PASADENA, Calif. — Simon Cowell says this will be his last season on "American Idol."

The cantankerous judge said that "The X Factor," a show he created and a hit in Britain, will join Fox's schedule next year. Cowell will be on "The X Factor."

Cowell's decision is the biggest threat yet to what has been the country's most popular TV program and a true cultural force. This season, original host Paula Abdul has been replaced by Ellen DeGeneres.

But Cowell, with his caustic commentary, has long been seen as the big star of "Idol."

Cowell said it would have been difficult for him to do both shows. While he makes a reported $36 million a year to be on "American Idol," he owns "The X Factor" and could make much more if the show takes off.

'SPIDER-MAN 4' TO GET NEW STAR, DIRECTOR

LOS ANGELES — Tobey Maguire is out as Peter Parker and Sam Raimi won't be returning as director when "Spider-Man 4" hits theaters a year late in 2012.

Sony Pictures said in a statement yesterday that the movie was supposed to hit theaters in 2011 but has not yet gone into production amid rumors of trouble.

Raimi said his work on the "Spider-Man" films was the experience of a lifetime, but acknowledged the studio was heading in a "new direction."

The new movie will be based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on Peter Parker in high school.

PALIN SET TO WORK WITH FOX NEWS

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sarah Palin is taking her conservative message to Fox News.

An attorney for the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate says Palin will provide some type of commentary for the cable network.

Attorney Thomas Van Flein would not elaborate on the deal.

Palin is hugely popular with conservatives and has more than 1 million Facebook followers.

She stepped down as Alaska governor in July, 17 months before the end of her first term in office. Her resignation came less than a year after she vaulted to overnight fame as John McCain's running mate.

JOHNSON WANTS TO GET PHYSICAL AGAIN

MEXICO CITY — Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is ready to be back in action.

The former pro wrestler says he's looking forward to returning to more physical roles after filming four family comedies. That includes his latest, "Tooth Fairy," in which he wears tights and a pink tutu.

Johnson says this year he'll film "Faster," an action flick directed by George Tillman and co-starring Billy Bob Thornton and Maggie Grace.