The population in Cameron Crowe‘s “We Bought A Zoo” just a got a little more crowded.
Patrick Fugit, reuniting with the “Almost Famous” helmer, and Elle Fanning have joined the film adding to the starry cast that already includes Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church.
“We Bought A Zoo” follows the true story of writer Benjamin Mee (the film is based off his book) who uprooted his wife, two kids, mother and brother and relocated to the countryside on a property complete with a dwindling zoo, home to over 200 exotic animals. Once there however, the wife/mother tragically passes away due to cancer, but inspires the family to rebuild the zoo.
Fanning will be playing Lily, “a 13-year old who works at the zoo’s restaurant, even though she’s too young to work legally. She lives on the property and her only parental figure seems to be Kelly (Johansson who is playing the female lead, but not the role of the deceased wife), from whom Lily learns to be at ease with the animals.” No word yet on Fugit’s role.
The pieces are coming together quickly on this one which is expected to shoot early in the new year and to hit theaters on December 23, 2011. [Deadline]
