An array of casting news has filtered down today, so let’s just get to it. First up, Brie Larson has signed up to star in the adaptation of Emma Donoghue‘s critically acclaimed, best-selling novel “Room.” Lenny Abrahamson, who broke out with “What Richard Did” and has the already hotly buzzed “Frank” on the way, will direct this one about “a woman kidnapped as a teenager who has been held captive for years in a tiny room where she lives with her 5-year-old son Jack (he told us about it in a recent interview too). To the boy, Room is the only home he’s ever known.” It’ll be interesting to see how this takes shape as a film, given that the book is told from the child’s point of view. But so far, the talent attached has us hopeful. [Deadline]
Roland Emmerich has decided on his next movie, and it will have explosions, though they will be of the cultural kind. The director will helm “Stonewall,” about the landmark event in gay rights history, with Jeremy Irvine (“War Horse“) slated to star. Jon Robin Baitz has penned the script chronicling the events of the 1969 police raid at the Stonewall Inn, which saw patrons push back against the cops, leading to one of the defining moments in the fight for gay rights. Production on this will begin soon, but don’t worry, it won’t affect the “Independence Day” sequel planned for 2016, which Emmerich is still working on. [Deadline]
Well, here’s something unexpected and delightful. Carrie Brownstein, star of “Portlandia” and former axewoman of Sleater-Kinney, has landed a role in Todd Haynes‘ currently filming “Carol.” Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith and starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, the ’50s-set story follows the story of two women—one a 20-something girl working in a department store while harbouring bigger dreams, the other a middle-aged wife trapped in a money-driven, loveless marriage—and the relationship that brews between the two. Brownstein will play the wonderfully named Genevieve Cantrell, who has an “encounter” with Rooney’s character. [THR]
That “Alice In Wonderland” sequel has added another name, with theatre actor Mark Rylance boarding the film, joining the returning Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska. He’ll be playing the Mad Hatter’s father, Zanik Hightopp, in the James Bobin-helmed follow up. [The Wrap]
Lastly, Mae Whitman (her?) will star in “The D.U.F.F.” Based on the novel by Kody Keplinger, the story follows “a high school senior whose world is turned upside down when she learns that she has been labeled her group of friend’s DUFF (designated ugly fat friend) a sidekick to her prettier more popular friends. She becomes determined to reinvent herself—and enlist her fellow DUFFs—in a scheme to overthrow the school’s evil queen.” Sounds kinda “Mean Girls“-y, so potentially interesting. Oscar winner Ari Sandlel will direct (look it up). [Variety]