A24 is in talks to bring Will Forte on board for dual roles in "Goblin," a comedy from first-time director David Mikalson, joining previously announced cast members Skyler Gisondo and Kenneth Branagh. Branagh will voice the title character, an "anatomically correct" green goblin brought to life through a practical puppet rather than CGI, reflecting Mikalson's original vision for the project. The casting underlines A24's continued willingness to back untested directors with distinctive, offbeat concepts.

Mikalson, a Washington state native who left film school to make short films, developed "Goblin" independently before securing representation and taking meetings across Hollywood; he reportedly spent his own money building the puppet before A24 agreed to finance the film. Production is scheduled to begin in the autumn. Forte, known for "Saturday Night Live," "Nebraska," "MacGruber" and, more recently, "The Four Seasons," is represented by UTA, Rise and Hansen Jacobson.