Kevin Smith assembles 'Red State' cast

Kevin Smith has started to assemble the cast for his horror project Red State.

According to The Wrap, Oscar-nominated Frozen River star Melissa Leo, Dermot Mulroney, Kyle Gallner, Michael Angarano and Steven Root are being eyed for roles in Smith's new movie.

The actors would join Grindhouse's Michael Parks, who is already attached to star as a pastor inspired by Westboro Baptist Church's Fred Phelps. Phelps has sparked controversy for his anti-gay protests and claims that natural disasters and terrorist attacks are God's punishment for a society that tolerates homosexuality.

Smith recently revealed that the project, his first since Cop Out, will begin filming on September 22 and will feature a cast of "recognisable unknowns".