Though we waited far too long between Whit Stillman‘s “Last Days Of Disco” and 2011’s “Damsels In Distress,” it looks like the filmmaker won’t be taking such a long break again. Last summer came word that he was working on a movie adaptation of Jane Austen‘s “Lady Susan,” but we were thrown for a loop when when it was revealed at the end of January that the concept was being turned into a book, “Love & Friendship: An Adaptation of Jane Austen’s Unfinished Novella Concerning the Beautiful Lady Susan Vernon, Her Loves and Friendships, and the Strange Antagonism of the DeCourcy Family.” So is the movie dead? Nope.
Sienna Miller and Chloe Sevigny (who starred in “Last Days Of Disco“) have joined the film, with production slated to begin this summer. Miller will be taking the titular role of Lady Susan Vernon, along with Sevigny in the comedy that follows “Lady Susan as she embarks on a relationship with a married man and stirs up some controversy along the way.” However, in the hands of Stillman, we presume this will be something a bit different than your usual period fare. So, a book and a movie coming from Stillman? Yes, please. [The Herald]
In other news, Jennifer Aniston has joined the indie drama “Cake.” Daniel Barnz (“Won’t Back Down,” “Beastly“) will direct the film about “an acerbic woman who becomes fascinated by the suicide of another woman in her chronic pain support group. As she uncovers the details of the suicide, she also grapples with her own personal tragedy.” No word yet on when filming might begin. [Variety]
Lastly, Stellan Skarsgård has joined Ewan McGregor in the thriller “Our Kind Of Traitor,” based on the book by John le Carré. Susanna White (“Generation Kill,” “Parade’s End“) will direct the Hossein Amini-penned adaptation about ” a couple who gets mixed up with a Russian oligarch and major money launderer. Caught up in his plans to defect, they are soon positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service.” Filming gets underway this summer. [ScreenDaily]