Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington returns for one final outing as Robert McCall in Columbia Pictures’ The Equalizer 3. The third film of the action franchise’s intense official trailer shows the former government assassin is just as lethal now as he was when Washington first played him in the 2014 film.
The third and final film reunites Washington with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning nearly 20 years after they made that action movie together.
Antoine Fuqua directed The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and returns to direct The Equalizer 3. Richard Wenk, screenwriter of the first two films, also returns. Fuqua, Washington, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, and Tony Eldridge produce, with David Bloomfield, Tarak Ben Ammar, and Andy Mitchell executive producing.
‘The Equalizer 3’ stars Gaia Scodellaro, Denzel Washington, and Dakota Fanning. (Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi)
The Equalizer 3 Plot:
Since giving up his life as a government assassin,...
The third and final film reunites Washington with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning nearly 20 years after they made that action movie together.
Antoine Fuqua directed The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and returns to direct The Equalizer 3. Richard Wenk, screenwriter of the first two films, also returns. Fuqua, Washington, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, and Tony Eldridge produce, with David Bloomfield, Tarak Ben Ammar, and Andy Mitchell executive producing.
‘The Equalizer 3’ stars Gaia Scodellaro, Denzel Washington, and Dakota Fanning. (Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi)
The Equalizer 3 Plot:
Since giving up his life as a government assassin,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Denzel Washington returns as the fan-favorite vigilante Robert McCall in the trailer for the third “Equalizer” film, premiering in theaters on Sept. 1 via Sony Pictures.
No longer in the U.S., Robert McCall is fighting crime on an international scale, and this time he’s at odds with the Italian mafia. Washington is joined by an all-new cast, reuniting with his “Man on Fire” scene partner Dakota Fanning, who was only 9 years old when she acted opposite Washington in Tony Scott’s action-thriller. David Denman, Sonia Ben Ammar and Remo Girone also star in “The Equalizer 3.”
Robert, now residing in Southern Italy, discovers that a few of his friends are under the control of the local mafia bosses. Ready to return to vigilantism, Robert knows he has to take on this deadly situation in order to protect his friends.
Antoine Fuqua directed the third installment after helming “The Equalizer” and “The Equalizer 2,...
No longer in the U.S., Robert McCall is fighting crime on an international scale, and this time he’s at odds with the Italian mafia. Washington is joined by an all-new cast, reuniting with his “Man on Fire” scene partner Dakota Fanning, who was only 9 years old when she acted opposite Washington in Tony Scott’s action-thriller. David Denman, Sonia Ben Ammar and Remo Girone also star in “The Equalizer 3.”
Robert, now residing in Southern Italy, discovers that a few of his friends are under the control of the local mafia bosses. Ready to return to vigilantism, Robert knows he has to take on this deadly situation in order to protect his friends.
Antoine Fuqua directed the third installment after helming “The Equalizer” and “The Equalizer 2,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony has rounded out its cast for The Equalizer 3, with Eugenio Mastrandrea (From Scratch), Remo Girone (Ford v Ferrari), Sonia Ammar (Scream), Daniele Perrone (Baaria), Andrea Scarduzio (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One) and Andrea Dodero (Blocco 181) signing on for roles.
The actors join an ensemble led by Denzel Washington which also includes Dakota Fanning, and Gaia Scodellaro, as previously announced.
While the film’s plot is being kept under wraps, it’s the third in an action series centered on Washington’s vigilante Robert McCall, from director Antoine Fuqua. The first released in 2014 earned over 194M worldwide, spurring a 2018 sequel that grossed over 190M worldwide.
Slated for release in theaters on September 1, 2023, The Equalizer 3 was written by Richard Wenk. Producers include Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Washington, Fuqua, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Tony Eldridge and Michael Sloan.
Mastrandrea can currently be seen opposite Zoe Saldana...
The actors join an ensemble led by Denzel Washington which also includes Dakota Fanning, and Gaia Scodellaro, as previously announced.
While the film’s plot is being kept under wraps, it’s the third in an action series centered on Washington’s vigilante Robert McCall, from director Antoine Fuqua. The first released in 2014 earned over 194M worldwide, spurring a 2018 sequel that grossed over 190M worldwide.
Slated for release in theaters on September 1, 2023, The Equalizer 3 was written by Richard Wenk. Producers include Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Washington, Fuqua, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Tony Eldridge and Michael Sloan.
Mastrandrea can currently be seen opposite Zoe Saldana...
- 11/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There have been reports over the last 24 hours of a drugs raid implicating production staff involved in the Italian shoot of The Equalizer 3 on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Deadline is hearing from close sources, however, that the arrested parties worked for a catering company which was an independent contractor and would likely be replaced.
They add that the men were arrested after a private gathering on a day off for the country’s November 1 All Saints’ public holiday and were not on set when their alleged crimes took place.
According to reports in the Italian press, Italian paramilitary police raided the accommodation where the men were staying Tuesday and seized 120 grams of cocaine.
Local carabinieri captain Umberto D’Angelantonio said two Roman caterers had been arrested and charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing and were now being held under house arrest at their hotel in the coastal town of Maiori.
Deadline is hearing from close sources, however, that the arrested parties worked for a catering company which was an independent contractor and would likely be replaced.
They add that the men were arrested after a private gathering on a day off for the country’s November 1 All Saints’ public holiday and were not on set when their alleged crimes took place.
According to reports in the Italian press, Italian paramilitary police raided the accommodation where the men were staying Tuesday and seized 120 grams of cocaine.
Local carabinieri captain Umberto D’Angelantonio said two Roman caterers had been arrested and charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing and were now being held under house arrest at their hotel in the coastal town of Maiori.
- 11/2/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian paramilitary police raided hotel rooms used by employees of a catering company on “The Equalizer 3” on the Amalfi coast and arrested two caterers after seizing more than 100 grams of cocaine on Tuesday, according to local media.
Italian newspaper Il Giornale reported that Carabinieri cops broke into hotel rooms in the seaside resort of Maiori used by the “Equalizer 3” caterers after the head of the film’s catering service suddenly died of a heart attack on Monday evening. Several small packages of cocaine were subsequently found in the man’s clothing, raising suspicions that there could be more drugs on the production’s premises.
The police search yielded 120 grams of cocaine and led to two other members of the film’s catering vendor being placed under house arrest in the hotel on alleged drug dealing charges. A third employee of the catering company was found in possession of a...
Italian newspaper Il Giornale reported that Carabinieri cops broke into hotel rooms in the seaside resort of Maiori used by the “Equalizer 3” caterers after the head of the film’s catering service suddenly died of a heart attack on Monday evening. Several small packages of cocaine were subsequently found in the man’s clothing, raising suspicions that there could be more drugs on the production’s premises.
The police search yielded 120 grams of cocaine and led to two other members of the film’s catering vendor being placed under house arrest in the hotel on alleged drug dealing charges. A third employee of the catering company was found in possession of a...
- 11/2/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Mill Valley Film Festival will open with the California premiere of “Cyrano,” directed by Joe Wright and written by Erica Schmidt, adapted from Schmidt’s 2018 stage musical of the same name, which is based on Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Opening night takes place on Oct. 7 at the Sequoia Theatre and Smith Rafael Film Center.
