The newest YA heroine needs a co-star. Who should play Four in “Divergent”?

January 31, 2013 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting, Features 1 Comment

With the announcement that Shaliene Woodley has been cast in the lead role in the upcoming dystopian “Divergent“, as well as Kate Winslet being in talks for an unknown role, this adaptation of the YA novel just got a little more real. Naturally, the next course of action will be to seek out other young individuals (well-known or perhaps not) to fill out the rest of the roles of Tris’ friends and foes alike. It’s no surprise that among Tris’ circle of friends is a love interest, and yes, it’s time to play the casting game again.

After Woodley’s negotiations became public knowledge last year, names were thrown into the casting mix for the pivotal role of “Four”, Tris’ mentor-turned-love interest. Alexander Ludwig (Cato of “The Hunger Games“) tweeted that he had a meeting with Lionsgate about the role. Not too long after, “Teen Wolf” star Colton Haynes caused much speculation among fans when he announced his departure from the MTV show and soon after followed Veronica Roth, author of “Divergent” on twitter while tweeting that he had some “news” to share soon. Related instances? Who knows. They were, however, perhaps meaningless ones as earlier this month, Alex Pettyfer, Lucas Till and Jeremy Irvine were reported to have auditioned for the role. The search is definitely on, but nothing and no one has been confirmed as of yet.

Of the names who have been thrown into the pool, there are some that we at Up and Comers could see as Four – but then there are also some that we think should stay far, far away from this adaptation lest they just turn him into another lacking portrayal of a character with so much to work with. In the words of our Tris Prior herself, “This character needs to be extremely masculine, and his eyes need to scream vulnerability and sensitivity.” We agree, Shailene. And so here are five actors that we think would be great as Tris’ mentor and eventual love interest.

REVIEW: “Great Expectations” features a venerated ensemble cast and stunning visuals, but don’t expect too much else

November 30, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Reviews Leave a comment

To say that “great expectations” were had for Mike Newell’s adaptation of the classic novel by Charles Dickens would not only be corny, but also a great understatement. It’s not because of bad puns or unoriginal wordplay, but because with an impressive cast made up of film veterans and revered newcomers, as well as such rich textual material to work with, anything less than “great” couldn’t be expected. Despite having all of these magical ingredients, ultimately “Great Expectations” proved to be an impressively sound adaptation, but not exactly one that inspires any newfound exaltation.

Jeremy Renner joins Julianne Moore and Al Pacino in dramedy “Imagine”

October 24, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting Leave a comment

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeremy Renner will star opposite Al Pacino in the dramedy “Imagine.” The film tells the story of an aging 1970s rocker (Pacino) who discovers an undelivered letter written to him in his younger days penned by none-other than John Lennon. After he receives this letter, he makes the attempt to straighten out his life and give up his “hard-living ways”. This road leads him to reconnect with the son (played by Renner) he’s neglected to get to know. The film title, of course, is taken from the iconic ballad written and produced by Lennon.

“Imagine” is scheduled to begin production in Spring of 2013. The film marks the directorial debut of writer Dan Fogelman and will also star Julianne Moore as the owner of a New Jersey hotel where Pacino’s character checks in.

Renner just finished up filming in New York for James Gray‘s “Low Life” and will next be seen opposite Gemma Arterton in “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” which hits theatres on January 25th, 2013.

Dominic Monaghan to star in adaptation of fantasy novel “Molly Moon”

October 24, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting Leave a comment

Via Variety, Dominic Monaghan is set to star in the Christopher Rowley-directed “Molly Moon.” The film is an adaptation of Georgia Byng’s series of children fantasy novels about a girl who has the ability to hypnotize those around her. The title role will be played by Raffey Cassidy, who was recently featured in minor roles in “Dark Shadows” and “Snow White and the Huntsman.” Monaghan will portray the villainous bank robber who is desperate to steal Molly’s book on hypnotism.

This film marks Monaghan’s return to the fantasy genre. He is of course most well-known for his portrayal of the Shire-dwelling Hobbit “Merry” in “The Lord of the Rings” films and later for his role on J.J. Abrams hit series “Lost.” Monaghan’s latest on-screen project was the independent feature “The Day.” He is currently filming “Deep Burial” with Tom Sizemore and will host the BBC’s “Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan” that premieres in January of next year.

