Rumors have abounded since Friends ended its successful ten year run in 2004 that the cast would make a movie. Every so often one of the cast members would admit they’ve been talking about it, but there was always one holdout, who no one would ever name. Sometimes they’d claim it was one of the guys, though it was often rumored to be Jennifer Aniston.

Supposedly they’re really going to make the film now, inspired by the success (and I’m guessing the money) of the recent Sex & the City film.

The highly anticipated film production of TV series Friends has finally been given the go-ahead, MailOnline has learned. The actors have been inspired by the recent success of Sex And The City, which recently hit cinemas worldwide. A source said: ‘Jennifer, Courteney and the rest of the cast are keen to reprise their roles, under the right circumstances.

‘The box office success of Sex And The City has really got their wheels spinning about how a Friends film could be just as big, if done right. Timing and the script are really important, but now that Courteney and Jen both have production companies, they can potentially get very involved in those decisions.’

While Cox, 44, LeBlanc, 40, Perry, 39, Kudrow, 45 and Schwimmer, 41, were believed to be keen on the reunion, Aniston, 39, is believed to have dragged her heels. Now, however, she is keen to move ahead with the project, which will be produced by Warner Bros. ‘She says she and Courteney have already talked this summer about what they want out of a Friends movie, and if deals can be made with them, everything else can fall into place rather quickly.

[From the Daily Mail]

It sounds like things are as close to happening as they’ve ever been. But when the same rumor has been floating around for four years, it’s hard to tell when/if it’s actually become legitimate. Even though Jennifer Aniston is probably the biggest star from the show, I think all of them could benefit from a successful film. The Daily Mail pointed out that Aniston has had a few okay movies, but she’s still much better known for her personal life than her great movie career. And I’m pretty sure that at this point, Matt LeBlanc should take whatever he can get.

It seemed like there was a bit of a Friends backlash right after the series finale. Suddenly everyone was claiming they never found it funny. Television comedies have really moved in a different direction since then. There are very few traditional sitcoms left on the air – and almost none of them are filmed in front of a live audience anymore. It’ll be interesting to see if people still find the show’s brand of humor funny. Something tells me that no matter what, it won’t compare to the financial success of the Sex & the City film.

Update by Celebitchy: A representative for Warner Brothers has denied that there’s a Friends movie in the works, saying “(There’s) no truth in the story.” Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry’s spokespeople have also denied that there’s a Friends movie being planned. [Details From SFGate]

There could be an off screen rivalry between Jennifer Aniston, 39, and her co-star Jennifer Connelly, 37, in the upcoming film He’s Just not That Into You. Aniston is said to have demanded that Connelly not appear with her in a cast photo for the cover of Marie Claire. Only Drew Barrymore and Ginnifer Goodwin could be shown with Aniston according to her stipulations, and she was to be the focus of the shoot. It’s unknown why Aniston and Connelly aren’t getting along, but they’re said to have acted cold to each other on set:

Connelly… will not be included in an upcoming cover shoot for Marie Claire magazine that will feature Aniston… and her other co-stars from the October comedy, Drew Barrymore and Ginnifer Goodwin. “Word is, Aniston threatened to pull out if Jennifer was part of the cover,” says an insider familiar with the movie’s shoot. “It was all about getting Jennifer Aniston front and center and looking as sexy as possible.”

So what’s Jen’s beef with [Connelly]? While Aniston’s rep denies that there’s any discord between the actresses, they just didn’t hit it off, says the insider: “There was no camaraderie between those two whatsoever. They didn’t seem like friends in the slightest.”

[From Life & Style, print edition, June 23, 2008]

I wonder what happened between Connelly and Aniston if this is true. Maybe Aniston realizes that Oscar-winning actress Connelly could potentially eclipse her as the film’s star if given a chance. IMDB has the plot containing a “series of interconnecting story arcs” so it’s possible that they get as much screen time.

