Update: Variety reports Val Kilmer, Radha Mitchell and Kate Maberly have also joined the film. Kilmer and Mitchell will play parents in the movie, with Maberly taking the role of a camp counselor.
While “I Am Number Four” director D.J. Caruso got a bit ahead of himself when he told us he’d be directing “Beat The Reaper” with Leonardo Dicaprio set to star, it looks as if his next feature is more of a realistic option for the blockbuster director.
Variety is reporting that Caruso’s dream project “The Goats” has found its lead in the form of young actors Chandler Canterbury and Annalise Basso. The film, which is based on a young adult novel by author Brock Cole, has supposedly been a project Caruso has been developing for over a decade. “The Goats” is a coming of age story about two kids left stranded on Goat Island after a cruel prank is played on them by their peers. Instead of finding a way back, they choose to run away and embark upon a journey of self discovery. Sounds like light and fluffy family fun for all!
Anyways, Canterbury has a few roles in some serious minded independent productions like “Plastic Jesus” and the SXSW approved “A Bag of Hammers.” Basso, sister of the “Super 8” ensemble’s Gabriel Basso (he was Martin), has past credits on the Adam Sandler-starring “Bedtime Stories” and “True Blood.” Both seem like young talent who have the right agent finding them roles that could create some serious exposure for the pair.
As for Caruso, it could be good to see him get his hands on something he’s apparently passionate about, especially after the $144 million worldwide grossing “I Am Number Four” seemed to come and go stateside last spring. Though the director has had a penchant for directing Steven Spielberg-produced schlock like “Eagle Eye” and “Disturbia” as of late, he’s apparently still waiting to go back to the dark side with the comic adaptation “Preacher,” as well as the thriller “A Walk Among The Tombstones.” It’s been awhile since we’ve seen him direct anything that’s been even remotely as interesting as the modest 2002 crime thriller “The Salton Sea,” and no the abhorrent “Two For The Money” doesn’t count, but since he’s showcased some some flair in the past so we’ll give him a shot here.
The film is set to shoot in Georgia this month, so we’re guessing it’ll be warming the hearts of tweens everywhere come next fall. At least we’re sure that is what Caruso is hoping for at this point.
That\’s the point I was making, but was it his name also attached to Poirier\’s?
\”Goats\” and this \”The Goats\” are two different movies.
Wasn\’t he once attached to Mark Poirier\’s Goats at one stage?? Did I dream it or add incorrectly and make 5 because Shia LaBeouf\’s name was? Is this a breakdown? I didn\’t hate Disturbia, but it\’s not any good.