Jimmy Bennett: New kid on the horror block

The MGM/Dimension-based remake of Amityville Horror is ramping up. According to today's Hollywood Reporter, child actor Jimmy Bennett (Hostage, Daddy Day Care) has been added to the cast in a leading role. The trade tips that eight-year-old Bennett will portray Chris Lutz, who THR describes as "the trouble-making middle child" in the family.

Andrew Douglas, a British commercial director, is making his feature directing debut with the project. The script is being penned by Texas Chainsaw Massacre screenwriter Scott Kosar.

Michael Bay and his partners, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, at Platinum Dunes are producing.

Bay says the film is going to be squarely based on the original film. He says, "It is not a slasher film and is certainly more cerebral than Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but we found Scott to be very good at knowing signature moments from an original film, and how to change it enough to feel fresh."

The original sarred James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger in the story of two Long Island newlyweds who move into their dream house, unaware of a grisly murder that once took place there. The couple must then confront the evil spirits that possess their home. The 1979 picture was based on a book by Jay Anson, which was in turn (supposedly) based on a true story.

Amityville Horror may start shooting soon with a January release in mind.

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