Ok, that headline is a tiny bit misleading, even if it is true. Casey Affleck is set to play a character called Stoner, rather than following in Cheech & Chong’s footsteps. He’s taking on the title role of William Stoner in the film adaptation of John Williams’ novel, Stoner.
The novel, ‘follows the hardscrabble life of William Stoner, a dirt-poor farmer turned academic, who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th Century. Williams’ 1965 novel has been praised as “a masterly portrait of a truly virtuous and dedicated man.” (New Yorker) “….so well told and beautifully written, so deeply moving, that it takes your breath away.” (New York Times Book Review)’
Blumhouse Productions, Cohen Media Group (CMG) and Film4 are backing the movie, with Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna) directing.
“Because the novel is so beautiful but not well-known, fans of Stoner feel like they’re in a secret club. I’m so excited that Casey, Joe and Andrew [Bovell, Screenwrtier] have come aboard to help expand this club’s membership,” comments Blumhouse head honcho, Jason Blum. “This quintessentially American work is being brought to the screen by a terrific international team and we’re confident their combined perspectives will add rich layers to this moving story.”
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, Kyle Chandler, Tate Donovan
Well, for the next few decades writers have something new to include when it comes to Oscars biggest gaffes and bloopers. Faye Dunaway read out that La La Land had won the Best Picture Oscar, the producers came up to the stage, and then, partway through the acceptance speeches, they were interrupted to be told, actually no, it was Moonlight that was the big winner.
Do you know one of the reasons the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs manage to attract so many star names? It’s because of when they’re held. The Golden Globes come just a few days before AMPAS members have to submit who they think should be nominated for the Oscars, and the BAFTAs come just before the deadline for them to say who they think should win.
UK Release date: January 13th 2017