John Cusack hasn't been shy about his own liberal politics, but the actor plans to play conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh in a big-screen movie, Cusack confirmed on his Twitter feed.

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Rush Limbaugh may be played by John Cusack in an upcoming movie.

Deadline.com and The Hollywood Reporter both ran articles on the film. Cusack wrote in response, "these guys all jumped the gun," but confirmed the project was in development from his own production company.

"Script not done -- (we'll) see what (it) looks like -- could be good," Cusack wrote. Betty Thomas, who focused on another radio host when she directed the 1997 Howard Stern biopic "Private Parts," is directing the film. More recently, the former "Hill Street Blues" star directed "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel."

One of Cusack's Twitter followers challenged him on the Limbaugh movie, saying it would give the controversial host unneeded publicity. Cusack responded by saying the film "would be about the power and history of talk radio," adding that "what (Limbaugh) says is on record."

A statement from Cusack's company says "New Crime Productions and John Cusack are currently considering a project about the larger-than-life radio personality, Rush Limbaugh," adding that "the script would explore the rise and reinvention of American Talk Radio, and Limbaugh's continued influence and impact over the last three decades in that world."

The movie, which The Associated Press reports would be called simply "Rush," would begin production in 2013. No release date has been announced.

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Christian Bale plays Batman in "The Dark Knight Rises."

First, conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh said that the name of the villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" was a dig at GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. And now, Limbaugh has said that billionaire Bruce Wayne is similar to Romney.

"I even said yesterday, at the end of my whole Batman discussion, that Batman is more like Romney," Limbaugh said on Wednesday, according to the New York Daily News. "Made the point that ... the rich wealthy hero in the Batman movie is more like Romney and that the Bane guy seems more like an Occupy Wall Street guy."

Limbaugh's got a point in that Wayne definitely has the wealth to go toe-to-toe with wealthy Romney in financial circles. And teasers for "Dark Knight Rises" show Anne Hathaway's Selina Kyle/Catwoman spouting some very Occupy Wall Street-like sentiments.

While dancing with Wayne, Catwoman whispers in his ear, "There's a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches. 'Cause when it hits, you and your friends are gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us."

Earlier, Limbaugh had said that the fact that the movie's villain was named Bane was somehow tied to the fact that Romney once headed up financial services firm Bain Capital. Bane the villain was introduced in comic books in 1993, before Romney was nationally known.

On Wednesday, Limbaugh said that he had received more reaction to his Bane/Bain comments than on anything he's said on-air before, including his controversial comments about Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke. Limbaugh called Fluke a "slut" for testifying about insurance coverage of contraception. President Barack Obama later called Fluke with words of support.

"More people are concerned about whatever I might have said or didn't say about a Batman villain than they are about their own jobs," Limbaugh said, according to the Daily News.

"Dark Knight Rises" director Christopher Nolan called Limbaugh's Bain/Bane comments "peculiar," and Bane co-creator Doug Moench told the Daily News that "None of us thought about Mitt Romney or Bain Capital, trust me," he said. "It was 20 years ago, for Pete's sake."

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Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Donna Summer in 1978

Rush Limbaugh expressed grief on his radio show over the passing of Donna Summer Thursday, stating, among other things, that she was a “right-winger” and “one of us.”

The conservative talk show host began his tribute to the disco icon, who died of cancer Thursday at the age of 63, by playing some of her music, then later providing his own personal take on her life and work.

“I met Donna Summer one time and her husband on an airplane. She and her husband, after the flight took off, came up to me and introduced themselves, and we had a nice conversation,” Limbaugh recalled. “They were one of us. They were. That's what they wanted to come tell me.”

Further elaborating on Summer’s apparently similar mindset, the radio figure added, “She came to hate the smut on the radio. She was not a fan of rap music at all.”

Summer became a born-again Christian in 1979, and even refused to perform one of her biggest hits, "Love to Love You Baby," which includes sexual moans. But according to People magazine, she changed her mind and recorded the song for a fragrance ad in 2011, complete with moans.

