More details on the potential cast for Paul Thomas Anderson’s forthcoming untitled Scientology drama are surfacing as it gears up for a shoot this summer. Last week we reported that Reese Witherspoon had been offered the role of the Master’s wife Mary-Sue, who acts as his caretaker and vigilant lieutenant. This week, the print edition of Production Weekly reveals that Amanda Seyfried, Emma Stone and Deborah Ann Woll are all being considered for the role of Elizabeth, The Master and Mary-Sue’s daughter.
We reviewed the script for the film that was floating around earlier this year and while the role of the daughter is a small one (though that could’ve changed), it also does have some pretty salacious bits (that we won’t spoil here) which will be an eye opener for any fans of the actress who lands the role.
So who will land it? It’s hard to say. Seyfried seems like least likely candidate only because she is set to shoot Catherine Hardwicke’s “Girl With The Riding Hood” this summer and depending on when Anderson’s film goes in front of cameras, scheduling alone could take her out of the running. Emma Stone has been looking to break out of comedic roles, most recently adding the period based, racial drama “The Help” to her upcoming slate. She would be an interesting fit for the role and it would definitely add something very different to her resumé. Finally, there’s Deborah Ann Woll, best known for her role as Jessica on “True Blood.” She doesn’t have much feature film experience (well, she has roles in three films that are awaiting release) but she’s capable, and from a purely financial aspect, probably the most budget friendly to join the $35 million dollar picture.
All this said, while the actresses are said to be “choices” for the role its unclear at this time if any offers have been made. Our guess would be they’ve all read or tested in some capacity but obviously, decisions are still pending. For now, the only confirmed cast members remain Philip Seymour Hoffman in the role of The Master and Jeremy Renner as Freddie Sutton, his troubled protegé. Frankly, those two could could go on screen and re-enact “Baby Geniuses” and we’d watch it, so whoever Anderson gets to surround them is icing on the cake.