Josh Hutcherson Joins James Franco in ‘The Disaster Artist’ (Exclusive)
Franco is directing and starring in the film, a making-of story about the infamously bad 2003 cult movie, ‘The Room.’
Fresh off the release of the final film in the mega-hit Hunger Games series, Josh Hutcherson is ready to enter The Room.
Hutcherson has signed on to star with James Franco, Seth Rogen and Dave Franco The Disaster Artist, New Line’s making-of story about The Room, which is widely considered one of the worst movies of all time.
The Disaster Artist, based on a 2013 book by Greg Sestero, who starred in The Room, and Tom Bissell, is planned as a buddy comedy about two outsiders who embark on a delusional journey to make their dreams come true.
James Franco is directing and also starring as the eccentric Tommy Wiseau, the director and star of the 2003 drama, which developed a strong cult following, including among celebrities who loved it in a “so bad it’s good” way.
Wiseau, who had no filmmaking experience when he set out to write, direct and produce The Room, which centers on a man names Johnny whose fiancee, Lisa, cheats on him with his best friend, Mark.
James Franco’s brother Dave (Neighbors) is attached to play Sestero (who played Mark) in The Disaster Artist.
Hutcherson will play Philip Haldiman, who portrayed Denny (the neighboring college student) in The Room.
Seth Rogen, who also is producing through Point Grey Pictures along with Evan Goldberg, Vince Jolivette and Franco, will also star. Good Universe also is producing.
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, who penned The Spectacular Now and The Fault in Our Stars, wrote the script. The project will start shooting on Dec. 7 in Los Angeles.
Hutcherson is reuniting with James Franco for Disaster Artist. He has roles in two other Franco-helmed projects: In Dubious Battle and The Long Home, which are both in post.
He’s starred as Peeta in the $2.7 billion Hunger Games franchise opposite Jennifer Lawrence since the first film hit theaters in 2012. The fourth film, Mockingjay — Part 2, is now in theaters and has earned $452.2 million worldwide.
He’s repped by CAA, and managed by Ric Beddingfield and attorney Adam Kaller.
