This spring, actor Ryan Gosling will be shooting his directorial debut titled, How To Catch A Monster, which is described as a “fantasy noir” based on his own original idea, and screenplay that he also wrote.
As of today, Christina Hendricks is attached to star in the film, which is described as follows:
Written and directed by Ryan Gosling, HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER weaves elements of fantasy noir, horror and suspense into a modern day fairytale. Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while Bones, her 18-yr-old son, discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town. Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery, if their family is to survive.
Hendricks (who co-starred alongside Gosling in Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 acclaimed crime drama Drive) is playing Billy, the single mother of 2.
Gosling is currently casting for 2 boys to play her two sons – Bones (as described in the above synopsis), and Frankie, the other younger son.
The breakdown for both characters, per the casting notice I received, is as follows:
Bones (Lead) Male, 17- 19 in appearance; caucasian or mixed race (caucasian and African-American) MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER. An introspective loner with an active imagination. His challenging home life has toughened him, but he still clings to childhood fantasies. Balancing melancholy intensity with an innocent sense of wonder, he is driven by a strong desire to face his fears. Soulful, offbeat and quietly charismatic.
Frankie Male (3-6, bi-racial [preferably Caucasian/African-American]). A “feral” like boy who is constantly getting into trouble for trying to escape his school and house. Quiet and withdrawn but with an expressive face and deeply active internal life. Almost reminiscent of a silent film character. Younger brother of BONES.
There’s no mention of a father of any sort (Billy is after all a single mother), but based on the descriptions of her sons, it’s safe to say that the father of Billy’s children is likely a black man. Although I don’t have enough info to say whether he’s involved in the story in any way.
And also, whether the fact that the kids are bi-racial is of any consequence with regards to the story, or if they’re just bi-racial for the heck of it, is also not public info yet.
But if you’re a parent whose kids fit the descriptions, or you’re an agent or manager with a client (or clients) that match Gosling’s breakdowns, you’re instructed to make you submissions HERE.