Peter Dinklage stars as Cyrano de Bergerac, who, believing himself to be ugly, feels unworthy of the love of his friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Before he confesses his feelings, Roxanne falls in love at first sight with Christian. Bashir Salahuddin and Ben Mendelsohn also star. The film features music by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner with lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Guy Heeley produce, with Cass Marks as co-producer and Enrico Ballarin as line producer.
The 44th annual Mill Valley Film Festival runs from Oct.
Peter Dinklage stars as Cyrano de Bergerac, who, believing himself to be ugly, feels unworthy of the love of his friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Before he confesses his feelings, Roxanne falls in love at first sight with Christian. Bashir Salahuddin and Ben Mendelsohn also star. The film features music by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner with lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Guy Heeley produce, with Cass Marks as co-producer and Enrico Ballarin as line producer.
The 44th annual Mill Valley Film Festival runs from Oct.
- 9/8/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephen Dorff, Trace Adkins, Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis have been added to the cast of Old Henry, a Western actioner in the works from Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures. They join Tim Blake Nelson, who was tapped to star last week. Principal photography is now underway on location in Tennessee.
Old Henry, written and being directed by Potsy Ponciroli, centers on Nelson as widowed farmer Henry and his son Wyatt (Lewis), who warily take in a mysterious, injured man named Curry (Haze) with a satchel of cash. Dorff plays Ketchum, the head of the group looking for Curry. Atkins plays Wyatt’s Uncle Al.
Shannon Houchins and Mike Hagerty are producers. Garson Foos, Bob Emmer, Jordan Fields, Alex Siskin and Trevor O’Neil are executive producers.
The movie is part of a multi-picture deal between the Shout! Studios arm and Hideout, all Westerns, which the companies will co-produce and co-finance.
Old Henry, written and being directed by Potsy Ponciroli, centers on Nelson as widowed farmer Henry and his son Wyatt (Lewis), who warily take in a mysterious, injured man named Curry (Haze) with a satchel of cash. Dorff plays Ketchum, the head of the group looking for Curry. Atkins plays Wyatt’s Uncle Al.
Shannon Houchins and Mike Hagerty are producers. Garson Foos, Bob Emmer, Jordan Fields, Alex Siskin and Trevor O’Neil are executive producers.
The movie is part of a multi-picture deal between the Shout! Studios arm and Hideout, all Westerns, which the companies will co-produce and co-finance.
- 1/14/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tim Blake Nelson has signed on to star in Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures’ action western Old Henry.
The movie, which is written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli, follows a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel of cash. Shannon Houchins and Mike Hagerty are producing. EPs are Garson Foos, Bob Emmer, Jordan Fields, Alex Siskin, and Trevor O’Neil.
Nelson, whose work spans acting, directing, producing and writing, recently starred in Warner Bros’ Just Mercy and the HBO multi-Emmy winning limited DC series Watchmen. His turn in Watchmen as the vigilante Looking Glass earned Nelson a Critic’s Choice nomination in the supporting actor drama series category.
His feature credits include the Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, as well as Lincoln, The Incredible Hulk, Meet the Fockers, Minority Report and the upcoming Guillero del Toro feature Nightmare Alley.
The movie, which is written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli, follows a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel of cash. Shannon Houchins and Mike Hagerty are producing. EPs are Garson Foos, Bob Emmer, Jordan Fields, Alex Siskin, and Trevor O’Neil.
Nelson, whose work spans acting, directing, producing and writing, recently starred in Warner Bros’ Just Mercy and the HBO multi-Emmy winning limited DC series Watchmen. His turn in Watchmen as the vigilante Looking Glass earned Nelson a Critic’s Choice nomination in the supporting actor drama series category.
His feature credits include the Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, as well as Lincoln, The Incredible Hulk, Meet the Fockers, Minority Report and the upcoming Guillero del Toro feature Nightmare Alley.
- 1/12/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures have entered a long-term, multifaceted production partnership for a slate of new Western films that includes the titles Old Henry, Hardin and 4 Dead in 5 Seconds.
Under the partnership, Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures will jointly develop, finance, and produce new feature-length movies for distribution. Hideout Pictures will leverage their extensive relationships with talent and bring hands-on production experience for future film productions. Shout! Studios will co-finance and co-produce these films with Hideout Pictures. The newly forged collaboration was announced by Garson Foos, Shout’s co-founder and CEO; Shannon Houchins, CEO of Hideout Pictures; and Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions at Shout! Studios.
“We’re thrilled about this new partnership with Shannon and Hideout Pictures, an innovative production company that has emerged as a major creative force in entertainment,” said Foos. “We share the same entrepreneurial vision that bodes well for the success of this collaboration.
Under the partnership, Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures will jointly develop, finance, and produce new feature-length movies for distribution. Hideout Pictures will leverage their extensive relationships with talent and bring hands-on production experience for future film productions. Shout! Studios will co-finance and co-produce these films with Hideout Pictures. The newly forged collaboration was announced by Garson Foos, Shout’s co-founder and CEO; Shannon Houchins, CEO of Hideout Pictures; and Jordan Fields, Vice President of Acquisitions at Shout! Studios.
“We’re thrilled about this new partnership with Shannon and Hideout Pictures, an innovative production company that has emerged as a major creative force in entertainment,” said Foos. “We share the same entrepreneurial vision that bodes well for the success of this collaboration.
- 12/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“I don’t have a lot of time. Which means you don’t have any!”
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released on 4k Antoine Fuqua’s action thriller The Equalizer (2014), starring Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, and Haley Bennett.
Now you can own the The Equalizer 4k. We Are Movie Geeks has 2 copies to give away, and one of them is signed by Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua! . All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie directed by Antoine Fuqua? (mine is Training Day!). It’s so easy!
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. No P.O. Boxes. No Duplicate Addresses.
2. Winner Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
McCall (Denzel Washington) has put his mysterious past behind him and is dedicated to living a new, quiet life.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released on 4k Antoine Fuqua’s action thriller The Equalizer (2014), starring Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, and Haley Bennett.
Now you can own the The Equalizer 4k. We Are Movie Geeks has 2 copies to give away, and one of them is signed by Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua! . All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie directed by Antoine Fuqua? (mine is Training Day!). It’s so easy!
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be A Us Resident. Prize Will Only Be Shipped To Us Addresses. No P.O. Boxes. No Duplicate Addresses.
2. Winner Will Be Chosen From All Qualifying Entries.
McCall (Denzel Washington) has put his mysterious past behind him and is dedicated to living a new, quiet life.
- 7/31/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Denzel Washington offered a bemused reaction as to why Sony’s “The Equalizer 2” was his first sequel.
“People keep talking about it, but it’s not that big a deal,” he reflected at Tuesday night’s world premiere at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. “Is there a curse for doing sequels?”
Washington, who has nine Academy Award nominations and two Oscars in over three decades, says there’s a simple reason.
“I haven’t been asked,” he responded. “The only time I’ve been asked was for ‘Safe House,’ but that didn’t make sense because my character had died, so they were talking about a prequel. And I was asked for ‘Inside Man. But this one just made sense.”
