MICHAEL DOUGLAS - DOUGLAS TO PLAY LIBERACE?

DOUGLAS TO PLAY LIBERACE?

Hollywood actor MICHAEL DOUGLAS has reportedly being lined up to play the flamboyant pianist Liberace in a film biopic.

According to movie publication Empire magazine, the actor, whose previous roles include BASIC INSTINCT and THE WONDER BOYS, is the favourite to take the lead role in the movie.

It adds that Steven Soderbergh is expected to helm the project, which is being penned by Richard La Gravenese.

The news provider also notes that the plot is likely to centre on the court case brought against Liberace by Scott Thorsen, who in 1982 claimed he was entitled to $113 million (£65 million) worth of palimony as he had been the musician's companion for five years.

However, the magazine concludes that Douglas fans may have to wait a while for the movie as Soderbergh has a number of other projects lined up including THE INFORMANT with MATT DAMON and THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE.

In related news, DOCTOR WHO writer Russell T Davies has stated Douglas' wife CATHERINE ZETA-JONES would be his first choice to play the Doctor's companion in a big screen version of the hit TV series.