Exclusive: Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham and The Nightingale‘s Aisling Franciosi have joined the cast of Three Point Capital and David Permut Production’s movie Twinless. They will star opposite previously announced Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney.
Sweeney is also writing and directing the pic which follows two young men who meet in a twin bereavement support group, and form an unlikely bromance.
O’Brien and Miky Lee are EPs. Alex Astrachan, Director of Development at Permut Presentations is co-producer. Republic Pictures has worldwide rights to the film.
Three Point Capital is financing the feature with Ali Jazayeri, David Gendron and Liz Destro also serving as executive producers.
Graham is known for playing Lorelai Gilmore on the hit CW series, Gilmore Girls. She’s also starred in such movies as Flash of Genius, The Answer Man with Jeff Daniels, Evan Almighty with Steve Carell, Because I Said So opposite Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore,...
Sweeney is also writing and directing the pic which follows two young men who meet in a twin bereavement support group, and form an unlikely bromance.
O’Brien and Miky Lee are EPs. Alex Astrachan, Director of Development at Permut Presentations is co-producer. Republic Pictures has worldwide rights to the film.
Three Point Capital is financing the feature with Ali Jazayeri, David Gendron and Liz Destro also serving as executive producers.
Graham is known for playing Lorelai Gilmore on the hit CW series, Gilmore Girls. She’s also starred in such movies as Flash of Genius, The Answer Man with Jeff Daniels, Evan Almighty with Steve Carell, Because I Said So opposite Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy and Tony winner John Leguizamo has been tapped to star alongside Taron Egerton in Apple’s upcoming drama series Firebug, from Apple Studios and creator Dennis Lehane. Additionally, Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning director Kari Skogland will direct and serve as executive producer.
Written by Lehane and loosely inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.
Leguizamo with play Esposito, a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.
Previously announced Jurnee Smollett also stars.
In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside Richard Plepler through Eden Productions, Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas through Imperative Entertainment and Kary Antholis.
Firebug is the latest project hailing from Apple Studios and produced by Imperative Entertainment, joining Black Bird,...
Written by Lehane and loosely inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.
Leguizamo with play Esposito, a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.
Previously announced Jurnee Smollett also stars.
In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside Richard Plepler through Eden Productions, Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas through Imperative Entertainment and Kary Antholis.
Firebug is the latest project hailing from Apple Studios and produced by Imperative Entertainment, joining Black Bird,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Kenny Ortega, the director of Disney Channel franchises High School Musical and Descendants, has returned to Paradigm for representation.
Previously at A3 Artists Agency, Ortega found his way back to the Hollywood talent agency by way of Paradigm partner and head of the New York office Jack Tantleff, and Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
Ortega’s film and TV directing and choreography work in the family and kids musical space includes 1992’s Newsies, the original Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Xanadu and the High School Musical franchise, for which he earned an Emmy for choreography.
He has directed and choreographed music videos, live TV and live concert performances for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Dianna Ross, Mick Jagger, Gloria Estefan, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Kiss and The Jonas Brothers.
In 2019, Netflix plucked Ortega away from...
Previously at A3 Artists Agency, Ortega found his way back to the Hollywood talent agency by way of Paradigm partner and head of the New York office Jack Tantleff, and Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
Ortega’s film and TV directing and choreography work in the family and kids musical space includes 1992’s Newsies, the original Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Xanadu and the High School Musical franchise, for which he earned an Emmy for choreography.
He has directed and choreographed music videos, live TV and live concert performances for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Dianna Ross, Mick Jagger, Gloria Estefan, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Kiss and The Jonas Brothers.
In 2019, Netflix plucked Ortega away from...
- 3/21/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Following a major bidding battle that went through the weekend, Amazon MGM Studios has landed an untitled thriller written by Natalie Krinsky, with Kim Kardashian attached to star and produce. Bruna Papandrea is also producing through her Made Up Stories banner alongside Krinsky.
According to sources, Amazon was one of five studios in the mix. With all being sorted out, sources close to the project say a theatrical or streaming release plan is possible, though nothing is confirmed given the early nature of the project.
Not much is known about the pic other than it being a thriller developed specifically for Kardashian. This marks the second massive package sold since the SAG-AFTRA strike ended with Kardashian front and center, after Netflix landed her comedy The Fifth Wheel over Thanksgiving; insiders say the latest deal is even more lucrative then that package.
Similar to that sale, Kardashian was very hands on in the process,...
According to sources, Amazon was one of five studios in the mix. With all being sorted out, sources close to the project say a theatrical or streaming release plan is possible, though nothing is confirmed given the early nature of the project.
Not much is known about the pic other than it being a thriller developed specifically for Kardashian. This marks the second massive package sold since the SAG-AFTRA strike ended with Kardashian front and center, after Netflix landed her comedy The Fifth Wheel over Thanksgiving; insiders say the latest deal is even more lucrative then that package.
Similar to that sale, Kardashian was very hands on in the process,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
As part of their new deal with Amazon MGM Studios, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” showrunners Patrick McKay and Jd Payne are already at work on breaking stories for Season 3 of the Prime Video series. That comes as Prime Video preps a premiere later this year for Season 2 of the series.
A Season 3 writers room isn’t yet open, but the showrunners are at work on the initial story outline. According to the studio, it’s likely that Season 3 of “The Rings of Power” will shoot at Shepperton Studios in the U.K., via a new production facility. The first two seasons were filmed at Bray Studios.
Payne and McKay wrote and exec produced Season 1 of “The Rings of Power” and were also showrunners on Season 2. They’ve now sealed an exclusive overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios to launch their own shingle, 10:40 Pm Productions.
A Season 3 writers room isn’t yet open, but the showrunners are at work on the initial story outline. According to the studio, it’s likely that Season 3 of “The Rings of Power” will shoot at Shepperton Studios in the U.K., via a new production facility. The first two seasons were filmed at Bray Studios.
Payne and McKay wrote and exec produced Season 1 of “The Rings of Power” and were also showrunners on Season 2. They’ve now sealed an exclusive overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios to launch their own shingle, 10:40 Pm Productions.
- 2/28/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Rings of Power showrunners, Patrick McKay and Jd Payne, are staying in business with Amazon MGM Studios. The duo have signed a new exclusive overall deal with the studio, and have launched their own prodco, 10:40 Pm Productions.
Under the new three-year deal, Amazon MGM Studios has exclusivity on TV rights. Financial terms were not disclosed.
McKay and Payne wrote and executive produced season one of the hit, Emmy-nominated Prime Video series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power which debuted in the fall of 2022. The series was the most-watch Amazon Original worldwide and debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen streaming chart, remaining in the Top 4 throughout its initial run.
“We began this remarkable journey with Jd and Patrick more than five and a half years ago and have never looked back,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “We continue to be amazed by...
Under the new three-year deal, Amazon MGM Studios has exclusivity on TV rights. Financial terms were not disclosed.
McKay and Payne wrote and executive produced season one of the hit, Emmy-nominated Prime Video series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power which debuted in the fall of 2022. The series was the most-watch Amazon Original worldwide and debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen streaming chart, remaining in the Top 4 throughout its initial run.
“We began this remarkable journey with Jd and Patrick more than five and a half years ago and have never looked back,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “We continue to be amazed by...
- 2/28/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunners have struck a new overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios, a potentially bullish sign for the future of the fantasy series.
Patrick McKay and Jd Payne have signed a three-year deal which also launches their own production company, 10:40 Pm Productions.
The duo wrote and executive produced season one of the Emmy-nominated Prime Video series The Rings of Power, which debuted in the fall of 2022. The show stands as Amazon’s most-watched original series and ranked in Nielsen’s streaming chart Top 4 every week during its initial run.
The show’s second season has wrapped filming and will be released later this year. While a third season hasn’t officially been ordered and a writers room has not yet opened, the showrunners have started to break the initial story outline.
In addition, Amazon is planning to move the show’s...
Patrick McKay and Jd Payne have signed a three-year deal which also launches their own production company, 10:40 Pm Productions.
The duo wrote and executive produced season one of the Emmy-nominated Prime Video series The Rings of Power, which debuted in the fall of 2022. The show stands as Amazon’s most-watched original series and ranked in Nielsen’s streaming chart Top 4 every week during its initial run.
The show’s second season has wrapped filming and will be released later this year. While a third season hasn’t officially been ordered and a writers room has not yet opened, the showrunners have started to break the initial story outline.
In addition, Amazon is planning to move the show’s...