Washington reprises his role as retired CIA agent Robert McCall, who remains unshaken by even the most dire turn of events. He said “The Equalizer 2” didn’t...
“People keep talking about it, but it’s not that big a deal,” he reflected at Tuesday night’s world premiere at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. “Is there a curse for doing sequels?”
Washington, who has nine Academy Award nominations and two Oscars in over three decades, says there’s a simple reason.
“I haven’t been asked,” he responded. “The only time I’ve been asked was for ‘Safe House,’ but that didn’t make sense because my character had died, so they were talking about a prequel. And I was asked for ‘Inside Man. But this one just made sense.”
Washington reprises his role as retired CIA agent Robert McCall, who remains unshaken by even the most dire turn of events. He said “The Equalizer 2” didn’t...
- 7/18/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
In the new trailer for The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall, but it seems as though he has settled down with his life and is happy with being a mild-mannered Lyft driver who minds his business and does his job…that is, until someone does him wrong — like in the trailer above.
As his first sequel of Washington’s career, it looks like he goes big in the frenetic and action-packed trailer. In addition to laying waste to a bunch of creeps who have done a woman wrong, he is out to avenge the death of his former colleague and friend Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo).
In the trailer, Washington did not come to play as he says in a voiceover, “I punish the guilty…if you’re lucky..they give you the opportunity to do the right thing…this ain’t one of those times.
As his first sequel of Washington’s career, it looks like he goes big in the frenetic and action-packed trailer. In addition to laying waste to a bunch of creeps who have done a woman wrong, he is out to avenge the death of his former colleague and friend Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo).
In the trailer, Washington did not come to play as he says in a voiceover, “I punish the guilty…if you’re lucky..they give you the opportunity to do the right thing…this ain’t one of those times.
- 6/25/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“They killed my friend,” says Denzel Washington as the seeker of justice (or something like it) in this new trailer for Sony’s The Equalizer 2. “So I’m going to kill each and every one of them, and my only disappointment is I only get to do it once.”
In the first sequel of Washington’s career, he returns to the role of Robert McCall, described by Sony as a man who “serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?”
The upcoming film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is written by Richard Wenk, based on the old television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.
The trailer also includes a telling exchange between McCall and his old cohort played by Melissa Leo. “I thought you were retired,” he says, to which she resonds, “Oh, I am,...
In the first sequel of Washington’s career, he returns to the role of Robert McCall, described by Sony as a man who “serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?”
The upcoming film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is written by Richard Wenk, based on the old television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.
The trailer also includes a telling exchange between McCall and his old cohort played by Melissa Leo. “I thought you were retired,” he says, to which she resonds, “Oh, I am,...
- 4/19/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman are coming back for the Equalizer sequel to co-star alongside Denzel Washington for Sony Pictures and director Antoine Fuqua.
Leo and Pullman are set to reprise their roles as Susan and Brian Plummer, the great friends of Robert McCall (Washington) when he worked in counter-terrorism. Susan was McCall’s handler. The cameras will roll in Boston on September 14.
Leo is an Emmy and Oscar winner whose recent credits include Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here and Novitiate, which will get is international premiere in Toronto and will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
Pullman, who is being honored with the excellence in acting award in October at the the Woodstock Film Festival, stars in A24’s The Ballad Of Lefty Brown — a Western that had its world premiere at SXSW to critical acclaim for the actor. The film got a 30-day exclusive window...
Leo and Pullman are set to reprise their roles as Susan and Brian Plummer, the great friends of Robert McCall (Washington) when he worked in counter-terrorism. Susan was McCall’s handler. The cameras will roll in Boston on September 14.
Leo is an Emmy and Oscar winner whose recent credits include Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here and Novitiate, which will get is international premiere in Toronto and will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
Pullman, who is being honored with the excellence in acting award in October at the the Woodstock Film Festival, stars in A24’s The Ballad Of Lefty Brown — a Western that had its world premiere at SXSW to critical acclaim for the actor. The film got a 30-day exclusive window...
- 8/23/2017
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Pearl’s historical novel The Technologists has taken one mighty step toward the silver screen today, now that The Hollywood Reporter has revealed Alex Siskin – producer behind Sony’s hardboiled thriller The Equalizer – has nabbed film rights to Pearl’s original work.
First published four years ago, The Technologists is billed as an historical thriller, one centering on the inaugural MIT class circa 1868. Attached to pen the adaptation himself, Pearl’s adventure takes place “after an unnatural disaster strikes the ships in Boston Harbor, and an equally inexplicable catastrophe devastates the heart of the city, sparking an anti-science backlash that casts a pall over MIT and threatens its very survival. The best and brightest from the college’s first graduating class secretly join forces to save innocent lives and track down the truth.”
Assembling the college’s best and brightest to unravel a historical conspiracy certainly sounds promising on paper,...
First published four years ago, The Technologists is billed as an historical thriller, one centering on the inaugural MIT class circa 1868. Attached to pen the adaptation himself, Pearl’s adventure takes place “after an unnatural disaster strikes the ships in Boston Harbor, and an equally inexplicable catastrophe devastates the heart of the city, sparking an anti-science backlash that casts a pall over MIT and threatens its very survival. The best and brightest from the college’s first graduating class secretly join forces to save innocent lives and track down the truth.”
Assembling the college’s best and brightest to unravel a historical conspiracy certainly sounds promising on paper,...
- 5/27/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Us actor to receive the Donostia lifetime achievement award
Denzel Washington is to open the 62nd San Sebastián Film Festival (Sept 19-27) with the European premiere of Antoine Fuqua’s The Equalizer.
During the opening gala, Washington will be presented with the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Equalizer will screen out-of-competition at the festival on Sept 19 and both Washington and Fuqua will present the film in the Kursaal Auditorium.
The film centres on a former black ops commando (Washington) who faked his own death for a quiet life in Boston but comes out of his retirement to rescue a young girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and finds himself face to face with Russian gangsters.
Written by Richard Wenk, it is based on the TV series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. Producers are Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and Michael Sloan.
Washington previously...
Denzel Washington is to open the 62nd San Sebastián Film Festival (Sept 19-27) with the European premiere of Antoine Fuqua’s The Equalizer.
During the opening gala, Washington will be presented with the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Equalizer will screen out-of-competition at the festival on Sept 19 and both Washington and Fuqua will present the film in the Kursaal Auditorium.
The film centres on a former black ops commando (Washington) who faked his own death for a quiet life in Boston but comes out of his retirement to rescue a young girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and finds himself face to face with Russian gangsters.
Written by Richard Wenk, it is based on the TV series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. Producers are Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and Michael Sloan.
Washington previously...
- 7/23/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Denzel Washington may be a long way from Edward Woodward, but the just-released trailer for the upcoming film version of that 1980s series, showcases Washington’s usual chillier-than-the-Antarctic cool as he comes out of retirement as a black ops commando to rescue a young woman (Chloe Grace Moretz) and deal with Russian mobsters. Antoine Fuqua directs Washington (again), from a screenplay written by Richard Wenk, based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The film is produced by Washington along with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge and Michael Sloan.
- 6/12/2014
- Deadline
David Meunier ("Justified," "Revolution") will join Denzel Washington, Melissa Leo, and Chloe Moretz in Antoine Fuqua's $50 million big screen reboot of "The Equalizer" franchise.
