It’s rare that we know enough about an upcoming big-screen project before it begins filming, but that’s the case with Grendel, a live-action retelling of the Old English epic poem Beowulf, based on John Gardner’s 1971 novel of the same name by Robert D. Krzykowski (director of “Killing Hitler and Bigfoot”).
The Hollywood Reporter shared an interview with the writer-director that included a number of highlights, including talk about the cast, which includes “Jeff Bridges as the titular monster and Bryan Cranston as Hercules.” King Rothgar, with Dave Bautista as the warrior Beowulf and T. Burnett as the blind, harp-playing Shaper.”
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If nothing changes, filming will begin next year in Europe, with “Palisades Park Pictures handling international sales” while seeking distribution. With such an enticing cast and premise, it’s likely to be picked up quickly. Additionally, the legendary Jim Henson Company is working on practical effects and creature design, centered around the titular Grendel (see featured image above).
“[Jeff] There was a lot of talk about the yin and yang of everyone and Grendel, who is really a conflicted character, I think he found that really interesting. [Grendel] Ending up in a situation from which you can’t save yourself, we all thought it was a funny warning when you’re facing a monster,” Kozhikovsky teased the lead actor and the veteran actor behind him. In his amazing career There’s nothing Bridges can’t do in his career, and I personally can’t wait to see and hear what he does with this complex legendary monster.
It seems that, just like in the novel, Grendel will be the narrator: “Grendel is of course an untrustworthy narrator and we see everything through his lens. So he talks to us, he narrates, we to hear his thoughts,” said the writer-director. Apparently, this narrative approach would also allow him to imagine a situation where he was part of Hrothgar’s kingdom, “so it would give it a sense of intimacy.”
Grendel’s practical approach won’t be the only “old school” thing, either. “About a quarter or a fifth of the movie will be on stage. Very, very handcrafted, very fantasy-driven,” promised Krzykovsky, who also collaborated with Ridley Scott’s Legend A comparison was made. As for the rating, it will be PG-13, so even though things get violent, don’t expect a ton of blood and gore.
“I don’t think any of us are angry people, but we all need an outlet, and Grendel provides that outlet. He’s an angry, cynical, deep thinker who’s trying to function in a world but doesn’t know how. To,” the filmmakers explain of this dark figure who may be more relevant today than when Robert Zemeckis took on Beowulf in 2007. The controversial film has gained a cult following over the years. Would this have made for a better epic fare from the get-go? We certainly hope so.
