Jon Chu Exits 'Masters of the Universe'; Derek Cianfrance to Helm 'A Cotton Candy Autopsy'

* He-Man may have the power of Grayskull, but it's starting to look like Skeletor is personally holding up a Masters of the Universe movie. Jon M. Chu has been attached to the project for awhile, but with G.I. Joe 3 in development and rumors he may take over a third Star Trek film, he's had to drop out. But there is some positive news....well, depending on your perspective, I guess. Terry Rossio, who has written every single Pirates of the Caribbean film and The Lone Ranger, is the latest hired to draft a new script. At least he's got plenty of franchise experience, even if its not exactly the most inspiring choice. [THR]

* Suddenly The Place Beyond the Pines and Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance is extremely busy, and that is a very good thing. Recently adding adaptations of The Light Between Oceans and ESPN flick Those Guys Have All the Fun, Cianfrance will next tackle one of the weirdest comics....well, ever. He revealed on Jeff Goldsmith's great podcast that he'll adapt A Cotton Candy Autopsy, based on the first issue of DC Comics' long-shelved series Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children. The story will probably strike even greater terror in those who fear clowns, and might inspire it in those who don't. Written by Dave Louapre and Dan Sweetman, it followed an insane clown who, after his circus burns to the ground, gathers up his clown colleagues for a drunken, crime-filled road trip where they kidnap women and steal cars with reckless abandon. Definitely not one for the kiddies. Even better, Cianfrance revealed that his 'Pines' co-star and Animal Kingdom breakout Ben Mendelsohn will be starring. It's unclear where this will fit in Cianfrance's crowded schedule.