Washington plays Robert McCall, an ex-covert agent who hires himself out to those in need. The project is based on the 1980s CBS series.
Meunier plays Slavi, a brutal and sleazy Russian pimp of the young prostitute Teri (Moretz).
Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and original series creator Michael Sloan are all producing.
Source: Deadline...
Washington plays Robert McCall, an ex-covert agent who hires himself out to those in need. The project is based on the 1980s CBS series.
Meunier plays Slavi, a brutal and sleazy Russian pimp of the young prostitute Teri (Moretz).
Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and original series creator Michael Sloan are all producing.
Source: Deadline...
- 6/4/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Chloe Moretz ("Kick-Ass," "Hugo") has reportedly scored an offer to play the female lead opposite Denzel Washington in Antoine Fuqua's "The Equalizer" big screen reboot at Sony Pictures.
The role was originally penned for a twentysomething. However, Moretz reportedly left Washington and studio execs very impressed during a chemistry reading with Denzel.
As a result, the prostitute character is being redrawn with her in mind. Now, it's expected to be akin to something like Jodie Foster's acclaimed turn in "Taxi Driver".
Also, the original 1980s TV series creator Michael Sloan has made a deal to write an original novel that will continue the adventures of the Robert McCall character.
Richard Wenk wrote the film's script, while Sloan, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld and Tony Eldridge are producing. An April 2014 release is being targeted.
Source: Deadline...
The role was originally penned for a twentysomething. However, Moretz reportedly left Washington and studio execs very impressed during a chemistry reading with Denzel.
As a result, the prostitute character is being redrawn with her in mind. Now, it's expected to be akin to something like Jodie Foster's acclaimed turn in "Taxi Driver".
Also, the original 1980s TV series creator Michael Sloan has made a deal to write an original novel that will continue the adventures of the Robert McCall character.
Richard Wenk wrote the film's script, while Sloan, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld and Tony Eldridge are producing. An April 2014 release is being targeted.
Source: Deadline...
- 5/10/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Writer/director Tina Gordon Chism and producer/Laff festival director Stephanie Allain have reteamed for a thriller titled Inheritance, which they've sold to Sony Pictures, in a deal that, according to Deadline, involved DeVon Franklin and Alex Siskin. The story centers on a young female lawyer handling the case of a New Orleans coffee magnate whose death ignites a chain of deadly events. Chism and Allain previously paired up for Peeples - Chism's directorial debut, which stars Craig Robinson, David Alan Grier, Kerry Washington, S. Epatha Merkerson, Melvin Van Peebles, Diahann Carroll, and Kali Hawk, and...
- 4/18/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
His Olympus Has Fallen hitting theaters tomorrow, Antoine Fuqua is now said to be in talks to take over Columbia Pictures' upcoming adaptation of The Equalizer . Deadline has the news of the potential match, which would re-team Fuqua with his Training Day star Denzel Washington. A feature film adaptation of the hit 1980s television series, the original show was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. It starred Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a private detective with a lot of contacts who is available for hire if you have a problem that you don't know how to solve. The movie was written by Richard Wenk with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch producing through Escape Artists, alongside Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan, and Washington....
- 3/21/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Exclusive: Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes helmer Rupert Wyatt might well have found his next film after stepping out of the Apes sequel. I’m told that he’s in early talks to helm The Equalizer for Sony Pictures and Escape Artists. That is the film that has had a lot of helmers chasing after the script by Richard Wenk prompted the studio to expedite Denzel Washington’s deal and set a June start date, likely in Boston. The film is a smartly budgeted thriller based on the TV series that will come in around $50 million and is designed to launch the first franchise for Washington, who’ll be paid his customary $20 million. The film is loosely based on the TV series that starred Edward Woodward as a mysterious former covert operations officer who helps people in trouble, and was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The...
- 2/19/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
The Equalizer may land Rupert Wyatt as director of Sony film starring Denzel Washington Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes director Rupert Wyatt is, according to Deadline, in early talks to take the helm of Escape Artists and Sony's The Equalizer. Richard Wenk scripts with a June, 2013 start of production in Boston set for the film loosely based on the TV series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Valhalla Rising) was also in talks to helm the film back in December. Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch produce with Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldrige, Alex Siskin, Michael Sloan and Washington. David Bloomfield serves as executive producer.
- 2/19/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Equalizer may land Rupert Wyatt as director of Sony film starring Denzel Washington Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes director Rupert Wyatt is, according to Deadline, in early talks to take the helm of Escape Artists and Sony's The Equalizer. Richard Wenk scripts with a June, 2013 start of production in Boston set for the film loosely based on the TV series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Valhalla Rising) was also in talks to helm the film back in December. Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch produce with Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldrige, Alex Siskin, Michael Sloan and Washington. David Bloomfield serves as executive producer.
- 2/19/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Although Nicolas Winding Refn was previously rumored to be eyeing the director's chair on Columbia Pictures' upcoming adaptation of The Equalizer , Deadline is reporting that Rupert Wyatt ( Rise of the Planet of the Apes ) has entered early talks to helm. Denzel Washington is attached to play the lead. A feature film adaptation of the hit 1980s television series, the original show was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. It starred Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a private detective with a lot of contacts who is available for hire if you have a problem that you don't know how to solve. The movie was written by Richard Wenk with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch producing through Escape Artists, alongside Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael...
- 2/19/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn may likely helm Sony Pictures and Escape Artists’ The Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington in the lead as a justice-seeking covert ops officer.
Refn’s agents confirm to EW that he’s in early talks to direct the movie based on the TV series, which ran from the mid to late 1980s, starring Edward Woodward and Keith Szarabajka.
Production on the film, scripted by Richard Wenk, is slated to begin in late spring 2013, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan (the show’s original co-creator), and Washington himself producing,...
Refn’s agents confirm to EW that he’s in early talks to direct the movie based on the TV series, which ran from the mid to late 1980s, starring Edward Woodward and Keith Szarabajka.
Production on the film, scripted by Richard Wenk, is slated to begin in late spring 2013, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan (the show’s original co-creator), and Washington himself producing,...
- 12/7/2012
- by Solvej Schou
- EW - Inside Movies
Breaking: Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn has been selected to direct The Equalizer for Sony Pictures and Escape Artists. The film, loosely based on the 1980s TV series, has been a hot ticket for directors since Denzel Washington agreed to play the title role. A number of directors had been considered along the way. Negotiations toward a deal will begin immediately with Refn. Production is set to begin in late spring 2013. The script was written by Richard Wenk, and Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch are producing through Escape Artists, along with Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan, and Washington. David Bloomfield will executive produce, and Andrea Giannetti and Hannah Minghella are overseeing for Columbia. The TV series, originally created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim, starred Edward Woodward as a mysterious former covert operations officer who helps people in trouble. The film has that basic premise...
- 12/7/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING JR.
- Deadline
ComingSoon.net has learned that Bronson and Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn is in early talks to direct Columbia Pictures' upcoming adaptation of The Equalizer with Denzel Washington attached to play the lead. A feature film adaptation of the hit 1980s television series, the original show was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. It starred Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a private detective with a lot of contacts who is available for hire if you have a problem that you don't know how to solve. The movie was written by Richard Wenk with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch producing through Escape Artists, alongside Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan, and Washington. Refn's next film, Only God Forgives , doesn't yet have an...
