Nicholas Hoult to play The Catcher in the Rye author JD Salinger in film about his life
Salinger's 1951 novel remains iconic for its portrayal of teenage angst
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.He was known for avoiding the spotlight after the success of The Catcher in the Rye but at last, author JD Salinger's life will be the focus of a new biopic.
British actor Nicholas Hoult is taking the lead role in Rebel in the Rye, with Empire creator Danny Strong writing and directing a storyline based on Kenneth Slawenski's biography JD Salinger: A Life.
The drama will follow Salinger's journey from rebellious youth and World War II frontline service to literary fame and eventual reclusiveness.
Met with controversial upon its publication in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is considered an iconic novel particularly popular with teenage readers for its themes of angst, alienation and lost innocence.
More than 65 million copies have been sold worldwide to date but there have been no film adaptations of the book. Salinger refused to sell studios the screen rights after his short story Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut was adapted into the poor My Foolish Heart in 1949.
Salinger once wrote that he did not believe protagonist Holden Caulfield's first-person narration would translate well into cinema and therefore did not want to see a film in his lifetime. He died in 2010 aged 91.
Salinger's life, however, has been the subject of a documentary before. Shane Salerno released Salinger in 2013 and is currently working on a rival biopic with the Weinstein Co.
Further details on casting and release for Rebel in the Rye are yet to be confirmed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments