Now that Twilight is out of the picture, the next most significant YA franchise dealing with vampires is finally ready to jump into the spotlight. It was three years ago that we first learned Richelle Mead's best-selling Vampire Academy novels were to be adapted for the big screen, and now they're moving forward with its two leads announced, and a writer/director pair who have created two of the most iconic teen films ever.
Deadline reports that Zoey Deutch (Beautiful Creatures) and Aussie newcomer Lucy Fry(Lightning Point) will take on the roles of Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway and Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir. Rose is a guardian in training who has bonded with Lissa, a vampire of the Moroi clan, both attending St. Vladimir's Academy where they must navigate the difficult social order. Also on board is Danila Kozlovski (We Are From the Future) in the role of Dmitri. The film will be based on the first of six books, and given the new title of Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters.
While the two leads are basically unknowns, the talent behind the camera has an impressive history with high school comedy, which makes me wonder about the film's tone. At the helm is Mark Waters, who directed the brilliant Mean Girls. His brother Daniel will provide the script, having written one of the all-time great screenplays for Heathers. Yep, Heathers. If Vampire Academy is half as smart as that was, we could be looking at something very special.
A summer start date is being planned.
