I would like to put the last few days behind me and move on," Campbell offered in a statement.
Actress Ryan joins cast of new ABC drama
LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Jeri Ryan has joined the cast of the forthcoming ABC drama "Body of Evidence" in which she will play a medical examiner, ABC says.
The Hollywood Reporter said Thursday that Ryan, 42, may be joined on the new series by actress Dana Delaney, who is in talks to play the series' lead of a medical examiner who helps solve crimes.
Ryan previously appeared in films such as "The Last Man" and "Down With Love," along with series such as "Boston Public," "Shark" and "Leverage."
Also joining the cast of a new series is actor Robert Patrick, who has signed onto the ABC drama "Edgar Floats." Patrick will play the boss of a police psychologist who now works as a bounty hunter.
The Reporter said "Our Show" from NBC has added Nate Corddry and Jonathan Sadowski to its ranks, while Matt Lauria and Devin Kelley of "Friday Night Lights" have joined the Fox drama pilot "Ridealong."
