I really don't see why it's such a huge deal, but Dennis Hopper's son, Henry Lee Hopper, is set to topline in Wes Craven's tentatively titled horror thriller 25/8 (which was first announced exclusively here) for Rogue Pictures. Inside you can find more details on the film, even more casting and word from Hopper about his son's jump into acting.
Henry Lee Hopper, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps and Emily Meade are prepping to star in Wes Craven's tentatively titled horror thriller "25/8" for Rogue Pictures.
Hopper, the son of Dennis Hopper, will play the lead role of Bug, one of seven teens haunted by a serial killer who supposedly died when they were born 15 years earlier. The film takes place over the course of a day as the mystery of who (or what) is stalking the small-town high schoolers unfolds.
Epps ("Half Nelson"), Whitaker ("The Great Debaters") and Meade (the upcoming "Assassination of a High School President"), who are all expected to be part of the cast, are teens with several projects under their belts. But "25/8" marks Hopper's professional acting debut. Craven is casting relative unknowns to avoid giving viewers any preconceptions of who will die onscreen.
Hopper landed the lead after meeting Craven at a party for his godfather, Julian Schnabel. The pair bonded while discussing art, including the abstract expressionist paintings the teen made in his Venice, Calif., home studio. Craven said he fit the role of the initially naive, innocent Bug who is changed by strange events, and Craven invited Hopper to audition.
One might expect any son of Dennis Hopper to be perfect casting for a horror film. But the greatest surprise is that he appears to be a seemingly grounded teen despite being raised by one of Hollywood's most infamous wild men.
"I never really got the brunt of all that," said Hopper, who was born to actress Katherine LaNasa when his dad was 54. "I have two older (step)sisters that did, and I think it was really hard for them. Alcoholism played a big part in it all, so sobriety is something that's very valued in our family. Everyone has a dark side to them, and he's overcome it, so I don't feel outraged by it."
The father and son have always been close. "He's always treated me like an equal, never an authority figure," Hopper said. "I relate to him like a friend who's been around 50 or 60 years more than me."
Hopper was 14 when he first watched his dad huff gas in "Blue Velvet" but didn't find it that disturbing. " 'Speed' was a lot scarier because he got his head chopped off," he said. "But I wondered, 'Why does he always play these bad guys?' "
Craven is definately due for a good old fasioned horror film. Hopefully this is his return to brutality and we dont get some crap fest like red eye or they.
Great... another kid who can't get a job by himself. "Daddy, I need a job." "Sure son, I'll get you one." I wish talent would find Wes Craven like the first Nightmare On Elm Street instead Dennis Hopper thinks his kid has talent, now we are forced to see him kill a Wes Craven movie. What was Wes thinking? Let's play a game... Name all the celebs that got their kids acting jobs that ruined movies.
MexicanDave, it could be worse. It could be like Rob Zombie or Anderson, keep your wife close and star her in a bunch of your movies. Same for Glen Morgan, who place Kristen Cloke in Black Christmas, yet she really didn't contribute ANYTHING other than being "one too many". The thing I like about this movie is most of these teens ARE teenage actors. They aren't freaking like Prom Night, in the mid-late 20s. These are REAL kids. Also, they are unknowns. Well, I know Whitaker from The Great Debaters, but they are relatively minors in popularity. THAT has ALWAYS been the perfect casting for horror movies. Don't care who you are, that has ALWAYS been the gold. Putting known celebs ALWAYS muddles the movies.
Magnaderalpha... you totally nailed it with the Glen Morgan and with the "one too many" but if they wanted some "new blood", they should have a open casting call at high schools across the nation. Do they want real kids or do they want kids that have a hook up... say a daddy with a awesome resume. Dennis Hopper is the man but to measure up to a man like that... Hopper Jr. Good Luck. Maybe we'll see him on VH1 Cleb Rehab. I bet that there are millions of kids that can kick his ass in acting but again... with his daddy's help and daddy's connections, he gets pushed up in front on the line. Is that fair to the ones that are trying their hardest to break in the entertainment field?
Comments Page 1 of 1 | You have to be logged in to comment! If you don't have an account register now for free! Your account allows you to post comments and reviews, upload videos and images, access or our forums, write personal blogs, and maintain your profile.
Henry Lee Hopper, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps and Emily Meade are prepping to star in Wes Craven's tentatively titled horror thriller "25/8" for Rogue Pictures.
Print Story
Send to a Friend
