Talks of a horror movie by director Kevin Smith have been present for a few years now, but financing seemed unlikely for the majority of that time.

Not too long ago, Smith announced that he had finally obtained backing on the film, titled Red State, and that it would be happening soon. Since then, casting has been going on with multiple names added. Today, another actor joined the film, and that actor is John Goodman.

The movie is said to be incredibly dark, being based loosely on Westboro Baptist Church pastor Fred Phelps and his extremist views on pretty much everything, including homosexuality. Not much is known about the plot, but that it will extract a hate-filled religious figure such as Phelps and implant him into a horror movie. If you Google Fred Phelps, you can read all about what he does and what his family and church stand for. You’re almost guaranteed to be infuriated. You can also see how much he looks like that creepy dude from Poltergeist II.

Goodman joins what’s looking like an impressive cast, especially in the part inspired by the monster himself, Phelps. That role will be filled by Michael Parks, who is perhaps best known for his great-but-albeit-short work in Kill Bill Volume 1 as the Sheriff, and his even greater-yet-still-short work in Kill Bill Volume 2 as Bill’s father figure, Esteban. Parks has also appeared in Grindhouse, using the same sheriff character in a crossover role, and The Assassination of Jesse James, among many others.

Also previously cast Kyle Gallner (Jennifer’s Body, A Nightmare on Elm Street), Michael Angarano (Almost Famous, The Forbidden Kingdom), Anna Gunn (Deadwood, Breaking Bad), Nicholas Braun (Sky High), and the great Stephen Root (Office Space, True Blood). Kevin Pollack (Grumpy Old Men, The Usual Suspects) and Melissa Leo (Frozen River, The Town) are both said to have been offered parts, but these don’t seem to be etched in stone at the moment.

Once Smith discovered he had financing for this passion project of his, it immediately became his next project, replacing his hockey comedy, Hit Somebody, which was beginning to get moving at the time. Red State is filming right now, and will likely be released at some point in 2011.

[Source: Shock Till You Drop]