Zoe Saldanahas joined the cast of directorAnders Walter’sI Kill Giants, the film adaptation of Joe Kelly’s critically acclaimed graphic novel, it was announced today.Academy AwardnomineeChris Columbusis producing through his 1492 Pictures/Ocean Blue Entertainment, Justin Nappi, through his company, Treehouse Pictures, as well as Kim Magnusson and Man of Action Entertainment, where Kelly is a partner, and XYZ Films. Treehouse Pictures is also financing the film.
I Kill Giantstells the story of a young misfit girl named Barbara battling both real and imaginary monsters in her life. Joe Kelly, who wrote the award winning graphic novel he created with illustrator Ken Niimura, has also written the screenplay adaptation.Zoe Saldanawill play school psychologist Mrs. Mollé, who plays a key role by helping Barbara face both internal and external threats, forming an inspiring bond with her in the process.
After a nationwide search of over 500 girls, up-and-coming young actress Madison Wolfe has been cast as Barbara. She will next be seen inDavid O. Russell’sJoyand oppositeBryan CranstoninJay Roach’sTrumbo. Here’s what directorAnders Walterhad to say about bringingZoe Saldanaon board.
“I’m thrilled to have the massively talented Zoe helping us bring Joe Kelly’s beautiful story to life. I couldn’t be more excited to see Mrs. Mollé, a kind, strong and incredibly inspirational character up on the big screen.”
Filming is set to begin in early 2016. XYZ is handling international sales and is currently meeting with distributors in Toronto. They already closed sales in multiple territories including Sun in Latin America, Falcon in the Middle East, Camimovie Srl in Italy, and Abbolita in SE Asia, South Africa, Greece, Portugal and Turkey, and international airlines with Entertainment in Motion. Here’s whatChris Columbushad to say about young actress Madison Wolfe.
“Madison is an extraordinary young actress and we are thrilled to have her join the cast.”
Last yearZoe Saldanastarred as Gamora inMarvel’sbox officesmashGuardians of the Galaxy. She also recently starred as the titular character on NBC’s event mini-seriesRosemary’s Baby. She has notably starred in the highest grossing film of all time,Avatar, and in the highly successfulStar TrekandStar Trek Into Darknessfilms. She was most recently seen onscreen oppositeMark Ruffaloin Sony Pictures Classic’sInfinitely Polar Bear, and will soon reprise her roles in the thirdStar Trekinstallment and in multiple upcomingAvatarsequels. Director Walter is best known for writing and directing the 2014 Academy Award-winning live action short Helium which was produced by Magnusson. Writer Kelly is also a partner in Man of Action Entertainment, creators of the team and characters in Academy Award winnerBig Hero 6.