- 12/7/2012
- Comingsoon.net
If you're an aspiring screenwriter you probably wonder about whether or not you should enter screenwriting contests. If you do decide to go that route it's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of contests that exist -- I know I do. Well, next year when you start sending your screenplay out into the world you may not want to forget to enter it into the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition.
From Aff:
Austin, Texas – During the opening remarks of the 2011 Austin Film Festival (Aff) it was announced that veteran director Jonathan Lynn (My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards) has signed on to helm Jasper Milliken, a quirky story written by Julie Howe that won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 Aff Screenplay Competition. Lynn will work closely with Howe to continue shaping the creative direction of the movie until filming begins the second quarter of 2012.
Earlier this...
From Aff:
Austin, Texas – During the opening remarks of the 2011 Austin Film Festival (Aff) it was announced that veteran director Jonathan Lynn (My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards) has signed on to helm Jasper Milliken, a quirky story written by Julie Howe that won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 Aff Screenplay Competition. Lynn will work closely with Howe to continue shaping the creative direction of the movie until filming begins the second quarter of 2012.
Earlier this...
- 10/21/2011
- Cinelinx
During the opening remarks of the 2011 Austin Film Festival (Aff) it was announced that veteran director Jonathan Lynn ( My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards) has signed on to helm Jasper Milliken, a quirky story written by Julie Howe that won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 Aff Screenplay Competition. Lynn will work closely with Howe to continue shaping the creative direction of the movie until filming begins the second quarter of 2012.
Earlier this year Howe signed an exclusive deal with Experience Media Studios to produce the award-winning screenplay, and has since expanded the team to include Sony Pictures Entertainment based producers Alex Siskin (Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds) and Joyce San Pedro (an Aff judge and panelist).
“We are very excited to have Jonathan bring his talent, vast experience, and comic sensibility to this movie,” said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. “With a charming and witty script by a very talented writer,...
Earlier this year Howe signed an exclusive deal with Experience Media Studios to produce the award-winning screenplay, and has since expanded the team to include Sony Pictures Entertainment based producers Alex Siskin (Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds) and Joyce San Pedro (an Aff judge and panelist).
“We are very excited to have Jonathan bring his talent, vast experience, and comic sensibility to this movie,” said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. “With a charming and witty script by a very talented writer,...
- 10/20/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Canadian writer Paul Haggis ("Casino Royale") is in current negotiations to script a feature re-boot of the CBS TV series "The Equalizer", for star Russell Crowe. Crowe will produce with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Tony Eldridge, Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin and the original series co-creator Michael Sloan.
"The Equalizer" aired on CBS between 1985 and 1989, starring British actor Edward Woodward as 'Robert McCall', a former secret agent with a mysterious past, mixing ingredients from popular spy films and private investigator shows with violent realism. McCall tries to make up for his 'past sins', by offering, free of charge, his services as a troubleshooter vigilante. People could find him through a newspaper ad that read "Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer".
Assisted by a group of contacts from his spying days, McCall stalks the streets of New York City, visiting his style of 'justice' against criminals.
"The Equalizer" aired on CBS between 1985 and 1989, starring British actor Edward Woodward as 'Robert McCall', a former secret agent with a mysterious past, mixing ingredients from popular spy films and private investigator shows with violent realism. McCall tries to make up for his 'past sins', by offering, free of charge, his services as a troubleshooter vigilante. People could find him through a newspaper ad that read "Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer".
Assisted by a group of contacts from his spying days, McCall stalks the streets of New York City, visiting his style of 'justice' against criminals.
- 9/30/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Having just worked together on the upcoming thriller "The Next Three Days", writer/director Paul Haggis ("Crash," "In the Valley of Elah") and actor Russell Crowe could be re-teaming for "The Equalizer" at Escape Artists says The Hollywood Reporter.
Based on the late 80's CBS television series, Crowe is attached to star as Robert McCall, a former operative of a covert intelligence organisation who seeks redemption for his dark past via offering his services to those being persecuted and in need of help.
In the series, McCall brought justice to various hoodlums, killers, dealers, rapists and other scum on the streets of New York City. He also performed assignments for the head of his former organisation, and dealt with his estranged son.
Haggis is attached to tackle the script though is not going to direct at present. That could change however as the one project he is attached to direct,...
Based on the late 80's CBS television series, Crowe is attached to star as Robert McCall, a former operative of a covert intelligence organisation who seeks redemption for his dark past via offering his services to those being persecuted and in need of help.
In the series, McCall brought justice to various hoodlums, killers, dealers, rapists and other scum on the streets of New York City. He also performed assignments for the head of his former organisation, and dealt with his estranged son.
Haggis is attached to tackle the script though is not going to direct at present. That could change however as the one project he is attached to direct,...
- 9/29/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Paul Haggis and Russell Crowe may be working together on "The Equalizer" after recent work together in the upcoming "The Next Three Days" Crowe has been attached to star for quite some time in the feature-length adaptation of the 1985 TV series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Haggis is negotiating to take on the screenplay. Crowe will play Robert McCall (originally played by Edward Woodward) in the film version of the original CBS series which followed the exploits of an ex-secret agent turned vigilante who could be hired to right wrongs for free to clients, provided they helped him if he ever needed it. Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch produce along with Tony Eldridge of Lonetree Entertainment, Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin and Michael Sloan.
- 9/29/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Paul Haggis is in negotiations to take over writing duties for the feature adaptation of the late-'80s TV series "The Equalizer."It is unclear at this time whether he would also take over directing duties. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Russell Crowe has long been attached as a star of the project. The original CBS series "The Equalizer" followed former secret agent Robert McCall, played by Edward Woodward, turned vigilante who provided services for clients free of charge, on the condition they returned his help if he ever needed it. Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch of Escape Artists are producing along with Tony Eldridge of Lonetree Entertainment, Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin and Michael Sloan.Haggis just directed Crowe in the...
- 9/29/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Award-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis is aiming to write up another role for Russell Crowe with "The Equalizer". The 1985 television series is currently being transformed into a feature-length film but the only person who's really on board at the moment is Russell Crowe. If Haggis signs on to pen the script, this would have been the latest project they collaborated on since he directed Crowe in "The Next Three Days". The original eighties television series centered on a former secret agent, played by Edward Woodward, who turned into a hired vigilante who started his own brand of justice. No word on a director at the moment, but surely they company is probably considering Paul Haggis to not only write the script but direct Crowe. Producing the film is Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black and Steve Tisch under Escape Artists with Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin, Michael Sloan and Tony Eldridge from Lonetree Entertainment.
- 9/29/2010
- LRMonline.com
Fresh off their collaboration on "The Next Three Days," Paul Haggis and Russell Crowe may be working together on a new project: "The Equalizer."
Crowe has long been attached as a star and producer of the feature adaptation of the late-'80s TV series, and Haggis, who just directed Crowe in the upcoming Lionsgate thriller "Days," is negotiating to take on the script. While the direction of the feature version is still being plotted, the original CBS series concerned the exploits of a former secret agent turned vigilante who could be hired to right wrongs.
