This is quite a shock. Deadline reports that Paul Thomas Anderson has decided to cast Katherine Waterston as the female lead in his upcoming film Inherent Vice. She’s a rather low-key young actress who is getting her first integral role, and in a PTA-directed movie, no less. She’s recently finished an arc on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and recently wrapped Manhattan Romance, opposite Chris Messina.
Waterston has previously had supporting roles in Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock and Tony Gilroy’s Michael Clayton (opposite George Clooney), but her involvement in this film is surely a huge step in her career. She’ll be playing Shasta, an ex-girlfriend of the film’s main character, Doc (Joaquin Phoenix). Even though she used to be a free-spirited hippie, she finds herself turning straight for a businessman named Mickey Wolfmann. Doc is hired to protect Wolfmann from his wife, and thus the awkwardness ensues.
I can guarantee this movie will be a success. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most brilliant, creative and bold directors alive, and every single movie he makes is an instant classic and a masterpiece. His latest gem, The Master featured Joaquin Phoenix as well, and the actor gave the performance of his life.
Waterston will be joining an fantastic cast that includes Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Jena Malone, Josh Brolin and Martin Short, while Sean Penn is rumored to be in talks for an unspecified role. PTA has certainly made an interesting decision by casting a relatively unknown actress in the lead, whereas big names such as Witherspoon and Wilson have been relegated to supporting roles.
I know Inherent Vice hasn’t even started shooting yet, but I’m anxiously looking forward to it. What do you think about Katherine Waterston getting the lead female role? Would you rather see an A-Lister play Shasta? Let us know in the comments below.