Fresh off a solid run of critically-praised performances, Kristen Stewart is on the cusp of finally shedding those dreaded Twilight associations. Delivering a trifecta of powerhouse turns in Clouds of Sils Maria, Camp X-Ray and Still Alice, the days of being saddled with the Bella Swan tag are over, as The Wrap now reports that Stewart is in final negotiations to star in Ang Lee’s next movie, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.
Based on the best-selling novel by Ben Fountain, the movie cast newcomer Joe Alwyn as the titular Billy Lynn, a 19-year old private in the U.S. military whose overseas wartime heroics are captured by the media. Upon returning stateside Billy and the rest of Bravo Company are ceremoniously welcomed by the U.S. government. The crew are thrown onto a parade lap that culminates in the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game, where they are honored during the half-time show before heading back to Iraq. Stewart is set to play Billy’s older sister Kathryn, with whom he’ll be reunited during his trip.
Prior to Stewart’s involvement, Lee’s next foray had already attracted the attention of two major names. Steve Martin recently boarded along with Unbroken‘s Garrett Hedlund. The former is attached to star in an as-yet unspecified role that insiders suspect is that of a film producer, and the latter is rumored for the co-starring role opposite Alwyn.
Slumdog Millionaire‘s Simon Beaufoy is wrestling with scripting duties on Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, and production on the movie is closing in on a summer 2015 start date. Until any further news surfaces, check out the synopsis for Fountain’s novel and let us know your thoughts on Stewart joining the cast.
A razor-sharp satire set in Texas during America’s war in Iraq, it explores the gaping national disconnect between the war at home and the war abroad.
Ben Fountain’s remarkable debut novel follows the surviving members of the heroic Bravo Squad through one exhausting stop in their media-intensive “Victory Tour” at Texas Stadium, football mecca of the Dallas Cowboys, their fans, promoters, and cheerleaders.
