Celebrity Update Jeremy Renner is rumored to be as Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye for the movie The Avengers. Since last year, rumors have persisted that Marvel has been after the star of The Hurt Locker to play the character, though official sources would not confirm that Hawkeye even has a role in the upcoming summer blockbuster, much less actor selection.

Renner talked exclusively with SuperHeroHype late last year, indicating that, while he’d love to join the Marvel Universe in some capacity, the film was too far off and, at the time, didn’t even have a director. It appears that, with Joss Whedon now on board and pre-production moving forward, Renner may become an official member of the team yet.

Celebrity Update Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol. The 50 year old English music executive, television producer and celebrity, and entrepreneur confirms that it will be the last season for him and leaves after the season. Cowell announced it Monday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif., while announcing his show “X Factor” will launch in the United States in 2011.

“We did talk about me staying on both shows, but when we looked at the practicalities of that, it was impossible,” Cowell said. “In my opinion, it’s like having a good player and a good football team. The two have to be okay together. I believe it’s not my show, but it’s still very close to me… I’m confident [American Idol] will continue to be the No. 1 show. Everyone is committed to keeping it that way.”

Meanwhile the new season of American Idol featuring new judge Ellen DeGeneres will start airing on FOX by January 12.

Celebrity Update Gilbert Arenas has been investigated by the Washington Wizards and the NBA for possibly violating league rules regarding gun possession. CBSSports.com first reported the news on Thursday afternoon and the team and league both released statements acknowledging the situation. Police said Tuesday it is investigating a report that weapons were found inside a locker room at the Verizon Center, where the Washington Wizards play.

“The Washington Wizards have learned that Gilbert Arenas stored firearms in a locked container in his locker, unloaded and without ammunition,” the Wizards’ statement read. “The Wizards organization and Arenas promptly notified the local authorities and the NBA, are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its review of this matter and will have no further comment at this time.” According to a league source, Arenas has not been charged with a crime yet, but the District has strict gun laws that prohibit carrying guns, openly or concealed. A person close to Arenas said that he brought the guns to Verizon Center to keep them away from his children. Arenas recently welcomed his third child, Hamiley Penny, on Dec. 9 and no longer wanted them in his home. His first daughter, Izela, turned 4 on Thursday.

Celebrity Update Brittany Murphy was found dead on December 20 after she went into full cardiac arrest and could not be revived, multiple sources tell TMZ. The 32 year old American actress and singer. She starred in films such as Clueless; Girl, Interrupted; 8 Mile; Sin City; Happy Feet; and Riding in Cars with Boys, and several vocals she performed on different films.

Authorities said Monday it appeared actress Brittany Murphy died of natural causes after becoming ill with flulike symptoms in the days before she collapsed in the bathroom of her Hollywood Hills home.

Paramedics tried to revive Murphy early Sunday, but she was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The hospital said she died of cardiac arrest.

Police did not suspect of any foul play with this incident as LAPD launches it death investigation.

Celebrity Update Anne Hathaway has been rumored to have a role in the Spiderman 4 movie coming on May of 2011. The 27 year old American actress according to some sources, been offered a role in Spider-Man 4 to play the role of the villain The Black Cat. No decisions yet being released by Sony Entertainment as more names like Julia Stiles, Rachel McAdams and Romola Garai are also coming up.

As for Anne Hathaway, she is said to be the top choice for Felicia Hardy, the character of which has also been linked to Julia Stiles and Romola Garai. However, it is reported that this Felicia Hardy in the fourth “Spider-Man” film will not transform into the Black Cat as what happens in the comic books. Instead, she will become a brand new superpowered figure called the Vulturess, Movieline claimed.