Edward Woodward originated the role of Robert McCall, who provided services for clients free of charge, on the condition they returned his help if he ever came calling. As opposed to the jokiness of the era's other shows such as "The A-Team," "Magnum P.I." and "Simon & Simon," "The Equalizer" was remarkably grim. It also...
Crowe has long been attached as a star and producer of the feature adaptation of the late-'80s TV series, and Haggis, who just directed Crowe in the upcoming Lionsgate thriller "Days," is negotiating to take on the script. While the direction of the feature version is still being plotted, the original CBS series concerned the exploits of a former secret agent turned vigilante who could be hired to right wrongs.
Edward Woodward originated the role of Robert McCall, who provided services for clients free of charge, on the condition they returned his help if he ever came calling. As opposed to the jokiness of the era's other shows such as "The A-Team," "Magnum P.I." and "Simon & Simon," "The Equalizer" was remarkably grim. It also...
- 9/28/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
La Times is reporting that not only is Russell Crowe not dead (as rumored in Australia), but that he has also attached himself to play Robert McCall, the mysterious agent made famous in the 1980s CBS crime series "The Equalizer." The show revolved around Robert McCall (Edward Woodward), who worked for a top-secret agency where he did some pretty horrible things. Every week, fans watched him righting wrongs. "The Equalizer" has been in development at The Weinstein Company for many years, but is now in the hands of such high-level producers as Mace Neufeld (Hunt of Red October) and Alex Siskin (Big Daddy). The producers feel it is the right time to push forward with a 1980s property, considering that both "The A-Team" and "The Karate Kid" have recently been brought to the big screen.
- 6/17/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Russell Crowe is attached to star in a film adaptation of the late 80's spy series "The Equalizer" for Escape Artists reports The Los Angeles Times.
Edward Woodward starred in the classic CBS television series about Robert McCall, a former operative of a covert intelligence organisation who seeks redemption for his dark past via offering his services to those being persecuted and in need of help.
Combining his skills both investigative and deadly, McCall brings justice to various hoodlums, killers, dealers, rapists and other scum on the streets of New York City. He also performed assignments for the head of his former organisation and dealt with his estranged son.
The show was noted for its memorable theme tune, McCall's signature Jaguar XJ6 car, and its realistic handling of the spy world with sometimes brutal violence and a lack of fancy gadgets.
No studio is yet attached to the project which...
Edward Woodward starred in the classic CBS television series about Robert McCall, a former operative of a covert intelligence organisation who seeks redemption for his dark past via offering his services to those being persecuted and in need of help.
Combining his skills both investigative and deadly, McCall brings justice to various hoodlums, killers, dealers, rapists and other scum on the streets of New York City. He also performed assignments for the head of his former organisation and dealt with his estranged son.
The show was noted for its memorable theme tune, McCall's signature Jaguar XJ6 car, and its realistic handling of the spy world with sometimes brutal violence and a lack of fancy gadgets.
No studio is yet attached to the project which...
- 6/16/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Ok, so we admit that there were a few shows we couldn't include in our Ten 80s Shows We Want to See as Movies article. Besides Simon and Simon and Cagney and Lacey, the hardest cut to make was The Equalizer, the TV show starring the late Edward Woodward as former secret agent Robert McCall, who avenges others in an effort to atone for the sins of his mysterious past when he worked for a CIA-like organization known only as "The Company." Sounds like a modern-day thriller to us.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 6/16/2010 by Ryan
Alex Siskin | Russell Crowe | Edward Woodward | Mace Neufeld...
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 6/16/2010 by Ryan
Alex Siskin | Russell Crowe | Edward Woodward | Mace Neufeld...
- 6/16/2010
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
Russell Crowe is attached to play Robert McCall in 'The Equalizer." He'll play the mysterious agent made famous by Edward Woodward in the crime series which ran from 1985-1990. The show is Golden Globe winner. On the TV series, McCall was a private detective with a plenty contacts who works for those that the police are unable to or won't help. On the show, the ad in the newspaper read "Got a problem, need help, odds against you, Call The Equalizer." Crowe will be seen next in Paul Haggis' "The Next Three Days" as a husband whose life is in turmoil when his wife is accused of murder. Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin and Escape Artists are producing. There's no distributor set as yet.
- 6/16/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
If the world of I Dream of Jeannie really existed, Sid Ganis could just ask a genie to "blink" a new script.
Instead, Ganis is bringing aboard Mulan scribe Rita Hsiao to rewrite the script for the big-screen adaptation of the 1960s series. Ganis is producing through his Out of the Blue Entertainment shingle along with Alex Siskin. Bob Simonds and Phoenix New Millennium's Michael Viner are exec producers.
Hsiao is the latest to take a stab at the script for the long-planned project. At least five others have penned scripts, including husband and wife writing duo Cormac and Marianne Wibberley.
Ganis said the writer delivered producers a pitch that seemed as if she had been living with Jeannie's family of characters.
"She has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie's story, with a twist and turn along the way," Ganis said of Hsiao. "She captured all of our imaginations in the telling of it."
Hsiao created a Jeannie that is "smack in the middle" of contemporary times and circumstances, he added.
Instead, Ganis is bringing aboard Mulan scribe Rita Hsiao to rewrite the script for the big-screen adaptation of the 1960s series. Ganis is producing through his Out of the Blue Entertainment shingle along with Alex Siskin. Bob Simonds and Phoenix New Millennium's Michael Viner are exec producers.
Hsiao is the latest to take a stab at the script for the long-planned project. At least five others have penned scripts, including husband and wife writing duo Cormac and Marianne Wibberley.
Ganis said the writer delivered producers a pitch that seemed as if she had been living with Jeannie's family of characters.
"She has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie's story, with a twist and turn along the way," Ganis said of Hsiao. "She captured all of our imaginations in the telling of it."
Hsiao created a Jeannie that is "smack in the middle" of contemporary times and circumstances, he added.
- 6/12/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Independent Pictures has acquired the rights to Steve Bloom's original screenplay The Stand-In.
The story centers on a working-class high school senior who earns money for college by escorting wealthy girls to formal high school functions.
Blumhouse Prods.' Jason Blum and Tracy Underwood are producing. WIP's Paul Federbush and Carl Hampe brought the screenplay to the studio.
" 'Stand-In' is a great high-concept teen comedy with enormous crossover potential," Blum said. "I haven't been a teenager in 20 years, and I'd go see it."
This is Bloom's third project in development. Last year, he sold Sisters of Mercy to Sony with Overbrook's Will Smith, James Lassiter and Alex Siskin producing. Smith might star in the film.
Bloom also is rewriting A Smile as Big as the Moon for Gold Circle and Thunder Road Prods. Stephen Herek (The Mighty Ducks) is set to direct, with Basil Iwanyk and Mary Viola producing for Thunder Road.
Blumhouse is in postproduction on Accidental Husband, starring Uma Thurman and Colin Firth.
Bloom is repped by Original Artists, manager Peter Meyer at Meyer Management and attorney Gregg Gellman at Barnes Morris Klein Mark Yorn Barnes & Levine in Los Angeles.
The story centers on a working-class high school senior who earns money for college by escorting wealthy girls to formal high school functions.
