Chloe Moretz Offered Lead Role in Kimberly Peirce’s New Adaptation of CARRIE

Yesterday, we reported that Chloe Moretz (Hugo) and Haley Bennett (Marley and Me) were the frontrunners to play the title character in Kimberly Peirce‘s new adaptation of Stephen King‘s horror novel, Carrie.  If Moretz signs on, she’ll play the bullied telepathic teenager who finally snaps after being abused both by her religious fanatic mother and cruel classmates.  Moretz is one of the most impressive young actresses working today, and I’m eager to see how her take on the character will differ from Sissy Spacek‘s in Brian De Palma‘s 1976 adaptation.

Hit the jump for more.  Moretz will next be seen in Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, which opens May 11th.

While the most famous scene from De Palma’s film is when Carrie immolates everyone in the gym after they pour pig’s blood on her at prom, I think the opening scene of the movie—where Carrie has her period in the girls’ locker room and thinks she’s dying—is far more powerful and gets right to the story’s larger themes.

According to Deadline, if Moretz’ deal goes through, the focus will turn to casting the mother and the rest of the supporting cast.  Yesterday, we also reported that Jodie Foster and Julianne Moore had been approach to play Carrie’s mother, and either one would be a fine choice.  Once casting is complete, shooting will begin later this year.

Here’s the trailer for De Palma’s film:

And here’s the brief synopsis for King’s novel:

A modern classic, Carrie introduced a distinctive new voice in American fiction — Stephen King. The story of misunderstood high school girl Carrie White, her extraordinary telekinetic powers, and her violent rampage of revenge, remains one of the most barrier-breaking and shocking novels of all time.

Make a date with terror and live the nightmare that is…Carrie.