(Update 8/4 11 a.m. PST: An earlier version of this post reported that Kevin Smith has not yet finished the "Red State" script and was still on page 81. That actually referred to "Hit Somebody," a "Slapshot"-esque hockey comedy that Smith is currently writing.
Additionally, Smith just tweeted with regard to this story: "Not bad, but off by one, guys. Not gonna tell you who." After further investigation, Deal Central has learned that Dermot Mulroney is NOT in talks for the project, per his agent, and deeply regrets the error.)
EXCLUSIVE
Dermot Mulroney, Kyle Gallner, Michael Angarano and Steven Root are in talks to co-star in Kevin Smith's political horror film "Red State," and Oscar nominated actress Melissa Leo is also circling the project, an individual familiar with the casting process has told TheWrap.
The movie stars Michael Parks ("Grindhouse") and is loosely based on Reverend Fred Phelps of the hateful Westboro Baptist Church.
Smith has said that he plans to cast "recognizable unknowns" in some of the script's more prominent parts, as this group of actors will likely appear in smaller supporting roles.
Earlier today, Smith tweeted that production will begin on Sept. 22.
Leo recently co-starred on HBO's "Treme" and will soon be seen in a trio of awards contenders — Sony Classics' Sundance drama "Welcome to the Riley's," Fox Searchlight's "Conviction" and Paramount's "The Fighter." She's currently filming the indie golf drama "Seven Days in Utopia" with Robert Duvall.
Mulroney has wrapped acting roles in four films, but it's a fifth project that may be the most dear to his career, as he recently made his directorial debut on "Love, Wedding, Marriage," a romantic dramedy starring Mandy Moore and Kellan Lutz.
Gallner has also wrapped roles in four films, including Elgin James' "Little Birds." He previously starred in a trio of scare flicks — "Jennifer's Body," "The Haunting in Connecticut" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
Angarano recently played a young writer in Jared Hess' "Gentlemen Broncos." He next stars in Max Winkler's wedding comedy "Ceremony" and Steven Soderbergh's action extravaganza "Haywire."
Root is set to co-star in Robert Redford's period drama "The Conspirator" and Miguel Arteta's comedy "Cedar Rapids."
Smith celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday, and Deal Central celebrated by taking a look back at the foul-mouthed filmmaker's impressive body of work.
Leo and Mulroney are represented by ICM, Gallner and Angarano are represented by UTA, Gersh represents Root and Smith is represented by WME.
