JEFF TRACY SUITS BILL PAXTON TO A T-BIRD

Had you thought Bill Paxton was a bit wooden? Of course not, even so Paxton has signed up to head the cast of 'Thunderbirds'.

It's a feature version of the classic UK kids of all-ages puppet TV series about a family of astronauts who save the world.

Paxton will play head puppet Jeff Tracy. Four of his five sons have also been cast in the Universal Films project, with the roles all filled by newcomers.

Producer Working Title and director Jonathan Frakes ('Star Trek Nemesis) have clearly decided that the Thunderbirds rockets will be the stars and do not need any extra help from marquee names. Shooting is set to start at London's Shepperton Studios in March.

Philip Winchester, who had a minor part in 'The Patriot', will play Scott Tracy; Lex Shrapnel, a Russian crew member in 'K-19', is John; Dominic Colenso, fresh from a small role in the BBC's 'The Lost Prince', plays Virgil; and Ben Torgeson is Gordon. Only the parts of Alan and the villainous Hood have yet to be filled.

As previously announced, Sophia Myles will play aristocratic agent Lady Penelope and Ron Cook will play her resourceful butler, Parker.