Columbia Pictures is about to remake the $17 million 1964 Oscar winning ‘My Fair Lady.’ Keira Knightley is in talks to take on the role of Eliza Doolittle, previously played by Audrey Hepburn. The original film was based on the musical set in 1912. Columbia plans to film the new movie on location in London, instead of just on soundstages.

“This update will preserve the magic of the musical while fleshing out the characters and bringing 1912 London to life in an authentic and exciting way,” Columbia’s co-president Doug Belgrad said. The producer added the film “couldn’t be more timely in a contemporary world obsessed with overnight celebrity.“

This comes as quite a shock. Director, actor and producer Sydney Pollack just passed away at his home in Los Angeles. He was 73. Although I don’t remember him having any major roles in recent years, he has a very memorable face and had some great performances. But he was better known as a director, winning two Oscars for his ‘Out of Africa.’

Leslee Dart, his publicist and friend, said Pollack died of cancer. Rest in peace. He will be remembered for a long time to come. “His passion is contagious. It inspires everyone around him to dig a little deeper,” cinematographer Owen Roizman said.