More news about the casting of the upcoming fantasy film The Spiderwick Chronicles from Paramount and Nickelodeon. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a number of big names are in negotiations to round things out, and its shaping up to be quite an eclectic mix. If all goes well Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Martin ShortJoan Plowright, Izabella Miko and Andrew McCarthy will be joining the cast. (It was the notion of Martin Short and Nick Nolte appearing together that spurred my use of the word "eclectic.")Currently shooting in Montreal, pic is based on the series of books by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi which revolves around twin brothers Jared and Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore who gave a heart-breaking performance in Finding Neverland) who, along with their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), uncover a world of fairies and other creatures. As I mentioned not long ago when I posted that David Strathairn had joined the cast, the story sounds reminiscent of the Narnia books, but I haven't read The Spiderwick Chronicles, so I won't judge just yet. If everyone signs on the dotted line, Parker and McCarthy will play the children's separated parents and Plowright will be the children's' aunt. Nolte and Short voice two otherworldly (presumably CGI) characters: Mulgrath, a shape-shifting evil lord trying to get his hands on the kids, and Thimbletack/Bogart, a small being that can either protect a household or mischievously throw it in disarray. Miko, whose pixie-like countenance can be seen above, will play the leader of the elves. The movie will be directed by Mark Waters.
[via Sci Fi Wire]
