Studios have been trying to get a film adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s parody novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies going since the novel was released back in 2009, but due to director and cast changes, it has never got off the ground. Now the film looks to be back on track, with a distributor and cast set, the film is to start filming in September. Read on for more details.
According to Deadline, The movie version now is a reality with principal photography slated to start in September and Cross Creek Pictures acquiring domestic rights with a commitment for a wide U.S. release. Hot British actors Lily James and Sam Riley and Australia’s Bella Heathcote have been set to lead the film that mixes the 1813 Jane Austen classic Pride And Prejudice with a legion of bloodthirsty undead.
Burr Steers (Igby Goes Down, Charlie St Cloud) has been hired to direct from a screenplay by David O. Russell and Steers. Natalie Portman who is producing the pic, at one point was going to star in the film but dropped out. Lilly Collins was also set to star but later dropped out as well. Emma Stone passed on the lead role back in 2011. The package is now firmed up with James playing Elizabeth Bennett, Riley as Mr Darcy and Heathcote as Elizabeth’s sister.
The novel plays with the relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England who are faced with the challenge of an army of the “sorry stricken” aka zombies.
Source: Deadline