Lions For Lambs, the first Tom Cruise vehicle to be released under the actor's new United Artists banner, has been confirmed as the opening night movie at this year's Los Angeles international film festival. The film, which premieres on November 1, looks set to spark controversy with its tale of military heroism in Afghanistan and political cowardice in Washington. Lions For Lambs stars Cruise alongside Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Inevitably a great deal is riding on the project. It is the actor's first picture since being abruptly dropped by Paramount last year, reportedly over his Scientologist beliefs.

City of God actor Alice Braga has signed on to play Jude Law's love interest in the science-fiction thriller Repossession Mambo. Adapted from the novel by Eric Garcia, the film stars Law as a repo man who reclaims human organs when the recipients default on their payments. The Universal production co-stars Forest Whitaker, is directed by Miguel Sapochnik, and begins shooting in Toronto in October.

Billy Bob Thornton and Kim Basinger are in negotiations to join the ensemble cast of The Informers, Gregor Jordan's adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis collection of short stories. Set in 1980s LA, The Informers charts seven interlocking tales of California life. Thornton and Basinger are tipped to take on the pivotal roles of a Hollywood executive and his wife.