Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2012: #48. Atom Egoyan’s Devil’s Knot

#48. Devil’s Knot

Director: Atom Egoyan
Writer(s): Originally written by Scott Derrickson and Paul Boardman, rewrites from Egoyan and
Producers: Paul Harris Boardman, Elizabeth Fowler, Clark Peterson, Richard Saperstein
Distributor: Rights Available (Dimension put this in turnaround)

The Gist: Based on Mara Leveritt’s book, the drama centers on an infamous Arkansas murder case that ended with the conviction of three teens based largely on their alleged fascination with the occult. Three children were savagely murdered in 1993. Weeks later, police announced the arrest of three teens accused of committing the murders as part of a satanic cult ritual...(more)

Cast: So far only Reese Witherspoon has been mentioned, a whole lot of casting mentions should be made shortly.

List Worthy Reasons…: Back when the project was in the works, the Paradise docs were not yet a trilogy, West Memphis 3 were nowhere near freedom. Despite the heavy media coverage, Atom Egoyan can convincingly get into the psyche of the epoque but will need to bring his A game (The Sweet Hereafter skillset) and strike this while still hot. With Melissa Leo overused in such roles, a Reese Witherspoon could get away with playing the role of the mother of one of the murder victims.

Release Date/Status?: Chances for a 2012 release are slim as production is scheduled for the summer.