Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe eye gay conversion drama

Australian actors Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe are being courted to take on supporting roles in a new drama that explores the gay conversion therapy.

Garrard Conley’s autobiography Boy Erased is being adapted into a film by Australian actor / director Joel Edgerton.

Conley documented his experience of attending Love in Action, an group that attempts to change LGBT people into heterosexuals.

The son of a Baptist pastor in a conservative small Arkansas town, Conley was outed to his parents when he was nineteen. He was sent to a church-supported conversion therapy program that purports to “cure” homosexuality. At the end of the 12-step program Conley was even more adamant about his sexuality.

Deadline has reported that Edgerton is hoping fellow Aussie actors Kidman and Crowe will sign on for the film. Lucas Hedges, who garnered critical acclaim for his role in Manchester By Sea will play the lead part.

The last time Kidman and Crowe were scheduled to appear together for a film project was back in 2005 when both signed on to star in the film Eucalyptus. Just three days before the cameras were set to roll the project fell apart.

Crowe was originally slated to star alongside Kidman in Baz Luhrman’s Australia but was replaced by Hugh Jackman due to scheduling challenges.

OIP Staff