PINK - SPEARS BATTLING PINK FOR JOPLIN BIOPIC

Hollywood stars including PINK, LINDSAY LOHAN, ZOOEY DESCHANEL, SCARLETT JOHANSSON and BRITNEY SPEARS are battling it out to see who will land the coveted role of JANIS JOPLIN in a new biopic. Director PENELOPE SPHEERIS has already met with Pink, Lohan and Deschanel and still wants to speak with Johansson. The film, titled THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JANIS, will chronicle the life of the 1960s blues singer, who was known for her outrageous performances. Spheeris says, "(Pink) would be my first choice, but she may have scheduling conflicts." Pink's rep confirms, "She would do just about anything to be part of that project!" Regarding Spears, Spheeris says, "Her agent asked if I could meet with her. Music ability is important, but most of all, the actress must have the spirit of Janis. "Each of the actresses who has expressed interest in the role (would) bring her own special talents to the part." The film would start shooting in September (06) and would go head-to-head with another movie on Joplin, PIECES OF MY HEART, starring RENEE ZELLWEGER.