Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.
“Aladdin” Sequel
Disney is getting closer to reboarding the magic carpet and flying into a theater near you! The studio is reportedly developing a sequel to the 2019 live action “Aladdin,” starring Will Smith. John Gatins and Andrea Berloff would return to write the story, which, according to Variety sources, producers have spent the past six months trying to construct. It is unclear if they will take the story in the same direction as the animated sequels. This echoes the news from back in August that a sequel was in early development. It’s still early so it’s unknown if Guy Ritchie would return to direct, or if stars Smith, Mena Massoud, and Naomi Scott will (which producers are hoping for, of course) sign back on to star. Salah Benchegra and Lucinda Syson were the casting directors for the first film.
“Bride of Frankenstein”
Universal is not done trying to court the “Bride of Frankenstein.” Exclusively reported by Variety, in the past few years, everyone from Amy Pascal to John Krasinski has been trying to find ways to reimagine the classic horror character for a film reboot. Once on the table was a “Bride of Frankenstein” standalone film from director Bill Condon, with Angelina Jolie and Javier Bardem attached. But the studio is not giving up hope, especially after a new, edgier creative mandate that’s already leading to a promised strong opening for its upcoming Elizabeth Moss–led “The Invisible Man.” Pascal is currently eyeing the project, though there’s no word if any of the previously attached names, including Jolie, Sam Raimi, or others, and that means casting is still far off.
“More Happy Than Not”
Finally, HBO Max is reportedly developing the bestselling young adult novel “More Happy Than Not” as a one-hour series, according to Deadline. The Adam Silvera story follows 16-year-old Aaron Soto, who is struggling to find happiness since his father’s suicide and, after connecting with someone he can’t stay away from, goes to great lengths to free him from his memory. Drew Comins and Silvera will serve as executive producers on the project; they are currently looking for a writer and filmmaker for the adaptation, but a new YA story will likely be in demand at the new premium streamer, which has already partnered with the Comins’ Creative Engine on the pilot “Anna K.”
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