Casting Bits: Nicole Kidman Options ‘The Family Fang’, Olivia Wilde, Jessica Biel, Judy Greer, Etc. Shortlisted For ‘Burt Wonderstone’, Shiloh Fernandez Joins ‘The East’
Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films and Olympus Films have teamed up to acquire the movie rights forKevin Wilson’s bestselling bookThe Family Fang, which they plan to develop as a starring vehicle for Kidman. The two companies previously collaborated onRabbit Hole, for which Kidman received a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
Wilson’s debut novel centers around a couple of performance artists who regularly incorporate their unwilling children into their bizarre acts. Years later, misfortune prompts the now-grown son and daughter to return home, where they find their parents gearing up for one final masterpiece. [Deadline]
After the jump, New Line pulls together an intriguing shortlist forBurt Wonderstone’s female lead, andThe East’s terrorist organization gets one more member.
Directed by30 Rock’sDon Scardino,Burt Wonderstonefollows a Vegas magician (Carell) who breaks up with his stage partner and finds himself upstaged by a younger, hipper illusionist. [Deadline]
Shiloh Fernandezhas boarded the cast ofThe East, which is being directed byZal Batmanglijfrom a script by Batmanglij andBrit Marling. The film stars Marling as an agent from a private security firm who’s tasked with infiltrating an ecoterrorist organization known as The East. However, she finds herself falling for its leader, played byAlexander Skarsgard. Fernandez will play free-spirited, sexually adventurous member of the group. As previously reported, the thriller will also featureEllen Pageas another member of The East and Skarsgard’s ex,Patricia Clarksonas Marling’s boss, andToby Kebbellas a doctor. Production onThe Eastis expected to begin shortly.
Fernandez most recently starred Catherine Hardwicke’sRed Riding Hoodopposite Amanda Seyfried, and will next appear inSyrupwith Amber Heard, Kellan Lutz, and Brittany Snow. [Variety]
