Got two interesting casting developments today, both good and bad, depending on how you see it. First up is the news that Lily Collins is setting up to star in the long-delayed PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER), which originally had Natalie Portman attached to star and David O. Russell to direct. Now, director Burr Steers (CHARLIE ST. CLOUD) is picking up the reins, which should help get the film into production. Collins is gearing up for the YA adaptation of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES and she certainly has a look befitting of a Jane Austen character. Even one that fights zombies.
The book "follows the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England who are faced with a new challenge — an army of undead zombies." Grahame-Smith has had a rough go with Hollywood thus far, as ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER failed to connect with audiences and his script for Tim Burton's DARK SHADOWS didn't exactly wake the dead either. Here's to hoping that zombies are his saving grace.
Next up is another game of musical casting chairs for JANE GOT A GUN, the troubled production starring Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, Noah Emmerich, and Rodrigo Santoro. After director Lynne Ramsay left the production just before it began, she was quickly replaced by Gavin O'Connor (WARRIOR). Michael Fassbender, who was cast as the lead villain, had already dropped out of the film, with Jude Law coming in to replace him. However, Ramsay's departure was the catalyst that led to Law departing as well, stating that he had taken the gig to work with her, not O'Connor. Bradley Cooper quickly swept in to save the day, but has now joined the ranks of Fassbender and Law, issuing a statement to THR.
Regretfully, due to date conflicts between the film I am currently shooting for David O’Russell [American Hustle] and Jane’s Got a Gun, I am unable to join Natalie, Joel, Noah and Gavin on this truly exciting project I was really looking forward to being a part of it and hope to work with each and every one in the future.
JANE GOT A GUN is currently in a planned shutdown phase to basically get their shit together after all the shake-ups. Certainly O'Connor would need to get a grasp of the film and decide on a direction before just showing up and calling action, so it makes perfect sense to pause and get things in order, including finding a lead villain that can commit to the role.
Both projects have had a timultuous run thus far, so it'll be interesting to see how they turn out as a result. More as these develop.
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