The cameras are finally rolling on Red State, Kevin Smith's long talked about film inspired by homophobic Topeka preacher, Fred Phelps.
Not only is Smith finally shooting, but he's also added a significant name to the cast. Slash Film reports that John Goodman has signed on. So there you go, Big Lebowski fans.
The Phelps-based character is being played
by veteran character actor Michael Parks, a
favorite of Quentin Tarantino fanboys for his recurring
role as lawman Earl McGraw in Grindhouse, Kill Bill
and the From Dusk Till Dawn vampire movies. Bonus, Parks kind of
looks like the hate spewing preacher.
Red State's premise
is a bunch of kid encounter the "crazed preacher," who "gives a whole
new
meaning to the term 'extreme fundamentalism.'"
At last word, Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects) had been offered
a role to join the cast, which includes Dermot Mulroney
(My Best Friend's Wedding), Kyle
Gallner (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Michael
Angarano (The Forbidden Kingdom), and Stephen
Root (Office Space). Slash Film adds that
Oscar-nominee Melissa Leo (Frozen River) is
also up for a role.
Before you get all bent out of shape that the film might actually draw
more attention to the Phelps wackos, too late. They're getting plenty of attention whether Smith makes the film or not. Ignoring the uglier parts of society doesn't make them go away. Making fun of them strips away their power.
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