Hollywood has always been a stage where reality and fiction tango in perfect chaos, blurring the lines between make-believe and hard-hitting truth. While scripted spectacle may reign supreme in Tinseltown, real-life narratives still command the spotlight for all the right reasons. Amidst the cinematic golden hour of showbiz, the latest buzz surrounds Michael Shannon’s Eric LaRue and whether it is rooted in reality.

So, here is the full scoop about Eric LaRue for those still piecing together the truth.

Michael Shannon’s Eric LaRue has served up quite the anticipation within showbiz lately. But for those wondering if it is based on one true story, it is not. However, it is based on a 2002 play by Brett Neveu, written in response to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. The play debuted in 2002 in Chicago at A Red Orchid Theatre. Shannon was reportedly involved with another Neveu stage directorial when a mass shooting took place at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in February 2018.

Subsequently, Neveu decided to adapt the play for the big screen with Shannon taking over the directorial reigns in 2022. The film follows the devastating aftermath of a school shooting, zeroing in on the parents of the boy who claimed the lives of three classmates. Although adapted from Neveu’s stage play, it carries a different weight now, two decades after its debut, given the seemingly endless string of school shootings.

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While Hollywood often dabbles with projects that separate facts from fiction, here is a lowdown on everything you need to know about Eric LaRue.

Eric LaRue is a 2023 drama film by Michael Shannon in his directorial debut based on Brett Neveu’s 2002 play of the same name. The film follows Janice, the mother of the high school shooter, as she prepares herself to visit her son in prison while meeting countless bereaved local parents. Eric LaRue had its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival on June 10. However, it will be released in the United States on April 4, 2025. 

The cast of Eric LaRue includes Judy Greer, who portrays Janice LaRue, Paul Sparks as Steve Calhan, a Presbyterian pastor, Alison Pill plays Lisa, a Human Resources manager, and Tracy Letts as Bill Verne, a preacher. Additionally, Annie Parrise is in the flick as Stephanie, one of the grieving mothers alongside Kate Arrington who plays Jill. Alexander Skarsgård portrays Ron LaRue, Janice’s husband, Nation Sage Henrikson plays the titular character, and Lawrence Grimm rounds out the cast as Jack, Janice’s boss.

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