James Franco To Direct ‘As I Lay Dying’

Oscar nominated and multi-hyphenate James Franco has decided to follow up his continued directorial efforts by taking the words of William Faulkner on.

It’s a huge leap, but Franco is directing As I Lay Dying, the Faulkner classic, which has been openly disputed whether or not the prose will be able to be adapted for the screen. The concern over its adaptability is because of the erratic narration, which comes from 12 different voices and can easily lose direction in a film version. The film, which will start production in Canton, Mississippi is said to start filming in October.

Names have already been unofficially announced including Danny McBride, Tim Blake Nelson, Logan Marshall Green, Jim Parrack, and, Franco’s ex girlfriend, Ahna O’Reilly. When Franco was filming As I Lay Dying’s screen test for the Faulkner estate, his reported dream cast included Paul Dano, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon, and Joaquin Phoenix. Unfortunately, none of those actors are mentioned in the official version that will be shooting shortly.

Although it seems as though James Franco is becoming more comfortable behind the camera, Franco will still be appearing in a small part for the film, even though that role is not yet known.

The last Faulkner adaption that was attempted came from Martin Ritt in 1959 with The Sound and the Fury. As I Lay Dying will be the seventh directorial effort from Franco. Past works directed include Good Time Max, The Broken Tower, Sal, and Child of God, which is currently in post-production.