Months afterNicholas Houltsigned on to play reclusive authorJ.D. Salingerin the newbiopicentitledRebel in the Rye, the rest of the cast is starting to come together.Deadlinereports thatKevin Spaceyhas signed on to playWhit Burnett, a professor at Columbia University and editor of Story Magazine. He became an early mentor to the writer and became the first to truly challenge him and broaden his horizons as a storyteller.
Nicholas Houltboarded the project in August, but aside fromKevin Spacey’s role, it isn’t known how many other characters have yet to be cast.Rebel in the Ryetakes us on a journey into the life and mind of the legendary and secretive author and tells the story of the birth of The Catcher in the Rye. As the author who captivated a generation,J.D. Salingersoared to the heights of the literary world but left it all behind for a life of seclusion.
Through his rebellious youth, the bloody front lines ofWorld War II, enduring great love and terrible loss, a life of rejection to the pages of The New Yorker, and the PTSD-fueled writer’s block which led to a spiritual awakening. The author passed away at the age of 91 back in 2010. The author was the subject of a 2013 documentary entitledSalinger, which debuted in 2013.
Empire co-creatorDanny Strongis directing from his own adapted screenplay, which is based on theKenneth Slawenskibiography,J.D. Salinger: A Life. Black Label Media is financingRebel in the Rye, with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill producing alongsideBruce Cohen, Jason Shuman and the writer-director. No release date has been set quite yet. and isn’t known when production will begin at this time.
Kevin Spaceywill next be seen inSeason 4ofNetflix’sHouse of Cards, which debuts March 4. On the big screen, he will next be seen inElvis & Nixon, arriving in theaters April 15. He will also start production onBillionaire Boys ClubandBaby Driverlater this year. What do you think about this casting news forRebel in the Rye?
