Not Rapp-ed up
CBS Films is moving ahead with plans to make a movie out of "American Assassin" by Vince Flynn, the St. Paulite who wrote a string of bestselling political thrillers before dying of prostate cancer in 2013. Director Michael Cuesta ("Homeland," "Dexter") and writer Stephen Schiff ("The Americans," "True Crime") both have serious cred, but which Hollywood hunk will play counterterrorism CIA operative Mitch Rapp? Chris Hemsworth's name has been bandied about, but I.W. votes for Jason Statham or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, both of whom have previously starred in CBS Films ("The Mechanic" and "Faster," respectively).
KRISTIN TILLOTSON
Ozzy bites into Crow
Just in the nick of time — since Monday's Target Center show is billed as their final Twin Cities gig — members of Black Sabbath finally explained a footnote in the band's history that's related to Minnesota music: how their first single way back in 1970 wound up being a cover of "Evil Woman (Don't You Play Your Games With Me)," originally recorded a year earlier by Twin Cities rockers Crow. "As I remember, we were kind of semi-forced into doing it," frontman Ozzy Osbourne recalled in interview last week (see Monday's Variety or at startribune.com/music). Bassist Geezer Butler added, "People from the record companies thought [it] was more commercial sounding than the stuff that we'd written. So it was just a good way to get a record deal without totally selling out." The bandmates didn't remember ever playing the tune again after recording it. Guess we'll have to wait for the next Crow gig.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Duluth gets Current
With its 11th anniversary parties this week, 89.3 the Current just announced another reason to celebrate: Minnesota Public Radio's hip modern music station will broadcast in Duluth starting Feb. 1 on 90.9 FM and 100.5 WSCN HD-2. A network of stations statewide broadcasts the Current, including a recent addition in Ely as well as outlets in Rochester, Mankato, Grand Rapids and elsewhere. However, the Duluth station will hire a "local music host" to produce a weekly show and helm events there. A good candidate might be ex-Duluth Mayor Don Ness.C.R.
Will the doc survive?
Twin Cities ER physician Dr. Peter Baggenstos will be among the contestants in the 32nd season of "Survivor." The 34-year-old doctor from Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park is competing on an island in Cambodia against 17 other castaways, including a bounty hunter, a pro poker player, former NBA forward Scot Pollard and evicted "Big Brother" roommate Caleb Reynolds. The new season premieres Feb. 17.
NEAL JUSTIN