As development continues on the feature film adaptation of author John Green’s incredibly well-received 2012 novel The Fault in Our Stars, the producers are now turning to filling the crucial role of the film’s male lead. The Descendants star Shailene Woodley has already been cast as the protagonist and female lead Hazel, a cancer-stricken teen who strikes up a charming and heartbreaking relationship with the dashing Augustus Waters, whom she meets in a cancer support group. A number of actresses fought hard for the Hazel part, and a similar competition has apparently developed over the role of “Gus” as a new report claims that five young actors will be testing for the role this weekend. Hit the jump for more.
Per Variety, Nat Wolff (Admission), Brenton Thwaites (Maleficent), Nick Robinson (The Kings of Summer), Noah Silver (The Borgias), and Ansel Elgort (Carrie) are poised to test for the role of Gus this weekend. It’s a crucial role to fill, as Gus is described as an incredibly handsome and charismatic young man who also happens to sport a false leg. The part also calls for a wide range of emotions with a sheen of confidence, and seeing as how the chemistry between Gus and Hazel is the crux of the story one assumes Woodley will be testing opposite the actors as well.
None of the aforementioned actors are "big names," and it's promising to see producers and director Josh Boone looking for young talent as opposed to star power. Robinson is fantastic in the Sundance hit The Kings of Summer and Wolff was memorable with his smallish role in this year's Admission, but it's tough to judge many of the others seeing as how their big films have yet to open (Disney's Maleficent and the Carrie remake).
As we’ve seen with shortlist stories in the past, there’s no guarantee that the role will be filled by one of the aforementioned actors. We should hear more casting news soon, as production on The Fault in Our Stars is expected to begin later this year. Read the synopsis for Green’s book below.
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love. [Amazon]