Water for Elephants – the Movie?

We’re rushing out to Powell’s (our favorite bookstore) to grab a copy of Sara Gruen’s best selling historical love story “Water for Elephants.” Admittedly a bit late to the party, we want to read the book before a just announced film adaptation hits the big screen.

If you’re not familiar with the book, here’s the quick lowdown on the Depression-era drama as we understand it: a grief stricken Cornell veterinary student drops out of school, joins the circus, and falls in love with the show’s beautiful equestrian – who happens to be married to a twisted animal trainer.

An equine writer friend lauded the novel’s accurate description of laminitis, which we appreciate, but we’re equally excited about the rumored casting: vampire babe Robert Pattinson as the vet, sweetheart Reese Witherspoon as the rider, and Sean Penn as the diabolical trainer.

Fox 2000 acquired the rights in 2008, delivering a high profile directorial and production team to head up the project. Production is expected to begin in June 2010.

Editor’s Note (2/27/11): Water for Elephants the movie is scheduled to open on April 22, with Christopher Waltz (not Sean Penn as first reported) in the role of trainer August Rosenbluth.