As far as Summer's opinion of rap and hip-hop, her nephew is the hip hop artist O’Mega Red, and in April, she was featured on a track with him. Red, who is also a record producer and actor, is a two-time recipient of the New England Urban Music Awards Rap Artist of the Year, and has spoken about his famous familial connection in the past.

“It’s certainly great to be associated with my aunt, and we have done some records with her,” the artist said in an interview with Rap N’ Blues. “But there’s certainly no golden ticket nor did I ever expect that there would be.”

Following the news of her death, the rapper responded to notes on his Twitter page, “Thank You twitter and everyone for your blessing I'm doing the best that I can right now.”

Slideshow: Donna Summer: 1948-2012

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Launch slideshow

Do you think Limbaugh should be discussing the late singer's politics? Tell us on Facebook. 

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NBC

President Obama may have gotten a little ‘too cool for school’ when he opted to slow jam the news with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday.

Appearing for the first time on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” at a taping on the University of North Carolina campus, the “Preezy of the United Steezy” had some fun with the talk show host, while also discussing his goals for reducing interest rates on student loans. It was his bluesy, R&B mock of the headlines, however, that had many political commentators calling foul, with both conservatives and liberals claiming his move was “undignified,” or, at the very least, unnecessary.

“If Romney is this year’s Reagan, Obama is this year’s Clinton,” said “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart on his Wednesday report. “Mr. President, you’re the president. You don’t have to do this s*** anymore.”

Fox News' Gretchen Carlson was more blunt. "I personally do not agree with the highest office of the land, the most important figure in the world going on these comedy shows. I think it lowers the status of the office."

When asked by her co-host if she thought Obama’s idea was an effective way to appeal to young votes, Carlson replied, “I don't care…I think it's nutso."

And there was Rush Limbaugh, who felt the satire was more comparable to Richard Nixon’s appearance on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968.

“Remember that show? And everybody thought that it was a descent into no dignity whatsoever. So beneath the presidency, so beneath the office of the presidency,” Limbaugh said on his radio program Wednesday. “He's just trying to show that he's hip. But people under 30 live in the Obama economy, too, and Obama can't lower the voting age. Can't do that. He can't do away with the draft. He can't give them amnesty. None of that's relevant or going on now. So he has to resort to going on shows like Jimmy Fallon and promising to pay for everybody's college tuition.”

As all have pointed out, nevertheless, Obama was aiming for the younger demographic when he went on the show, a group that supported him in 2008 and who could play a significant part in this year’s election.

Furthermore, his opponent, Mitt Romney, has also done a stint for the variety circuit.

On his Thursday edition of “The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert compared Obama’s comedic turn to Mitt Romney’s appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman” in December.

“Now if Obama must go on these shows, he should do it like Romney did on Letterman,” remarked Colbert then cutting to a clip from Letterman’s Top Ten list, where the Republican politician chirped, “What’s up gangta? It’s the M-I-double tizzle.”

Commented Colbert, “That’s the kind of gravitas we want… Clearly, Mitt is down with the homies.”

Did you think Obama's appearance on Fallon was funny and effective or inappropriate and unpresidential? Tell us what you think on Facebook.

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Cee Lo Green in 2011.

Rush Limbaugh is now arguing that his comments about Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke comments were overblown, and he is pointing to another incident that he claims is being ignored.

Cee Lo Green sang his Grammy-award winning song, "F--- You!" at a March 16 Atlanta campaign event for President Obama.

While there is a more radio-friendly version of Green's hit, "Forget You," that does not use the F-word, the singer performed the original version at the event.

“Cee Lo showed up before Obama came out and spoke at this fundraiser and dropped the F-bomb in his song while Mr. Civility is backstage, waiting to go on I guess,” Limbaugh said on his Monday radio program. “This is getting nowhere near the attention it should get in the media. Mr. Civility, Barack Obama, is not being asked about this at all.”

According to the Atlantic Wire, Obama had yet to even arrive at the event.

Limbaugh feels Obama should be just as concerned about his daughters’ exposure to the graphic content of the pop song as he is the radio host calling Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute."

