Emma Stone may join Guillermo Del Toro’s Crimson Peak

Emma Stone has lent her acting abilities to various genres, but horror is one that she has not explored. That may change as Empire is reporting that the actress is currently in talks for the lead in Guillermo Del Toro‘s haunted house movie CRIMSON PEAK.

We previously reported that CRIMSON PEAK would be Del Toro’s next directorial effort after PACIFIC RIM finishes the press circuit this summer with production to start in 2014. The movie is Del Toro’s attempt to pay homage to the classic haunted house movies of the 50s and 60s such as THE INNOCENTS and THE HAUNTING. While Del Toro is definitely capable of setting the mood (THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE), I think he may struggle with not showing the ghastly creatures or spirits occupying the house.

Either way, Emma Stone is an interesting choice. I am having a little trouble picturing her in a fully dramatic performance as there is always an element of levity to her characters. But, I trust enough having seen her battle zombies and the Lizard to know never to underestimate her. Her peformances in THE HELP and GANGSTER SQUAD may be her most serious roles, but horror requires something a little different.