«IT'S CALLED GOSSIP AND OF COURSE IT'S AN OBSESSION OF MINE»

Recently, there have been a lot of paparazzi photos of Shia LaBeouf shirtless, pumped up, leaving the gym. He’s training with Michael Alexander in Beverly Hills. (Mr. Alexander is one of many who declare themselves “trainer to the stars.”) Never an out-of-shape young man, Shia is now buffed to the max. Is he readying for an action/adventure movie? Maybe. But according to my source, the “Transformers” and “Wall Street 2” star is actually getting in super shape for – are you ready? – a sequel to “American Gigolo.” That was the iconic 1980 Paul Schrader film about a male prostitute, played with full-frontal brio by Richard Gere.In this proposed sequel, Gere will appear in his original role; now a much-matured hustler-turned-male-madam. LaBeouf is the fresh meat on the block. Also said to be putting in return appearances are Hector Elizondo as a cop, and Lauren Hutton. You’ll recall that in the first “Gigolo,” Miss Hutton was the one woman for whom Mr. Gere seemed willing to give up his laid-back lifestyle and Armani suits.

-Liz Smith