Evan Rachel Wood up for supporting role in biopic “The Prince of Tehran”

October 24, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting Leave a comment

According to an exclusive from Moviehole, Evan Rachel Wood is currently in talks to join Kari Skogland’s biopic “The Prince of Tehran.” Based on a true story, the film details the arrest of Christian schoolgirl Marina Nemat following the 1980 Iranian revolution. Nemat protested against the requirement to study the Koran and as a result was imprisoned and tortured at the Evin prison in Tehran. After she is sentenced to death, a guard falls in love with her. He proposes marriage, and consequently adopting Islam, in order to save her life. The project is an adaptation of Nemat’s memoir “The Prison of Tehran: One Woman’s Story of Survival Inside an Iranian Prison.”

Wood would not be playing Nemat, but instead a supporting role. The film will be represented at the upcoming American Film Market, so further details on the cast and production dates are expected soon.

Emmy Rossum in talks to join Hilary Swank’s “You’re Not You”

October 23, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting 1 Comment

Via Indiewire, Emmy Rossum is currently in negotiations to co-star in “You’re Not You,” opposite Hilary Swank. The film, directed by George C. Wolf, is an adaption of the novel of the same name that’s penned by Michelle Wildgen. “You’re Not You” tells the tale of a former ad exec (Swank) suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. Rossum will play her caretaker, a college student who’s currently swept up in an affair with a married professor. The film follows the relationship between the two women throughout the process of the disease.

Known for her breakout roles in the apocalyptic “The Day After Tomorrow” and musical-turned-movie “The Phantom of the Opera,” Rossum currently stars in the Showtime series “Shameless.” She will next be seen in the adaptation of the YA paranormal novel “Beautiful Creatures” which hits theatres on February 13th, 2013.

No production dates for “You’re Not You” have been scheduled as of yet, but Shana Feste and Jordan Roberts will pen the script with Darryl Prince Productions financing the project.

Shailene Woodley in talks for lead role in adaptation of YA dystopian novel “Divergent”

October 18, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting 3 Comments

Shailene Woodley is on a roll. Today marks some huge news for YA fiction aficionados as Variety reports that Woodley is currently in talks to play the lead role in Summit’s upcoming adaptation of YA dystopian novel “Divergent.”

Remember when everyone kept calling “The Hunger Games” the next “Twilight” or the next “Harry Potter“? Well, here’s yet another YA franchise to throw into the mix. Penned by 24-year-old Veronica Roth, “Divergent” tells the story a futuristic society that sorts its members into five factions divided by personality traits (Dauntless, Abnegation, Amity, Candor, and Erudite). Upon their 16th birthday, each member of society must choose which faction to officially dedicate their life to. The series centers on Beatrice “Tris” Prior (whom Woodley would play), a sixteen-year-old girl born into the faction of Abnegation who doesn’t quite seem to fit in with her society’s standards. Eventually, she finds out that she also doesn’t really fit into any single one of the other official factions either. No spoilers here, but basically this causes a lot of drama. Published in May of 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books (an imprint of HarperCollins), “Divergent” is the first book in a trilogy that is scheduled to conclude next Spring with the release of the still untitled third book. Teenagers aren’t exactly pitted to the death in this story, but “Divergent” contains many of the coveted ingredients in a well-consumed YA dystopian: questionable people in power, whispers of rebellion, an angsty romance. Also, people leap out of moving trains, and that’s definitely something we’d love to see Woodley, one of our breakout stars of 2011, take on.

Although Woodley might be most famously known for her leading role in the ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” she garnered much attention when she played George Clooney’s daughter in the 2011 Oscar-nominated film “The Descendants.” Despite the recent cancellation of “The Secret Life,” Woodley clearly isn’t going to have trouble keeping herself busy. She recently finished filming “The Spectacular Now,” another novel adaption, and is also attached to the indie drama “White Bird.” Woodley, of course, is also currently in talks for a significant role in another franchise as Mary Jane Watson in the sequel to 2012’s “The Amazing Spiderman.” Although both “Spiderman 2″ and “Divergent” are set to release in 2014, there’s no need to fret about scheduling conflicts as reportedly Woodley’s role in the former film isn’t exactly an integral one (yet).

“Divergent” is scheduled to start production in March with a tentative release of Spring 2014. Neil Burger will direct with Evan Daugherty penning the script. Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher will be producing the film.

Sam Claflin lands role in “Overdrive” and possibly also in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

July 17, 2012 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting 5 Comments

Today is a big day for fans of “The Hunger Games” and for Brit actor Sam Claflin. An exclusive report from Variety states that Claflin is the leading choice to portray Finnick Odair, the godly trident-wielding Tribute in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” sequel to “The Hunger Games.” The role of Finnick is a character who in the past few months has perhaps been subject to an equally rabid level of speculation and interest as last spring’s coveted role of Katniss Everdeen. Hailing from District 4, Finnick is a previous winner of the Games who found victory at the age of fourteen. Although dazzled by his gorgeousness, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself unsure if she should consider Finnick as an ally or an enemy. The second book of the YA-dystopian trilogy penned by Suzanne Collins describes Finnick is as having an athletic build, bronze hair and sea-green eyes. Think beautiful Olympian swimmer—but deadly (he didn’t win The Hunger Games by charm alone, after all). Although Claflin doesn’t exactly fit the books’ description, given this franchise’s previous casting choices, this clearly that won’t be an obstacle if he lands the role.

