It seemed unlikely not too long ago but
Paul Thomas Anderson's controversial sounding religious cult film
The Master, with the help of billionaire backer
Megan Ellison, is gearing up to shoot in just a matter of weeks.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman stars as the charasmatic Lancaster Dodd who upon returning to America from the horrors of WWII creates his own religion, a fictional Scientology-esque cult, seducing a former alcoholic as his apprentice.
Joaquin Phoenix was recently hired for that role which will mark his comeback to acting, taking on the part
Jeremy Renner had nailed down last year before PTA's initial funding was cut.
Variety reports that three more names can be added to the cast via the names of Observe & Report and Friday Night Lights star (and kind of a young but constantly perplexed Matt Damon lookalike)
Jesse Plemons who will play Dodd's son,
Laura Dern (possibly as Dodd's wife, the trade doesn't say) and veteran actor
David Warshofsky who will play the detective. Warshofsky had a small but memorable part in Anderson's last film
There Will Be Blood, a movie where clearly many of the same themes of religious seduction will be transfered over. The Weinsteins will release the movie worldwide next year, easily one of the most exciting 2012 auteur films. And if I haven't said it enough already, thank you Megan Ellison for making sure it will happen.