Casting News: Jena Malone to play Carson McCullers in biopic 'Lonely Hunter'

According to Collider.com, Jena Malone has just been cast in a leading role as writer Carson McCullers in the upcoming feature film, the biopic Lonely Hunter based on the author's life story. Great casting! Wow, Jena looks a lot like her especially with bangs! Sounds like an interesting project that would get the talented and versatile Miss Malone noticed for next year's award season!

Jena Malone to Play Author Carson McCullers in LONELY HUNTER

Underrated actress Jena Malone (Sucker Punch) is set to play southern author Carson McCullers in the biopic Lonely Hunter.  Written, produced, and directed by Deborah Kampmeier, the film will span 35 years of McCullers’ life and show how her writing helped her cope with crippling illness and torrid marriages.  Lonely Hunter will also “feature notable figures including her best friend Tennessee Williams, her protégé Truman Capote, her roommate Gypsy Rose Lee and collaborator Ethel Waters,” so start your fan-casting!

Malone’s other upcoming films include the love story Jack and Diane with Juno Temple, the indie drama For Ellen with Paul Dano, and The Wait with Chloe Sevigny.  Filming on Lonely Hunter is set to begin in spring 2012. 

In addition to those upcoming films, Jena Malone was recently cast in History Channel's miniseries 'Hatfields and McCoys'

Read the official press release (via Collider) below...

New York, NY – October 7, 2011 – Writer/Director/Producer Deborah Kampmeier and Producer Troy Johanson of Full Moon Films announced today that Jena Malone will portray Southern gothic writer Carson McCullers in “Lonely Hunter” the feature film based on her life story.  A wild woman who transgressed gender laws and the color bar searching to understand her own mysterious passions, McCullers is the author of the classic novels “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” and “The Member of the Wedding.”

Deborah Kampmeier will direct, as well as produce the film with Johanson and Blair Breard.  Abigail Disney of Fork Films will executive produce. A shoot is scheduled for Spring 2012. Additional casting is under way.

An actress and musician, Jena Malone made her film debut in “Bastard Out of Carolina.”  She garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Debut Performance and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance for her performance.  Since then she has gone on to memorable roles in films including “Pride and Prejudice” and a lead in the cult favorite, “Donnie Darko.”  Upcoming projects include “Jack and Diane” with Juno Temple, “For Ellen” with Paul Dano and “The Wait” with Chloe Sevigny.

“Lonely Hunter” is the true story of novelist and playwright Carson McCullers, a woman who overcame tremendous odds to become one of the most influential writers of her time.  Plagued by crippling illness and torrid marriages, her imagination provided a sanctuary that she shared with us all. ‘Lonely Hunter’ will span 35 years in McCullers’ life and feature notable figures including her best friend Tennessee Williams, her protégé Truman Capote, her roommate Gypsy Rose Lee and collaborator Ethel Waters

Deborah Kampmeier stated, “Jena’s vulnerability, curiosity, and passion are perfect for Carson. She is extremely gifted and I’m thrilled to be working with Jena in what I’m sure will be a very creative and exciting process.”

Jena Malone is represented by The Gersh Agency and Robert Wallerstein at Hirsch Wallerstein Matlof & Fishman.

Related article: 
Jena Malone To Play Author Carson McCullers In Biopic ‘Lonely Hunter’ (via The Playlist)  

Speaking of Jena and her movies, her other film, which she co-starred with Twilight's Cam Gigandet, 5 Star Day gets American distribution from Breaking Glass Pictures (via indieWire)

Breaking Glass Pictures has acquired the American distribution rights to “5 Star Day,” from first-time director Danny Buday. In the film, Cam Gigandet (Easy A, Burlesque) plays Jake Gibson, a man bent on disproving Astrology after his horoscope proves to be horribly disproved. Among the people Gibson meets to help confirm his suspicions is a single mom played by Jena Malone (Saved!, Donnie Darko). “5 Star Day” is slated to be released in theaters on November 2nd and available through video on-demand two days later.

Jena Malone was most recently seen in the sci-fi pic, Sucker Punch, and has portrayed a slew of memorable characters in films such as Saved!, Donnie Darko, and Pride & Prejudice. Read full article here!