- 2/28/2024
- by James Hibberd and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’ Director Kari Skogland Set For ‘The Wheel Of Time’ Origins Movie
Exclusive: BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee Kari Skogland has been set to direct live-action feature The Age of Legends, the first installment in the planned trilogy of films that will explore the origins of Robert Jordan’s bestselling book series The Wheel of Time.
Screenplay comes from Thor, X-Men: First Class and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous scribe Zack Stentz.
Set several millennia before the timeline of the books, The Age of Legends will chart the emergence of ‘the Dark One’, when the world descended into darkness and war. The film will delve into the corrosive nature of power and pride, as seen through the tragic tales of the Forsaken – once honored leaders who fell victim to the Dark One’s seduction, each personifying distinct elements of human weakness and ambition. The story will also portray the valorous sacrifices of unexpected heroes who rise against the Dark One to defend humanity...
Screenplay comes from Thor, X-Men: First Class and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous scribe Zack Stentz.
Set several millennia before the timeline of the books, The Age of Legends will chart the emergence of ‘the Dark One’, when the world descended into darkness and war. The film will delve into the corrosive nature of power and pride, as seen through the tragic tales of the Forsaken – once honored leaders who fell victim to the Dark One’s seduction, each personifying distinct elements of human weakness and ambition. The story will also portray the valorous sacrifices of unexpected heroes who rise against the Dark One to defend humanity...
- 12/14/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: James McAvoy (X-Men franchise), Lucas Bravo (Emily In Paris), Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale) and Almudena Amor (The Good Boss) have been set for thriller Turn Up The Sun! which has begun production in the UK under an Equity Pact agreement.
Sales outfit The Syndicate is handling worldwide sales and will introduce the project at AFM.
Written and directed by Welsh filmmaker Jamie Adams (Black Mountain Poets), BAFTA-winner McAvoy leads cast in the ensemble about two couples that accidentally book the same countryside mansion for a weekend of work and pleasure but discover things may not be as they seem.
Shaun Sanghani is financing through his credit facility Sss Film Capital and will be producing through Sss Entertainment alongside Cara Shine Ballarini and Rebecca Miller and their Good Pals production shingle. The trio produced the 2021 SXSW Grand Jury winner The Fallout starring Jenna Ortega, which was acquired by Warner Bros....
Sales outfit The Syndicate is handling worldwide sales and will introduce the project at AFM.
Written and directed by Welsh filmmaker Jamie Adams (Black Mountain Poets), BAFTA-winner McAvoy leads cast in the ensemble about two couples that accidentally book the same countryside mansion for a weekend of work and pleasure but discover things may not be as they seem.
Shaun Sanghani is financing through his credit facility Sss Film Capital and will be producing through Sss Entertainment alongside Cara Shine Ballarini and Rebecca Miller and their Good Pals production shingle. The trio produced the 2021 SXSW Grand Jury winner The Fallout starring Jenna Ortega, which was acquired by Warner Bros....
- 10/31/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, executive producers and showrunners of Amazon Studios/Prime Video’s The Lord Of the Rings: The Rings Of Power, have signed with CAA for representation.
The duo developed The Lord of the Rings prequel series and are spearheading the fantasy drama, whose upcoming second season is in post-production.
The first season of Lotr: The Rings Of Power amassed more than 100 million viewers, setting Prime Video records for most global viewers in its first day (25 million) and for signups worldwide during its launch window. It also garnered six Emmy Award nominations in the crafts categories.
The Rings of Power marked the first TV series endeavor for Payne and McKay who have worked on screenplays for such features as Star Trek Beyond and Jungle Cruise. Their original script Escape made the 2017 Blacklist.
This marks a major representation change for Payne and McKay who were most recently...
The duo developed The Lord of the Rings prequel series and are spearheading the fantasy drama, whose upcoming second season is in post-production.
The first season of Lotr: The Rings Of Power amassed more than 100 million viewers, setting Prime Video records for most global viewers in its first day (25 million) and for signups worldwide during its launch window. It also garnered six Emmy Award nominations in the crafts categories.
The Rings of Power marked the first TV series endeavor for Payne and McKay who have worked on screenplays for such features as Star Trek Beyond and Jungle Cruise. Their original script Escape made the 2017 Blacklist.
This marks a major representation change for Payne and McKay who were most recently...
- 10/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Krista Vernoff is branching out to streaming.
The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner is teaming with Octavia Spencer to adapt Ashley Elston’s forthcoming novel First Lie Wins for Hulu. The drama, which landed at Hulu and ABC Signature following a bidding war, is currently in development at the streamer.
First Lie Wins is described as a twisty cat-and-mouse thriller. Elston sold the title preemptively to Pamela Dorman Books. It is slated for publication in early 2023.
Vernoff and Meghann Plunkett are both set to pen the script. First Lie Wins marks a reunion for Vernoff and Plunkett, with the latter currently writing on Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19 and having been staffed on the former’s short-lived ABC drama Rebel.
Exec producers include Vernoff, Plunkett, Spencer and her Orit collaborators Brian Clisham and Stephanie Kluft. Author Elston will also exec produce alongside Vernoff’s husband...
Krista Vernoff is branching out to streaming.
The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner is teaming with Octavia Spencer to adapt Ashley Elston’s forthcoming novel First Lie Wins for Hulu. The drama, which landed at Hulu and ABC Signature following a bidding war, is currently in development at the streamer.
First Lie Wins is described as a twisty cat-and-mouse thriller. Elston sold the title preemptively to Pamela Dorman Books. It is slated for publication in early 2023.
Vernoff and Meghann Plunkett are both set to pen the script. First Lie Wins marks a reunion for Vernoff and Plunkett, with the latter currently writing on Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19 and having been staffed on the former’s short-lived ABC drama Rebel.
Exec producers include Vernoff, Plunkett, Spencer and her Orit collaborators Brian Clisham and Stephanie Kluft. Author Elston will also exec produce alongside Vernoff’s husband...
- 9/7/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount snagged the rights to “Stray,” an action movie from “John Wick” mastermind Derek Kolstad.
Kolstad is writing the screenplay for the film, which is set to star “Masters of the Universe” actor Kyle Allen. A director has not been attached. Though plot details have not been announced, it will be in the vein of rock-’em-sock-’em revenge thrillers like “John Wick” and Bob Odenkirk’s “Nobody.”
Akiva Goldsman and Greg Lessans will produce through Weed Road Pictures, and Kolstad will produce through his company Tradecraft.
“Kyle has an infectious energy about him and is an absolute joy to riff with on all things genre. Couple that with Akiva and Greg at our backs and this is going to be one hell of a ride. I honestly can’t wait to dig in with this team,” said Kolstad.
Lessans added, “Kyle has a jaw-dropping set of abilities — as an actor,...
Kolstad is writing the screenplay for the film, which is set to star “Masters of the Universe” actor Kyle Allen. A director has not been attached. Though plot details have not been announced, it will be in the vein of rock-’em-sock-’em revenge thrillers like “John Wick” and Bob Odenkirk’s “Nobody.”
Akiva Goldsman and Greg Lessans will produce through Weed Road Pictures, and Kolstad will produce through his company Tradecraft.
“Kyle has an infectious energy about him and is an absolute joy to riff with on all things genre. Couple that with Akiva and Greg at our backs and this is going to be one hell of a ride. I honestly can’t wait to dig in with this team,” said Kolstad.
Lessans added, “Kyle has a jaw-dropping set of abilities — as an actor,...
- 7/26/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Morning Show executive producer and director Mimi Leder is sticking around Apple TV+. The Emmy-winning filmmaker has signed a multi-year, overall deal with the streamer.
Apple TV+ will have a first-look on streaming features, as well as an exclusive deal for series developed by Leder.
Leder directed the pilot of The Morning Show and earned her 10th Emmy nomination for her direction of the season one finale. The series was recently renewed for a third season and is currently in preproduction.
Leder’s additional credits include the films Deep Impact, The Peacemaker and Pay it Forward, as well as television series The Leftovers, Shameless, The West Wing, L.A. Law, and China Beach. She earned two Emmys for her work on ER along with three DGA nominations for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Dramatic Series. She is an alumna of the AFI Conservatory and...
Apple TV+ will have a first-look on streaming features, as well as an exclusive deal for series developed by Leder.
Leder directed the pilot of The Morning Show and earned her 10th Emmy nomination for her direction of the season one finale. The series was recently renewed for a third season and is currently in preproduction.
