Re. the Johnny diet rumor, I wouldn't put too much stock in that. It is a tabloid report, and we are constantly hearing complete fabrications, such as the recent rumor that he bought a place in Venice (eventually denied by his publicist). IF Johnny wants to shed a few pounds (and I'm not saying that he does), it would probably just be to return to his usual weight- he admitted to "putting on a few pounds" for The Tourist, and was probably still a bit thicker for Pirates. Still, he has never considered himself to be a real "method" actor, and has never done the extreme weight fluctuations that Christian Bale has done. We've seen several paparazzi shots from within the past week, and he is looking very healthy and fit.
Re. Jackie Earle Haley, I did see Little Children, and thought he was amazing in that, walking a fine line between being despicable and sympathetic (didn't he get an Oscar nomination for that one?). I have really loved him in so many things: Breaking Away, Watchmen, Human Target (TV show that I watched several episodes of). I'm pretty psyched about his casting.
Re. Eva Green, I don't know much about her but I remember thinking she was pretty hot in Casino Royale. I'll bet she could be a fiery Angelique!
Re. the comedy aspect, I hope I am right in that I am still envisioning an atmosphere along the lines of Sleepy Hollow or Sweeney Todd, where there are some funny lines, but nothing slapstick or overtly knee-slapping comedy. Both films were definitely able to hold a menacing vibe.
Re. Helena Bonham Carter, I also vaguely seem to recall something about her denying she'd be in DS, but I can't swear to that, and I suppose I wouldn't be totally shocked if she did get a role, lol.
I'm hoping to continue hearing more casting news- it seems like now is the time when the cast will start to fall into place
Cathy