Obama recently told reporters he felt compelled to personally call Fluke on behalf of his daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Said Limbaugh:“His daughters, Malia and Sasha. He thought about them. What about this guy Cee Lo Green? And Cee Lo Green can sing what he wants. I don't care. But here it is at an Obama fundraiser on the same stage Obama will take not long after Cee Lo Green sings the tune. Yep.  Double standard, single standard, whatever. Pure hypocrisy. I know. But the point is it isn't getting any press, nor is it getting any condemnation. But don't doubt me when I tell you it's noticed. It's noticed.”

Green expressed a semi-apology for singing the uncensored version of his song via Twitter on Saturday. The note came in response to a fan named Ronald Crow, who tweeted, “You have no class at all, very disrespectful tonight. #The Voice should be ashamed of you right now.”

Replied the pop singer, “@thecrow365 well (they're) not! And it was a mistake sir. All of you heard the song a thousand times so don't get all saint on me.”

Is Green's performance on the same level as Limbaugh's comments about Sandra Fluke? Tell us on Facebook.

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Micah Walter / REUTERS

Rush Limbaugh

Rage Against the Machine isn't the first musical act to demand their music be removed from use on Rush Limbaugh's radio show, but they may be the most vehement.

Tom Morello, guitarist for the politically driven rock band, offered this message Thursday on his Twitter feed: “To Rush Limbaugh: Hey Jacka--, stop using our music on your racist, misogynist, right wing clown show. Sincerely, Rage Against The Machine.”

The provocative radio host has played the band’s track "Sleep Now In the Fire" as bumper music on his show.

Morello, a Grammy Award winner who performs as a solo act called Nightwatchman, is also co-founder of Axis of Justice, a non-profit political activist organization aimed at bringing together musicians, fans, and grassroots organizations to fight for social justice. He was in Austin this week performing at the South by Southwest music festival when he sent his tweet.

Rage Against the Machine is only the latest act to want their music pulled from Limbaugh's show after he called Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute" and demanded that she post an online sex video after she testified in favor of insurance companies covering contraception.

Peter Gabriel and Canadian rock band, Rush spoke out earlier, and now The Fabulous Thunderbirds, whose song "Tuff Enuff" and other music has been used on the show, want their music removed.

Fabulous Thunderbirds singer Kim Wilson says he was "mortified by (Limbaugh's) attack on this young woman," adding "there is no amount of money this guy could pay me to be a part of his cruel rhetoric."

But as Rolling Stone points out, bands may have no legal standing as far as demanding that their music be pulled. Attorney Larry Iser told the magazine that radio networks are covered under blanket agreements relating to songs in various publishing catalogs, and Limbaugh is likely well within his right to play the music.

And as some are pointing out, it's unlikely Limbaugh himself is sorting through lists of music and making these selections personally.

“Rush is a conservative, but he's not a racist, and anyone who listens to his show would see that,” writes reader Joe Fierro on Rolling Stone. “He's also pretty much deaf, and it is doubtful he picks his own "bumper " music these days, or would even be able to tell the difference between Rage Against the Machine and Nickelback.”

What do you think of the musical controversy? Tell us on Facebook.

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Looks like Peter Gabriel isn't the only musician in a rush to flee from Rush Limbaugh's radio talk show: The Canadian progressive rock band Rush has now sent a cease-and-desist letter to "The Rush Limbaugh Show" to get its music pulled, according to Bob Cesca's Awesome Blog! Go!, which began reporting the story yesterday.

The radio show has long used Rush songs to weave between the show and advertisements. The band's song "Spirit of Radio" was played during one of Limbaugh's attacks on Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke after she testified at a hearing about insurance coverage of contraceptives.

Cesca posted the official letter from Rush's attorney, which reads, in part:

"According to media reports, Rush Limbaugh, Premiere Radio Networks and The Rush Limbaugh Show have been using Rush's recorded music as part of what is essentially a political broadcast. The use of Rush's music in this way is an infringement of Rush's copyrights and trademarks. The public performance of Rush's music is not licensed for political purposes and any such use is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement.... Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of Rush's music and confirm that you will do so."

