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Regret but no surprise Cannes lacks women directors CANNES, France (Reuters) - The absence of female directors from the 22-strong competition in Cannes this year is a "great pity", but reflects a global problem rather than sexism specific to the world's biggest film festival, jury member Andrea Arnold said on Wednesday. The British film maker, who has won acclaim in Cannes for "Red Road" and "Fish Tank", is one of nine jurors who will decide which movie wins the coveted Palme d'Or for best picture at the end of this year's festival. ... John Woo directing remake of Japanese mob movie LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - John Woo, the Hong Kong action maestro, will bring his stylistic flare to a remake of "Day of the Beast." Woo will direct the English-language update of Seijun Suzuki's 1963 Japanese film, as well as co-produce. "Day of the Beast" centers on a turf war involving Cold War Russian gangsters and the Yakuza, the Japanese mob. Woo made a big splash in the United States in the late 1990s and early aughts, translating his balletic action sequences to mainstream Hollywood productions like "Mission: Impossible II" (2000) and "Face/Off" (1997). ... Travolta accuser hires celebrity lawyer Allred LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The masseur whose $2 million sexual battery lawsuit against Hollywood actor John Travolta was dismissed earlier this week hired celebrity attorney Gloria Allred on Wednesday and could file a new claim. Allred, who numerous high-profile cases over the years have included representing women involved in the Tiger Woods sex scandal, said on Wednesday that she is now the attorney for "John Doe No. 1" and will be consulting with the masseur on his next steps in the case that has made headlines worldwide. "Mr. ... A Minute With: Lopez, Banks on expectations when 'Expecting' LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Banks - stars of this Friday's baby comedy movie "What to Expect When You're Expecting" are two Hollywood moms who could not be more different. Lopez is a newly divorced, singer and actress with twin toddlers, Max and Emme, whose busy schedule includes being a judge on TV's "American Idol" and releasing top 40 pop singles. Banks, on the other hand, has had steady career on TV and in films such as recent blockbuster "The Hunger Games." Fourteen months ago, she and her husband Max Handelman welcomed their first child, Felix. ... Warner Bros. passes $1 billion at international box office NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - Warner Bros. surpassed $1 billion at the overseas box office in less than five months, setting a new studio record and marking the 12th straight year it has hit that number. The biggest contributor was "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," which drew $257 million of its $357 million overseas haul in 2012. "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" and "Wrath of the Titans" also passed the $200 million mark this year. ... Baron Cohen's Dictator storms Cannes, camel in tow CANNES, France (Reuters) - It took no less than a live camel strolling the promenade in Cannes to steal the show on the film festival's opening day, a feat that comedian Sacha Baron Cohen pulled off with chutzpah on Wednesday. The British satirist, star of "Borat" and "Bruno," used the novel public relations stunt to draw attention to the U.S. opening of his new film "The Dictator," in which he plays fictitious despot General Aladeen of the made-up North African country Wadiya. ... Pierce Brosnan's production company signs deal for thrillers NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - Pierce Brosnan's production company Irish Dreamtime has partnered with The Solution Entertainment Group for a multi-picture financing and distribution deal announced on Tuesday. "November Man," starring Brosnan and Dominic Cooper, will be the first film as part of the deal. Roger Donaldson will direct the action thriller, adapted from the espionage novel "There Are No Spies" by Michael Finch. ... Cohen up to satirical tricks again in "Dictator" NEW YORK (Reuters) - As the Arab Spring resulted in the deaths of thousands and the ousting of Middle Eastern leaders last year, comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, disguised by a fake beard and accent, was filming his latest movie portraying a hated North African dictator. Was it sheer Hollywood happenstance, calculated irony or comic genius? His co-stars, including Sir Ben Kingsley think the latter, and audiences can decide for themselves on Wednesday when "The Dictator," debuts in U.S. theaters. Cohen plays fictional General Aladeen, the dictator of a made-up North African country, Wadiya. ... Joel Edgerton writing and starring in "Felony" LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - The Aussie up-and-comer is taking matters into his own hands by writing "Felony," a new thriller in which he will also take a starring role. Edgerton isn't a household name on this continent yet, but he's racked up some high profile roles since his acclaimed turn in last year's "Warrior." He will be seen opposite Jennifer Garner in this summer's family drama "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," and will appear with Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan in "The Great Gatsby," which hits theaters later this year. ...