In casting news today, it's been announced that Jennifer Lawrence is set to re-team with Hunger Games director Gary Ross for an adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel, East of Eden. No other parts have been cast as yet. The novel is set in rural California and is set over the course of two generations, beginning in the US Civil War and finishing in the early days of World War I. It was adapted for film in 1955 by Elia Kazan and starred James Dean, however Ross has stated that the film will take in the entire story, not just the second half like the classic film. Producer Brian Grazer is backing the film, although there's no word yet on who will be writing the screenplay.
Lawrence's next film is the sequel to Hunger Games, Catching Fire and she is currently filming Mockingjay, Part I. Gary Ross, however, will not be back to direct Catching Fire or Mockingjay and is working on Peter & The Starcatchers for Disney.
It's early days yet so it's hard to get a read on this film. We're all more than aware that Lawrence is a first-rate actor, although Gary Ross can be hit and miss. If they get a strong script behind it and a decent supporting cast, East of Eden could be an Oscar hit.
