OK, it’s not an Alexander Payne project as it once was which is slightly less exciting, but we’re still looking forward to Fox Searchlight’s upcoming, “Wilson,” an adaptation of celebrated work by graphic novelist Dan Clowes. His dark, hilarious cynical touch begat many terrific graphic novels and so far, two solid film adaptations: “Ghost World” and “Art School Confidential,” both directed by Terry Zwigoff.
Payne was supposed to direct the adaptation of Clowes’ “Wilson,” the script of which he wrote himself, but it appears he’s been caught up with other work. But in his stead is Craig Johnson, who won critical plaudits from Sundance 2014 with the indie “The Skeleton Twins.”
“Wilson” already features Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern and joining the cast announced today are Judy Greer (“Arrested Development”) and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”).
Harrelson stars as Wilson, a lonely, neurotic and hilariously honest middle-aged misanthrope who reunites with his estranged wife (Laura Dern) and gets a shot at happiness when he learns he has a teenage daughter (Isabelle Amara) he has never met. In his uniquely outrageous and slightly twisted way, he sets out to connect with her.
“I’ve been a fan of Dan Clowes’ cartoons and writing for years,” says Johnson. “I own all of his comic books and graphic novels, including Wilson, so when I got the script, I couldn’t quite believe it. It’s a privilege to be working on a project of this pedigree — a project written by Dan Clowes, starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern and brought to life by Fox Searchlight. I’m honored to be part of it.”
No release date set, but we’ll assume we see this one sometime in 2016.