To date, Claflin is most well known for his roles as the mermaid-adoring clergyman in last summer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and as Kristen Stewart’s prince charming in last month’s “Snow White and the Hunstman.” If Claflin is indeed the victor of this coveted role, this will mark his involvement in a third major franchise/ franchise-potential film.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will hit theatres November 23, 2013, and will be followed by two more films in November 2014 and 2015. Earlier today, Lionsgate announced that Amanda Plummer would be joining the cast as Wiress, another previous winner from District 3. Along with the news of Claflin, Variety also reports that Tony Shalhoub and Melissa Leo are on the shortlist for ex-Tributes Beetee (an inventor who is skilled in electricity) and Mags (Finnick’s mentor), respectively.Yet to be cast for the sequel is Finnick’s girlfriend Annie, also a previous winner of the Hunger Games.

While his status in “Catching Fire” may not be set in stone just yet, another role that Claflin did manage to score is in “Overdrive” alongside Karl Urban (Star Trek) and Emilia Clarke (HBO’s Game of Thrones). Claflin replaces Ben Barnes as one of two auto-thieving brothers. Directed by Pierre Morel and scripted by Michael Brandt and Derek, “Overdrive” is scheduled to film this year.

Kristen Stewart in talks for female lead in “Akira”

November 15, 2011 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Casting 1 Comment

Earlier today U&C reported that Kristen Stewart had been offered the lead role in “Akira,” an adaptation of the popular Japanese manga. Deadline has just confirmed that Stewart is indeed now in talks for the part. If a deal is closed, this role will reunite Stewart with her “On The Road” co-star Hedlund in which Stewart will play Kei, the love interest of protagonist Keneda (Hedlund).

Stewart is, of course, no stranger to adaptations. The first installment of “Breaking Dawn“, the almost-final movie in the Twilight Saga opens in theatres this Friday, while the full length trailer for “Snow White and the Huntsman” premiered just last week. Although the Twilight Saga comes to an end next year, with “Snow White” and the possibility of “Akira” becoming a franchise, Stewart may not be finished with blockbuster titles just yet.

Jaume Collet-Serra will direct the Warner Bros’ film which is based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s epic 6-novel series.

Watch: Enchantment and warfare mingle in “Snow White and the Huntsman” trailer

November 10, 2011 | Posted by Lindsey Young in Images, Videos 1 Comment

Following the new poster of “Snow White and the Huntsman,” Universal has released a full length trailer of their adaptation of the classic tale, as well as an additional poster featuring an armored Kristen Stewart in the title role of Snow White. The new poster mirrors the earlier promo shot of Stewart released the past summer, but she’s now accompanied by her seven (soldier) dwarfs. In the almost two minute glimpse into the film, we’re finally treated to real-life action that mixes magical warfare and intrigue. Judging by the trailer, the film looks like it’ll include mostly all of the traditional elements of the tale, give or take. Incorporated into trailer is the classic “Mirror Mirror” line, which coincidentally was recently announced as the official title of Tarsem Singh’s Snow White film that’s also due for release next year.

The Queen as depicted by Charlize Theron dominates the trailer and although the character has always been known as a cruel and jealous dictator, here she’s shown as way more malicious and domineering in her quest to be “the fairest of them all. The film’s two title characters also make appearances, but really nothing beyond quick flashes of wielding weapons and riding horses. Stewart’s Snow White, who has no speaking lines in the trailer, doesn’t appear to do much else besides fleeing or gazing around at the pretty and/or scary sights. Meanwhile, Chris Hemsworth is looking very Thor-like as the huntsman. Sam Claflin as the Prince also makes a brief, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance. Although the poster this past week hinted at a bit more of a fantastical element to the story, the trailer indicates that perhaps the story truly is as dark and brooding as that forest Snow White hangs out in.

Medieval playground or enchanted battlefield, we’re not entirely sure yet. The trailer and the posters all proudly state that the film comes from the producer of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, so perhaps Universal is hoping to target that same audience. We’ll find out next summer when the film hits theatres!

Via ComingSoon.net, view the trailer and the posters below:

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Articles by Lindsey Young