Exclusive: Universal Pictures has rounded out the cast of its coming-of-age musical teaming director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams with four additions: Tim Meadows (Dream Scenario), Jaboukie Young-White (C’mon C’mon), Jamilah Rosemond (Rustin) and Jayson Lee (61st Street).
Details as to the roles of the newcomers are under wraps, as all roles so far have been. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the untitled film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, and Janelle Monáe.
Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the musical will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of...
Details as to the roles of the newcomers are under wraps, as all roles so far have been. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the untitled film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, and Janelle Monáe.
Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the musical will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of...
- 5/10/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Janelle Monáe is set to join the cast of Universal Pictures’ untitled Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry musical project.
The singer and actor joins Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott in the film.
The project is described as a coming-of-age musical set during the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach, inspired by the Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.
Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.
Universal’s Senior VP of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.
Monáe’s film credits include “Moonlight,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Harriet,” “The Glorias” and “Antebellum.”
For her role in 2017’s “Hidden Figures,...
The singer and actor joins Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott in the film.
The project is described as a coming-of-age musical set during the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach, inspired by the Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.
Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.
Universal’s Senior VP of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.
Monáe’s film credits include “Moonlight,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Harriet,” “The Glorias” and “Antebellum.”
For her role in 2017’s “Hidden Figures,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The high-profile cast for Universal Pictures’ forthcoming musical from Michel Gondry and Pharrell Williams has just been kicked up an octave with the addition of Janelle Monáe.
Monáe has signed on to join the cast of the coming-of-age period feature that is currently untitled. The film’s previously confirmed castmembers include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott.
The project is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry directs the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Producers include Williams and Mimi Valdés for I Am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Overseeing the movie for Universal are senior vp of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun.
Monáe’s previous film credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Antebellum,...
Monáe has signed on to join the cast of the coming-of-age period feature that is currently untitled. The film’s previously confirmed castmembers include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott.
The project is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry directs the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Producers include Williams and Mimi Valdés for I Am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Overseeing the movie for Universal are senior vp of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun.
Monáe’s previous film credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Antebellum,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
10x Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion) has found her newest film role in Universal Pictures’ coming-of-age musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams, the studio announced on Thursday.
Details as to her role in the untitled feature project haven’t been disclosed. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry, and Grammy winner Missy Elliott.
Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
Details as to her role in the untitled feature project haven’t been disclosed. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry, and Grammy winner Missy Elliott.
Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
- 5/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Grammy-winning hip-hop and R&b artist Missy Elliott has been tapped for a role in director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams’ new, untitled feature for Universal Pictures.
Details as to her role are under wraps, as are all roles so far. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is described as a coming-of-age musical inspired by the city’s Atlantis Apartments and the neighborhood where Williams grew up.
As previously announced, Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, and Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry. Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
Details as to her role are under wraps, as are all roles so far. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is described as a coming-of-age musical inspired by the city’s Atlantis Apartments and the neighborhood where Williams grew up.
As previously announced, Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, and Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry. Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
- 4/30/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Marc Maron has joined the cast of Universal’s untitled New York Christmas movie, written by Richard Curtis, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.”
Maron is starring alongside Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu in the film, a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Sam Boyd, who wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-led HBO Max series “Love Life,” will direct. It’s set to premiere on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service Peacock on a yet-to-be-determined date.
Maron hosts the popular podcast “Wtf With Marc Maron” and recently debuted his first HBO stand-up special “From Bleak to Dark.” His other comedy specials include 2013’s “Thinky Pain,” 2015’s “More Later,” 2017’s “Too Real” and 2020’s “End Times Fun” on Netflix. On “Wtf With Marc Maron” — which launched in...
Maron is starring alongside Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu in the film, a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Sam Boyd, who wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-led HBO Max series “Love Life,” will direct. It’s set to premiere on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service Peacock on a yet-to-be-determined date.
Maron hosts the popular podcast “Wtf With Marc Maron” and recently debuted his first HBO stand-up special “From Bleak to Dark.” His other comedy specials include 2013’s “Thinky Pain,” 2015’s “More Later,” 2017’s “Too Real” and 2020’s “End Times Fun” on Netflix. On “Wtf With Marc Maron” — which launched in...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) is set to star opposite Melissa McCarthy in the untitled New York Christmas movie from Universal and Working Title that we were first to report on.
