While primarily known for her genre roles in films ranging from "Final Destination 3" to "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World" to "The Thing," Mary Elizabeth Winstead got a chance to prove to audiences she's got acting skills to go along with her ass-kicking skills and good looks, impressing audiences earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival in the alcoholism drama "Smashed." And it seems that entire experience was a good one for Winstead, as she's lending her talents to that film's writer/director James Ponsoldt's next effort, "The Spectacular Now," which is already moving ahead.
Winstead, along with Kyle Chandler ("Super 8," "Friday Night Lights"), Bob Odenkirk ("Mr. Show," "Breaking Bad") and Andre Royo ("Red Tails") are joining the already cast Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller and Brie Larson in the film. Penned by "(500) Days of Summer" scribes Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber (whose script landed on the 2009 Black List) and based on Tim Tharp's award-winning novel, the story centers on Stutter (Teller), a live-life-in-the-moment high school senior, who attempts to save Aimee (Woodley) from being a social outcast. Chandler, Winstead and Royo will play Teller's dad, sister and teacher respectively, while Odenkirk will play his boss.
It's definitely a complete 180 from Ponsoldt's previous effort, we really like everyone involved and it sounds very promising. Production is now underway….could Ponsoldt be back at Sundance In January? We'll see. Meanwhile, how about a release date for "Smashed" Sony Pictures Classics? [Variety]