Accomplished actor/writer/director George Clooney plans to begin shooting his adaptation of the 2008 off-Broadway play, Farragut North this February. He may have found his leading man for the film in the form of Star Trek‘s Chris Pine.
Farragut North was written for the stage by Beau Willimon, who drew inspiration for the political drama from his experiences working on Howard Dean’s presidential campaign back in 2004. Clooney has been working with Willimon to adapt the play to the big screen for nearly three years now.
Pine would star in the role of spinmeister/wunderkind Stephen Myers, a shrewd political campaigner who is working to get his candidate nominated during the Iowa Democratic caucuses. The young man’s attempts are complicated by the efforts of an investigative journalist and a teenage intern – the latter of which Myers has an affair with. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood are in talks to play the respective roles.
Leonardo DiCaprio was at one point attached to play the role of Myers, but that is no longer the case. Pine was widely praised for his portrayal of the character in an L.A. production of Farragut North last year (see below) and has seen his star meter in Hollywood rise significantly since – needless to say, he seems all but a perfect choice to play Myers in Clooney’s adaptation as well.
Chris Pine Farragut North movie George Clooney
Clooney already has two credible indie actors onboard to star in Farragut North as well: Philip Seymour Hoffman, who will play Myers’ boss, and Paul Giamatti, in the role of a rival candidate’s campaign manager. The politician Myers works for is never seen in the original play, but will have a short appearance in the film version and may be brought to life by Clooney himself.
Sony is currently holding negotiations with Clooney to distribute the pic, which will most likely be an independent production. The combination of a high-caliber cast and Clooney at the helm should be sufficient to attract the attention of financiers to fund the project.
We will keep you updated on the development of Farragut North as more news comes in.
I hope Chris’ schedule allow this! I think he would love to play this role in film!
For the love of God chris, DON’T DO A MOVIE WITH CLOONEY IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris, Im coming back to this subject because Im serious. Doing a movie with george clooney is wrong for you. He has’nt had a hit since Ocean’s 11, and that was only because of the other actors in it with him. If you want to know his demographic, check out The View. He is using you to appeal to a younger audience. He has been living off of the fumes of ‘ER’ all of these years. I hope you read this before you sign up for this. Maybe someone close to you will show this to you. If you doubt me, look at Brad Pitt. Hes not just looking tired because of kids, thats how his career looks too. Please, Blue Eyes, think about it and say NO!!!!!!!!
And dont do any Woody Allen movies either. See above!!
I totally disagree. It’s a great cast and a film about DC is a great choice. Of course, I’m biased because I’m from the area, but still, Washington politics is just as down and dirty as the Watergate years. Besides, if I’m still in town, I’d love to show you around!!!!!!!
Wow Donna you really hate George!
I totally agree with Lisa! I want to see Chris in this movie I could not see it in theatre so I hope his schedule allows it!
And it’s a indie movie it’s not a blockbuster and really a great cast!
What I said about George Clooney was true and ONLY about his career. I’m sure he may be a nice guy and he was good in “ER”. But he has’nt made good movies. The only reason ppl r going 2 see “The American” is because there is nothing else 2 see. Chris may be able 2 withstand 1 movie with him, but if he starts becoming his buddy and doing many films with him, GC will drag him down.