The film heading to Peacock is written by Love Actually‘s Richard Curtis, with Love Life creator Sam Boyd on board to direct. It’s billed as a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce for Working Title, with Riva Marker for Linden Productions. Universal’s Senior EVP of Production Development Erik Baiers and Director of Development Christine Sun will oversee the pic for the studio, with Alexandra Loewy overseeing for Working Title.
Best known for his Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated supporting turn opposite Michaela Coel in the hit miniseries I May Destroy You from HBO and BBC One,...
The film heading to Peacock is written by Love Actually‘s Richard Curtis, with Love Life creator Sam Boyd on board to direct. It’s billed as a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce for Working Title, with Riva Marker for Linden Productions. Universal’s Senior EVP of Production Development Erik Baiers and Director of Development Christine Sun will oversee the pic for the studio, with Alexandra Loewy overseeing for Working Title.
Best known for his Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated supporting turn opposite Michaela Coel in the hit miniseries I May Destroy You from HBO and BBC One,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Melissa McCarthy is set to star in an untitled New York Christmas comedy movie from Universal Pictures and Working Title for Peacock.
Richard Curtis will write the screenplay and Sam Boyd will direct the film. The fairy-tale comedy will follow a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
McCarthy will next be seen in Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story, with Hugh Grant and Amy Schumer, and the upcoming live-action Little Mermaid film from Rob Marshall.
Boyd wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-starring romantic comedy series Love Life for HBO Max. He also wrote and directed the dramedy In a Relationship, starring Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano and Dree Hemingway.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the film with Linden Productions Riva Marker. Alexandra Loewy will oversee the project for Working Title.
Melissa McCarthy is set to star in an untitled New York Christmas comedy movie from Universal Pictures and Working Title for Peacock.
Richard Curtis will write the screenplay and Sam Boyd will direct the film. The fairy-tale comedy will follow a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
McCarthy will next be seen in Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story, with Hugh Grant and Amy Schumer, and the upcoming live-action Little Mermaid film from Rob Marshall.
Boyd wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-starring romantic comedy series Love Life for HBO Max. He also wrote and directed the dramedy In a Relationship, starring Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano and Dree Hemingway.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the film with Linden Productions Riva Marker. Alexandra Loewy will oversee the project for Working Title.
- 12/14/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Universal and Working Title have set Melissa McCarthy to star in an untitled Christmas-in-New York movie that will be written by Love Actually scribe Richard Curtis and directed by Sam Boyd.
They’re making the film for Peacock, and Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Riva Marker through her Linden Productions banner.
The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Related Story Working Title Partners Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner On 30 Years At Universal, Scores Of Hits And A Resolve To Diversify UK Film Crews: Q&a Related Story How To Watch The World Cup: TV Schedule, Fixtures As Semifinals Set Related Story 'Paul T. Goldman' & 'This Place Rules' Trailers: Jason Woliner's Peacock Comedy Series & Andrew Callaghan's HBO Documentary
Boyd wrote and created...
They’re making the film for Peacock, and Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Riva Marker through her Linden Productions banner.
The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Related Story Working Title Partners Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner On 30 Years At Universal, Scores Of Hits And A Resolve To Diversify UK Film Crews: Q&a Related Story How To Watch The World Cup: TV Schedule, Fixtures As Semifinals Set Related Story 'Paul T. Goldman' & 'This Place Rules' Trailers: Jason Woliner's Peacock Comedy Series & Andrew Callaghan's HBO Documentary
Boyd wrote and created...
- 12/14/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard Curtis to write, Sam Boyd to direct.
Universal and Working Title are teaming up with screenwriter Richard Curtis, director Sam Boyd and producer Riva Marker on Untitled New York Christmas Movie for Peacock to star Melissa McCarthy.
The fairy-tale comedy will centre on a workaholic who enlists the help of a genie to win back his family before Christmas.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce Untitled New York Christmas Movie with Linden Productions’ Riva Marker.
Universal’s senior EVP of production development Erik Baiers and director of development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio,...
Universal and Working Title are teaming up with screenwriter Richard Curtis, director Sam Boyd and producer Riva Marker on Untitled New York Christmas Movie for Peacock to star Melissa McCarthy.
The fairy-tale comedy will centre on a workaholic who enlists the help of a genie to win back his family before Christmas.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce Untitled New York Christmas Movie with Linden Productions’ Riva Marker.
Universal’s senior EVP of production development Erik Baiers and director of development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Universal Pictures has tapped Meera Menon (Ms. Marvel) to direct its film adaptation of the fantasy A Deadly Education — the first title in the bestselling Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik.
