Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy To Star in Louis Wain Biopic
Louis Wain was an English artist known for his “anthropomorphized large-eyed cats and kittens” featured in his drawings. Well, the artist is getting a biopic from director Will Sharpe and it will star Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Toby Jones, and Andrea Riseborough. The script is written by Sharpe and Simon Stephenson.
“At the age of 23, Wain married his sisters’ governess, Emily Richardson (Foy), who was ten years his senior. The marriage was considered somewhat scandalous at the time due to the age difference. He moved with her to Hampstead in north London but Emily soon began to suffer from breast cancer and died three years into their marriage. Prior to Emily’s death, Wain discovered the subject that would define his career. During her illness, Emily was comforted by their pet cat Peter, a stray black and white kitten they had rescued after hearing him mewing in the rain one night.
Despite his popularity, Wain suffered financial difficulty throughout his life. He remained responsible for supporting his mother and sisters and had little business sense. He often sold his drawings outright, retaining no rights over their reproduction.”
Cumberbatch said the following in a statement:
“I am thrilled by the prospect of playing the courageous, playful spirit that is Louis Wain and to be producing such a special film. I have admired Will’s work for several years through Flowers and from the moment we first met, knew he was the perfect person to bring Louis’ inspirational and odyssean story to life. Together we plan to bring audiences a sincerely uplifting, playful, thought provoking tale of resilience, creativity and the enduring power of love.”
Amazon Studios is one of the groups working on the film, so I would imagine that it will be exclusive to Amazon Video when it releases. What do you think of this casting?
Via: Deadline