‘The Illusionist’ Meets ‘The Shining’ In ‘Shadowland’

By  · Published on June 8th, 2010

It takes a certain amount of brass buttons to liken yourself to one beloved film, and it takes another brand of courage altogether to evoke the names of two fan favorites when describing yourself.

Still, that courage might be backed up when Bill Nighy is involved.

According to Bloody Disgusting, the actor has signed on for Shadowland, a flick adaptation of the Peter Straub novel of the same name. Plus, it promises to be in 3D. So there’s that to get excited about.

From the official website:

“Shadowland 3D” is a fast paced, compelling thriller based on the classic best selling novel by Peter Straub. A cross between “The Illusionist” and “The Shining”, the story is a timeless Faustian tale about a young university student who is lured by a charismatic old gentleman into the seductive world of magic, but is forced to decide whether or not to join the forces of evil to save the life of his best friend.

I’ve never read the book, so I have little to stand on besides the synopsis here, and it doesn’t give much more than broad brush strokes. I imagine a lot will ride on what kind of evil and what kind of stakes and what kind of university he attends. Is it a party school? Does he plan on becoming a Truman scholar?

I’ll be honest. It sounds more than passable, but I’ll always get excited for any news about Bill Nighy being cast in anything. He’s an incredible acting presence, and his involvement is sure to elevate the film from whatever level it was starting at to begin with.

Plus, the movie will also feature Natalie Dormer from “The Tudors,” and be directed by Erik Canuel who is most well known for his work with “The Dead Zone.”

All around good news.

What do you think?

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