Coming-of-age drama eyes trio.
Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon are in talks for Jeff Nichols’ latest, the coming-of-age drama ‘Mud.’
Penned by Nichols (‘Take Shelter,’ ‘Shotgun Stories’) the redemptive tale centers on a charismatic fugitive and his unlikely friendship with a 14-year-old kid named Ellis. Ellis is determined to help his new friend escape from both the law and bounty hunters so that he can reunite with his soul mate Juniper (Witherspoon).
McConaughey will be playing the titular character, a role which Chris Pine (‘Star Trek’) had been in talks to take back in May. Playing the young boy who befriends Mud will be ‘The Tree of Life’ star Tye Sheridan.
“Jeff Nichols has written a beautiful story with rich characters learning valuable lessons through life-changing circumstances. With Jeff’s vision, this will be a work of art,” said producer Lisa Maria Falcone (‘Win Win,’ ‘127 Hours’).