People talk 03/20/03

Maguire prepares for 'Spider-Man' sequel

LOS ANGELES -- Tobey Maguire is doing yoga and lifting weights -- and maybe looking over his shoulder a bit -- as he prepares to reprise his role as Peter Parker in the "Spider-Man" sequel.

The Hollywood heartthrob is expected to put his Spidey costume back on beginning April 12 to shoot "The Amazing Spider-Man."

But if he isn't ready when filming begins, Jake Gyllenhaal of "The Good Girl," is under consideration to replace him, the trade publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter reported Tuesday.

The 27-year-old actor is still healing from back soreness linked to physically demanding roles in the first "Spider-Man" movie and the racehorse film "Seabiscuit," said his spokeswoman, Kelly Bush.

"He's training. He's getting ready to do the movie," she said, adding he plans to return to work in April, less than two months after wrapping up "Seabiscuit."

Maguire, who earned a reported $4 million for the first "Spider-Man," is to receive $17 million for the "The Amazing Spider-Man," according to Variety.

"Spider-Man" was the highest-grossing film in the United States last year, bringing in $403.7 million.

Lisa Marie Presley makes singing debut

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Elvis Presley's daughter quietly made her first singing appearance at an industry trade show.

Lisa Marie Presley's debut, to promote her first album's impending release, was before 1,000 enthusiastic record label executives and music sellers Tuesday at the National Association of Recording Merchandisers' annual convention.

But it was hard for the audience to hear Presley's voice above her band.

"She's a little shy, but she's new. Give her six months, and she's going to get much more comfortable," said Alan Josef Kaplan with the music production company Music Universe.

Kaplan added that Presley has "star presence," and "you can see (mother) Priscilla and Elvis both in her."

Although her quiet voice may have been a technical problem, convention attendees surmised that Presley's label, Capitol, is hiding her behind the music as she starts her career. It also was difficult to hear her in the video for the single "Lights Out," which was shown at the convention.

Presley, 35, was visibly nervous during her first song, saying, "This is our first real applause ever."

By the second song, she was relaxed, smiling and joking with band members. During the third, she showed some attitude and stage presence.

Presley was kept away from attendees and the media, and was ushered out immediately after her three-song set.

Her album, "To Whom It May Concern," is scheduled for release April 8.

Freeman flying high after star on Walk of Fame

LOS ANGELES -- Morgan Freeman said it felt like "high cotton" as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"This is not something you expect in life. This is a gift. This is serendipity," the 65-year-old actor said Tuesday of star No. 2,220, located on Hollywood Boulevard. "If you wait around for it you may die waiting."

Freeman, a three-time Oscar nominee for his roles in "Street Smart," "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Shawshank Redemption," expressed surprise when told he's already appeared in 47 movies.

He starred as a reforming high school principal in "Lean on Me," and has had major roles in "Glory," "Unforgiven" and "Amistad."

His latest film, "Dreamcatcher," opens Friday.

-- From wire reports