Published: November 09, 2009 03:25 pm      

Movie producers look here for new talent

Phil Riddle

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

Producers of a remake of the John Wayne western classic movie “True Grit” are coming to North Texas in search of a budding starlet.

Paramount Pictures and The Coen Brothers are looking for a 14 year-old girl to be the lead of their new feature film, According to a release from casting director Rachel Tenner, the role is Mattie Ross, played by Kim Darby in the award-winning original version.

“They are looking for a 12-16 year old Caucasian girl who is tough, strong and tells it like it is,” Tenner said. The character, accordng to the release, is a “simple, tough as nails young woman.”

“Her steely nerves and straightforward manner are a shocking contrast to the way women behaved in the early century,” is how the character is described. “She’s possessed of true grit and plenty of determination.  Enough so, that she insists on going with two marshals to hunt down the killer of her father.”

Tenner said poducers are are open to all looks and no acting experience is necessary.

“When we started talking about coming to Texas to look for our Mattie,” Tenner said, “we were told not to overlook Weatherford. That may be where we fnd her.”

Auditions are slated for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Hopeful actresses are asked to bring a current photo.

The movie is scheduled to begin production in the spring.

Joel and Ethan Coen produced the critically accalimed “No Country for Old Men.”

According to a UPI.com report, actor Jeff Bridges has been tabbed to reprise the role of Rooster Cogburn in the remake. Matt Damon and Josh Brolin are also rumored for parts in the movie.