The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll to star Jessica Lange and Naomi Watts
Indigenous Media, formed by award-winning filmmakers Jon Avnet, Rodrigo Garcia and Jake Avnet to produce and distribute original content across emerging and traditional platforms worldwide, will produce a feature adaptation of Jean Nathan’s highly-acclaimed book, The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll, starring two time Oscar-winning actress Jessica Lange (Blue Sky, Frances), and two time Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts (Birdman, 21 Grams).
Oscar winner Bruce Cohen (American Beauty), and Untitled Entertainment partner Jason Weinberg (Margin Call, Ray Donovan, Enlightened), join with Indigenous to produce the film.
Gia Coppola who wrote and directed the indie film Palo Alto is set to direct. Merritt Johnson, who won multiple awards for Temple Grandin and “In Treatment,” including the AFI Award, Humanitas Prize and WGA Award, will adapt.
The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll is the story of Dare Wright, whose best-selling children’s book “The Lonely Doll” made her a household name in the 1950’s. Forty years later, journalist Jean Nathan in her search for the out-of-print book series, found Wright living in a public hospital in Queens, New York. Nathan’s book pieces together Wright’s bizarre life of glamour and isolation, and her struggle to escape her painful childhood through her art.
“Rodrigo and I have been fans of and have worked with Merritt, Jessica and Naomi before,” said Jon Avnet. “Jean Nathan’s unique piece is a great vehicle for a reunion and chance for Gia Coppola to make a very distinctive film.”
Director/producers Jon Avnet (Black Swan, “Justified,” Fried Green Tomatoes, Risky Business) and Garcia (Albert Nobbs, “In Treatment,” “Big Love,” Last Days in the Desert) have won Oscar, Emmy and Tony Awards for their work. Bruce Cohen has produced such films as Silver Linings Playbook, Milk and American Beauty.
Jessica Lange’s next film is Wild Oats. She will be starring on Broadway in “Long Day’s Journey into Night” opening in April.
Watts is currently starring in The Divergent Series: Allegiant and will soon be seen with Jake Gyllenhaal in Demolition. Later this year, she will be seen starring in Shut In and The Book of Henry.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