Leder’s additional credits include the films Deep Impact, The Peacemaker and Pay it Forward, as well as television series The Leftovers, Shameless, The West Wing, L.A. Law, and China Beach. She earned two Emmys for her work on ER along with three DGA nominations for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Dramatic Series. She is an alumna of the AFI Conservatory and...
- 6/23/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Mimi Leder has signed a multi-year overall deal with Apple, Variety has learned.
Leder is currently an executive producer on the Apple drama series “The Morning Show.” She has also directed multiple episodes of the series, including the pilot. The show was renewed for a third season earlier this year, which is currently in production. Under the deal, Apple will have a first-look on streaming features, as well as an exclusive deal for series developed by Leder.
Leder is a 10-time Emmy nominee, most recently picking up a nomination for best directing for a drama series for helming the Season 1 finale of “The Morning Show.” She has won two Emmys in her career — one as an executive producer on the hit medical procedural “ER” and another for directing “ER.” She has also been nominated for her work on shows like “China Beach” and “The West Wing.”
Leder’s additional TV...
Leder is currently an executive producer on the Apple drama series “The Morning Show.” She has also directed multiple episodes of the series, including the pilot. The show was renewed for a third season earlier this year, which is currently in production. Under the deal, Apple will have a first-look on streaming features, as well as an exclusive deal for series developed by Leder.
Leder is a 10-time Emmy nominee, most recently picking up a nomination for best directing for a drama series for helming the Season 1 finale of “The Morning Show.” She has won two Emmys in her career — one as an executive producer on the hit medical procedural “ER” and another for directing “ER.” She has also been nominated for her work on shows like “China Beach” and “The West Wing.”
Leder’s additional TV...
- 6/23/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Prolific film and television writer-producer-director Akiva Goldsman and his Weed Road Picture have signed with Tfc Management, the boutique lit management company launched in 2020 by WME’s David Stone and UTA’s Ben Jacobson.
Oscar winner Goldsman has four series currently on the air, which he created/co-created and executive produces: Paramount+’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, whose first season is currently running, and Star Trek: Picard, whose second season was released earlier this year, Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room, which has started production, and HBO Max’s Titans, which is filming its fourth season. Goldsman also will exec produce the upcoming series The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
“Great partners are a rare find, and I feel tremendously fortunate to have connected with David,” said Goldsman. “Working in collaboration, Tfc is a force multiplier for us at Weed Road Pictures. We are thrilled by the prospect...
Oscar winner Goldsman has four series currently on the air, which he created/co-created and executive produces: Paramount+’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, whose first season is currently running, and Star Trek: Picard, whose second season was released earlier this year, Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room, which has started production, and HBO Max’s Titans, which is filming its fourth season. Goldsman also will exec produce the upcoming series The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
“Great partners are a rare find, and I feel tremendously fortunate to have connected with David,” said Goldsman. “Working in collaboration, Tfc is a force multiplier for us at Weed Road Pictures. We are thrilled by the prospect...
- 6/22/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A follow-up to the 130M-plus grossing movie Law Abiding Citizen is happening with producer Lucas Foster and screenwriter Kurt Wimmer returning, as well as Gerard Butler and his G-Base partner Alan Siegel reprising their roles as producers.
The storyline is being kept secrets. The first movie starred Butler and Jamie Foxx and was directed by F. Gary Gray, and followed assistant district attorney Nick Rice’s (Foxx) pursuit of Clyde Shelton (Butler), a frustrated father who implements an elaborate and twisted plan to bring down the entire judicial system in Philadelphia after a plea bargain sets free the man who murdered his wife and daughter. The pic in December on Netflix became one of the top three most viewed movies alongside Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice and Sandra Bullock’s The Unforgivable.
Rivulet Films’ Rob Paris and Mike Witherill are producing alongside Foster and Wimmer. Foster will produce under his Warp Films banner.
The storyline is being kept secrets. The first movie starred Butler and Jamie Foxx and was directed by F. Gary Gray, and followed assistant district attorney Nick Rice’s (Foxx) pursuit of Clyde Shelton (Butler), a frustrated father who implements an elaborate and twisted plan to bring down the entire judicial system in Philadelphia after a plea bargain sets free the man who murdered his wife and daughter. The pic in December on Netflix became one of the top three most viewed movies alongside Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice and Sandra Bullock’s The Unforgivable.
Rivulet Films’ Rob Paris and Mike Witherill are producing alongside Foster and Wimmer. Foster will produce under his Warp Films banner.
- 5/21/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) and Academy Award-winning writer Akiva Goldsman are developing an animated movie based on Dan Brown’s bestselling children’s picture book, “Wild Symphony.
Written by Brown and with illustrations by Susan Batori, “Wild Symphony” follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other. The animated feature is described as a “‘Fantasia’-esque musical experience,” featuring music penned by Brown.
Best-known as the writer of such blockbuster books as “The Da Vinci Code,” the new project marks Brown’s first time adapting one of his books for the big screen. Goldsman, who penned the script for “The Da Vinci Code,” produces the project, as the first to stem from MGM’s first-look feature film production deal with the Oscar-winning writer (for 2002’s “A Beautiful Mind”) and his production company, Weed Road Pictures. He will produce alongside Weed Road Pictures’ president of production Greg Lessans.
Written by Brown and with illustrations by Susan Batori, “Wild Symphony” follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other. The animated feature is described as a “‘Fantasia’-esque musical experience,” featuring music penned by Brown.
Best-known as the writer of such blockbuster books as “The Da Vinci Code,” the new project marks Brown’s first time adapting one of his books for the big screen. Goldsman, who penned the script for “The Da Vinci Code,” produces the project, as the first to stem from MGM’s first-look feature film production deal with the Oscar-winning writer (for 2002’s “A Beautiful Mind”) and his production company, Weed Road Pictures. He will produce alongside Weed Road Pictures’ president of production Greg Lessans.
- 3/30/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Wild Symphony, the children’s book by No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Dan Brown, is getting a big screen animated feature adaptation from Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman and MGM.
For the first time ever, Brown will adapt his own book for film with Goldsman producing under his Weed Road Pictures with Greg Lessans.
The movie is pitched as a Fantasia-like musical, with tunes written by Brown. Wild Symphony follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other. The project is the first under Weed Road’s first look film deal with MGM.
Said Goldsman, “I’m so excited to join up with my old friend Dan Brown and my older friend Mike Deluca and company to bring this marvelous book of Dan’s to the screen.”
Said Brown, “As a young child, I was absolutely enthralled by the film Fantasia and...
For the first time ever, Brown will adapt his own book for film with Goldsman producing under his Weed Road Pictures with Greg Lessans.
The movie is pitched as a Fantasia-like musical, with tunes written by Brown. Wild Symphony follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other. The project is the first under Weed Road’s first look film deal with MGM.
Said Goldsman, “I’m so excited to join up with my old friend Dan Brown and my older friend Mike Deluca and company to bring this marvelous book of Dan’s to the screen.”
Said Brown, “As a young child, I was absolutely enthralled by the film Fantasia and...
- 3/30/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM and producer Akiva Goldsman are working with “The Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown to adapt his children’s picture book “Wild Symphony” as an animated feature.
“Wild Symphony” will be envisioned as a “Fantasia”-esque musical experience and will have a script adapted by Brown, as well as music that he also wrote. No director has been set.
The film is based on Brown’s book, first released in September 2020 with illustrations by Susan Batori. The story follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other.
This is the first project to stem from MGM’s first-look feature film production deal with Goldsman and his production company, Weed Road Pictures.
“I’m so excited to join up with my old friend Dan Brown and my older friend Mike De Luca and company to bring this marvelous book of Dan’s to the screen,...
“Wild Symphony” will be envisioned as a “Fantasia”-esque musical experience and will have a script adapted by Brown, as well as music that he also wrote. No director has been set.
The film is based on Brown’s book, first released in September 2020 with illustrations by Susan Batori. The story follows the adventures of Maestro Mouse as he traverses the globe, recruiting an orchestra like no other.
This is the first project to stem from MGM’s first-look feature film production deal with Goldsman and his production company, Weed Road Pictures.
“I’m so excited to join up with my old friend Dan Brown and my older friend Mike De Luca and company to bring this marvelous book of Dan’s to the screen,...
- 3/30/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: MGM has signed a first-look feature film production deal with Oscar-winning writer Akiva Goldsman and his production company, Weed Road Pictures.
