British actress Gemma Arterton is probably still best-known for her big-budget studio fare, with “Prince of Persia” and “Clash of the Titans” both simply relegating her to love interest roles, but as recent negotiations have begun to bring the actress back to her dark genre beginnings, that trend may not stay constant for long.
THR reports Arterton is in talks to star in “The Wright Girls,” a thriller-comedy inspired by the 2003 Japanese film “2LDK,” which found effective thrills in its single apartment setting and two-character story. The new film features the same cast number as well, following two young actresses living together while also sharing their friendship with the world on a reality TV show. In actuality though, both women detest one another, and when a role comes in that both are up for, each woman will go to extreme and violent lengths to ensure the part is theirs.
Andy Fickman is slated to direct, taking a sharp left turn after directing such family fare as “Race to Witch Mountain” and “She's the Man,” while Bert Royal (“Easy A”) handles writing duties. Megan Fox was originally rumored to play one of the two leads, but it appears that is not the case anymore, leaving the role open for the moment.
For those who've seen “The Disappearance of Alice Creed,” Arterton's ability to handle dark material with a sly humorous tint is completely apparent, and just showcases how much Hollywood has under-utilized her talents. Although, if “The Wright Girls” possesses the same wicked tone and unhinged characters that “2LDK” reveled in, Arterton may have just found an ideal star vehicle for that purpose.
”The Wright Girls” is being produced by Relativity and Atlas Entertainment, and is currently in pre-production.