Robert D. Krzykowski (The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot) will direct Grendel, a new creature film with an all-star cast.
Per Variety, Jeff Bridges will star in the titular Grendel, Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Krzykowski will also pen the screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s novel. Palisades Park Pictures, led by CEO Tamara Birkemoe, is launching international sales ahead of Cannes. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop will be behind the film’s practical creature work and design.
In a statement, “Grendel represents everything I love about the movies. John Gardner’s mad masterpiece cleverly tackles what it is to be human through the wild-eyed lens of a monster,” said Krzykowski. “It’s an honor to work with such a remarkable group of storytellers, all of whom seek to bring something wonderful and unexpected to audiences now.”
“We are delighted to be introducing this elevated, high-concept story to our distributors around the world,” added Tamara Birkemoe, CEO of Palisades Park Pictures. “With this brilliant cast, Bob’s vivid vision, and the extraordinary creative track record of our friends at The Jim Henson Company, we cannot wait to see Grendel come to life.”
Production on Grendel will begin later this year in Europe.
