1. Green Day’s American Idiot musical has been optioned as a film. Dustin Lance Black (Milk) is in talks to write the screenplay, Tom Hanks is one of the producers, and Michael Mayer — who helmed the stage version — has already signed on to direct. [via Digital Spy]
2. $1 million for 30 seconds. That’s what running a commercial during the final week of The Oprah Winfrey Show in May will cost you, which is about $700,000 less than what you’d pay to run a spot during Academy Awards. [via Vulture]
3. Phil Spector’s lawyers have launched a new appeal against his 2009 murder conviction and are requesting a third trial, claiming that his original sentencing was “prejudiced by testimony from five women who claimed to be victims of gun-related incidents with the producer in the past.” He is currently serving out a 19-years-to-life-sentence. [via NME]
4. Interesting news: Joaquin Phoenix may be coming out of “retirement” to nab the role of an alcoholic disciple in Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, an untitled religious drama about the founder of a Scientology-like religion (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Jeremy Renner had previously been attached to the part. [via Slashfilm]
5. Yet another track from the Beastie Boys’ long-awaited new album Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 has leaked. Listen to “Tadlock’s Glasses” here.
Bonus link: We were nominated for a Webby! Cast your vote for Flavorpill’s Weekly Dose in the Online Film & Video – Variety category.