Sam Neill has been added to the cast of director Jonathan King’s adaptation of Under the Mountain, according to Bloody Disgusting.
Known best for playing the role of Dr. Grant in Jurassic Park, Neill has appeared in several genre films including Event Horizon and John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness.
Under the Mountain marks a critical point in King’s career as the director’s breakout hit Black Sheep was well received, but marred by controversy amid accusations that he stole the idea from Spanish director and sheep enthusiast Rafael Toba. Of course, nothing came of the legal dispute and it appears that Black Sheep was only the beginning of a fruitful relationship between King and Weta, the renowned effects company responsible for bringing the mutant sheep to life.
Written by Maurice Gee, Under the Mountain was previously adapted for New Zealand television in the early eighties and tells the story of twin siblings who battle shape-shifting alien slugs who dwell beneath volcanoes in Auckland, New Zealand.
According to wetanz.com, King is on record as saying the fim will blend fantasy and horror.
“I want to deliver a scary and exciting adventure for teenage audiences,” says Jonathan King. “The story will contrast its contemporary Auckland city setting with a fantastic subterranean world beneath.”
Under the Mountain is currently in production.