Goldsman notably wrote the script for 2001’s A Beautiful Mind, which went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. His feature credits include Cinderella Man, I, Robot, The Da Vinci Code, Batman Forever, I Am Legend and its upcoming second chapter, among others. On the television side, Goldsman — who also has a first-look deal with MGM Television — co-created the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Picard, which is in production on its third season, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is premiering in May. The fourth season of Titans, also co-created by Goldsman, is in production for HBO Max.
“Akiva is an incredibly talented writer, director and producer who has successfully adapted some of the most acclaimed books in modern history,” said MGM Film...
Goldsman notably wrote the script for 2001’s A Beautiful Mind, which went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. His feature credits include Cinderella Man, I, Robot, The Da Vinci Code, Batman Forever, I Am Legend and its upcoming second chapter, among others. On the television side, Goldsman — who also has a first-look deal with MGM Television — co-created the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Picard, which is in production on its third season, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is premiering in May. The fourth season of Titans, also co-created by Goldsman, is in production for HBO Max.
“Akiva is an incredibly talented writer, director and producer who has successfully adapted some of the most acclaimed books in modern history,” said MGM Film...
- 3/16/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
CAA has signed Krystin Ver Linden, writer and director of the Sundance Film Festival selection “Alice,” for representation.
The dramatic thriller marks Ver Linden’s feature film debut. Prior to its festival launch, Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment nabbed U.S. rights to the picture, starring Keke Palmer, Common and Johnny Lee Miller, in a deal made by CAA Media Finance. “Alice” will be released in theaters on Friday, March 18.
Palmer plays the titular “Alice,” an enslaved woman who escapes her plantation and finds herself in 1973 Georgia. When the filmmaker and star joined Variety‘s senior entertainment writer Adam B. Vary for the Variety Virtual Sundance Studio, alongside producer Peter Lawson, they unpacked the movie’s complex themes.
Despite the fact that she was the filmmaker’s first choice for the part, Palmer was initially hesitant to sign on due to the sensitive subject matter.
“But when I read it,...
The dramatic thriller marks Ver Linden’s feature film debut. Prior to its festival launch, Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment nabbed U.S. rights to the picture, starring Keke Palmer, Common and Johnny Lee Miller, in a deal made by CAA Media Finance. “Alice” will be released in theaters on Friday, March 18.
Palmer plays the titular “Alice,” an enslaved woman who escapes her plantation and finds herself in 1973 Georgia. When the filmmaker and star joined Variety‘s senior entertainment writer Adam B. Vary for the Variety Virtual Sundance Studio, alongside producer Peter Lawson, they unpacked the movie’s complex themes.
Despite the fact that she was the filmmaker’s first choice for the part, Palmer was initially hesitant to sign on due to the sensitive subject matter.
“But when I read it,...
- 3/16/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Facinelli, Angela Sarafyan, Idara Victor, Tanaya Beatty and Grant Roberts have joined the cast of Adam VillaSeñor’s “Yesteryear.” They round out an ensemble that also includes the previously announced Q’orianka Kicher, Wes Studi and Nick Cassavetes.
The film follows Alma Deswood, a young Indigineous woman (Kilcher) who psychologically unravels in quarantine. With the world feeling as though it’s caving in around her, Alma fights for her mental and physical health amidst Covid-19, the Black Lives Matter movement and other life-altering events.
Facinelli will play Reid, Alma’s smooth talking boss with whom she had a one night stand that she regrets. Sarafyan portrays Sienna, a young mother and one of Alma’s best friends. Victor will play Lily, an outspoken aspiring writer and poet who is never afraid to speak her mind. Beatty plays Alma’s bohemian stoner sister, Anaya, who is trying to reconnect their...
The film follows Alma Deswood, a young Indigineous woman (Kilcher) who psychologically unravels in quarantine. With the world feeling as though it’s caving in around her, Alma fights for her mental and physical health amidst Covid-19, the Black Lives Matter movement and other life-altering events.
Facinelli will play Reid, Alma’s smooth talking boss with whom she had a one night stand that she regrets. Sarafyan portrays Sienna, a young mother and one of Alma’s best friends. Victor will play Lily, an outspoken aspiring writer and poet who is never afraid to speak her mind. Beatty plays Alma’s bohemian stoner sister, Anaya, who is trying to reconnect their...
- 3/10/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Arielle Kebbel is set for a major recurring role opposite Oliver Stark in Fox drama series 9-1-1.
Kebbel will play Lucy Donato, an Lafd Firefighter working at rival firehouse 147, but joins together with the 118 for a daring rescue. Lucy is super confident, fearless and is as quick at making life or death decisions as she is at speaking her mind. In many ways she is a daredevil counterpart to the 118’s Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley (Stark).
Kebbel’s character will be introduced in the series’ spring premiere on Monday, March 21 at 8 Pm.
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, 9-1-1 explores the high-pressure experiences of police officers, firefighters and dispatchers who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives.
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause...
Kebbel will play Lucy Donato, an Lafd Firefighter working at rival firehouse 147, but joins together with the 118 for a daring rescue. Lucy is super confident, fearless and is as quick at making life or death decisions as she is at speaking her mind. In many ways she is a daredevil counterpart to the 118’s Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley (Stark).
Kebbel’s character will be introduced in the series’ spring premiere on Monday, March 21 at 8 Pm.
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, 9-1-1 explores the high-pressure experiences of police officers, firefighters and dispatchers who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives.
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause...
- 2/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Twilight, Nurse Jackie and Supergirl actor Peter Facinelli has been set to lead World War One movie drama Can You Hear Me?, which is due to shoot in the UK next month.
Downtown Abbey’s Matthew Barber and John Standing (V For Vendetta) have been cast in supporting roles.
In the mystery-romance Facinelli will play Samuel, an American officer who is shot while fighting on the front line in 1918 France. The soldier “makes a bargain with the ‘Almighty’ to return to his bride in England, until the last bell tolls”.
Simon Hunter directs from a script by Charlotte Radford who is producing and also starring. Executive producer is Roger King.
Director Simon Hunter commented: “It’s a unique and beautiful script. A sensual and romantic ghost story set in the dark days of World War One. The story deals with loss and how to let go of the ones you have loved.
Downtown Abbey’s Matthew Barber and John Standing (V For Vendetta) have been cast in supporting roles.
In the mystery-romance Facinelli will play Samuel, an American officer who is shot while fighting on the front line in 1918 France. The soldier “makes a bargain with the ‘Almighty’ to return to his bride in England, until the last bell tolls”.
Simon Hunter directs from a script by Charlotte Radford who is producing and also starring. Executive producer is Roger King.
Director Simon Hunter commented: “It’s a unique and beautiful script. A sensual and romantic ghost story set in the dark days of World War One. The story deals with loss and how to let go of the ones you have loved.
- 1/20/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Hideaway Entertainment has come aboard ]Sleep Train, a genre-bending comedy written by Andrew Nunnelly.
The film billed as Game Night meets Inception follows a couple sleep training their child over the course of one delirious night. Jonathan Gray, Matthew Rhodes, and Kristy Grisham will produce for The Hideaway Entertainment, with Kristy Grisham and Jen Cox overseeing the project on behalf of the company. A director has not yet been attached.
The Hideaway’s Senior Vice President of Development and Production Kristy Grisham met Nunnelly when she was sleep training her son, which happened to be around the same time he was sleep training his. “Becoming a parent is really rewarding yet challenging, and as a working mom, I wanted to truly capture the essence of modern parenthood,” she said. “I found myself laughing at the absurdity of those early months, and I want to see a film that...
The film billed as Game Night meets Inception follows a couple sleep training their child over the course of one delirious night. Jonathan Gray, Matthew Rhodes, and Kristy Grisham will produce for The Hideaway Entertainment, with Kristy Grisham and Jen Cox overseeing the project on behalf of the company. A director has not yet been attached.
The Hideaway’s Senior Vice President of Development and Production Kristy Grisham met Nunnelly when she was sleep training her son, which happened to be around the same time he was sleep training his. “Becoming a parent is really rewarding yet challenging, and as a working mom, I wanted to truly capture the essence of modern parenthood,” she said. “I found myself laughing at the absurdity of those early months, and I want to see a film that...
- 12/20/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Yolanda Adams and Serayah have been tapped to star in Kingdom Business, a music-driven drama executive produced by DeVon Franklin (Miracles From Heaven), Holly Carter (The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel), multi-Grammy-award-winner Kirk Franklin and Michael Van Dyck.
