Casting Net: Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo in discussions for 'Queen of Katwe'
? Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo are in discussions for the upcoming Disney film, Queen of Katwe. Mira Nair is directing the film, which will tell the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Nyong’o will play Phiona’s mother, Harriet Mutesi, with Oyelowo as Robert Katende, a mentor of sorts who helps Mutesi become the World Chess Olympiad. The film was inspired by Tim Crother‘s 2011 ESPN The Magazine article and book, “The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, And One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster.”William Wheeler adapted the story for the screen. [Variety]
? Alec Baldwin, Jason Sudeikis, and Neil Patrick Harris have been added to the cast of Downsizing. Alexander Payne is directing the film, which stars Matt Damon and Reese Witherspoon. Set in the near future, the film tells the story of a man (Damon) who considers shrinking himself as a means to save resources, especially money. Payne wrote the script alongside Jim Taylor. [The Wrap]
? Michael C. Hall has signed on for Pete’s Dragon. David Lowery is directing the remake, which stars Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley, and Oakes Fegley. The film will tell the story of Pete (Fegley) and Elliot, Pete’s best friend and the titular dragon. While the 1977 original was a musical, the remake is expected to be a straight narrative. Lowery co-wrote the script with Toby Halbrooks. [Variety]
? Hailee Steinfeld is set to star in Carrie Pilby. Susan Johnson is directing. Based on Caren Lissner‘s novel, the story follows a 19-year-old genius who, after graduating from Harvard, struggles to adjust to post-college life. Kara Holden wrote the script, with updates from Dean Craig. [THR]
? Evan Peters has signed on for Elvis and Nixon. The film tells the story of a 1970 meeting which had Elvis hoping to become a federal agent in an effort to assist with Nixon’s drug policy. Kevin Spacey is set to play President Nixon with Michael Shannon as Elvis Presley. Peters joins the cast as Dwight Chapin, the White House aide who orchestrated the meeting. Hanala Sagal and Joey Sagal wrote the script with Cary Elwes. [Deadline]
? Writer Gary Whitta has left the Star Wars standalone film he was working on with Gareth Edwards. The two had been working on the project since May, but Whitta confirmed on Twitter that he’s moving on to Fox’s comic-book adaptation, Starlight. [THR]