Taylor Kitsch has found his first movie since earning strong reviews for “True Detective,” as he’s set to join Jessica Chastain and Kit Harington in Xavier Dolan‘s first English-language feature “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan,” an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
“Donovan” is described as a drama that follows a young actor who recalls the secretive correspondence he shared as a teenager with an American TV star who died 10 years earlier. The story explores the hardships of fame and the never-ending hurdles of the movie business, and reflects on issues of identity and diversity in Hollywood over the past decade.
Harington will play the title character, while Chastain co-stars as the editor-in-chief of a gossip magazine. Kitsch’s role is being kept under wraps, but it’s described as a unique part for the rising star.
Oscar winners Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates co-star, while singer Adele has also agreed to cameo in the film, which is expected to start shooting in the spring.
Dolan will produce “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” with his Sons Of Manual producing partner Nancy Grant and Lyse Lafontaine of Lyla Films. Joe Iacono will serve as executive producer. CAA is handling U.S. rights, while Entertainment One’s Seville International is handling foreign rights.
Dolan is the wunderkind director of “Mommy,” “Tom at the Farm” and “Laurence Anyways.” His next film, “It’s Only the End of the World,” stars Marion Cotillard, Lea Seydoux and Vincent Cassel.
Kitsch rebounded from the back-to-back flops of “John Carter” and “Battleship” with starring turns in Peter Berg‘s acclaimed war film “Lone Survivor” and Ryan Murphy‘s HBO movie “The Normal Heart.” He beat out many up-and-coming young actors for the part of closeted California Highway Patrol officer Paul Woodrugh on the second season of “True Detective.” He’s represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment.