Ang Lee to Direct Old Gold Mountain Based on C. Pam Zhang’s Novel
Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee, a three-time Academy Award winner, is set to direct Old Gold Mountain, an adaptation of C. Pam Zhang’s debut novel How Much of These Hills Is Gold. The project brings together literary prestige and cinematic mastery, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming films in development.
What Is Old Gold Mountain About?
Based on Zhang’s 2020 novel, Old Gold Mountain follows the journey of Lucy and Sam, two newly orphaned immigrant children left to fend for themselves in the American West. After the death of their father, the siblings flee their mining town to find a proper burial site, encountering danger, mystery, and myth along the way.
The story weaves together themes of:
- Immigrant survival in a hostile land.
- Family secrets and sibling rivalry.
- The American frontier, reimagined with buffalo bones, tiger tracks, and echoes of folklore.
- A search for identity and belonging in a country that denies their existence.
The Creative Team
- Director: Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).
- Screenwriter: Chang-rae Lee, adapting the novel for the screen.
- Source Material: C. Pam Zhang’s debut novel How Much of These Hills Is Gold, which was a 2020 Booker Prize longlist finalist and named one of the year’s best books by multiple publications.
Ang Lee’s Legacy
Ang Lee is no stranger to ambitious, emotionally resonant projects. He won Oscars for Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi, while his martial arts epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became a global phenomenon.
Currently, Lee is also developing a biopic about Bruce Lee, further cementing his focus on stories of cultural legacy and identity. With Old Gold Mountain, Lee brings his visionary style to a story deeply rooted in immigrant resilience and the mythic landscape of the American West.
Why Old Gold Mountain Is One to Watch
This adaptation carries both artistic and cultural weight. The novel by C. Pam Zhang was hailed for its lyrical prose and fresh perspective on the Western genre, while Ang Lee’s directing history ensures a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film.
With its mix of frontier mythology, historical depth, and family drama, Old Gold Mountain has all the makings of an awards-season contender and a must-watch for fans of ambitious cinema.
Casting Opportunities
The film’s central roles — Lucy and Sam — will require standout young actors capable of carrying an emotionally demanding story. Supporting characters will likely include frontier townspeople, miners, and immigrant community members.
👉 For audition updates and casting calls for Old Gold Mountain, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as opportunities become available.
