Say it isn't so. Nicolas Cage, as Thomas Magnum, crimefighter in paradise?

The latest ripple in the wave of Web site rumors has the Oscar winner linked to the long-delayed Universal feature film based on "Magnum, P.I.," the set-and-filmed in Hawai'i crime drama that made Tom Selleck a star.

Selleck hasn't been interested in reprising the part for the big screen; he also may be a tad old. Besides, he's back on TV, having replaced James Caan in "Las Vegas" this season.

Other names previously attached to the Magnum role: Matthew McConaughey, George Clooney, Ben Affleck.

Even the Higgins part, originally played by John Hillerman, has been rife with Internet buzz: Ricky Gervais? William H. Macy?

— Wayne Harada, Advertiser entertainment writer

JON STEWART BACK AS OSCARS HOST

HOLLYWOOD — Jon Stewart, the popular late-night satirist, will bring his smirking charm to the Oscars once again as host of the 80th Annual Academy Awards — a decision that has some in Hollywood scratching their heads.

Stewart's statement, included in yesterday's release from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was typically self-deprecating.

"I'm thrilled to be asked to host the Academy Awards for the second time," he said, "because, as they say, the third time's a charm."

The Oscars will air live on ABC from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre on Feb. 24.

LED ZEPPELIN REUNION CONCERT

LONDON — Led Zeppelin will perform a one-time comeback concert in memory of Ahmet Ertegun, a co-founder of Atlantic Records.

The band will perform together for the first time in 19 years on Nov. 26, at London's The O2 venue, on the banks of the River Thames.

Promoters said the concert will pay tribute to Ertegun — the label boss who popularized Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin — who died in December at age 83.

"During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord," Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant said in a statement. "For us, he was Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator."

Led Zeppelin's remaining original members — Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones — will headline the concert, with late drummer John Bonham's son Jason on drums, organizers said yesterday.

50 CENT MAY HAVE TO MAKE CHANGE

NEW YORK — 50 Cent may be getting hip-hop's equivalent of a gold watch next week.

Early reports have Kanye West beating 50 in their much-hyped battle of album sales: West's "Graduation" is on pace to sell about 575,000 to 700,000 its first week out, while 50 Cent's "Curtis" is expected to do 550,000, according to Billboard magazine. As of day one, Kanye had sold 437,000 copies to 50's 310,000, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Both albums came out Tuesday, and a confident 50 Cent famously announced that he would retire if West outsells him in first-week sales.

"I just don't view him as competition based on our previous sales histories," 50 Cent said last month.