Cruz and Bardem lined up for film of musical 'Nine'

LOS ANGELES - Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are being lined up to star in a movie version of hit musical "Nine," entertainment industry press reported on Tuesday.

A report in Variety said Cruz and Bardem were among a bevy of stars who had been approached by The Weinstein Company to feature in the film, an adaptation of the musical inspired by Federico Fellini's "8 1/2."

Others who have been approached include French starlet Marion Cotillard, who has earned glowing reviews for her recent portrayal of troubled chanteuse Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose."

British actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who scooped an Oscar in 2003 for her part in "Chicago," and Italian screen legend Sophia Loren were also being courted for parts, the report added.

The film is to be directed by Rob Marshall, who earned an Oscar nod for "Chicago."