The Front Room Directors Explain Casting Brandy and Kathryn Hunter

As a seasoned gamer with a keen interest in horror films, I eagerly anticipate the release of “The Front Room” directed by Max and Sam Eggers. Their previous work with their brother Robert Eggers has proven their knack for creating chilling atmospheres and complex characters. The casting of Brandy Norwood as Belinda and Kathryn Hunter as Solange seems particularly intriguing, given their contrasting roles and the potential for tension between them.

Max and Sam Eggers are launching their directorial careers with the upcoming horror film The Front Room, produced by A24 and scheduled for release in September. The Eggers twins have previously worked on their brother Robert Eggers’ films, with Sam serving as a production assistant on Thew VVitch and Max co-writing The Lighthouse. In this movie, Brandy Norwood (Descendants: The Rise of Red) portrays Belinda and Kathryn Hunter (Poor Things) plays Solange. The plot revolves around Belinda, a new mother, who encounters difficulties with her mother-in-law, with whom she does not see eye to eye. Recently, ComicBook had the opportunity to interview the Eggers twins about their new project, during which they discussed casting Norwood and Hunter for their respective roles.

Max candidly shared that Hunter wasn’t their initial pick for the role of Solange. “Strangely enough,” he said, “we approached several actors because Solange, as portrayed by author Susan Hill, is a highly iconic character. She embodies an enigmatic, malevolent presence that one senses but doesn’t see completely. The reactions we often received were along the lines of, ‘You want my client to do… what on camera? Are you serious? You want them to break wind on camera?'”

After sending her the script, she found it captivating. She was thrilled by it. Our meeting in person followed, and she expressed enthusiasm for the project. It seemed like fate, as she was interested in delving into uncomfortable topics. I believe the allure of the physical demands of the role also played a part, given her dynamic performing style. We were incredibly fortunate that she grasped our vision.

“Kathryn opened up a new understanding for everyone, and the fact that she wasn’t afraid to delve into difficult topics truly inspired us all,” he continued.

Regarding Brandy, it wasn’t unnoticed by the Eggers that the actress had portrayed a character who faced a cruel mother figure in one of her iconic roles, specifically in the movie “Cinderella” (1997).

Initially, Eggers stated humorously, “It’s peculiar,” he started. “We were searching for our wicked stepmother figure, but what we truly required was a Cinderella. Yes, undeniably, Brandy possesses the scream queen charm. The film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer has a strong hold on my subconscious. However, in terms of Cinderella, being theater enthusiasts, we’ve played numerous roles in productions of this classic tale. And for this adaptation, it was crucial to have someone that the audience would instantly support.

The Front Room hits theaters on September 6th.

2024-08-29 03:39

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