Ben Stiller Teaming With ‘Reality Bites’ Writer For Edith Wharton-Inspired Horror ‘The Mountain’
Ben Stilleris set to reunite withReality BiteswriterHelen Childressfor a new picture that couldn’t be more different from their last collaboration. The new project, titledThe Mountain, will be a period horror story based on characters fromEdith Wharton’s novelSummer. The movie marks a sharp change of pace for Stiller, whose past projects have been mostly comedies. In addition, it represents a return to writing for Childress, whoseReality Biteswas her first and last feature screenplay. More details after the jump.
Stiller’s past directorial efforts includeTropic Thunder,Zoolander,The Cable Guy, andReality Bites, and he’s currently gearing up forThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which he’ll direct and star in. While I’ve liked his earlier works,The Mountainseems like such a big departure from his earlier work that it’s tough to guess how it’ll turn out. (From Russ:The Cable Guycould be said to have an element of horror; it certainly has an edge to it that goes beyond basic comedy.)
He’s got another project with Childress brewing, however, that may be more in line with what we’ve come to expect from him. Though details are scarce,Deadlinereports that the two are developing a feature, also for Fox, based on the children’s picture bookThe Snowy Day. It doesn’t sound like Stiller is lined up to direct at the moment. First published in 1962,Ezra Jack Keats' award-winning story follows a very young New Yorker exploring his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
As for his work in front of the camera, Stiller is currently filming the Akiva Schaffer comedyNeighborhood Watchwith Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill. Also coming up for the star are Noah Baumbach’sWhile We’re Youngand the recently announced supernatural storyRentaGhost. He’ll next appear in next month’sTower Heist, directed by Brett Ratner.