There’s also a lot of talk about another one of Aniston’s potential rivalries. Her ex husband’s new partner, Angelina Jolie, has her film The Changeling out on October 24, which also when He’s Just Not That Into You first hits theaters. Since one film is a romantic comedy, and the other is a drama there doesn’t seem to be much competition. Aniston’s film is likely to do better just because of the subject matter and format.

Jennifer Connelly is shown at the Costume Institute Gala on 5/5/08, thanks to WENN. Jennifer Aniston is shown on set with Owen Wilson (below) on 5/21/08, thanks to Splash News.

OK! Magazine has a new story that could possibly be based on some insider information but doesn’t seem like more than wishful thinking. They say that Jennifer Aniston, 39, is having such awesome sex with singer John Mayer, 30, that she better watch out. Mayer is supposedly so good in that sack that he leaves women “ruined” for all other men and following him around like dogs in heat:

The actress, who is known for runnng errands in faded jeans and t-shirts, showed up at J.J. Custom Upholstery in L.A. on June 5 wearing a low cut maxi dress that showed off her toned arms and ample cleavage. The reason for her sudden sexed-up self? Lots of action between the sheets!

“John is good in bed,” a pal of the 30-year old singer-songwriter tells OK!. “Not just good, but sensational. Every girl I know who has slept with John says it was the best sex of their life. I’m not sure what exactly he does in bed, but after girls sleep with him, they’re ruined. They get totally hung up on him and want more! Whatever John’s secret is, he should market it. He could retire from the music industry.”

Dating a man nearly ten years younger seems to have done wonders for the Marley & Me star, who was previously married to Brad Pitt, 44. “Great sex with a younger man can improve anyone’s mood and attitude,” says New York-based relationship expert Cooper Lawrence, who has not treated Jen.

“Jen’s in a new relationship, and when you’re having great sex, you dress to reflect how you feel. Instead of dark glasses and dull dresses, Jen’s wearing short skirts and sexy tops. It’s like sending a message to the world.”

[From OK! Magazine]

So Aniston is wearing cute dresses and that must mean she has a satisfying sex life. According to various blind items that may have originated with our Lainey and are obviously about Mayer, he’s into some kinky stuff, and supposedly enjoys golden showers.

Mayer bragged about his prowess in a September, 2006 interview with Rolling Stone in which he smoked pot in front of the journalist. He called his penis “Dominican” because it was “so dark” and said it “hit six home runs last year.” He also said he had sex with about three girls a week when he was on tour.

After girls sleep with Mayer, they’re definitely ruined and can never have another guy again without fantasizing about him and the crazy, stream of consciousness sex. You almost have to be high to even understand how amazing Mayer is, it’s that transcendent. How sad for the rest of us that there’s only one Mayer to go around.

John Mayer is shown with Alicia Keys performing at the opening celebration at MGM Grant at Foxwoods on 5/17/08, thanks to WENN.

John Mayer is photographed hugging another woman at Courtney Cox’s house

John Mayer has met the parents. But since Jennifer Aniston doesn’t really talk to her parents (or her mother anyway), Mayer met Jen’s equivalent: BFF Courteney Cox and husband David Arquette. As was reportedly the plan according to Mike Walker of the National Enquirer, Cox had Mayer and Aniston over for dinner, as her way of welcoming him into their group of friends/officially evaluating him.

Jennifer Aniston’s burgeoning romance with singer John Mayer must be getting serious - she’s introduced him to her best friend Courteney Cox. After taking their cross-State romance from Miami to New York, Aniston and Mayer made their Los Angeles debut as a couple with a laid-back romantic weekend. On Sunday, Mayer drove his new girlfriend to the beachside Malibu home of her closest pal and ex-Friends co-star Cox and her husband David Arquette for an evening dinner. Complimenting her new boyfriend’s laid back style, Aniston sported a white vest and blue cardigan with sunglasses as they enjoyed the sunny day.

