This winter, word started circulating about Penelope Cruz working with Pedro Almodóvar on an adaptation of the revenge novel Mygale. Now Variety reports that Almodóvar has tabled La piel que habito in favor of an original screenplay, to feature Cruz, her Volver co-star Blanca Portillo, and Bad Education's Lluis Homar.

We all know that Cruz is stunning, but she also truly deserved her Oscar nom, so I'm looking forward to seeing her tackle another demanding role. Sexy is great; sexy and talented is far superior.

Portillo's participation is even more reason to anticipate the new project. Mixed reviews and Keira Knightley have kept me away from her current release, Goya's Ghosts, but as mysterious, dying caregiver Agustina, she was my favorite part of Volver — and not just because of Agustina's distinctly lesbian flavor. Portillo's understated and beautiful performance stood out in an overwhelmingly beautiful film. … continue reading