Michelle Williams is reportedly circling a lead role in Noah Baumbach’s adaptation of Claire Messud’s 2006 novel, “The Emperor’s Children,” which Baumbach only recently revealed to be taking the helm of.
Set in post 9/11 New York, the film will follows three apprehensive Ivy League grads approaching their 30’s who experience trepidation, anxiety and existential woes as they find themselves not quite in the place of their professional and personal lives that they expected. Keira Knightley, Eric Bana and Richard Gere recently boarded the project with production to potentially begin as soon as this summer under the guise of Brian Glazer and Ron Howard, whom Baumbach originally adapted the novel for. Financing is still being though and should any problems arise, don’t be surprised to see the helmer’s adaptation of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” with Ben Stiller precede it.
The casting of the über-talented Williams is a step in the right direction though with the actress and Knightley looking likely to play two of the leading trio, Marina and Danielle. The last member, Julius, is presumably not Bana (a sure bet for Australian character, Ludovic) or Gere though who are just a bit beyond the nearing-30 age range.
Williams also has Derek Cianfrance’s romantic drama “Blue Valentine” later this year which has already attracted award-season buzz for Williams and her co-star Ryan Gosling.
