With shooting set to begin next month, the cast of Clint Eastwood‘s “J. Edgar,” written by Dustin Lance Black (“Milk“), continues to get the pieces in place.
Deadline reports that Josh Lucas is now aboard and will be playing famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Of course, the kidnapping of his baby caused headlines around the world and while Bruno Hauptmann (to be played by Damon Herriman) was found guilty of kidnapping and killing the child his conviction later came into question with police accused of doctoring evidence as well as ignoring and intimidating witnesses. The questions raised prompted Hoover to launch an FBI inquiry into the handling of the case.
Lucas joins a cast that now includes Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead, titular role with Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson; Damon Herriman as Bruno Hauptmann; Judi Dench as Hoover’s mother (revealed to Vulture by Armie Hammer) and “Gossip Girl” star Ed Westwick as Agent Smith, an operative with gifted writing skills who is tasked to pen Hoover’s biography but gets a little too close to the truth. The big question is who will fill the role of of Helen Gandy, a Justice Department file clerk who ended up being Hoover’s personal secretary, recently left vacant by Charlize Theron who is pursuing a role in Ridley Scott‘s “Prometheus.” Naomi Watts and Amy Adams have recently been listed as contenders, and while no decisions have been made, an announcement should come shortly.
Clint Eastwood works remarkably fast and while no release date has been announced, this is likely to hit theaters by the end of the year in time for awards consideration.