Written by John Sakmar and Kerry Lenhart, co-creators of Mr. & Mrs. Smith the series, the eight-episode Kingdom Business explores the gospel music industry through the lenses of family, faith, love and the redemptive power of music.
The series will be led by Adams as the reigning “Queen of Gospel” Denita Jordan and Serayah as Rbel, a talented up-and-coming gospel star with a troubled past who threatens Denita’s crown. In addition to their leading roles, both Adams and Serayah will be featured in musical performances.
Michael Jai White also stars as Julius “Caesar” Jones, a powerful producer and Denita’s former collaborator turned rival; Michael Beach as Calvin Jordan,...
Written by John Sakmar and Kerry Lenhart, co-creators of Mr. & Mrs. Smith the series, the eight-episode Kingdom Business explores the gospel music industry through the lenses of family, faith, love and the redemptive power of music.
The series will be led by Adams as the reigning “Queen of Gospel” Denita Jordan and Serayah as Rbel, a talented up-and-coming gospel star with a troubled past who threatens Denita’s crown. In addition to their leading roles, both Adams and Serayah will be featured in musical performances.
Michael Jai White also stars as Julius “Caesar” Jones, a powerful producer and Denita’s former collaborator turned rival; Michael Beach as Calvin Jordan,...
- 12/7/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Facinelli has signed on to star in On Fire, a survival drama from director Nick Lyon, Lone Star Storytellers and Media Group LLC.
The film centers on a family man, his pregnant wife and son who live in a trailer home in the woods of Northern California and are suddenly confronted by a wildfire. When it reaches the family’s home, survival becomes the main objective.
Facinelli will play Dave Laughlin, a humble man who is a great husband, father, and son, and must do everything he can to protect his family.
Lyon and Ron Peer wrote the film, which is being produced by Obake Sakka, with Simon Crowe, Suzanne Weinert, Matthew Joynes, and Beth Bruce on board as executive producers.
It’s currently in production in Austin, TX and will be distributed by Sc Films.
Facinelli will next be seen in 13 Minutes, a...
The film centers on a family man, his pregnant wife and son who live in a trailer home in the woods of Northern California and are suddenly confronted by a wildfire. When it reaches the family’s home, survival becomes the main objective.
Facinelli will play Dave Laughlin, a humble man who is a great husband, father, and son, and must do everything he can to protect his family.
Lyon and Ron Peer wrote the film, which is being produced by Obake Sakka, with Simon Crowe, Suzanne Weinert, Matthew Joynes, and Beth Bruce on board as executive producers.
It’s currently in production in Austin, TX and will be distributed by Sc Films.
Facinelli will next be seen in 13 Minutes, a...
- 10/27/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In the wake of his seven-figure spec sale of The Bee Keeper to Miramax, which has Jason Statham attached to star, Kurt Wimmer will next direct his original script Solara for Oakhurst Entertainment and The Motus Studios.
The project is billed as a throwback to the raw and down-and-dirty tone and ethos of such 1970s movies as the Charles Bronson, Elmore Leonard scripted Mr Majestyk and the John Flynn-directed, Paul Schrader co-scripted Rolling Thunder starring Tommy Lee Jones and William Devane.
The project will be produced and financed by Jai Khanna and Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment along with Emanuele Moretti of The Motus Studios. Wimmer will also produce. Verve Ventures arranged the financing and will co-represent domestic rights with Motus handling international.
“Astonishingly powerful and poignant, Wimmer’s script has a furious sense of purpose. It was a no-brainer for us to dive in,” Khanna tells Deadline.
The project is billed as a throwback to the raw and down-and-dirty tone and ethos of such 1970s movies as the Charles Bronson, Elmore Leonard scripted Mr Majestyk and the John Flynn-directed, Paul Schrader co-scripted Rolling Thunder starring Tommy Lee Jones and William Devane.
The project will be produced and financed by Jai Khanna and Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment along with Emanuele Moretti of The Motus Studios. Wimmer will also produce. Verve Ventures arranged the financing and will co-represent domestic rights with Motus handling international.
“Astonishingly powerful and poignant, Wimmer’s script has a furious sense of purpose. It was a no-brainer for us to dive in,” Khanna tells Deadline.
- 9/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jason Statham is set to star in an action thriller called “The Bee Keeper” that Miramax has acquired in a seven-figure deal.
This is Statham’s third time partnering with Miramax in recent years, after starring in “Wrath of Man” and recently filming Guy Ritchie’s next untitled film.
“The Bee Keeper” is based on a spec script by “Salt” and “Law Abiding Citizen” writer Kurt Wimmer and is an action thriller steeped in the mythology of beekeeping.
A search for a director is underway and the film hopes to be shot in both London and Atlanta next year. Jason Statham, Kurt Wimmer and Miramax CEO Bill Block will all produce the film.
“‘The Bee Keeper’ explores universal themes with an unconventional story that will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats. We’re excited to bring another iconic and irresistible film to audiences around the globe,” Block said.
This is Statham’s third time partnering with Miramax in recent years, after starring in “Wrath of Man” and recently filming Guy Ritchie’s next untitled film.
“The Bee Keeper” is based on a spec script by “Salt” and “Law Abiding Citizen” writer Kurt Wimmer and is an action thriller steeped in the mythology of beekeeping.
A search for a director is underway and the film hopes to be shot in both London and Atlanta next year. Jason Statham, Kurt Wimmer and Miramax CEO Bill Block will all produce the film.
“‘The Bee Keeper’ explores universal themes with an unconventional story that will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats. We’re excited to bring another iconic and irresistible film to audiences around the globe,” Block said.
- 8/27/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Jason Statham and Miramax are partnering for a third time with The Bee Keeper, a spec script by Kurt Wimmer which the studio has shelled out seven figures for.
A September 2022 production start is being eyed in London and Atlanta.
The Bee Keeper is a lightning-paced thriller deeply steeped in the mythology of Bee Keeping. Miramax is currently searching for a director. Statham, Wimmer and Miramax CEO Bill Block are set to produce.
“The Bee Keeper explores universal themes with an unconventional story that will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats. We’re excited to bring another iconic and irresistible film to audiences around the globe,” said Block.
Statham recently shot Miramax’s Untitled Guy Ritchie Project aka Five Eyes and starred in Ritchie and Miramax’s Wrath of Man which has grossed close to $104M at the global box office. Miramax’s previous Ritchie movie,...
A September 2022 production start is being eyed in London and Atlanta.
The Bee Keeper is a lightning-paced thriller deeply steeped in the mythology of Bee Keeping. Miramax is currently searching for a director. Statham, Wimmer and Miramax CEO Bill Block are set to produce.
“The Bee Keeper explores universal themes with an unconventional story that will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats. We’re excited to bring another iconic and irresistible film to audiences around the globe,” said Block.
Statham recently shot Miramax’s Untitled Guy Ritchie Project aka Five Eyes and starred in Ritchie and Miramax’s Wrath of Man which has grossed close to $104M at the global box office. Miramax’s previous Ritchie movie,...
- 8/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: O-t Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale) is set for a recurring role in Apple TV+’s limited series WeCrashed, starring Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway and America Ferrera. Crazy Stupid Love helmers John Requa and Glenn Ficarra direct.
Created and written by showrunners Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello, WeCrashed is about the greed-filled rise and inevitable fall of WeWork, one of the world’s most valuable startups, and the narcissists whose chaotic love made it all possible.
Fagbenle will play Cameron Lautner, a partner at a powerful investment firm who is tasked with trying to instill discipline at WeWork and prepare it for its upcoming IPO, which brings him into conflict with the company’s eccentric and headstrong CEO.
Eisenberg and Crevello executive produce with Requa, Ficarra, Charlie Gogolak and Natalie Sandy. Emma Ludbrook will executive produce alongside Leto through their Paradox production company. Wondery also will executive produce.
Emmy-nominated for...
Created and written by showrunners Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello, WeCrashed is about the greed-filled rise and inevitable fall of WeWork, one of the world’s most valuable startups, and the narcissists whose chaotic love made it all possible.
Fagbenle will play Cameron Lautner, a partner at a powerful investment firm who is tasked with trying to instill discipline at WeWork and prepare it for its upcoming IPO, which brings him into conflict with the company’s eccentric and headstrong CEO.
Eisenberg and Crevello executive produce with Requa, Ficarra, Charlie Gogolak and Natalie Sandy. Emma Ludbrook will executive produce alongside Leto through their Paradox production company. Wondery also will executive produce.
