Tom Sturdy joins WB's growing first-look roster

HardyTom Sturdy has signed an initial-look deal at Warner Bros., just a little at least a year after he came aboard to portray the villain Bane within the studio's "The Dark Dark night Increases." The British actor's recent roles include "What This Means Is War," "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Warrior." Additionally to "The Dark Dark night Increases" in This summer, he'll be also observed in August in "The Wettest County."Hardy's deal was signed around the heels of Warner inking a 2-year, first-look cope with Bradley Cooper for his 22 & Indiana Pictures production company (Variety, March 2).Warner Bros. has around three dozen first-look production and distribution deals, a lot more than every other studio. Its roster of producer-stars includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Brand, Zac Efron, Robert Downey Junior., Morgan Freeman, Steve Carell, Film Clip and Matt Damon. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Universal dates 'Identity Theft'

Universal has set a May 10, 2013 release daet for Seth Gordon's crime comedy "Identity Theft."Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy are attached to star with Scott Stuber to produce through his Stuber Pictures banner, alongside Bateman and Peter Morgan for DumbDumb. Pic revolves around a man whose identity is stolen by a woman.Universal used the same weekend last year for the opening of "Bridesmaids," for which McCarthy received an Oscar nom."Identity Theft" will open against Warner Bros.' sci-fier "Pacific Rim," directed by Guillermo del Toro in the tale of an alien attack threatening the Earth's existence. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com