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Editorial: How Does THE DARK KNIGHT RISES End and Where Will BATMAN Begin Again?Exclusive: Universal Looking at James McAvoy to Star in AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS, but Guillermo Del Toro Wants Tom Cruise
by Matt Goldberg Posted:September 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
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In July, we reported the exciting news that Guillermo del Toro would finally be making his long-in-development passion project At the Mountains of Madness with James Cameron producing and in 3D. Sources have now told us that Universal wants James McAvoy to play the lead in the film, but del Toro wants Tom Cruise to star. Chris Pine’s name was also being tossed around, but his busy schedule may be too packed.
We know that Cruise and del Toro probably met before when discussing the possibility of a new take on Van Helsing with Cruise to star and del Toro producing. That didn’t work out, but del Toro must have left with a positive impression of the actor. Hit the jump for a synopsis of At the Mountains of Madness and for a refresher on what both Cruise and McAvoy have on their plates.
Here’s a brief synopsis of Lovecraft’s novella:
The story is written in first-person perspective by the geologist William Dyer, a professor from Miskatonic University. He writes to disclose hitherto unknown and closely kept secrets in the hope that he can deter a planned and much publicized scientific expedition to Antarctica. On a previous expedition there, a party of scholars from Miskatonic University, led by Dyer, discovered fantastic and horrific ruins and a dangerous secret beyond a range of mountains taller than the Himalayas. [Wikipedia]
When Steve spoke to del Toro at the Saturn Awards in June, the award-winning director said it was unlikely that At the Mountains of Madness would be his next project due to various factors. Thankfully, those obstacles were overcome and production on the film (which will be shot in 3D) is set to begin in May 2011.
McAvoy is about to start filming on Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men: First Class where he’ll play the young Professor Charles Xavier (aka Professor X). He’s also attached to co-star in Tom Tykwer’s adaptation of David Mitchell’s novel Cloud Atlas.
As for Cruise, he starts shooting on the fourth Mission: Impossible in October. He’s also planning to star in a Tropic Thunder-spinoff movie about uber-mogul Les Grossman.
With filming not scheduled to begin for almost a year, there’s plenty of time to get casting sorted out. While it’s not unusual for actors to attach and detach from projects, McAvoy and Cruise are the names we’re hearing connected to At the Mountains of Madness at this time.
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Related Links
- Legendary Pictures Attempts to Lure Guillermo del Toro away from AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS to PACIFIC RIM – UPDATED
- Tom Cruise Confirmed to Star in Guillermo del Toro’s AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS; Filming Begins in June [UPDATED]
- James Cameron Says Tom Cruise Still Wants to Do AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS
- AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS Means No Tom Cruise-Produced VAN HELSING for Guillermo del Toro
- Guillermo Del Toro Says PROMETHEUS Has Probably Nixed AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS
I don’t really understand how one can potentially have the choice between James McAvoy and Tom Cruise and wants the latter. Del Toro, use your head, man!
Ed Norton or Gary Oldman.
Actually, I have read all the lovecraft short stories, have cthulhu as a pet, played the fantasy flight games, collected the comics, bought Michael Komarck’s incredible looking artwork; do I really need to go on? And Ringbearer1420 is dead wrong. Cruise would be great in any part he was cast in. I have been a huge fan of Del Toro since Cronos and would trust that he would bring out the best in Cruise.
Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn!
James McAvoy is brilliant and has great range as an actor. I have watched most of his films and BBC TV series, and have even had the opportunity to see him in a stage play in London. The reason he is cast in so many different roles is because he is very versatile and has good instincts and intelligence to adapt to the roles he is given. I also had the chance to meet him and while waiting for my turn to get his autograph, quietly observed the way he handled himself with the fans and his fellow stage actors. I was impressed by his charm, energy, good manners, and sensitivity. Put it this way, I like Tom Cruise, but I totally love James McAvoy.
Not Cruise, I know that they have to Hollywood the Lovecraft story up but please not Tom Cruise! Lovecraft is a favorite and his heroes where never the strapping leading man but scientific researchers. Del Toro if you muck this all up – Cthulhu will come for you!
I hope Tom Cruise doesn’t get cast. I hate Tom Cruise, he’s a terrible, Terrible actor! if they have to go with James McAvoy then do so.
I hope Tom Cruise doesn’t get cast. I hate Tom Cruise, he’s a terrible, Terrible actor! if they have to go with James McAvoy then do so.
GDT your imagination is writing cheques your chosen actor can’t cash
GDT your imagination is writing cheques your chosen actor can’t cash
I’m really looking forward to Del Torro’s take on ATMOM. As a serious Lovecraft devotee it’s the most exciting film news since Lord of The Rings.
If Del Toro wants Cruise I’m prepared to defer to his expertise, after all it’s Del Toros project.
I don’t like Cruise but I love “Lovecraft and the ‘Mountains of Madness”. Cruise will attract some `weight` (good actors, spending money, writers etc ) with him so Cruise’s involvement is although it seems counter-intuitive a positive development.
Credit where it’s due-he has been good in some serious roles: `….fourth of July` `Interview with the Vampire` and was tolerable in `Mission Impossible I`.
This could be a great movie (think `Alien` `Blade Runner`) but a `Hell boy 2` Director-I am scared…….
Tom Cruise? I do not see it. I do not feel it.