Clooney speeds into Venice for premiere

Venice, Italy — George Clooney wants viewers to know one thing about his new movie, a comic tale of “psychic warfare” by the U.S. military: It’s not a war movie.

“The Men Who Stare at Goats,” directed by Grant Heslov, was shown out of competition Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival.

Based on Jon Ronson’s book of the same name and inspired by true events, the movie features an all-star cast that also includes Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey.

It’s a madcap comedy about reporter Bob Wilton, played by McGregor, who is looking for a big scoop in a war zone when he meets Lyn Cassady, played by Clooney — a member of a unit that wants to change the way wars are fought by employing paranormal powers.

During the news conference, a fan of Clooney stripped to his boxer shorts in front of the Hollywood star and asked if he could “kiss him, just once.”

“I am gay, George,” the unidentified man said. “Take me, choose me, George, please. May I kiss you, just once?”

Clooney was unflappable in responding with a smile, “It’s hard when you take a big chance and it doesn’t really work.”

Tolkien estate, New Line settle lawsuit

Los Angeles — The heirs of J.R.R. Tolkien and a movie studio that produced the blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy have settled a lawsuit over the films’ profits, it was announced Tuesday.

The out-of-court resolution clears the way for a two-film prequel based on Tolkien’s novel “The Hobbit” and will benefit charities around the world, according to a joint press release announcing the settlement.

The lawsuit had sought to rescind New Line Cinema’s rights to make films based on the book.

Tolkien’s heirs sued New Line Cinema in February 2008, claiming the studio owed it millions in profits from the movies released between 2001 and 2003. The films earned an estimated $6 billion in sales of movie tickets, DVDs and merchandise.

No settlement paperwork has yet been filed with a Los Angeles court. The terms of the deal are being kept confidential.

Patterson to write 17 books in 3 years

New York — After more than 40 best-sellers, James Patterson is just getting started.

He has agreed to a 17-book deal with his longtime publisher, the Hachette Book Group — an unthinkable commitment for most writers, but for Patterson a mere three years worth of work.

Hachette announced Tuesday that the ultra-prolific novelist, whose output has been enhanced by such co-authors as Maxine Paetro and Andrew Gross, will turn out 11 adult thrillers and six for young people by the end of 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Patterson’s many popular books include the Alex Cross detective stories and the “Maximum Ride” and “Daniel X” series.

Jon Gosselin says he despises estranged wife

New York — Jon Gosselin says he despises his estranged wife Kate and believes she took his wedding ring.

The reality TV star told ABC News’ Chris Cuomo on “Good Morning America” that he set down his ring one day and it vanished. He says no one else could have taken it.

He also accuses Kate of verbally abusing him and beating him down during their marriage.

Jon’s remarks came from his first TV interview since divorce papers were filed in June. Kate has made a number of her own interview appearances in recent weeks.

The Gosselins continue to co-star on TLC’s hit reality show “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” which documents the challenges of raising their twins and sextuplets.

A longer version of Jon’s interview aired Tuesday on ABC’s “Primetime: Family Secrets.”

Janet Jackson to open MTV VMAs

Los Angeles — Janet Jackson will pay tribute to her late brother at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The network says Jackson will open the show with a musical tribute to Michael Jackson, who died on June 25.

Janet Jackson also honored her brother at the BET Awards in June, just days after his death.

The Video Music Awards will be presented Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Stroup says bipolar role on ‘90210’ a challenge

New York — Jessica Stroup says she appreciates the challenge of playing someone with a mental disorder.

The 23-year-old actress plays the bipolar Silver on the reincarnation of “90210” on the CW network. The show’s second season made its premiere Tuesday night.

Stroup says she’s careful not to play Silver’s mood swings too over the top.

She says she did as much research on the disorder as she could because “it’s something that touches so many people but isn’t really explored.”

Stroup says some people “have reached out to me to say they watched and it meant a lot.”

Like the original show from the 1990s, “90210” follows a group of teenagers in Beverly Hills.