Emmy-nominated for...
- 8/16/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a highly competitive situation, Amazon Studios, Seven Bucks Productions, Ledbury Productions and Kristina Sorensen Productions are developing action-adventure film “Kate Warne,” with Emily Blunt starring and producing, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Gustin Nash will write the script.
“Kate Warne” is described as an action adventure based on the trailblazing true-life story of Kate Warne, the first woman to become a detective at the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency, where her unmatched skills paved the way for future women in law enforcement and forever changed how detective work was done.
Producers include Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia via Seven Bucks Productions in addition to Emily Blunt via Ledbury Productions. Kristina Sorensen will also produce via her Kristina Sorensen Productions banner. Gustin Nash will executive produce. Kimberly Bialek is overseeing for Seven Bucks Productions.
The “Kate Warne” project comes on the heels of the recent...
Gustin Nash will write the script.
“Kate Warne” is described as an action adventure based on the trailblazing true-life story of Kate Warne, the first woman to become a detective at the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency, where her unmatched skills paved the way for future women in law enforcement and forever changed how detective work was done.
Producers include Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia via Seven Bucks Productions in addition to Emily Blunt via Ledbury Productions. Kristina Sorensen will also produce via her Kristina Sorensen Productions banner. Gustin Nash will executive produce. Kimberly Bialek is overseeing for Seven Bucks Productions.
The “Kate Warne” project comes on the heels of the recent...
- 8/12/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Following a highly competitive auction, Amazon Studios has acquired a star vehicle that will have Emily Blunt playing Kate Warne, the first woman to become a detective at the Pinkerton Agency. Scripting is Gustin Nash, whose credits include Youth in Revolt and Charlie Bartlett. This amounts to a reteam for Blunt with her Jungle Cruise co-star Dwayne Johnson; he’s producing the film with his Seven Bucks Productions cohorts Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, in coproduction with Blunt’s Ledbury Productions and Kristina Sorensen Productions. Blunt and Sorensen are producing and Nash is exec producer.
The movie is a propulsive action adventure built around Warne, a real life female Sherlock Holmes in a male dominated industry whose singular sleuthing skills paved the way for future women in law enforcement and forever changed how detective work was done.
Jungle Cruise is still on its theatrical and streaming voyage for Disney.
The movie is a propulsive action adventure built around Warne, a real life female Sherlock Holmes in a male dominated industry whose singular sleuthing skills paved the way for future women in law enforcement and forever changed how detective work was done.
Jungle Cruise is still on its theatrical and streaming voyage for Disney.
- 8/12/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Ashley Benson, Shiloh Fernandez, Logan Miller, Frank Whaley and Jay Pharoah are starring in “Private Property,” a remake of the 1960 noir film of the same title.
The movie recently wrapped production in Los Angeles and was written, produced, and directed by Chadd Harbold. The original film, written and directed by “Outer Limits” creator Leslie Stevens, was out of circulation for 30 years and considered lost, until it was restored and re-released by Cinelicious Pics in 2016 to critical acclaim.
In the remake, Benson stars as Kathryn, a struggling actress and unfulfilled housewife who becomes involved with her new gardener Ben, played by Fernandez. As he gives her the attention and sensitivity she craves, they start to fall for each other. But, in true noir fashion, Ben is not all that he seems.
Benson is best known for her work in “Spring Breakers,” “Her Smell” and the teen mystery-drama series “Pretty Little Liars.
The movie recently wrapped production in Los Angeles and was written, produced, and directed by Chadd Harbold. The original film, written and directed by “Outer Limits” creator Leslie Stevens, was out of circulation for 30 years and considered lost, until it was restored and re-released by Cinelicious Pics in 2016 to critical acclaim.
In the remake, Benson stars as Kathryn, a struggling actress and unfulfilled housewife who becomes involved with her new gardener Ben, played by Fernandez. As he gives her the attention and sensitivity she craves, they start to fall for each other. But, in true noir fashion, Ben is not all that he seems.
Benson is best known for her work in “Spring Breakers,” “Her Smell” and the teen mystery-drama series “Pretty Little Liars.
- 8/6/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale) is set to take the lead role in elevated horror film Stopmotion, which Wild Bunch International is launching ahead of the Cannes market.
Franciosi, also known for starring in TV series Black Narcissus and The Fall, will play Ella Blake, a stop-motion animator struggling to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother, who embarks upon the creation of a film that becomes the battleground for her sanity. As Ella’s mind starts to fracture, the characters in her project take on a life of their own.
The psychological horror will mark the feature debut of short film director Robert Morgan. Morgan, who scripted alongside Robin King, previously directed BAFTA and Sundance-nominated short Bobby Yeah.
Producers are Alain de la Mata (The Owners) and Christopher Granier-Deferre (Lady Macbeth) for London-based production company BlueLight. The project is being supported by the BFI. A start...
Franciosi, also known for starring in TV series Black Narcissus and The Fall, will play Ella Blake, a stop-motion animator struggling to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother, who embarks upon the creation of a film that becomes the battleground for her sanity. As Ella’s mind starts to fracture, the characters in her project take on a life of their own.
The psychological horror will mark the feature debut of short film director Robert Morgan. Morgan, who scripted alongside Robin King, previously directed BAFTA and Sundance-nominated short Bobby Yeah.
Producers are Alain de la Mata (The Owners) and Christopher Granier-Deferre (Lady Macbeth) for London-based production company BlueLight. The project is being supported by the BFI. A start...
- 6/15/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: David Kushner’s bestselling book Levittown: Two Families, One Tycoon, and the Fight for Civil Rights in America’s Legendary Suburb is in the works for the small screen. Independent studio wiip has optioned the rights to the book and partnered with The Gotham Group to develop as a limited series. BAFTA-winning screenwriter and director Amma Asante is attached to pen the series adaptation and direct the pilot. Emmy winner Thomas Schlamme is on board to produce.
Per the description: The book chronicles the true account of the explosive events that transpired when the first African American family moved into the iconic whites-only suburb of Levittown, Pa. While the harrowing conflict that unfolded would transform an entire nation, at its heart, Levittown is really the story about three families: The Levitts, second generation immigrants turned real estate titans with an empire fueled by scrappy ingenuity and sibling rivalries; the Wechslers,...
Per the description: The book chronicles the true account of the explosive events that transpired when the first African American family moved into the iconic whites-only suburb of Levittown, Pa. While the harrowing conflict that unfolded would transform an entire nation, at its heart, Levittown is really the story about three families: The Levitts, second generation immigrants turned real estate titans with an empire fueled by scrappy ingenuity and sibling rivalries; the Wechslers,...
- 5/27/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Facinelli has signed on to direct his third feature film Headhunter, a crime thriller distributed by The Exchange.
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
- 5/20/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime has found its Barack Obama for the upcoming anthology series “The First Lady.” O-t Fagbenle will portray the 44th president of the United States.
Fagbenle, who is set to appear in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “Black Widow,” will star opposite Viola Davis, who will play Michelle Obama.
Fagbenle joins a cast that includes Gillian Anderson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Aaron Eckhart, Judy Greer, Jayme Lawson, Kristine Froseth and Rhys Wakefield. Anderson will play Eleanor Roosevelt and Pfeiffer will portray Betty Ford. Eckhart will play Gerald Ford, the 38th president.
“The First Lady” is a reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House. Produced by Showtime and Lionsgate Television, the series is executive produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Andrew Wang, Susanne Bier, Jeff Gaspin and Brad Kaplan. The anthology series was created by author Aaron Cooley, who will write several...
Fagbenle, who is set to appear in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “Black Widow,” will star opposite Viola Davis, who will play Michelle Obama.
Fagbenle joins a cast that includes Gillian Anderson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Aaron Eckhart, Judy Greer, Jayme Lawson, Kristine Froseth and Rhys Wakefield. Anderson will play Eleanor Roosevelt and Pfeiffer will portray Betty Ford. Eckhart will play Gerald Ford, the 38th president.
“The First Lady” is a reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House. Produced by Showtime and Lionsgate Television, the series is executive produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Andrew Wang, Susanne Bier, Jeff Gaspin and Brad Kaplan. The anthology series was created by author Aaron Cooley, who will write several...
- 2/25/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
O-t Fagbenle is set to play President Barack Obama opposite Viola Davis’ Michelle Obama in Showtime’s anthology series The First Lady, headlined by Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson. Davis executive produces, the series, directed and executive produced by Susanne Bier and produced by Lionsgate TV and Showtime.
