A new adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s iconic sci-fi novel, Fahrenheit 451, has been kicking around for a while now. While we’ve seen the classic story on film before, the last time the author’s work graced the silver screen was back in 1966, so it’s definitely due for an update. Behind the wheel for this take on the tale is 99 Homes helmer Ramin Bahrani and now, we’ve got the first bit of casting news for the HBO Films project.
According to Deadline, Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon will star in the movie, with the former executive producing via his Outlier Productions banner. Jordan will take on the role of young fireman Montag, while Shannon will play his mentor, Beatty. For those unaware, the dystopian story takes place in a frightening future “where books are outlawed and “firemen” burn any that are found.” It’s widely considered to be one of the finest pieces of literature of all-time and is probably Bradbury’s best work as well.
For more on what to expect, here’s the plot summary:
“Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But then he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television.”
“When Mildred attempts suicide and Clarisse suddenly disappears, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known. He starts hiding books in his home, and when his pilfering is discovered, the fireman has to run for his life.”
There’s no word yet on when HBO plans to air Fahrenheit 451, but with casting already underway and two leads locked in, 2018 sounds pretty likely. What also sounds likely is this project being an excellent adaptation of Bradbury’s work. Both Shannon and Jordan are tremendously strong actors and Bahrani certainly impressed with 99 Homes. So, all things considered, it looks like HBO’s definitely onto something pretty special here.
With any luck, we’ll hear more about this new take on the iconic novel soon, but until we do, feel free to share your early thoughts with us in the usual place.
