Variety is reporting that director Claire McCarthy has enlisted Naomi Watts (Gypsy) and Sophia Lillis (It) to lead the cast of Burning Season, an adaptation of Laura Van Den Berg’s short story What the World Will Look Like When All The Water Leaves Us.
Burning Season will see Watts playing June Engle, a primatologist “who has returned to a drought-stricken region of Madagascar in search of endangered species. Dragged along for the adventure are teenage daughter Celia (Lillis) and a handsome local researcher, Kiady. June is headstrong and passionate as a scientist but is far from a perfect mother. Left to herself, Celia uses the trip as her own journey of discovery.”
This is a beautiful and timely story that raises important questions,” said Watts, who is also executive producing. “My character June is a formidable and fascinating woman – an extremely accomplished scientist who pushes her young daughter to take a hard look at the tougher aspects of living in the world today.”
“Burning Season feels fresh and original; both a sensitive coming-of-age story whilst engaging us in the complexities of wildlife conservation versus the survival of very poor rural communities,” added Gabrielle Stewart of Hanway Films.
Watts is currently shooting Joe Carnahan’s sci-fi action thriller Boss Level, while Lillis recently signed on to play teen sleuth Nancy Drew in Warner Bros.’ Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase.
