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Since the news of a movie adaptation was announced in 2014, fans of Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning novelThe Goldfinch have been anxiously waiting for the chance to see the literary masterpiece come to life on the big screen. While the film's release is still at least a year away, the main cast of The Goldfinch has finally been rounded out, and new additions like Jeffrey Wright and Aneurin Barnard should be enough to keep fans excited.
Published in 2013 to critical acclaim, The Goldfinch follows the story of Theo Decker, a young man who survives a terror attack at an art museum that claims the life of his beloved mother. Following the traumatic incident and a split-second decision in its aftermath, Theo's life is unalterably changed, and quickly, he finds himself immersed in a world of crime, deception, and second chances.
Donna Tartt's first book in 11 years,The Goldfinch became an instant bestseller upon its release. Shortly after its publication, Warner Bros. purchased the movie rights for The Goldfinch, and last year, it was announced that John Crowley, the director of the triple Oscar nominated film Brooklyn, was signed on to direct.
Amazon, who is reportedly providing more than a third of the film's budget, has exclusive streaming rights and distribution through their entertainment platform. Warner Bros. has control over theatrical and global distribution. Currently, the film is slated to be released in October 2019.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, $15.66, Amazon
While there is still a ways to go before fans get a chance to see art, lies, and love brought to the big screen, the official cast of The Goldfinch should be enough to keep people excited while they wait.
Theo: Ansel Elgort
No stranger to literary roles, actor Ansel Elgort of Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars fame is set to star in The Goldfinch as Theo, the novel's main character. A young man whose life is dramatically altered when a terrorist bombing at an art museum takes the life of his mother, Theo is captivating character whose journey down a path of deception, violence, love, heartbreak, and, ultimately, redemption drives the narrative of the book. After his highly praised performance in Baby Driver, it seems like Elgort might be up for the challenge of portraying this unique young man.
Boris: Aneurin Barnard
Aneurin Barnard was a fairly unknown actor until his recent role in Christopher Nolan's World War II drama, Dunkirk, but now, it seems like the Welsh actor is having to trouble landing juicy roles. One of the newest additions to The Goldfinch, Barnard will play Boris, Theo's close friend and eventual co-conspirator, and one of the most important characters in the story.
Larry: Luke Wilson
If you're used to seeing Luke Wilson in nice guy roles, be prepared to see a different side of the Old School actor in The Goldfinch. Wilson has been cast as Larry, Theo's alcoholic father who moves him to Las Vegas after his mother's death. A charming yet manipulative and dangerous guy, Larry plays a crucial part in Theo's character development.
Hobie: Jeffrey Wright
Readers probably know Jeffrey Wright for his previous bookish roles as Beetee in The Hunger Games series, or, more recently, as Barnard in HBO's small-screen adaptation of Michael Crichton's Westworld, but come 2019, they will get to see the talented actor in a new literary role. Playing the part of Hobie, Theo's close friend, confidant, and mentor, Wright will have get to try his hand at playing a loving, nurturing father figure type, a challenge he seems more than up to.
Xandra: Sarah Paulson
Everyone's favorite American Horror Story actress is taking her talents to the big screen as Xandra, Theo's stepmother, in The Goldfinch. A woman who likes drinking and drugs more that filling a maternal role, Xandra will be a fun role for the endlessly talented Sarah Paulson to take on.
Kitsey: Willa Fitzgerald
A familiar face on the small screen for her roles in MTV's Scream and the upcoming BBC miniseries Little Women, Willa Fitzgerald will be taking on the role of Kitsey in The Goldfinch's movie treatment. The sister of Theo's close friend and his eventual fiancé, Kitsey is a dynamic female character viewers will love seeing brought to life by this young and talented actress.
Pippa: Ashleigh Cummings
Taking on the crucial and challenging role of Pippa, Theo's true love, is Hollywood newcomer, Ashleigh Cummings. The first major role for the actress who previously worked on Netflix's Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, this challenging part will show viewers what Cummings is truly capable of.
