Jesse Plemons & David Warshofsky Join ‘The Master'

Things are really starting to happen now. According to Variety, two actors have joined PTA's upcoming still-untitled religious drama (still being referred to as 'The Master'). Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman will be joined by PTA first timer Jesse Plemons (who "Friday Night Lights" fans will recognize as Landry Clarke) and character actor David Warshofsky who appeared briefly as H.M. Tilford in "There Will Be Blood." According to the trade, Plemons will be playing Hoffman's characters son while Warshofsky will be playing a detective. Having not read either draft of the script, this writer couldn't be more excited to see how they figure into the story.

Plemons joins Anderson religious drama
'Friday Night Lights' thesp to play the son of Scientology-like religious leader
By Jeff Sneider

EXCLUSIVE: "Friday Night Lights" thesp Jesse Plemons and veteran character actor David Warshofsky have joined the cast of Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled religious drama, which will be released worldwide by The Weinstein Company.

Script finds Anderson regular Philip Seymour Hoffman playing a charismatic intellectual who, after witnessing the horrors of WWII, creates a belief system designed to catch on with other lost souls in post-war America. Joaquin Phoenix and Laura Dern co-star, with the former playing an alcoholic drifter who becomes his right-hand man and disciple. The tenants of the faith closely mirror those of Scientology.

Plemons will play Hoffman's son, while Warshofsky will play a detective.

Megan Ellison's Annapurna Pictures is financing the period pic, which Universal was previously considering funding before having second thoughts about its mid-range budget.

Anderson and his longtime producing partner JoAnne Sellar will produce through the former's Ghoulardi Film Co., along with Ellison. Production is scheduled to begin in mid-June in Sacramento.

Plemons, who recently appeared in the studio comedies "Observe and Report" and "Paul," next co-stars in Universal's "Battleship."

Warshofsky previously worked with Anderson on "There Will Be Blood" and was recently cast in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln."

Thesp will soon be seen in two Sundance pics, Miranda July's "The Future" and Gavin James' "Little Birds."

Talent Works reps Warshofsky and Plemons, who is also repped by attorney David Matlof. CornerStone Talent Agency and Patty Woo Management also rep Warshofsky.

We've also heard through (completely unofficial) sources that Phoenix has been slimming way down for the role. Should be very interesting to say the least. And in unrelated news, if you're a Hulu+ subscriber you can now watch Paul's 15 minute introduction for Criterion's edition of the 1953 Max Ophuls film "The Earrings of Madame de" online.

As always, stay tuned to Cigarettes & Red Vines on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and updates.