by Perri Nemiroff
The cast of “The Oranges” is growing a whole lot juicier. Just after word got out that "House" star Hugh Laurie could make the dark comedy his much-anticipated first lead role in a film, The Hollywood Reporter announces that a slew of top-notch actors are interested in joining him. Adam Brody, Alia Shawkat, Catherine Keener and Allison Janney are all in negotiations to sign onto TV director Julian Farino’s debut in the features department.
The script by Ian Helfer and Jay Reiss, which you may remember as the piece holding the #2 spot on the 2008 black list, has Laurie starring as man who gets romantic with the daughter of a family friend. That young lady was speculated to be played by either Leighton Meester or Mila Kunis, but according to the THR report, Meester has won out.
The unconventional relationship causes family drama, particularly with Laurie’s character’s son (Brody), who falls for Meester as well. Keener will play Mrs. Laurie and Shawkat their second child who’s considering moving out of the family abode. Janney would play Meester’s mom.
Yes, this sounds like one heck of a dysfunctional family, but at least it’s a well-cast one. “House” fans are aching to see Laurie headline a film. And who better to pair him with than the quintessential mom, Keener? As for the kiddies, it’s difficult to move past Meester playing "Gossip Girl"'s Blair Waldorf, but the fact that she can go from conniving enemy to Serena’s BFF in a matter of seconds shows she’s got some range.
Brody and Shawkat are always eager to please and often do. Brody is coming off roles in “Jennifer’s Body” and “Cop Out” while you may recognize Shawkat from the indie film “Bart Got a Room” or from Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut “Whip It.” Or, of course, the unjustly canceled Fox TV series, "Arrested Development." If all goes to plan, the group will unite to begin shooting in New York on March 30th.
Do you think these actors are the perfect components for a family dramedy? Are you glad it is Meester over Kunis?
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