Director Joe Carnahan’s mysterious project, “Stretch,” continues to gain a diverse cast. Little has been revealed about the plot other than that it involves a chauffeur who picks up an eccentric billionaire with “devious appetites.” It’s being touted as an action-comedy, which works to the advantage of new cast member James Badge Dale, who has jumped onto the film in an unspecified role. Back in November it was reported that “The Conjuring” star Patrick Wilson had been cast as the aforementioned chauffeur and earlier in May there were reports that the new Captain Kirk, Chris Pine, would be playing a cameo role in the film; but now it’s being said he’s set to play the billionaire. As the cast is now getting a lot more…interesting… “Baywatch” star David Hasselhoff will be appearing in a cameo as himself, along with Ray Liotta and Shaun Toub (“The Last Airbender“), who will be a “no-nonsense limo owner” who employs Patrick Wilson’s character. Ed Helms has also joined the cast in an unspecified role along with Brooklyn Decker. Shooting starts next week and Universal hopes to have “Stretch” ready for a March 21st, 2014 release. [Variety/The Wrap]
After her breakout role as ‘60s teen rebel Suzy Bishop in Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” 14-year-old actress Kara Hayward has been selective in her follow-up projects. She’s recently completed work on “The Sisterhood of Night” about secret societies in New Jersey, and she’s not slowing down. She will next appear in an independent drama called “Quitters.” Written and directed by Noah Pritzker, “Quitters” explores the drama of divorce as seen through a young high-schooler named Etta (Hayward). The film also includes Mira Sorvino, Greg Germann and Morgan Turner, who recently played opposite Hayward in ‘Sisterhood.’ Based on Hayward’s past role as a young girl emotionally frustrated by parents who don’t understand, “Quitters” could be another feather in Hayward’s cap as she moves into adolescence. [Deadline]
Tony-award winning actor Mark Rylance has joined the cast of “The Gunman,” a movie whose cast is becoming a powerhouse of machismo. Rylance will be playing a foe to the aforementioned “gunman,” played by Sean Penn. The story, penned by Pete Travis and directed by “Taken” director Pierre Morel, follows an international operative betrayed by his organization, a common occurrence in these movies. The film also stars Idris Elba, Javier Bardem, and the recently cast Ray Winstone. “The Gunman” should start filming soon (if it hasn’t already) for a 2014 release. [The Hollywood Reporter]