King James' new realm

"Trainwreck" outperformed box-office expectations just about everywhere, but nowhere like Cleveland. Two words: LeBron James. The film's take in the Cavalier's hometown was 66 percent over projections. Non-Ohio critics loved him, too, calling him "The movie's biggest star" (New York Times); "a slam dunk" (USA Today), and "a hilariously cuddly version of himself" (New Orleans Times-Picayune). James apparently has taken the love to heart, signing with Warner Bros.

Out on a wire

Rosamund Pike and Jon Hamm will embark on a "High Wire Act." … Chris Evans' directorial debut, "Before We Go," is a kind of "Before Sunrise," New York-style. … Sam Mendes says "Spectre" will be his last James Bond movie. … Benicio Del Toro is being eyed for a villain role in "Star Wars: Episode VIII." … Henry Cavill hints he is joining the cast of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel. … Amy Schumer's next project will be a mother-daughter kidnapping comedy. … Disney will produce a live-action version of "The Sword in the Stone," to be written by Bryan Cogman ("Game of Thrones"). … Sony has acquired the rights to a possible movie about emoji. Yes, you read that right.

When cliffhangers attack

"Sharknado 4" has been given the go-ahead, resolving the cliffhanger that ended "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!" … A reboot of "Xena: Warrior Princess" is in the works at NBC. … The talk show "Kocktails with Khloe" Kardashian will premiere on FYI later this year. … Lily Rabe will return to the "American Horror Story" franchise, playing a serial killer in "AHS: Hotel." … CBS has ordered the political thriller "BrainDead," from the creators of "The Good Wife." … HBO has renewed "The Brink."

Taken aback, we are

Most true "Star Wars" fans know Yoda's full name (Minch Yoda). But we're guessing that darn few know that George Lucas' original name for the Jedi Master was … Buffy? According to starwars.com, Lucas' first outline for "The Empire Strikes Back" refers to the little guy as "Buffy," but was wisely changed by screenwriter Leigh Brackett.

CYNTHIA DICKISON