Stone to star in next Allen film

The Amazing Spider-Man star Emma Stone is set to star in Woody Allen's next film, a comedy also starring Colin Firth. Picture: AP Photo/Joel Ryan Source: AP

WOODY Allen is returning to France for his next film, and he's bringing Colin Firth and Emma Stone along as its stars.

Producers Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum announced that Allen is set to start shooting his untitled new comedy this summer.

This is the writer-director's second time filming in France after his biggest-ever hit, Midnight in Paris, and his eighth film set in Europe.

Allen will reunite with the cinematographer, production designer and costume designer he worked with on some his previous European productions.

Allen's latest movie, Blue Jasmine, is to be released in July. It stars Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.

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Pair 'plotted to murder' Joss Stone

Two British men are on trial for allegedly plotting to rob and kill British soul singer Joss Stone, after they were caught outside her home with a sword and notes on their plan. Picture: AP Source: AP

TWO men have gone on trial in Britain accused of plotting to rob and murder soul diva Joss Stone.

Kevin Liverpool and Junior Bradshaw drove to the 25-year-old singer's home in Devon, southwest England in June 2011, with a sword, a knife, a hammer and notes of their intentions in their car, Exeter Crown Court heard on Monday.

The Grammy-winning singer was at home at the time.

Bradshaw, 32, and 35-year-old Liverpool deny charges of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to rob.

"This case is about a decision by a group of individuals, of which these defendants are two, to rob and kill Joss Stone," prosecutor Simon Morgan told the jury.

He described Stone, best known for hits including Super Duper Love and Fell In Love With A Boy, as "an extremely wealthy young woman".

Bradshaw and Liverpool were arrested in the Devon town of Cullompton after they were seen driving a few kilometres from Stone's home.

The trial is due to last about three weeks. Stone is not expected to attend.

She has sold more than 11 million albums worldwide, with her 2003 debut, The Soul Sessions, and its follow-up, Mind, Body & Soul (2004) going platinum in Britain, the United States and the European Union.

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