Get ready, folks: an adaptation of the legendary science-fiction novel Ender's Game is finally coming together. Last month there was word that Asa Butterfield, who both critics and audiences loved in Martin Scorsese's Hugo, had been offered the lead role in the new movie, and just yesterday it was reported that Harrison Ford is being strongly considered for the part of Colonel Hyrum Graff. But Ender's Game has been stuck in development hell for so long it's only fair that the good news should come in bunches. So today we have yet another piece of excellent casting news for you.
Variety reports that Hailee Steinfeld, who broke out in a huge way last year as the star of the Coen brothers' western True Grit, is now in talks for a part in Ender's Game. Should negotiations work out, the young actress would play Petra Arkanian, the movie's female lead and Ender's closest companion. The story is set in a distant future after aliens have attacked the earth. As a means to defend the planet, the government sets up a program to recruit gifted children and have them compete in a series of games that will determine which among them has the skills to lead armies against the extraterrestrial forces. Of those selected for the program, Petra is the only female. The adaptation is being directed by Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and the project is being produced by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman.
I get the sense that fans are going to scrutinize every bit of casting for this movie (starting with the fact that the actors are considerably older than the characters in the book) but it's hard to complain about bringing Hailee Steinfeld aboard. Her performance in True Grit was absolutely astonishing and any production that lands her is lucky to have her. But what do you think of this bit of casting news? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
