Shirley MacLaine will soon be seen on the small screen playing legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel (and, if you've caught the Lifetime miniseries' poster, Photoshopped within an inch of her life). And, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the French icon is also getting a new cinematic treatment in "Coco Avant Chanel."

Audrey Tautou will play Chanel, and Anne Fontaine will direct the French language feature that Warner Bros. will release in the United States. Considering that the WB no longer has a specialty division within its ranks -- both Warner Independent and Picturehouse have been shuttered recently -- the Oscar-bait picture (can you say "La Vie En Rose" deux?) will be an interesting test for a studio best known for opening major tent pole pictures.

An intriguing addition to the film is House of Chanel art director Karl Lagerfeld. A legend in his own right, he's been brought on board to supervise the recreations of Chanel's groundbreaking couture.

A four-month-long production is expected to begin Sept. 15 in Paris, with a release planned sometime next year.

Next column: The Hitlist's coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival kicks off; and more.

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