Because Terrence Malick can’t be bothered with something as conventional as a casting announcement or plot synopsis, we’re often forced to scour fairly unconventional avenues to learn more about his upcoming projects. Like Twitter, where actors will post random updates about their ongoing participation in the latest Malick film … even if we were previously unaware of their involvement.
That’s what happened with Ryan O’Neal (Barry Lyndon, Paper Moon, Love Story), who Tweeted the following photo and update from the set of Malick’s in-production drama Knight of Cups:
“Waiting my turn at my trailer on Terrence Malick's new film @terrencemalick”
Wait, Malick has a Twitter account? That seems unlikely (and sure enough, if you try and search the account, it says it has been suspended). Part of me wants to take this news with a grain of salt. O’Neal hasn’t been associated with Malick’s next film, which we know stars Christian Bale and Freida Pinto with a string of supporting talents. Natalie Portman has been rumored. So has Cate Blanchett, Teresa Palmer, Wes Bentley and Imogen Poots. But O’Neal? First we’re hearing, and the fact that he links to a bogus Malick Twitter – and neglects to name-drop the movie’s title – has me wondering if he’s joking.
We’ll find out eventually if O’Neal really has a role in the latest Malick in time. We’re also gearing up for an actual Malick screening, as Toronto revealed that To the Wonder with Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams will screen at TIFF in September. Cups is all speculation at this point, and it’s easier to swallow when we know we have legitimate Malick on the immediate horizon.
