It's a piece of casting news that'll please many, but shock no one: Helena Bonham Carter has been cast opposite Johnny Depp in Tim Burton's movie version of "Sweeney Todd." Needless to say, this trio has collaborated on numerous occasions, with generally excellent results each time out.

From IGN FilmForce and Variety: "Depp will play the title role, the demon barber of Fleet Street, while Bonham Carter -- per a Variety scoop -- portrays Mrs. Lovett, a killer who hands out delicious meat pies made from the remains of her victims. She becomes Sweeney Todd's accomplice in his quest for revenge on Judge Turpin.

Borat actor Sacha Baron Cohen has been linked to the Judge Turpin role. John Logan scripted the adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's show. Sweeney Todd is set to start production early next year."

Is it me, or does this project keep sounding better and better?

And for those keeping score: Ms. Carter has appeared in the following Tim Burton films: "Planet of the Apes," "Big Fish," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and "Corpse Bride." Oh, and she's been his girlfriend for about seven years, I think. They have a kid and everything.