Published by Del Rey in September of 2020, A Deadly Education introduces readers to Galadriel “El” Higgins, a sorceress studying at the school of black magic known as the Scholomance, who looks to survive at the storied institution through graduation, while getting a grip on her abilities.
Emily Carmichael (Jurassic World Dominion) and Shantha Susman are adapting the screenplay. Carly Kleinbart brought the project in to Universal and is overseeing development on behalf of Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman, who will produce. Senior Vice President of Production Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.
Novik and her Scholomance Trilogy have been on...
Published by Del Rey in September of 2020, A Deadly Education introduces readers to Galadriel “El” Higgins, a sorceress studying at the school of black magic known as the Scholomance, who looks to survive at the storied institution through graduation, while getting a grip on her abilities.
Emily Carmichael (Jurassic World Dominion) and Shantha Susman are adapting the screenplay. Carly Kleinbart brought the project in to Universal and is overseeing development on behalf of Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman, who will produce. Senior Vice President of Production Jeyun Munford and Director of Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.
Novik and her Scholomance Trilogy have been on...
- 11/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A Deadly Education, the upcoming fantasy adaptation from Universal, has found its director. Meera Menon, the director who has helmed episodes of Ms. Marvel, For All Mankind and The Walking Dead, is stepping behind the camera for the project.
A Deadly Education is the first book in author Naomi Novik’s Scholomance trilogy, which Universal optioned in 2020 ahead of its publication. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman will produce, with Jurassic World Dominion screenwriter Emily Carmichael penning the script with up-and-coming writer Shantha Susman.
A Deadly Education centers on El Higgins, a girl with unmatched power who enters a school for the magically gifted. Once you enter the school, there are only two ways out: graduation or death. The New York Times best-selling series also includes The Last Graduate, which won the Lodestar Hugo Award, and The Golden Enclaves, which was released in September.
A Deadly Education, the upcoming fantasy adaptation from Universal, has found its director. Meera Menon, the director who has helmed episodes of Ms. Marvel, For All Mankind and The Walking Dead, is stepping behind the camera for the project.
A Deadly Education is the first book in author Naomi Novik’s Scholomance trilogy, which Universal optioned in 2020 ahead of its publication. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman will produce, with Jurassic World Dominion screenwriter Emily Carmichael penning the script with up-and-coming writer Shantha Susman.
A Deadly Education centers on El Higgins, a girl with unmatched power who enters a school for the magically gifted. Once you enter the school, there are only two ways out: graduation or death. The New York Times best-selling series also includes The Last Graduate, which won the Lodestar Hugo Award, and The Golden Enclaves, which was released in September.
- 11/2/2022
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elizabeth Banks’ upcoming movie “Cocaine Bear” has added several A-list cast members.
Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, O’Shea Jackson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Alden Ehrenreich have joined the film about a real-life 175-pound bear who died of an apparent cocaine overdose. According to a 1985 New York Times article, the bear was found dead among 40 opened containers with traces of cocaine, apparently dropped from a plane by a convicted drug smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load while parachuting.
Jimmy Warden wrote the script for the “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.”
The movie is Banks’ second film for Universal Pictures after previously directing “Pitch Perfect 2” for the company. She also helmed 2019’s “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony. Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Aditya Sood are producing for Lord Miller, in addition to Brian Duffield and Banks and Max Handelman of Brownstone Productions.
Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, O’Shea Jackson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Alden Ehrenreich have joined the film about a real-life 175-pound bear who died of an apparent cocaine overdose. According to a 1985 New York Times article, the bear was found dead among 40 opened containers with traces of cocaine, apparently dropped from a plane by a convicted drug smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load while parachuting.
Jimmy Warden wrote the script for the “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.”
The movie is Banks’ second film for Universal Pictures after previously directing “Pitch Perfect 2” for the company. She also helmed 2019’s “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony. Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Aditya Sood are producing for Lord Miller, in addition to Brian Duffield and Banks and Max Handelman of Brownstone Productions.
- 7/1/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have joined the cast of Universal’s “Cocaine Bear,” which Elizabeth Banks will direct, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will produce, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
“Cocaine Bear” will be Banks’ third feature after last directing “Charlie’s Angels” in 2019 and “Pitch Perfect 3” from 2015. “Cocaine Bear” is based on a true story of events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. Jimmy Warden wrote the spec screenplay on which the film will be based.
The film’s story is inspired by a New York Times article and is exactly what the title suggests – about a 175-pound black bear that died after ingesting a duffel bag full of cocaine. The cocaine had been dropped out of an airplane by a convicted smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load.
