Christian Slater and Elle Fanning have joined the feature adaptation of Karen Kingsbury’s novel
Gideon’s Gift, says Production Weekly.
The feature follows Big Earl Gibson (Slater), who lost the two things most precious to him on Christmas - his wife and daughter. Angry and heartbroken, he abandoned his belief in God and is now living on the street.
Gideon Mercer (Fanning) is an eight-year-old leukemia patient determined to reach out to this lonely and hurting man. And Earl is just as determined to rebuff her. It is only through a miracle that Earl finally comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas. And it’s only then that he can return the favor with a precious gift of his own.
Shooting is slated to begin early February in Albuquerque, New Mexico.