Hilary Duff Rumored to Play in Adaptation of Bonnie and Clyde

According to a report by Variety magazine, actress/singer Hilary will reprise the role of Bonnie Parker in a remake of the classic movie Bonnie and Clyde. The independent film will be directed by Tonya S. Holly and produced by Cypress Moon Studios. The role of Clyde Barrow will be played by Kevin Zegers, known for his role as Felicity Huffman's son in the independent film Transamerica.

Instead of trying to recapture the magic of the 1967 action film, Holly plans to direct an original screenplay written by her. She was inspired to work on this adaptation about the pair of legendary bank robbers and doomed lovers after reading old newspapers about the Bonnie and Clyde at her family's home. Holly has worked on a number of projects, most notably the 2006 film When I Find the Ocean.

Hilary Duff became famous for her role as the perky teen on the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire." After she completed her role on this popular television show, she began making movies, many of them family-friendly movies designed to appeal to her preteen fan base. A number of them costarring her sister Haylie Duff. She also embarked on a marginally successful music career.

In the past few years, however, Hilary Duff has been trying to shed her image as a teen icon and work on projects that are more mature. Her role as famous female gangster Bonnie Parker is another attempt to tackle a grownup role in a movie that is completely contrary to the sweet roles that made her famous.

In 2008, she played an exotic dancer in the political satire film War, Inc., costarring John Cusack and Marisa Tomei. Unfortunately, many critics lambasted her portrayal in this film and her inability to work alongside more seasoned actors like Cusack and Tomei. It's hard to say if this movie will be more successful.

As much as Holly wants her adaptation of the story of Bonnie and Clyde to be completely original, individuals who are familiar with the film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the doomed pair are going to compare performances. Hilary Duff's performance will likely be compared to Academy Award-winning actress Faye Dunaway. Fortunately, her costar Kevin Zegers has more experience in heavy dramatic roles, and his performance may be able to carry any deficiencies in Duff.

Of course, all the actors' ability to deliver good performances hinges partly on the script's content. Without being critical of the youth and general inexperience of the cast, it is hoped that the film does not turn into Bonnie and Clyde, teenage bank robbers, in order to appeal to that viewing demographic.

Tonya S. Holly's The Story of Bonnie and Clyde is set to be released in 2010. She is planning to film on locations in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The film will also feature Natalie Canerday and Rance Howard.

Sources:

Dave McNary, "Hilary Duff set for 'Bonnie and Clyde,'" http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117999103.html?categoryid=13&cs=1.

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