Update: Looks like Moretz will want to start wondering how she looks covered in pig's blood, as Deadline reports that MGM has formally offered her the role. It's not a done deal just yet, but the gig is hers if she wants it...
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Early in January, reports began to surface that Boys Don’t Cry** director Kimberly Peirce was in talks to handle a new, more grounded cinematic take on Stephen King’s classic telekinetic horror tome Carrie. Well, she locked in a deal and has already begun the search for someone willing to be compared to Sissy Spacek’s accomplishment in Brian De Palma’s version, with both Chloe Moretz and Haley Bennett on the short list, according to Vulture.
Things are still at a very early, touch-and-go stage so there is no solid word on whether either of these two will land the role or if they’ll be usurped by a dark horse late arrival. But they’ve already won out over the likes of Dakota Fanning, Bella Heathcote and Lily Collins.
It’s not tough to see why, particularly in Moretz’ case, since she has proven she can handle everything from smart-mouthed vigilante pixies to vampires. Bennett, meanwhile, also has horror experience with The Hole and indie cred via Kaboom. She’s about to work with Terence Malick on Lawless (which will likely end up changing its name now that John Hillcoat’s formerly-named The Wettest County has swiped that title).
Whoever wins the role will be the troubled teenager whose awkwardly blossoming puberty brings with it a rise in her telekinetic powers. And a stressful home life doesn’t help, what with her domineering, devoutly religious mother. Talking of the mother character, Peirce has been reaching out to the likes of Julianne Moore and Jodie Foster for that role, which could mean that, no matter your feelings on whether Carrie needed another adaptation, the new one should be going ahead with a director who can handle complicated characters and a decent cast.