Cox, 43, is said to be very protective of Aniston, who she supported following her high-profile marriage split with Brad Pitt in 2005. The Dirt actress was rumoured to have disapproved of Aniston’s last long-term boyfriend Vince Vaughn, who she dated for 18 months before splitting in December 2006.

On Saturday night, Aniston and Mayer enjoyed an intimate meal at the exclusive Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, before the tattooed rocker drove them home to the actress’ mansion in the Hollywood hills. The following day, Mayer took the steering wheel again as they rode in his Porsche Cayenne Turbo to the Cox-Arquettes’ gated beachside home, where they live with their young daughter Coco, who is Aniston’s goddaughter.

[From the Daily Mail]

According to the Enquirer, Mayer was fairly nervous about meeting Cox, and was well aware that it was Aniston’s equivalent of meeting her family. Apparently Courteney is quite the mother hen. Which is sweet, since Jen isn’t close with her family – but doesn’t help their reputation of being overly bonded/fairly co-dependent. But it’s good that Jennifer has someone looking out for her, as long as she still makes her own decision and doesn’t consider anyone’s word gold.

Jen and John seem pretty darn happy together, though it seems like everyone is still pretty worried about the match. John’s got quite the reputation as a player. But no one really knows what it is Jen wants from him. It seems like everyone assumes she wants a relationship because of the tabloids are always painting her in a “poor pathetic single Jennifer Aniston” light. She could very well be happy as a clam and just want to hang out and have some fun. And John Mayer seems pretty good for that. Just nothing more.

The paps managed to get photos of Mayer, Cox, and Arquette having dinner at their home but somehow Aniston managed to stay indoors the whole time. John is seen hugging an older woman – not Aniston - according to Splash. Images thanks to Splash.

Jessica Simpson has dialed up the crazy. Or dialed it down, depending on your perspective and who you believe. According to several sources, Simpson has warned Jennifer Aniston to stay away from former boyfriend John Mayer. But Simpson’s friends claim it’s not what you think – Jess is just super concerned for Jennifer. What a way to spin it.

Jessica Simpson is trying to warn Jennifer Aniston to be careful with new man John Mayer, because he is a notorious “ladies man”.

The wannabe country singer, who is currently dating American football star Tony Romo, was said to be jealous that her ex-boyfriend Mayer is dating the Friends star, but sources claim the green-eyed monster people are seeing is actually just concern.

A source says via Transworld News: “Jessica wants Jen to be aware of what she’s letting herself get into with John. She doesn’t want her to make the same mistakes. John is a ladies man.”

Others are also letting the rocker’s true colours be known, with a friend of Mayer adding: “He’ll spend every waking minute talking to someone and spending time with them and then move on to the next girl,” said the friend.

[From Entertainmentwise]

Okay, a couple things here. To be fair, what was supposedly said is consistent with John Mayer’s general reputation. However if they ever had a battle of the I.Q.s, I’d put my money on Jennifer Aniston. My point being I’m pretty sure she knows John Mayer’s reputation. Either Aniston is just looking for a good time right now, or she thinks she can change him. But after Brad Pitt and her other love debacles, I’m guessing Jen is smart enough to know that’s a waste of time.

Jessica Simpson letting Jennifer Aniston know that John Mayer is a player is like her calling Jen up to remind her that she has hair on her head. It’s just a major “duh” statement. Which makes me think either Simpson’s people are trying to spin some rumor to her benefit… or Jessica Simpson is just as dumb as we all thought. And to think, Papa Joe once infamously claimed to Vanity Fair that Jess had an I.Q. of 160…

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer have managed to keep their burning love under wraps for nearly two weeks. They may be staying in and spending time with friends instead of flaunting it poolside at a resort. This week’s National Enquirer reports that Aniston’s close friend Courteney Cox and her husband David Arquette are hosting a dinner at their place to welcome Mayer to their circle. He is said to be a little wary of the whole thing and hopes Jen’s friends will accept him:

