John Cusack to Play Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven

2012 was an odd film in more ways than one. Chief amongst the mysteries is how exactly they persuaded John Cusack to star in a film which was one part hokum, twenty eights parts CG showreel.

Following his trip back to the future in Hot Tub Time Machine he took a part in Mikael Håfström’s Shanghai and now we’ve learned what the next direction his unpredictable career trajectory will take. To Baltimore, to don the moustache of one Edgar Allan Poe in John McTeigue’s The Raven.

A little bird told us (via ComingSoon who have a handy interview with McTeigue about the project here) that Cusack would be journeying into the abyss, the crux of which is a serial killer mystery with the poet helping to solve a series of murders ‘inspired’ by his poems.

The name of Ewan McGregor has been wafting around this one as had M:I 4′s latest recruit Jeremy Renner, who, it was supposed, would play Poe.

When Renner’s name was linked to The Raven I mocked up this picture, which is every bit as scary as the tales told by E.A. Poe.

Excusing the terrible Photoshopping he looked pretty convincing as the man himself. Now that Cusack is attached to the project I had to allow him the same courtesy and thus we get this…

Looking like an inebriated Gene Hackman on a night out dressed as Charlie Chaplin I’m sure he’ll look far better when McTeigue’s camera roll later this year.

About Jon Lyus

Father and writer. In gutter, looking at stars.

Movie quotes I live my life by: 'Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while - you might miss it.' 'Carpe Diem!' 'When somebody asks you if you're a God - you say YES!'

  • Anonymous

    Cusack will be great. In fact greater than Poe – John is like 6′ 4″ Poe was more like 5′ 6.” CGI anyone?

  • Anonymous

    “…an inebriated Gene Hackman on a night out dressed as Charlie Chaplin” BWAHAHAHAHA thanks for that! You made my morning!

    On another note, physical differences notwithstanding, I do think Cusack will be fantastic. This, not, as you pointed out, 2012 is a much better showcase for his talents.

  • Gelu Stoicescu

    It’s Edgar ALLAN Poe, you guys! What’s next, Allen Delon?

  • Vc7777

    Downey all day long.