Jena Malone to Play Carson McCullers in 'Lonely Hunter'

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Jena Malone

Jena Malone has been cast as Southern gothic writer Carson McCullers in Lonely Hunter. Hounddog filmmaker Deborah Kampmeier is directing the biopic, which is scheduled to begin filming in the spring.

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Hunter will span 35 years in the author and playwright's life, which involved debilitating illness, a messy personal life and a creative circle that included Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. Sarah Schulman and Kampmeier wrote the script.

Troy Johanson of Full Moon Films is producing the project with Kampmeier and Blair Breard. Abigail Disney of Fork Films will be an executive producer.

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"Jena's vulnerability, curiosity, and passion are perfect for Carson," said Kampmeier. "She is extremely gifted and I'm thrilled to be working with Jena in what I'm sure will be a very creative and exciting process."

The Gersh-repped Malone has appeared in Sucker Punch, The Ruins, Into the Wild, Donnie Darko and The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys. She has the films Jack and Diane, For Ellen and The Wait forthcoming.