Sure Shots: George Clooney; Martin Campbell; Star Trek 2

* George Clooney is set to co-write, star, and direct WWII heist flick, The Monuments Men, based on the novel by Robert M. Edsel. The story centers on a team of American and British art enthusiasts sent in to retrieve stolen pieces from the Nazis. Clooney will be pairing up on the script with his usual production and writing partner, Grant Heslov. Anytime Clooney tackles a directorial gig I stand up and take notice, and if The Ides of March proved anything it's that he's at his best when handling films with political/social significance. I just hope this doesn't push back that planned Smothers Brothers project he was circling. [TheWrap]

* Martin Campbell has replaced Joe Carnahan as the director of Umbra, a thriller about a man who is thrust into a secret government conspiracy after receiving a package in the mail. Set to start shooting this spring, it'll be Campbell's first project since the disastrous Green Lantern. So in order to ensure success, Paul Haggis is being brought on to re-write Steven Karczynski's script. Haggis also did rewrites on Campbell's last critical hit, Casino Royale. [Deadline]

* Nazneen Contractor is the latest new face to join JJ Abrams' Star Trek sequel, joining the already announced Noel Clarke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Weller, and Alice Eve. The Canadian actress will play Clarke's wife and the mother of his kid, although I'm still convinced there's more to Clarke's character than is being revealed. Contractor is probably best known for playing Kayla Hassan in the final season of 24. [EW]