Robbins burns Embers

Tim Robbins is among four new cast members joining the upcoming Fox/Walden Media adaptation of Jeanne DuPrau’s novel CITY OF EMBER. Also joining the cast are Martin Landau, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Harry Treadaway. The foursome join the already cast Bill Murray, Toby Jones and Saoirse Ronan, who just yesterday was announced as the lead in Peter Jackson’s THE LOVELY BONES. To add to the star power, Tom Hanks will be producing the film through his Playtone production company. The film takes place in a world where outside light has vanished and the only available light is provided through street lamps. When those light sources begin to fail, two teens begin to investigate their town, the shady Mayor (Murray) and the dark secrets (no pun intended) they all hold. Robbins will star as an inventor who “holds a secret” while Treadway and Ronan will play the teens out on the prowl. Gil Kenan (MONSTER HOUSE) will make his live-action directorial debut with the film that is currently shooting in Ireland.