If there’s one thing Jason Reitman knows how to do (aside from make good films that is), it’s build great ensemble casts. He’s already got Charlize Theron locked in place for his latest, Young Adult, and now he’s aiming to make Patrick Wilson her co-star and lust interest, with Patton Oswalt also negotiating to join the movie.
There was a lot of talk recently about Josh Brolin being signed up to play the male lead, a former sweetheart of Theron who faces her renewed interest when the writer comes back to her hometown to try to re-invent herself. But while he was approached for it, he never actually locked in a deal. Now we’re hoping Wilson does manage to seal a contract to play the role, dealing with the unwanted attentions of Theron while enjoying a stable family life as a husband and father.
And given that Adult marks a new collaboration between Reitman and his Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody, we’re not surprised to see the pair picking supporting actors from among people they’ve worked with. Patton Oswalt might still be known more for his comedy, but he’s been building a rock solid drama portfolio, most recently in the likes of Big Fan. The link with Adult? He also plays a role in TV comedy drama The United States of Tara, which boasts one D. Cody among its executive producers. If he signs, he’ll play a self-loathing type who had a massive crush on Theron in high school.
Reitman will kick off shooting this November in New York, and if there’s any justice, he’ll also find a place for his personal good luck charm, JK Simmons.