Jeff Bridges to Star in Lake Bell’s ‘The Emperor’s Children’

Jeff Bridges (True Grit) is set to star in Lake Bell’s adaptation of Claire Messud’s 2006 novel The Emperor’s Children, with screenplay by Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha, While We’re Young). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bridges will play renowned liberal journalist named Murray Thwaite who becomes involved with his daughter’s best friend in the days leading up to 9/11. Bridges has mostly been focusing on science fiction and fantasy roles lately, with performances in Seventh Son (2014), The Giver (2014), R.I.P.D. (2013), and the lead role in the upcoming adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novel, The Little Prince. Bell received critical acclaim for her 2013 directing debut In a World…, a comedy set in the voice-over world. Ron Howard was originally slated to direct the film, but will instead be producing with his production company Imagine Entertainment.