Courtney and husband David Arquette are hosting a dinner for the pair at their Malibu home, says a friend, and “John’s a bit uneasy about it - it’s like meeting your lover’s mom for the first time. Jen laughs and tells him Courtney just wants to pinch and poke the product.” Courteney wants a first-hand look at Mayer because she “never hit it off with Vince Vaughn, and John and Vince have similar reputations,” said the friend. “Courtney guards Jen like a mother hen. Jen just smiles and reminds her pal she’s met John on several occasions - but Courteney comes right back with: ‘Yeah, but you weren’t sleeping with him then!’”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, Mike Walker’s column, June 2, 2007]

If it’s true that Courteney didn’t really connect with Aniston’s ex, Vince Vaughn, that’s probably because Vince was conflicted about the relationship and seemed reluctant to even be seen out with her. Mayer on the other hand is anxious to make it known that he’s with the hot older woman, and doesn’t seem to mind when the photos get printed in the glossies. As long as he doesn’t run at the mouth too much during dinner, he’ll do fine.

And kudos to Aniston and Mayer for staying under the radar for two weeks - if they’re still seeing each other, that is.

Photos are older ones you’ve already seen of Aniston and Mayer poolside on May 10. Thanks to Splash News.

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson filmed a scene for their upcoming movie “Marley and Me” in West Chester, Pennsylvania complete with fake snow and a car stuck in a snow drift yesterday. The movie is based on a memoir by John Grogan, and according to IMDB it’s about a “family learn[ing] important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.” It’s due out in the US on December 25, 2008, which would explain all the snow since it’s going to be a Christmas release.

OK! Magazine has supposed insider details about how Aniston is playing it cool with her new boyfriend, John Mayer. They probably made this up, but they claim that she’s keeping busy and that keeps him interested:

While John,30, was performing at the opening of MGM Grand at Foxwoods casino in Conneticut on May 17, Jen was filming scenes for her movie Marley & Me in Philadelphia. Friends of the actress say never again will Jen drop everything for the man she dates. It’s important to her that she keep her newfound sense of independence.

“This is a whole new Jen,” a pal of the actress tells OK!. “She’s trying new things, taking a risk, and is game for getting out of her shell, living her life and trying to be happy.”

A friend of John’s agrees, telling OK, “She doesn’t rush off and go on vacation with John, and she’s made it clear she will not be a groupie at his shows.”

Apparantly, her hard-to-get attitude is working on the heartthrob crooner. “He was smitten with Jen and came to visit her on set,” John’s pal says. “They’re actually working around her schedule more than anything!”

The friend adds, “Jessica Simpsontexted John all the time, but Jen waits a few days to text him back. She hasn’t stopped her life for him. She’s fun and flirty, but hasn’t outright said, ‘I want you,’ which is something John isn’t used to.”

[From OK! Magazine]

It’s true that it’s a good strategy to keep busy and hang out with your friends and not smother the other person, especially at the beginning when a relationship is just starting to grow. Who knows if that’s exactly what Aniston is doing, or if she’s just doing her job and managing a new relationship at the same time.

We have two new attention-whore celebrity couples that hit the scene around the last two weeks. John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston are trying to act like they’re not courting the press, but they’re snuggling poolside at a hotel and hitting up the paparazzi hot spots with shit-eating grins on their faces. Mariah and Nick got married after a whirlwind romance and quickly sold their Bahamian wedding photos and the story of their everlasting kiddie love to People. They’re probably calling the paparazzi, who show up in droves to photograph a beaming Mariah and wary-looking Nick trying to help her wade her way through the camera-weilding crowd.

Yesterday Nick and Mariah went to the annual event for Operation Smile, where Nick was DJing, so at least they’re benefiting charity. Mariah showed up late and made sure to visit Nick and give him a kiss in the DJ booth. Nick is said to have pointed at Mariah in the audience frequently and to have played her hit “Fantasy.”

As for the wedded bliss, Mariah called it “fantastic” and “A stone smash” to the press last night

So who’s more annoying?

