While it can easily be said that Gregg Araki is divisive, his edgy films, usually centered on youth, do have their fans. Earning equal amounts of criticism and praise for movies like "The Doom Generation," "Mysterious Skin" and "Smiley Face" (not to mention last year's "Kaboom"), he's gearing up for another effort which will surely be no less interesting, no matter which side you fall on. And that he's rounded up one of the most promising young actresses right now to star adds an extra bit of allure.
Shailene Woodley, who broke out with last year's "The Descendants," has come on board "White Bird." Penned by Araki, the drama will center on a young woman whose mother disappears, turning her life upside down. And knowing Araki, there is much more to that logline. It's an intriguing next step for Woodley, who hasn't jumped on any major studio projects just yet, only lining up "Smashed" director James Ponsoldt's "The Spectacular Now" since her awards season attention last year.
No word yet on when it will film — more casting is underway — so we presume 'Spectacular Now' comes first, before Woodley flies with "White Bird." But it's an interesting direction for the actress, who likely has some good scripts to choose from, and we'll be curious to see what this pairing brings to the screen. [Variety]