Variety reports that Josh Peck and James Ransone have signed to star in The Timber, a Western thriller from director Anthony O’Brien (Perfect Sport). The two will play brothers who venture into Yukon Territory during the gold rush of 1898 to find their violent twisted father, who is using the area as his, and I quote, “own personal hell.” The Timber is co-written by O’Brien, along with collaborators Colin Osslander and Steve Allrich.

Peck‘s transition from child actor (like you didn’t watch Drake and Josh) to more adult roles has been a long time coming, and The Timber might mark his first true adult leading role. You can also catch him in two high-profile movies this year, the thriller ATM and the long-delayed — but finally coming out — remake of Red Dawn. I’m in favor of more Josh Peck; unlike most of the other Nickelodeon child stars, he’s long shown potential to do great work, and I think he’s on the road to doing so. And I’m intrigued by The Timber, even though I have no idea what the “personal hell” is supposed to be, since that is broad enough to mean anything at this point. Maybe there’s be a twist and it turns out their father’s personal hell is a Yukon made entirely of candy, and the movie ends with everyone swimming in a river of chocolate! This is why I don’t write movies.

What do you think of The Timber? Are you pulling for Josh Peck?

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