Jennifer Aniston Getting Friendly With Ken Wilber
Filed under: Drama, Romance, Casting, Deals
Word on the street (well, not the street, perhaps, but definitely in the virtual philosophical circles I hang out in) is that Jennifer Aniston has agreed to star in the film adaptation of Grace and Grit, the true story about the life, struggle with cancer, and death of philosopher Ken Wilber's wife Treya. According to Ken Wilber's blog, Aniston's producing partner, Kristin Hahn, took a copy of the book to a meeting a while back, and Jen got all excited and said, "I know that book, what are you doing with that book?" Seems Aniston and ex-hubby Brad Pitt used to read the book to each other back in the day, and found it inspiring. Various things led to other things, Hahn paid a visit to Wilber, and next thing you know Aniston had agreed to play Treya in the film, which is in early pre-prod at the moment, with drafts of the screenplay being written. I wonder if she'll actually shave her head for the role, or if they'll do the bald cap thing?
This is big, big, biggity-big news in the world of Integral Institute, the philosophical think-tank co-founded by Wilber, and among Wilber's legions of fans. Wilber has been approached before about making the leap into the waters of mainstream media production, but he's always held back, in part due to the sheer amount of extra work it will take to fend off media inquiries, interview requests, and all that fun stuff. Apparently, though, with his newest book, Integral Spirituality, set to hit bookstores in October, and the founding of Integral University underway, Wilber has decided the time is right to dive in. Grace and Grit is a very personal story to Wilber, so I think it's likely that he'll retain at least a measure of control over the screenplay and final product. Could be interesting -- Aniston's involvement definitely takes the potential reach for the film to a higher level than anyone had previously imagined.
Now for the big question -- who will play Wilber (notTomCruisepleasenotTomCruise)? Any Wilber fans out there with strong feelings as to who should play the world's most prolific living bald philosopher?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
7-20-2006 @ 2:31PM
Sarah said...
It will be interesting to see if she actually shaves her head. We all know she's got hair issues. She even freaked out when they wanted to change or rather style her hair a little differently on Rock Star because she didn't want to do the big 80's hair and didn't want to look silly(What did she expect when she signed to do a film about the 80's heavy metal scene?). So is Steven Brill going to be directing this? I hope he is only producing. Judging by his credits, he is not fit to direct this unless they are going to hire Adam Sandler to play Wilber and make this into a comedy.
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7-20-2006 @ 2:32PM
Me&My Little Dog Too said...
I'm with you....please oh please not Tom Cruise....I hope they pick someone who can actually act!
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7-20-2006 @ 3:02PM
L smith said...
How about Tim Robbins?
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7-20-2006 @ 3:24PM
Gary Stamper said...
Edward Norton's one of my fav's, but he'd be better in a movie portraying the dark side of Ken (say what?).......Robert Downey jr. might be better at portraying Ken in altered states.......Ben Affleck as the relationally inept Ken (apparently he could play me, too!).....
My vote would go to Orlando Bloom ......put a pair of glasses on him, shave his head....bingo! All the intensity!
$.02
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7-20-2006 @ 4:20PM
~C4Chaos said...
this is a very emotional and deep book. so i'd recommend actors who can really act! that is, if the producers can afford them.
~Russell Crowe
~Tom Hanks
~Sean Penn
Edward Norton is also cool. but not Orlando Bloom. he's too skinny and small for a Ken Wilber.
hey, if they don't have budget, maybe they can even ask Stuart Davis to play the role. now that's LOL!
~C (for Counting down to Hollywood)
p.s. those who don't know Stuart Davis. good for you :)
http://www.stuartdavis.com
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7-20-2006 @ 4:37PM
~C4Chaos said...
P.P.S. on second thought....
since Brad read the book too, and i think he has no problem shaving his head, and he's a good actor, and he does a lot of indie films like Jen, then that's the perfect combination. imagine the PRESS! LOL!
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7-20-2006 @ 7:19PM
Christine Riley said...
Great book ... great casting choice in Jennifer Aniston!
In my opinion, George Clooney would be perfect .. it would be such a great opportunity for him to do something different.