Nick and Mariah, who get my vote, are shown outside Operation Smile’s annual party yesterday, thanks to Splash News.

John Mayer spoke somewhat candidly to Entertainment Tonight about the fact that his new romance was all over the tabloids this week. He said it’s fine with him, that he’s not going to deny it, and that “There are much worse problems in the world. Everything’s cool.”

“You know what I did?” said Mayer, when asked Monday night about the fun photos of the two who hit the town together during the last week of April. “I looked at it and I said, ‘That’s about right.’ What am I going to say, ‘That’s not me’?”

The singer has been mum about his romance with Aniston on his own blog. But at the Met’s Costume Institute Gala gala in New York on Monday, Mayer was happy to tell reporters, “You carry on and you enjoy yourself and you continue to live with dignity and everyone has fun.”

He also stressed that all the attention was just a blip in the grand scheme of things, telling Entertainment Tonight, “Listen, this is not a scandal, this is not an issue, this is not a problem, this needs no spin control. This is me living my life and a guy with a really powerful lens and I don’t fault him.”

“There are much worse problems in the world,” he added. “Everything’s cool!”

[From People]

People were pretty skeptical when the photos of John and Jennifer sunbathing together came out. They assumed the pictures were a set up like so many other celebrity bikini photos. The women at Hollyscoop are thick with the paparazzi and they say it’s not so - an employee at the hotel where they were staying took those pictures with an iPhone from far away. That would be consistent with Mayer’s account that the snapper had a “powerful lens” or otherwise went unnoticed to him.

Meanwhile Mayer was seen “all over” another woman on Friday night in NY at a club with Adam Levine. Levine also dated Jessica Simpson, and I wonder if he and Mayer compared notes. Maybe we shouldn’t declare Mayer and Aniston a couple just yet.

Mayer is shown out at the Costume Institute Gala in NY last night, thanks to PRPhotos. Jennifer Aniston is shown poolside in Miami - not with Mayer - on 4/4/08, thanks to Splash.

John and Jennifer weren’t introduced by Sheryl Crow, have supposedly been seeing each other for weeks
In case you were wondering how John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston hooked up, it wasn’t through mutual friend Sheryl Crow as a lot of us were speculating. People Magazine reports in their print edition that they met at the pre-Oscar party of CAA agent Brian Lourd and were “first introduced… by a staffer at the talent agency, where both are clients.”

People also quotes a source as saying “They’ve been seeing each other for weeks now. It’s very real.”

Jennifer e-mailed John an invitation to join her in Miami
And US Weekly claims to have the inside information on how their Miami jaunt was set up. Aniston is said to have sent a sweet e-mail to Mayer telling him to come meet her for a few days r&r. US claims that they’ve been e-mailing for a while, but maintains that the weekend in Miami was their first real hookup.

Jennifer Aniston invited her e-mail buddy John Mayer to Miami, where she’s been shooting Marley & Me. “She told him it was beautiful down there,” says a friend of the rock star, “and she had a few days off from filming, so the time was right.”

So on April 23, the pair - who a source says have been e-mailing since a chance encounter six months ago - took their cyberflirting to person-to-person passion…

The two are said to have spent five days together in Miami, including a grocery shopping trip that had them looking surprisingly domestic as Mayer packed bags into their car. They are even said to have had a couples’ massage on Saturday at their suite at the Conrad Miami, where they moved after first staying in Aniston’s suite at the Mandarin Oriental. Aniston is said to have arranged for the massage.

Of course a lot of people are skeptical if their relationship is even real. MSat wrote an article in which she said she didn’t believe it “for a millisecond”

To me it looks like they are together and that they just threw caution to the wind and had a great romantic weekend. As for whether it will last, I would guess that it depends on how patient Aniston is and if Mayer can keep his libido in check. According to a source quoted in In Touch, Mayer predictably did most of the talking on their intimate lunch date. You can imagine that would get old fast, but Mayer also has a reputation as a player and he might skip out before he can become truly annoying.