It was two years ago when Jennifer Lawrence signed up to lead the adaptation of Jeanette Walls‘ bestseller "Glass Castle: A Memoir," and if she was a big star then, she’s an even bigger star now. Naturally, her schedule has become increasingly busy, and along the way, she moved on from the project, and not much has been heard about it since. But today it gets some exciting, fresh new life.
Brie Larson is in early talks take the lead role in the movie that will reteam her with "Short Term 12" director Destin Daniel Cretton. Marti Noxon ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Fright Night") penned the script that tells the true story of Walls’ childhood, being raised by her dysfunctional parents. Here’s the official book synopsis:
READ MORE: ‘The Glass Class’ Starring Jennifer Lawrence Lands ‘Short Term 12’ Director Destin Daniel Cretton
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn’t stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.
Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town — and the family — Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents’ betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.
No word yet on when production might begin, but I’d wager it’ll have to wait for Larson to wrap up what will surely be a very busy awards season stumping for "Room." And "The Glass Castle" sounds like a great movie to follow up that film with, so let’s hope it gets rolling soon. [The Wrap]
