Shyamalan going to THE WOODS for Walt Disney
May 21st, 2003
M. Night Shyamalan will next direct his script "The Woods" for Walt Disney. The movie will possibly star Ashton Kutcher , Kirsten Dunst and Joaquin Phoenix.
"Woods" marks the first film of a two-picture deal Shyamalan has with the Walt Disney Co. and is being eyed as a summer 2004 release with an October production start planned. Details about the second film in the deal were not made public.
Set in 1897, Shyamalan's "Woods" script revolves around a close-knit community that lives with the frightening knowledge that a mythical race of creatures resides in the woods around them. As with his previous projects, Shyamalan said "The Woods" has been a closely guarded secret until as recently as a couple of weeks ago.
"I like to write in a shroud of secrecy because I have to keep finding ways to scare myself," says Shyamalan who added that he finished writing the script just eight days ago and let people read it for the first time over the weekend.
Shyamalan declined to discuss specific details about the "Woods" story but said it will be similar in tone to his previous work and will again be set in Pennsylvania. However, as opposed to his previous work, "The Woods" is "a very romantic movie" and a period piece, he said.
Shyamalan said the script features an ensemble cast but noted that the Dunst role is a particularly strong part. "One of my goals when I set out was to write a strong female lead," he said. One additional main role of an older man has yet to be cast.
(Source: Reuters/Hollywood Reporter)
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