Howard Heads to 'Manderlay' with Von Trier
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Stepping into a role that had originally been earmarked for Nicole Kidman, Bryce Dallas Howard is in negotiations to play the lead character in "Manderlay," Lars von Trier's newest film, sources said.
Howard, oldest daughter of director Ron Howard, is making her feature film debut in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" (formerly known as "The Woods"), which is scheduled for release in August.
"Manderlay" is the second installment in a trilogy that began with "Dogville," which stars Kidman and Paul Bettany and is scheduled for release next year via Lions Gate. It is expected to pick up thematically where "Dogville" leaves off, telling a story of slavery in the American South.
Shooting is scheduled to begin in March in Denmark. Von Trier will direct from his own script.
At this year's Cannes Film Festival, von Trier publicly offered the role to Kidman at the "Dogville" news conference, and she appeared to accept. But she declined the role two months later because of scheduling conflicts.
Before "The Village," Howard had compiled a theater resume, including Manhattan Theater Club's "House/Garden," the Roundabout Theater's "Tartuffe" and the Public Theater's "As You Like It."