German filmmaker Werner Herzog is finally putting together Vernon God Little, based on the Booker Prize winning novel by DBC Pierre. The cast could include stars from various sectors of the entertainment world, from former boxer Mike Tyson to comedian Russell Brand.
Vernon God Little is about a young boy whose world is shattered when his best friend murders their classmates, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The title character is then questioned and his world is now consumed with betrayal and accusations. Pierre’s novel was published in 2003 and Herzog was signed to direct in 2012.
The project had stalled, but now is picking up steam. TheWrap is reporting that The InBetweeners’ Austin Abrams, 17, has been cast as Vernon and is currently in talks with producers. Brand is close to signing on to play a manipulative reporter and Pretty Little Liars’ Sasha Pieterse could play a beautiful girl Vernon has a crush on.
THR reports that Tyson would play an axe murderer. Baywatch star Pamela Anderson may also have a role in the project.
The production is being produced by Katya Eichinger with Mexico’s Canana Films. It will be shot in the U.S. and in Mexico.
Herzog is well known as a documentary filmmaker and has also directed features. He has been in the business since the early 1960s and was nominated for an Oscar for 2007’s Encounters at the End of the World.
image: ABC/Randy Holmes