Hollywood Ink: Michael Caine Claims His Latest Paycheck

Also among today's scintillating trade news: More awesome Robert Schwentke news (even if it's recycled)... Tree of Life may be coming to theaters sooner than you thought... Anyone interested in another stoner comedy?... and more Hollywood Ink after the jump.

· We all know better than to judge Michael Caine for cashing in where paycheck roles are concerned, so let's hear it for the double Oscar-winner's prospective commitment to Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. The 77-year-old would play the missing grandfather of Josh Hutcherson's character, whom the young star and Dwayne Johnson will go in search of on the titular island. "The role will see the actor in action mode, engaging in several chase sequences, including one involving giant bees," the report reads. Sheesh! Does Caine not even remember the self-described worst film he's ever been in? This is getting bad. [THR]

· Schwentke! Schwentke! Schwentke! This was pretty much announced a month ago, but it's nothing a fresh coat of BREAKING Glossy News Paint™ can't pretty up: Robert Schwentke is directing the Ryan Reynolds thriller R.I.P.D., about a police department staffed with dead, vengeful cops. [Deadline]

· What a drag: Apparition officially axed its remaining staff and is rumored to have Terrence Malick's long-delayed The Tree of Life on the sales block. Silver lining: A deal is close, meaning a release date is imminent. Maybe. [Deadline]

· The perennially highbrow writing team of Sean Anders and John Morris (Hot Tub Time Machine) are on the short list to take over script duties on the stoner-crime comedy We're the Millers. Burr Steers is in talks to direct, which means stock player Zac Efron can't be far behind. [LAT]

· Hunger tandem Michael Fassbender and director Steve McQueen are set to re-team for Shame, about a sex addict and "the nature of need, how people live their lives and react to the experiences that shape them." Sounds like a hoot. [Variety]