The First Lady, created by Aaron Cooley, is a revelatory reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House. Season 1 focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt (Anderson), Betty Ford (Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama.
Barack Hussein Obama II served as the first African American and 44th president of the United States from 2009-17. A member of the Democratic Party, Barack married Michelle Robinson Obama in 1992 before he became an Illinois state senator in 2005. Barack and Michelle are the parents of Malia and Sasha Obama.
Fagbenle, who will be recurring, joins fellow co-stars Aaron Eckhart, Rhys Wakefield,...
The First Lady, created by Aaron Cooley, is a revelatory reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House. Season 1 focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt (Anderson), Betty Ford (Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama.
Barack Hussein Obama II served as the first African American and 44th president of the United States from 2009-17. A member of the Democratic Party, Barack married Michelle Robinson Obama in 1992 before he became an Illinois state senator in 2005. Barack and Michelle are the parents of Malia and Sasha Obama.
Fagbenle, who will be recurring, joins fellow co-stars Aaron Eckhart, Rhys Wakefield,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Endeavor Content has acquired the rights to New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Donnelly’s newest young adult fantasy novel, “Poisoned,” the agency announced on Tuesday.
Lynette Howell Taylor’s 51 Entertainment and Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories are producing the project.
From Scholastic Press, “Poisoned” reimagines “Snow White” as the story of Sophie, a young woman helped by 7 mysterious strangers, whose journey of survival in the forest while facing a terrifying enemy will forever change the perceptions of strength, power, and the real meaning of “happily ever after.”
“I am beyond thrilled to be partnering once again with Lynette Howell Taylor and Bruna Papandrea – two extraordinary women with an immense passion for telling stories that challenge us, inspire us, and forever change us,” said Donnelly in a statement to TheWrap. “‘Poisoned’s’ fierce, formidable, feminist characters are in incredibly talented hands, and I’m so excited to follow them...
Lynette Howell Taylor’s 51 Entertainment and Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories are producing the project.
From Scholastic Press, “Poisoned” reimagines “Snow White” as the story of Sophie, a young woman helped by 7 mysterious strangers, whose journey of survival in the forest while facing a terrifying enemy will forever change the perceptions of strength, power, and the real meaning of “happily ever after.”
“I am beyond thrilled to be partnering once again with Lynette Howell Taylor and Bruna Papandrea – two extraordinary women with an immense passion for telling stories that challenge us, inspire us, and forever change us,” said Donnelly in a statement to TheWrap. “‘Poisoned’s’ fierce, formidable, feminist characters are in incredibly talented hands, and I’m so excited to follow them...
- 10/20/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Jennifer Donnelly’s YA novel Poisoned has been acquired by Endeavor Content. Lynette Howell Taylor’s 51 Entertainment and Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories are producing. Published today by Scholastic Press, the novel is an empowering re-imagining of Snow White. Aided by seven mysterious strangers, Sophie’s journey of survival in the forest while facing a terrifying enemy will forever change the perceptions of strength, power, and the real meaning of “happily ever after.”
It’s the second adaptation in the works for the author, Endeavor Content and the producers, who aim to build a revisionist fairy tale universe of films and TV that lean into badass fairy tale heroines hatched on the page by Donnelly. That started with the author’s 2019 New York Times bestseller Stepsister, a fiercely feminist retelling of Cinderella. Emma Frost has completed the script for that movie and talks are underway with directors.
It’s the second adaptation in the works for the author, Endeavor Content and the producers, who aim to build a revisionist fairy tale universe of films and TV that lean into badass fairy tale heroines hatched on the page by Donnelly. That started with the author’s 2019 New York Times bestseller Stepsister, a fiercely feminist retelling of Cinderella. Emma Frost has completed the script for that movie and talks are underway with directors.
- 10/20/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has acquired the John Poliquin-directed short film, Selfie, to be made into a feature-length that will explore the horrors of body image in the age of social media. Poliquin and Colin Minihan, who wrote the short, will also pen the film adaptation. The short was set to premiere at SXSW in March before the annual Austin gathering was canceled due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Benjamin Anderson and Minihan are producing the pic. The two are also working together on the Screen Gems thriller, Urban Legend, which Anderson producing alongside Mike Medavoy with Minihan writing and directing.
In addition, Poliquin and Minihan are the creators behind the Shudder original LGBTQ thriller, Spiral, which debuted last month. It follows a same-sex couple raising a 16-year-old girl in a small town where nothing is as it seems.
CAA reps Minihan as a producer. Both Poliquin and Minihan are repped by...
Benjamin Anderson and Minihan are producing the pic. The two are also working together on the Screen Gems thriller, Urban Legend, which Anderson producing alongside Mike Medavoy with Minihan writing and directing.
In addition, Poliquin and Minihan are the creators behind the Shudder original LGBTQ thriller, Spiral, which debuted last month. It follows a same-sex couple raising a 16-year-old girl in a small town where nothing is as it seems.
CAA reps Minihan as a producer. Both Poliquin and Minihan are repped by...
- 10/12/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Belle and A United Kingdom filmmaker Amma Asante is set to direct Constantin’s latest drama series adaptation of Peter Höeg’s Smilla’s Sense of Snow.
The series, which was already made into a 1997 feature from filmmaker Bille August and starring Julia Ormond, follows Smilla Jaspersen, whose investigation into the mysterious death of an immigrant Inuit child from the projects evolves into a much grander supernatural epic. Her search for answers sets her on a journey to her native home of Greenland, where a mysterious extraterrestrial object hidden deep in the ice and averting evil for millennia is waiting for the right person to unlock its powers. Clive Bradley is writing the most recent adaptation.
EPs of the new TV adaption are Constantin Film’s member of the executive board Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer. Martin Moszkowicz, CEO of Constantin Film, and who also produced the feature, is producing with Colin Scully,...
The series, which was already made into a 1997 feature from filmmaker Bille August and starring Julia Ormond, follows Smilla Jaspersen, whose investigation into the mysterious death of an immigrant Inuit child from the projects evolves into a much grander supernatural epic. Her search for answers sets her on a journey to her native home of Greenland, where a mysterious extraterrestrial object hidden deep in the ice and averting evil for millennia is waiting for the right person to unlock its powers. Clive Bradley is writing the most recent adaptation.
EPs of the new TV adaption are Constantin Film’s member of the executive board Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer. Martin Moszkowicz, CEO of Constantin Film, and who also produced the feature, is producing with Colin Scully,...
- 9/24/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Acclaimed British director Amma Asante will direct a drama series adaptation of acclaimed novel “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” for German outfit Constantin Film.
Based on the bestselling book by Peter Höeg, and created and written by Clive Bradley (“Trapped”), the series will follows Smilla Jaspersen, whose investigation into the mysterious death of an immigrant Inuit child from the projects evolves into a much grander supernatural epic. Her search for answers sets her on a journey to her native home of Greenland.
The book was adapted as a film by Bille August in 1997, starring Julia Ormond, and produced by Bernd Eichinger and Martin Moszkowicz. Executive producers of the TV adaption are Constantin Film’s executive board members Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer and the producer is Constantin CEO Martin Moszkowicz. Colin Scully, Alex Westmore and Brandon Zimon will oversee the project for the company.
The studio is expected to present the project to U.
Based on the bestselling book by Peter Höeg, and created and written by Clive Bradley (“Trapped”), the series will follows Smilla Jaspersen, whose investigation into the mysterious death of an immigrant Inuit child from the projects evolves into a much grander supernatural epic. Her search for answers sets her on a journey to her native home of Greenland.
The book was adapted as a film by Bille August in 1997, starring Julia Ormond, and produced by Bernd Eichinger and Martin Moszkowicz. Executive producers of the TV adaption are Constantin Film’s executive board members Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer and the producer is Constantin CEO Martin Moszkowicz. Colin Scully, Alex Westmore and Brandon Zimon will oversee the project for the company.
The studio is expected to present the project to U.
- 9/24/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
As film and television productions labor to get off the ground following months of coronavirus shutdowns, one horror indie has quietly wrapped a nearly four-week shoot in Los Angeles.
Co-writers and directors Matt Leslie and Stephen Smith have completed “The Knocking,” a bloody tale of a serial monogamist that shot for 19 days amid intense coronavirus safety protocols.
Shiloh Fernandez (“Burn”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Alexis Knapp (“Pitch Perfect” series) and Ser’Darius Blain (“Jumanji”) lead the cast. Leslie and Smith previously collaborated as writers on the gritty thriller “Summer of ’84,” which played in the Sundance Film Festival’s Midnight section. This is their first feature as co-directors.
