The Coppolas have established something of a filmmaking dynasty at this point with Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Roman Coppola, and Eleanor Coppola all having stepped behind the camera. Now, it looks like the family of Ron Howard could be next.
READ MORE: Ron Howard Confirmed To Direct ‘Han Solo’ Movie
The director’s daughter and actress Bryce Dallas Howard is set to follow her dad’s footsteps behind the camera, and make her directorial debut with “Sorta Like A Rock Star.” Based on the book by Matthew Quick (“Silver Linings Playbook“), the project was once in development at Fox Searchlight, and as recently as last year had Miguel Arteta (“Beatriz At Dinner,” “Youth In Revolt“) attached to direct. However, now it’s without a distributor, with Howard taking on the story of a high school student who secretly moves into her Mom’s school bus. Here’s the book synopsis:
Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom’s boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber’s optimism–and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope?
With an oddball cast of characters, and a heartwarming, inspiring story, this novel unveils a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope. The world is Amber’s stage, and Amber is, well…she’s sorta like a rock star. True? True.
Ol Parker (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!“) is penning script, which should suggest the vibe it’s going for. As for Howard, she’s not totally new to the directing game, having helmed short films and the music video for M83‘s “Claudia Lewis” starring Lily Collins. [Variety]