Blumhouse Prods.' Jason Blum and Tracy Underwood are producing. WIP's Paul Federbush and Carl Hampe brought the screenplay to the studio.
" 'Stand-In' is a great high-concept teen comedy with enormous crossover potential," Blum said. "I haven't been a teenager in 20 years, and I'd go see it."
This is Bloom's third project in development. Last year, he sold Sisters of Mercy to Sony with Overbrook's Will Smith, James Lassiter and Alex Siskin producing. Smith might star in the film.
Bloom also is rewriting A Smile as Big as the Moon for Gold Circle and Thunder Road Prods. Stephen Herek (The Mighty Ducks) is set to direct, with Basil Iwanyk and Mary Viola producing for Thunder Road.
Blumhouse is in postproduction on Accidental Husband, starring Uma Thurman and Colin Firth.
Bloom is repped by Original Artists, manager Peter Meyer at Meyer Management and attorney Gregg Gellman at Barnes Morris Klein Mark Yorn Barnes & Levine in Los Angeles.
- 9/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Scribe team Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont have been tapped to pen Sisters of Mercy for Columbia Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment.
The project, which is being developed as a possible starring vehicle for Will Smith, centers on a widower father who is rescued after his wife's death by members of her book club who soon begin running his life with advice on parenting and dating. Columbia picked up Mercy last year as a spec by Steve Bloom.
Smith and James Lassiter are producing for Overbrook alongside Alex Siskin.
Sony's Andrea Giannetti is overseeing for the studio.
Kaplan and Elfont have Maid of Honor, starring Patrick Dempsey, shooting for Neal Moritz and Columbia and are working on Bachlorette for Universal. The duo also wrote and directed Can't Hardly Wait.
Kaplan and Elfont are repped by CAA and Benderspink. Elfont additionally is repped by the law firm Gretchen Bruggeman Rush, while Kaplan also is handled by attorney Jason Sloane.
The project, which is being developed as a possible starring vehicle for Will Smith, centers on a widower father who is rescued after his wife's death by members of her book club who soon begin running his life with advice on parenting and dating. Columbia picked up Mercy last year as a spec by Steve Bloom.
Smith and James Lassiter are producing for Overbrook alongside Alex Siskin.
Sony's Andrea Giannetti is overseeing for the studio.
Kaplan and Elfont have Maid of Honor, starring Patrick Dempsey, shooting for Neal Moritz and Columbia and are working on Bachlorette for Universal. The duo also wrote and directed Can't Hardly Wait.
Kaplan and Elfont are repped by CAA and Benderspink. Elfont additionally is repped by the law firm Gretchen Bruggeman Rush, while Kaplan also is handled by attorney Jason Sloane.
The second picture to debut in as many weeks featuring a star in multiple roles, "The Master of Disguise" makes a certain International Man of Mystery look like a towering creative genius by comparison.
An embarrassing mess for all involved, this so-called family comedy is about as unfunny as unfunny gets. Even its fart jokes are below the industry standard.
Through it all, Dana Carvey labors under mounds of makeup and the sadly mistaken impression that his multitude of characters will induce side-splitting convulsions with the slightest arch of an eyebrow.
Truth be told, even if it was a better film, it's unlikely that Carvey would have stood much of a chance taking on his old "Wayne's World" cohort Mike Meyers. And with the "Spy Kids" sequel arriving next week, this Revolution Films presentation looks to have a now-you-see-it-now-you-don't boxoffice future.
Clocking in at a still-punishing 70 minutes (not counting a bloated end credits sequence jammed with outtakes from elaborate scenes that are nowhere to be found in the main event), the story, credited to Carvey and Harris Goldberg, concerns the bumbling Pistachio Disguisey (Carvey), the latest and least promising in a long line of family masters of disguise.
When his mother (Edie McClurg) goes missing and his restaurateur father, Frabbrizio (James Brolin), is kidnapped by his old archenemy Devlin Bowman (a flatulent Brent Spiner), Pistachio -- schooled in the fine art of transformation by his grandfather, Grandpa Disguisey (Harold Gould), and accompanied by a lovely assistant (Jennifer Esposito) -- must spring into action.
For the duration, Carvey dons such knee-slapping get-ups as the bespectacled Turtle Man and an Indian snake charmer (with apologies to Peter Sellers) when not running around disguised as a pile of grass with a giant cow pie on his face or as a dripping mass of cherry pie filling.
But the pie guy's not the only thing about this sorry enterprise that's half-baked. Marking the directorial debut of production designer Perry Andelin Blake, who has worked on most of executive producer Adam Sandler's films, "Master of Disguise" looks like it was made for about $1.95 before a pair of editors attempted to hack it into something salvageable.
Given that Carvey has said he wanted to make a movie for his kids, the end result would likely constitute child abuse in a number of states.
THE MASTER OF DISGUISE
Columbia Pictures
Revolution Studios presents a Happy Madison production in association with Out of the Blue Entertainment
Credits: Director: Perry Andelin Blake; Screenwriters: Dana Carvey, Harris Goldberg; Producers: Sid Ganis, Alex Siskin, Barry Bernardi, Todd Garner; Executive producers: Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo; Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister; Production designer: Alan Au; Editors: Peck Prior, Sandy Solowitz; Costume designer: Mona May; Special makeup effects: Kevin Yagher; Music: Marc Ellis; Music supervisor: Michael Dilbeck. Cast: Pistachio Disguisey: Dana Carvey; Devlin Bowman: Brent Spiner; Jennifer: Jennifer Esposito; Grandpa Disguisey: Harold Gould; Frabbrizio Disguisey: James Brolin; Sophia: Maria Canals.
MPAA rating PG, running time 80 minutes.
An embarrassing mess for all involved, this so-called family comedy is about as unfunny as unfunny gets. Even its fart jokes are below the industry standard.
Through it all, Dana Carvey labors under mounds of makeup and the sadly mistaken impression that his multitude of characters will induce side-splitting convulsions with the slightest arch of an eyebrow.
Truth be told, even if it was a better film, it's unlikely that Carvey would have stood much of a chance taking on his old "Wayne's World" cohort Mike Meyers. And with the "Spy Kids" sequel arriving next week, this Revolution Films presentation looks to have a now-you-see-it-now-you-don't boxoffice future.
Clocking in at a still-punishing 70 minutes (not counting a bloated end credits sequence jammed with outtakes from elaborate scenes that are nowhere to be found in the main event), the story, credited to Carvey and Harris Goldberg, concerns the bumbling Pistachio Disguisey (Carvey), the latest and least promising in a long line of family masters of disguise.
When his mother (Edie McClurg) goes missing and his restaurateur father, Frabbrizio (James Brolin), is kidnapped by his old archenemy Devlin Bowman (a flatulent Brent Spiner), Pistachio -- schooled in the fine art of transformation by his grandfather, Grandpa Disguisey (Harold Gould), and accompanied by a lovely assistant (Jennifer Esposito) -- must spring into action.
For the duration, Carvey dons such knee-slapping get-ups as the bespectacled Turtle Man and an Indian snake charmer (with apologies to Peter Sellers) when not running around disguised as a pile of grass with a giant cow pie on his face or as a dripping mass of cherry pie filling.
