Pop stars switching to acting typically doesn’t work out very well, but occasionally it proves successful. We’re certainly hoping Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones turns out to be in that latter category. The production’s cast has been joined by Amanda “AJ” Michalka, half of the Disney pop-duo AJ & Aly.
The Lovely Bones already features a highly lauded cast, including Ryan Gosling, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, and Susan Sarandon. Relative newcomer Saoirse Ronan plays the lead role of Susie Salmon, a young girl who is raped and murdered. The movie follows Susie as she watches her movie from heaven as they deal with their loss. Michalka plays Susie’s best friend in life, Clarissa.
The sixteen year old singer turned actress told MTV Movie Blog that she’s excited about the movie, mostly because it puts her in scenes with Ryan Gosling. One scene in particular pits Gosling, who plays Susie’s father, against Michalka’s character, who he mistakenly attacks when he mistakes her boyfriend for neighbor George Harvey, who Gosling’s character suspects of killing Susie.
Typically I might be a little concerned about a pop sensation joining such a talented cast, but I have ultimate faith in Jackson’s decisions at this point. If he thinks she’s the right actress for Clarissa, I’m not about to argue. Good luck Michalka – you’ve got some big talent to share the screen with. Make sure your performance is worthy.
