Cameras are now rolling on the big screen adaptation of Liz Jensen’s bestselling 2004 novel, The 9th Life Of Louis Drax. Marking the screenwriting debut of Max Minghella – an actor, whose credits include The Social Network, The Ides Of March and Horns – the supernatural thriller is being helmed by Alexandre Aja (2006’s The Hills Have Eyes), and stars Jamie Dornan (The Fall, Fifty Shades Of Grey), Sarah Gadon (Cosmopolis, Maps To The Stars), and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad). Aiden Longworth (Hector And The Search For Happiness) features as the title character – Louis Drax.
Focusing on the titular young boy as he turns 9 years old, his birthday sees the latest in a long line of strange mishaps constitute a near-fatal fall. Louis’ primary psychologist, Dr. Allan Pascal (Dornan), tries to uncover the bizarre circumstances surrounding the accident and, as a result, delves deeper into the sinister occurrences that have marred Louis’ entire life. Emmy Award winner Aaron Paul stars as Louis’ father, who falls under suspicion during investigations into the accident.
With production already underway in Vancouver, we now have further casting announcements – and they are very impressive. Oliver Platt (Fargo, Chef) will join the film as another psychologist, Dr. Perez, Molly Parker (Dexter, House Of Cards) will appear as Detective Dalton and Barbara Hershey (Insidious, Black Swan) will play Louis’ Grandmother, Violet.
A film adaptation of The 9th Life Of Louis Drax has been in the works almost since its publication, when the late Anthony Minghella optioned it in 2004. Though it was rumoured to be on his future production slate at the time of his death in 2008, it is Max Minghella’s screenplay that forms the basis of the film. Such close connection to the source material promises this project to be something special and, with an expanding, stellar cast in place, we will be watching closely for further information.