“The Knocking” follows a young man who tells his new girlfriend that he loves her for the first time — then finds himself next in line for a nightmarish curse that’s claimed all those boyfriends who have come before him.
Shakira Barrera,...
Co-writers and directors Matt Leslie and Stephen Smith have completed “The Knocking,” a bloody tale of a serial monogamist that shot for 19 days amid intense coronavirus safety protocols.
Shiloh Fernandez (“Burn”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Alexis Knapp (“Pitch Perfect” series) and Ser’Darius Blain (“Jumanji”) lead the cast. Leslie and Smith previously collaborated as writers on the gritty thriller “Summer of ’84,” which played in the Sundance Film Festival’s Midnight section. This is their first feature as co-directors.
“The Knocking” follows a young man who tells his new girlfriend that he loves her for the first time — then finds himself next in line for a nightmarish curse that’s claimed all those boyfriends who have come before him.
Shakira Barrera,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: CAA has signed actress, businesswoman, and activist Nomzamo Mbatha.
Nomzamo can be seen in Paramount’s forthcoming Coming 2 America. She will star alongside Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan in the sequel to the 1988 comedy classic.
She is known for her critically acclaimed performance in the television series Isibaya and has received numerous awards for her acting, such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in Tell Me Sweet Something and for her humanitarian work such as the E! Entertainment Pop Culture Philanthropist of 2019. In addition, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Refugee Agency (Unhcr) and is ambassador and spokesmodel for brands such as Neutrogena, Puma, Audi, Veuve Clicquot and McDonalds. In 2018 she was named as one of OkayAfrica’s 100 Women honorees and was on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.
She is managed by Krystal Thorpe...
Nomzamo can be seen in Paramount’s forthcoming Coming 2 America. She will star alongside Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan in the sequel to the 1988 comedy classic.
She is known for her critically acclaimed performance in the television series Isibaya and has received numerous awards for her acting, such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in Tell Me Sweet Something and for her humanitarian work such as the E! Entertainment Pop Culture Philanthropist of 2019. In addition, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Refugee Agency (Unhcr) and is ambassador and spokesmodel for brands such as Neutrogena, Puma, Audi, Veuve Clicquot and McDonalds. In 2018 she was named as one of OkayAfrica’s 100 Women honorees and was on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.
She is managed by Krystal Thorpe...
- 7/9/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: O-t Fagbenle’s British comedy Maxxx, which also stars Law & Order: Svu’s Christopher Meloni, is heading to Hulu on June 2.
The streamer acquired the six-part series from All3Media International. Somewhat interestingly, it will premiere all episodes of the show before the show completes its full run in the UK.
The series, which was written, co-directed, exec produced and stars The Handmaid’s Tale’s Fagbenle, premiered on the UK’s E4, the youth-skewing network run by Channel 4. However, it was subsequently pulled from the schedules, replaced by repeats of U.S. comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine and removed from the company’s digital catch-up service All4 and will now air later in the year.
The series centers around a formerly famous boyband star Maxxx, played by Fagbenle, who tries to make his music comeback in a bid to win back his famous supermodel ex-girlfriend, played by Jourdan Dunn, and...
The streamer acquired the six-part series from All3Media International. Somewhat interestingly, it will premiere all episodes of the show before the show completes its full run in the UK.
The series, which was written, co-directed, exec produced and stars The Handmaid’s Tale’s Fagbenle, premiered on the UK’s E4, the youth-skewing network run by Channel 4. However, it was subsequently pulled from the schedules, replaced by repeats of U.S. comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine and removed from the company’s digital catch-up service All4 and will now air later in the year.
The series centers around a formerly famous boyband star Maxxx, played by Fagbenle, who tries to make his music comeback in a bid to win back his famous supermodel ex-girlfriend, played by Jourdan Dunn, and...
- 5/6/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Guest of Honour” and “Skin Deep: The Battle Over Morgellons” have found distribution and Screen Gems is developing “Urban Legend.”
Acquisitions
Kino Lorber has acquired U.S. rights to Atom Egoyan’s drama, “Guest of Honour,” starring David Thewlis, Laysla De Oliveira and Luke Wilson.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and was an official selection at the Toronto, Vancouver, London, and Busan International Film Festivals. The film will have its U.S. premiere on Feb. 13 as the opening night selection of the Canada Now 2020 event at IFC Center in New York.
Thewlis portrays a health inspector in Hamilton, Ontario and De Oliveria plays a high school music teacher who has been incarcerated for inappropriate behavior with students. She rebuffs his efforts to secure an early release, convinced she needs to be punished for crimes she committed earlier. The daughter also...
Acquisitions
Kino Lorber has acquired U.S. rights to Atom Egoyan’s drama, “Guest of Honour,” starring David Thewlis, Laysla De Oliveira and Luke Wilson.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and was an official selection at the Toronto, Vancouver, London, and Busan International Film Festivals. The film will have its U.S. premiere on Feb. 13 as the opening night selection of the Canada Now 2020 event at IFC Center in New York.
Thewlis portrays a health inspector in Hamilton, Ontario and De Oliveria plays a high school music teacher who has been incarcerated for inappropriate behavior with students. She rebuffs his efforts to secure an early release, convinced she needs to be punished for crimes she committed earlier. The daughter also...
- 2/11/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Screen Gems has set Colin Minihan to write and direct the thriller Urban Legend. Pic is on a fast track, and the studio is currently casting the key roles.
Minihan will introduce an iconic new slasher for the digital age in a world where internet urban legends are born and move at a terrifying pace. The movie will center on a diverse cast of college students as they navigate a series of bizarre deaths that resemble urban legends linked to the darkest corners of social media.
Mike Medavoy and Benjamin Anderson will produce for Phoenix Pictures. Eric Paquette and Michael Bitar will oversee for Screen Gems.
Minihan’s micro budget feature What Keeps You Alive premiered to strong reviews at SXSW, landing on Rolling Stone’s 10 Best Horror Movies of the Year (2018) as well as becoming a NY Times Critics’ Pick.
Minihan is repped by Marc Manus at Zero Gravity,...
Minihan will introduce an iconic new slasher for the digital age in a world where internet urban legends are born and move at a terrifying pace. The movie will center on a diverse cast of college students as they navigate a series of bizarre deaths that resemble urban legends linked to the darkest corners of social media.
Mike Medavoy and Benjamin Anderson will produce for Phoenix Pictures. Eric Paquette and Michael Bitar will oversee for Screen Gems.
Minihan’s micro budget feature What Keeps You Alive premiered to strong reviews at SXSW, landing on Rolling Stone’s 10 Best Horror Movies of the Year (2018) as well as becoming a NY Times Critics’ Pick.
Minihan is repped by Marc Manus at Zero Gravity,...
- 2/10/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Jessica Chastain is in negotiations to star alongside Ralph Fiennes and Caleb Landry Jones in “The Forgiven,” an adaptation of the novel by Lawrence Osborne, Variety has learned.
John Michael McDonagh will be directing the film, which deals with the impact of a tragic accident on the lives of an English couple attending a lavish weekend party at a luxurious desert villa in Morocco. Saïd Taghmaoui, Rebecca Hall and Mark Strong complete the cast.
Chastain is in talks to star in the film as Fiennes’ wife, sources say. The two previously starred together in “Coriolanus” in 2011.
Production is slated to begin early next year in Morocco. Elizabeth Eves will produce alongside McDonagh through their production company, House of Un-American Activities. CAA, which arranged financing, is representing the U.S. rights, while Imr International is handling foreign rights. Karim Debbagh’s Tangier-based Kasbah Films has been tapped as line producer on “The Forgiven.
John Michael McDonagh will be directing the film, which deals with the impact of a tragic accident on the lives of an English couple attending a lavish weekend party at a luxurious desert villa in Morocco. Saïd Taghmaoui, Rebecca Hall and Mark Strong complete the cast.
Chastain is in talks to star in the film as Fiennes’ wife, sources say. The two previously starred together in “Coriolanus” in 2011.
Production is slated to begin early next year in Morocco. Elizabeth Eves will produce alongside McDonagh through their production company, House of Un-American Activities. CAA, which arranged financing, is representing the U.S. rights, while Imr International is handling foreign rights. Karim Debbagh’s Tangier-based Kasbah Films has been tapped as line producer on “The Forgiven.
- 12/4/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
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