In addition to Gabriel and Rush pulling their music from the show, dozens of advertisers, including Sleep Number, Quicken Loans, Carbonite, ProFlowers, AOL, Sears and others reportedly have pulled ads from the program.

However, at least one advertiser -- extramarital dating site Ashley Madison -- wants in. According to Business Insider, the controversial website says it will "step up and fill the void" left by fleeing advertisers.

SeekingArrangement.com, a website that matches "sugar daddies" and "sugar babies," also wants to buy ads, Business Insider reported, though Limbaugh may not thank them for their remarks. The publication quotes CEO Brandon Wade as saying, "Rush Limbaugh is one of the greatest examples of the modern day Sugar Daddy. We wouldn't feel right if we didn't come forward and support him in his time of need."

In other Limbaugh news, the Missouri native is going to be honored in that state's capitol building in its "Hall of Famous Missourians" with a sculptured bust that is currently being crafted by Kansas City sculptor E. Spencer Schubert.

His likeness will sit alongside other famous state residents, including President Harry Truman, Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

St. Louis Today reports that the sculptures cost approximately $10,000 each and funds come from an annual golf tournament organized by state House speaker Steven Tilley -- who proposed the statue in the first place.

The Washington Post reports that Missouri Democrats are trying to stop the inclusion of the bust, but as private funds are being used they may have limited ability to stop it. Tilly said on Monday, "It's not the hall of Universally Loved Missourians. It's the Hall of Famous Missourians."

Did Rush (the band) do the right thing? What do you think about a statue honoring Limbaugh? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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© Fred Prouser / Reuters / REUTERS

Bill Maher thinks liberals should accept Rush Limbaugh's apology to Sandra Fluke.

Support for Rush Limbaugh came from an unexpected place Tuesday when Bill Maher took to Twitter to castigate liberals for their continued criticism of the conservative radio host.

PHOTOS: Hollywood's memorable mea culpas

Maher, who hosts the left-leaning HBO series "Real Time," posted a comment on his Twitter account just after 4 pm, saying, "Hate to defend @RushLimbaugh but he apologized, liberals looking bad not accepting. Also hate intimidation by sponsor pullout."

As of press time, 34 sponsors had pulled their advertising from Limbaugh’s show after he drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike for calling Georgetown student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and "prostitute." Following the denial of her testimony at a hearing on infringement of religious liberty and contraceptive mandates, Limbaugh spent three days last week suggesting that her case for the availability of birth control via insurance companies was in fact a campaign to "be paid to have sex." Limbaugh apologized Saturday for his choice of words, even as he continued to defend his position.

Following Limbaugh’s apology, Fluke said that his statement was meaningless, particularly in the context of the pressure he was under from advertisers by Saturday. "I don't think that a statement like this issued, saying that his choice of words was not the best, changes anything," she said. "And especially when that statement is issued when he's under significant pressure from his sponsors who have begun to pull their support."

Meanwhile, conservative pundits have hurried to Limbaugh’s defense, even as they have suggested that commentators like Maher should be similarly excoriated for their statements about conservative politicians like Sarah Palin. But Maher’s statements come as a particular surprise given the significant divide between the two public figures’ political leanings, even as the Real Time host has already received a deluge of angry responses from his followers.

Interfaith minister Reverend Sue Clark tweeted to him late Tuesday afternoon, "you're not much better than Limbaugh if you truly think that was an apology. You're just furthering the @waronwomen. @women."

On Wednesday, former Seinfeld star Jason Alexander offered a lengthy rebuttal to the criticism mounted by Limbaugh’s supporters and other conservatives who have called for boycotts or other punishments of talk show hosts like Maher and David Letterman, who have in the past made disparaging or insulting comments about public figures within the conservative community. He contended that not only is Limbaugh a "little man" for choosing to publicly insult a private citizen after misrepresenting her testimony on his show, but he is more susceptible than Maher or Letterman for these criticisms because "he projects himself as a leading thinker and kingmaker among conservatives and Republicans."

