The increasingly troubled movie version of Chicago has a new star. USA Today reported (Dec. 30) that movie siren Charlize Theron has been selected to replace Goldie Hawn as Roxie Hart in the film.

Theron has appeared in such flicks as "Two Days in the Valley," "Devil's Advocate," "That Thing You Do" and, most recently, "Mighty Joe Young" and Woody Allen's "Celebrity."

Recent reports depict an uncertain fate for the long-planned film. Certain accounts had Hawn on board, while others said she was off the project. Director Nicholas Hytner's involvement has also been questioned. Additionally, the screenplay has passed through many incarnations. Larry Gelbart was originally assigned the task, but after his efforts failed to satisfy, Wendy Wasserstein services were enlisted.

Martin Richards, who co-produced Chicago's 1975 Broadway premiere, is producing the film.

-- By Robert Simonson