Andrew Niccol's THE HOST Gets U.S. Distribution
Open Road has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's The Host. This new Open Road distribution company was formed by theater chains AMC and Regal. This marks there second big acquisition.
The Host is set to be directed by Andrew Niccol (Gattaca) and Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) is set to play the lead character Melanie Stryder. Stryder is one of the last humans putting up a fight against an alien species called Souls. These parasites invade human bodies, fuse to each person's consciousness and systematically erase their personalities. Melanie is captured by the aliens and implanted by a Soul called Wanderer (who Saorise will also play), something of a legend because of all of the "hosts" she has attached to on numerous planets. Wanderer's goal is to get Melanie to give up the remaining pockets of humans, but instead the alien finds Melanie to be unique in her unwillingness to surrender her consciousness. Wanderer is so overwhelmed by Melanie's memories and feelings, the alien is driven to reconnect with Melanie's old life.
I'm not really the biggest fan of Meyer's work, but this film has some solid talent involved. Is there a chance this could end up being a good movie? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Heres the description from the book:
In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a soul called Wanderer. Melanie uses her surviving brain cells to persuade Wanderer to help search for her loved ones in the Arizona desert. When the pair find Melanie’s brother and her boyfriend in a hidden rebel cell led by her uncle, Wanderer is at first hated. Once the rebels accept Wanderer, whom they dub Wanda, Wanda’s whole perspective on humanity changes. While the straightforward narrative is short on detail about the invasion and its stunning aftermath, it shines with romantic intrigue, especially when a love triangle (or quadrangle?!) develops for Wanda/Melanie.