The final pieces of the CBGB cast are now falling into place, with the news that Twilight** star Ashley Greene is in final talks to star as Lisa Kristal. To all intents and purposes the female lead in the impressive ensemble, the character is the daughter of Hilly Kristal, the owner of the famous musical nightspot, who's being played by Alan Rickman.
Variety report that the screenplay has Lisa in frequent conflict with her old man, before the final detente that sees her taking on the mantle of the club's business manager. A law-school graduate, Lisa was able to help keep the club afloat until it closed its doors for the final time in 2008.
CBGB stood for Country, Bluegrass and Blues, but it was Punk and New Wave that made the club's name, and the Manhattan hang-out became a crucial hub for bands like The Ramones, The Misfits, The Cramps and Talking Heads.
Three Ramones (that we know about) have been cast so far, in Joel David Moore, Julian Acosta and Steven Schub; Malin Akerman is playing Debbie Harry; Mickey Sumner is Patti Smith; Rupert Grint will be Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome; and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins will show up as Iggy Pop. We eagerly await the news of who's playing Lux Interior and Poison Ivy Rorschach.
Randall Miller wrote the screenplay and is directing, and shooting gets underway later this month. Greene will next be seen playing Alice Cullen for the final time, when The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 opens on November 16.