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7-20-2006 @ 9:24PM
Kristy said...
i agree with george clooney also. i think its a great book and i think jennifer aniston will be brilliant in the movie. i think she'll be outstanding.
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7-20-2006 @ 9:58PM
Carmella said...
Jennifer Aniston is a good choice all around imo. Not sure I can second anybody's choice of Clooney, yet.
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7-21-2006 @ 12:12AM
Misa said...
I did not know that Jennifer Anniston had any emotional range for a good actress. They better find an actress who can carry a film, Anniston is a one dimensional character.
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7-21-2006 @ 8:28AM
Tom said...
I find it bizarre that in a country that prides itself on an ignorance of philosophy that there is such an interest in a charlatan like Ken Wilber. Putting aside his mean-spirited criticisms of others and his own inability to suffer criticism, Wilber too often ignores his critics or fails to respond to what is criticized to be taken as a serious philosopher. His "philosophy" is more of a faith than a rigorous examination of knowledge. However, I do think Jennifer Aniston would be the perfect B actor to play in woo-woo movie.
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7-21-2006 @ 2:34PM
Sean said...
I like Edward Norton for the role. He has the intensity, the intelligence and the range to pull it off. Jen's got to go bald. She has no choice.
It looks like Tom the Troll struck again. Sorry to see he hit this site too.
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7-21-2006 @ 10:33PM
meganfrancine said...
Ken. Give the people true transmission.
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7-22-2006 @ 1:26PM
Renee said...
I think Jennifer will be good in this part. Would love to see her in a serious role. And also agree with George Clooney since him and Jennifer are friends I think they would be good in this movie together. Also tired of seeing Clooney playing a bank robber. I think he would be great in this part.
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7-22-2006 @ 8:23PM
Shannon said...
I think this could be brilliant for Aniston. She definitely has the range for this type of role. I've seen it in her eyes. She can pull this off. As for the male lead, Clooney, Crowe, Norton. I think Crowe would be an awesome choice. On a personal level, I could live without ever hearing about him but professionally, he is arguably the best male actor, ever.
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7-23-2006 @ 2:09AM
Tom Armstrong said...
The "Tom" who posted the 11th Comment is not me. It is perhaps someone who admires Wilber's Earpy posts -- as Sean does -- who is up to some hyjinks here and elsewhere.
Perhaps this other Tom is trying to ferret out members of the Green Meme. Dunno.
Oh. My choice to play KW is Vince Vaughn or Matt LeBlanc.
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7-23-2006 @ 5:17AM
Peaches said...
Jennifer will go bald and thus guarantee herself the Academy Award reserved for any attractive box office actress prepared to downgrade her camera appeal for the sake of a role (Nicole and the nose, Charlieze and Monster, Hillary Duff and, er, most roles she plays etc).
Who should play KW? Does Yul Brunner have any acting offspring??
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7-27-2006 @ 3:12PM
Linda said...
Orlando Bloom, Russell, Crowe or Brad Pitt all sound good. Clooney seems too one dimensional to me. Although he has recently been in the main-stream spotlight big-time, Johnny Depp has the range, depth, and love for the craft (acting) to bring a provocatove perspective to this project. His recent prominence would further boost the box office. Looks like a Tipping Point! How exciting!
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8-02-2006 @ 1:22AM
Suzanne said...
I read a "Wilber quote" on another site that Aniston's production partner wants Johnny Depp, but that he (KW) doesn't see that working. Now I don't know if that's true, or another one of Wilber's jests.
Personally, I'd like to think the actor who plays Wilber has actually read his work. The book works on so many levels, but ultimately KW's life and his work are critical elements in this story of the life and death of Treya, her spiritual exploration, and their incredible partnership.
I don't have a clue who that is... I agree Stuart Davis should get an audition!
PS Get well soon, Ken!
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8-03-2006 @ 4:51PM
goethean said...
> I find it bizarre that in a country that prides
> itself on an ignorance of philosophy that there is
> such an interest in a charlatan like Ken Wilber.
Why should this surprise you?
On-topic, this Aniston news is extremely distressing.
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