Although Premiere Networks, Clear Channel’s syndication arm, continues to support Limbaugh, the impact of his statements -- including his apology -- will continue to be discussed in terms both immediate and far-reaching. But this recent controversy marks the most significant incident in which the talk show host’s polarizing comments have resulted in tangible negative repercussions, although it remains to be see whether Limbaugh’s long-term career will be adversely affected, or even boosted by the incident.

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Getty Images, AP

Kirk Cameron, left, and Rush Limbaugh.

In one corner: Rush Limbaugh and his radio rant against Sandra Fluke. In the other corner: Kirk Cameron and his CNN-aired assertion that homosexuality is "detrimental ... and destructive."

Each has experienced serious blowback, but whose mouth has gotten its owner in the more serious career-threatening mess?

The scorecard:

1. Apologized with apologies, plural: Limbaugh took to his website and his radio show to express regret for his "inappropriate" "personal attack" on the Georgetown University law student he called a "slut" and a "prostitute." Cameron's camp, meanwhile, told ABCNews.com that the former "Growing Pains" star has received "thousands" of supportive messages "from those who value the freedom to express one's belief." The Winner (or Is It Loser?): Limbaugh.

MORE: Cameron's TV Sister Speaks Out

2. Lost sponsors: Limbaugh's keep fleeing--at last count, 20 of his national radio advertisers have pulled out. Cameron, meanwhile, doesn't have any radio sponsors to answer to, just a new movie to promote. The "Winner": Limbaugh.

3. Lost radio stations: Limbaugh's down at least two. "The Winner": Limbaugh.

4. Lost his "Sledgehammer": No, Peter Gabriel was not pleased to learn his hit was used as the backdrop for Limbaugh's Fluke speech. "The Winner": Limbaugh.

5. Attacked by the Seavers on Twitter: True, Alan Thicke got in a Limbaugh jibe, but the "Growing Pains" dad's focus was his TV son. Tracey Gold, meanwhile, was all about positioning herself as the anti-Cameron. The "Winner": Cameron.

6. Last vestiges of teen fame gone: A vintage magazine pinup of Cameron was selling for $1.49 on eBay. The "Winner": Cameron.

7. Ill-timed upcoming birthday: Cameron is set to turn 42 on Oct. 12 -- the 14th anniversary of the death of gay hate-crime victim Matthew Shepard. "Winner": Cameron.

The bottom line: Sorry, dittoheads. Limbaugh's got a lot more to lose than Cameron, who as a long-established independent minister and filmmaker has little that can be taken away by the mainstream.

PHOTOS: 20 Years of Scandals

Still, maybe the biggest losers here are the TV viewers who were hoping last fall's morning-news "Growing Pains" reunion would lead to another TV-movie reunion. That now seems less likely than Fluke accepting Limbaugh's apology.

Heard enough? Take our poll. And tell us on Facebook who you think has a bigger problem, if any, to deal with.

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Ryan Remiorz / AP

Peter Gabriel has pulled the use of his music from Rush Limbaugh's radio show following the host's attack on Sandra Fluke.

Advertisers aren’t the only ones pulling their products from "The Rush Limbaugh Radio Show."

In the wake of host Rush Limbaugh’s attack on Georgetown student and birth control advocate Sandra Fluke, musician Peter Gabriel has moved to have his music withdrawn from the controversial program. After learning that his song “Sledgehammer” was played during Limbaugh’s rant, in which he called Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute,” a spokesperson for Gabriel released the following statement:

"Peter was appalled to learn that his music was linked to Rush Limbaugh's extraordinary attack on Sandra Fluke. It is obvious from anyone that knows Peter's work that he would never approve such a use. He has asked his representatives to make sure his music is withdrawn and especially from these unfair aggressive and ignorant comments."

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas

The move comes following a mass exodus of sponsors for the program, including ProFlowers, Legal Zoom, Citrix Systems, Tax Resolutions, Sleep Train, Sleep Number, Quicken Loans and the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball teams.

The conservative firebrand sparked outrage when he said that Fluke, a college student who was denied the right to speak at a contraception hearing, was "having so much sex she can't pay for it" and that women who want insurance plans to cover their birth control should post videos of themselves having sex online.

Limbaugh issued an apology following the attack, in which he states: "For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke."

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