But the pie guy's not the only thing about this sorry enterprise that's half-baked. Marking the directorial debut of production designer Perry Andelin Blake, who has worked on most of executive producer Adam Sandler's films, "Master of Disguise" looks like it was made for about $1.95 before a pair of editors attempted to hack it into something salvageable.
Given that Carvey has said he wanted to make a movie for his kids, the end result would likely constitute child abuse in a number of states.
THE MASTER OF DISGUISE
Columbia Pictures
Revolution Studios presents a Happy Madison production in association with Out of the Blue Entertainment
Credits: Director: Perry Andelin Blake; Screenwriters: Dana Carvey, Harris Goldberg; Producers: Sid Ganis, Alex Siskin, Barry Bernardi, Todd Garner; Executive producers: Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo; Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister; Production designer: Alan Au; Editors: Peck Prior, Sandy Solowitz; Costume designer: Mona May; Special makeup effects: Kevin Yagher; Music: Marc Ellis; Music supervisor: Michael Dilbeck. Cast: Pistachio Disguisey: Dana Carvey; Devlin Bowman: Brent Spiner; Jennifer: Jennifer Esposito; Grandpa Disguisey: Harold Gould; Frabbrizio Disguisey: James Brolin; Sophia: Maria Canals.
MPAA rating PG, running time 80 minutes.
Despite the title, "Masterminds" is neither a masterful nor clever teen-targeted action adventure about a 16-year-old cyberhacker (Vincent Kartheiser) who thwarts the elaborate plan of a vengeful security expert (Patrick Stewart) to hold a private school for ransom.
Ridiculously plotted and boasting across-the-board dumb dialogue, it's a safe bet this shot-in-Vancouver effort won't be adding to Sony's summer booty, although some back-to-schoolers may find cathartic pleasure in the destruction of an educational institution.
Kartheiser plays Ozzie Paxton, a smart-ass borderline juvenile delinquent who was probably "Home Alone"'s Kevin McCallister as a kid and will likely grow up to be "Die Hard"'s John McClane. Forced to drop off his pesky little stepsister (Katie Stuart) at posh Shady Glen School (where he was expelled for unacceptable behavior), Ozzie decides to hang around and see what pranks he can pull for old-times' sake.
Little does he realize that Ralph Bentley (Stewart), the British Secret Service-trained designer of the school's new ultrasophisticated security system, has been scheming to use the high-tech equipment to keep people in rather than others out. For reasons too complicated to get into here, Bentley holds the school's top trust-fund kiddies hostage in exchange for millions of dollars.
Of course, being the lone-wolf underachiever that he is, the smirking Ozzie finds redemption by putting his computer game strategies to effective work, outwitting Bentley at every opportunity.
Former art director-set decorator Roger Christian directs with a certain visual flair, although he has a definite weakness for shafts of light and cropped close-ups that are so extreme the actors' makeup just can't stand up to the scrutiny.
All the fancy footwork can't gloss over writer Floyd Byars' superficial script, which is replete with the kind of manufactured teenspeak that no self-respecting adolescent would ever be caught dead uttering.
Pro that he is, Stewart appears to be enjoying himself thoroughly playing another bad guy (see "Conspiracy Theory"). He miraculously manages to make the hackneyed dialogue his own.
Kartheiser is fine, if a tad too smug, as the film's young hero; while poor Brenda Fricker ("My Left Foot"), as the school's crusty principal, puts on a brave face as she's constantly being drenched, muddied and bloodied. It's no way to treat an Oscar winner.
MASTERMINDS
Sony Pictures Releasing
A Columbia Pictures presentation
A Pacific Motion Pictures production
A Byars/Dudelson production
A film by Roger Christian
Director Roger Christian
Screenwriter Floyd Byars
Story Floyd Byars & Alex Siskin & Chris Black
Producers Robert Dudelson and Floyd Byars
Executive producers Matthew O'Connor,
David Saunders
Director of photography Nic Morris
Production designer Douglas Higgins
Editor Robin Russell
Costume designers Monique Sanchez,
Derek J. Baskerville
Music Anthony Marinelli
Music supervisor Amanda Scheer-Demme
Casting Andrea Stone
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ralph Bentley Patrick Stewart
Ozzie Vincent Kartheiser
Principal Maloney Brenda Fricker
Miles Lawrence Brad Whitford
Jake Matt Craven
Helen Annabelle Gurwitch
Running time -- 106 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Ridiculously plotted and boasting across-the-board dumb dialogue, it's a safe bet this shot-in-Vancouver effort won't be adding to Sony's summer booty, although some back-to-schoolers may find cathartic pleasure in the destruction of an educational institution.
Kartheiser plays Ozzie Paxton, a smart-ass borderline juvenile delinquent who was probably "Home Alone"'s Kevin McCallister as a kid and will likely grow up to be "Die Hard"'s John McClane. Forced to drop off his pesky little stepsister (Katie Stuart) at posh Shady Glen School (where he was expelled for unacceptable behavior), Ozzie decides to hang around and see what pranks he can pull for old-times' sake.
Little does he realize that Ralph Bentley (Stewart), the British Secret Service-trained designer of the school's new ultrasophisticated security system, has been scheming to use the high-tech equipment to keep people in rather than others out. For reasons too complicated to get into here, Bentley holds the school's top trust-fund kiddies hostage in exchange for millions of dollars.
Of course, being the lone-wolf underachiever that he is, the smirking Ozzie finds redemption by putting his computer game strategies to effective work, outwitting Bentley at every opportunity.
Former art director-set decorator Roger Christian directs with a certain visual flair, although he has a definite weakness for shafts of light and cropped close-ups that are so extreme the actors' makeup just can't stand up to the scrutiny.
All the fancy footwork can't gloss over writer Floyd Byars' superficial script, which is replete with the kind of manufactured teenspeak that no self-respecting adolescent would ever be caught dead uttering.
Pro that he is, Stewart appears to be enjoying himself thoroughly playing another bad guy (see "Conspiracy Theory"). He miraculously manages to make the hackneyed dialogue his own.
Kartheiser is fine, if a tad too smug, as the film's young hero; while poor Brenda Fricker ("My Left Foot"), as the school's crusty principal, puts on a brave face as she's constantly being drenched, muddied and bloodied. It's no way to treat an Oscar winner.
MASTERMINDS
Sony Pictures Releasing
A Columbia Pictures presentation
A Pacific Motion Pictures production
A Byars/Dudelson production
A film by Roger Christian
Director Roger Christian
Screenwriter Floyd Byars
Story Floyd Byars & Alex Siskin & Chris Black
Producers Robert Dudelson and Floyd Byars
Executive producers Matthew O'Connor,
David Saunders
Director of photography Nic Morris
Production designer Douglas Higgins
Editor Robin Russell
Costume designers Monique Sanchez,
Derek J. Baskerville
Music Anthony Marinelli
Music supervisor Amanda Scheer-Demme
Casting Andrea Stone
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ralph Bentley Patrick Stewart
Ozzie Vincent Kartheiser
Principal Maloney Brenda Fricker
Miles Lawrence Brad Whitford
Jake Matt Craven
Helen Annabelle Gurwitch
Running time -- 106 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 8/20/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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