Casey Affleck to star in Joe Wright's 'Stoner'

Image from Vulture

By Darian Scalamoni

            Casey Affleck has officially selected his next project following his Oscar-winning performance in Manchester by the Sea, and it’s another potential dramatic awards-worthy role. According to The Playlist, Affleck will star in Stoner, which will be directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) who has an Oscar push of his own upcoming.

            Stoner, is based on the great American novel by John Williams (not the same of Star Wars fame), based on William Stoner, a poverty-stricken farmer who breaks through as an academic and unlikely hero in the 20^th century. The film seems like another depressing fare, similar to the last movie that won him his first Academy Award but we’ve seen how well Affleck works in that setting.

            I think seeing both sides of Affleck, as a poor farmer and a literary academic could be an interesting watch and not only with Joe Wright on board to direct, but Blumhouse producing their first high-profile dramatic movie, it could propel all involved to Oscars. Wright is currently touring his latest movie, Darkest Hour around festivals, and his star, Gary Oldman, who portrays Winston Churchill in the film, is already being touted as the favorite to win the Best Actor trophy at the Academy Awards.

            How do you guys feel about Stoner? Are you excited to see a collaboration between Affleck and Wright? Do you think Affleck could be nominated and win another Oscar for a role like this? Let us know in the comment section!