Casting Bits: Paul Giamatti In ‘Romeo And Juliet’, Martin Freeman, Noel Clarke, And Tim Curry In ‘Saving Santa’, Hugh Bonneville In ‘Dead Simple’
Whether the world really needs anotherRomeo and Julietadaptation is up for debate, butCarlos Carlei’s upcoming film boasts some intriguing talent, at least. The script comes fromGosford ParkandDownton AbbeywriterJulian Fellowes, while young up-and-comers likeHailee Steinfeld,Douglas Booth,Ed Westwick, andKodi Smit-McPheeare lined up to star.
The latest addition to the project is the always welcomePaul Giamatti, who’s set to play Friar Laurence. A confidant to both Romeo and Juliet, the character plays a key role in the star-crossed lovers' fates. Shooting on the film, which is rather discouragingly being described as “Romeo and Julietfor theTwilightgeneration,” is slated to begin this month in Italy. [Variety]
After the jump, Dr. John Watson and the Earl of Grantham book big-screen gigs.
Saving Santamarks the directorial debut of animatorLeon Joosen, who’s previously worked onSpace Jam,The Little Mermaid, andMuppet Babies. [Deadline]
AlthoughHugh Bonnevilleis probably most recognizable right now as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham on Fellowes' hit showDownton Abbey, he’s appeared in a number of films over the course of his 20+ year career includingIris,Notting Hill, andTomorrow Never Dies. He’s now set to move back into the big screen withDead Simple, an adaptation ofPeter James' bestselling book. Bonneville will play detective Roy Grace, who must track down a bridegroom who’s gone missing. It turns out that the man in question has been buried alive as part of a really horrible-sounding bachelor party prank, but when his friends are killed in a drunk-driving accident, the man is left alone underground with no way out.
James, a former film financier and producer, will produce the adaptation of his novel. No director has been announced at this time. [Screen DailyviaMovies.com]