Production on “Cocaine Bear...
“Cocaine Bear” will be Banks’ third feature after last directing “Charlie’s Angels” in 2019 and “Pitch Perfect 3” from 2015. “Cocaine Bear” is based on a true story of events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. Jimmy Warden wrote the spec screenplay on which the film will be based.
The film’s story is inspired by a New York Times article and is exactly what the title suggests – about a 175-pound black bear that died after ingesting a duffel bag full of cocaine. The cocaine had been dropped out of an airplane by a convicted smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load.
Production on “Cocaine Bear...
- 7/1/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In her second directorial feature for Universal, Elizabeth Banks has set quite the cast, tapping Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich and Jesse Tyler Ferguson to star in Cocaine Bear.
Production is set to begin August 23 in Ireland. Jimmy Warden wrote the script that’s described as a character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. Additional information is being kept under wraps.
Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Aditya Sood are producing for Lord Miller. Brian Duffield is also producing as well as Banks and Max Handelman (who produce under their Brownstone Productions banner). Robin Fisichella will executive produce.
EVP Production Matt Reilly and Director of Development Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Best known for her roles in Felicity and The Americans, Russell has been busy on the film front in recent years, most recently seen in...
Production is set to begin August 23 in Ireland. Jimmy Warden wrote the script that’s described as a character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. Additional information is being kept under wraps.
Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Aditya Sood are producing for Lord Miller. Brian Duffield is also producing as well as Banks and Max Handelman (who produce under their Brownstone Productions banner). Robin Fisichella will executive produce.
EVP Production Matt Reilly and Director of Development Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Best known for her roles in Felicity and The Americans, Russell has been busy on the film front in recent years, most recently seen in...
- 7/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In competitive bidding, Universal Pictures has acquired the next project from Michelle Harper, whose first script Tin Roof Rusted made the Black List and was acquired by TriStar.
The new one is under wraps, but it is an untitled father/daughter dance dramedy, sources said.
Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville will produce. Alex Young of Mandeville will executive produce. Director of Development, Feature Films Gaby McCormick will oversee the project for Mandeville.
Harper graduated in 2014 from New York University and previously worked as a script coordinator for Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
EVP Creative Development Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Christine Sun will oversee the project for Universal.
Harper is represented by UTA and Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment.
The new one is under wraps, but it is an untitled father/daughter dance dramedy, sources said.
Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville will produce. Alex Young of Mandeville will executive produce. Director of Development, Feature Films Gaby McCormick will oversee the project for Mandeville.
Harper graduated in 2014 from New York University and previously worked as a script coordinator for Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
EVP Creative Development Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Christine Sun will oversee the project for Universal.
Harper is represented by UTA and Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment.
- 5/11/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Universal Pictures has landed the rights to the Brian Freeman novel Infinite, with Fast & Furious scribe Chris Morgan and Head of Development Ainsley Davies producing through their Chris Morgan Productions. Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer will write the script.
The story follows Dylan Moran, who after being consumed by grief after losing his wife, begins hallucinating sinister versions of himself, lurking in the shadows. When he ends up accused of murder, Moran undergoes a hypnotherapy treatment built on the idea that with every choice he makes, he creates an infinite number of parallel universes. It’s then he discovers he’s not insane at all. There’s another version of himself, from another reality. A psychopath that not only ruined his life, but countless other Dylans. Can Dylan stop this doppelgänger before he strikes again? Or will he lose himself…to himself?
The novel was published last month by Thomas & Mercer.
The story follows Dylan Moran, who after being consumed by grief after losing his wife, begins hallucinating sinister versions of himself, lurking in the shadows. When he ends up accused of murder, Moran undergoes a hypnotherapy treatment built on the idea that with every choice he makes, he creates an infinite number of parallel universes. It’s then he discovers he’s not insane at all. There’s another version of himself, from another reality. A psychopath that not only ruined his life, but countless other Dylans. Can Dylan stop this doppelgänger before he strikes again? Or will he lose himself…to himself?
The novel was published last month by Thomas & Mercer.
- 4/22/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In a competitive situation we hear, Universal has snapped up a feature pitch from Intrepid Pictures based on the 1993 Christopher Pike novel The Season of Passage, a science fiction horror novel set on Mars.
The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor creator Mike Flanagan will co-write the screenplay with James Flanagan, with the former set to direct and produce along with Intrepid Pictures producing partner Trevor Macy. Plot details are being kept secret; however, the Season of Passage centers around celebrity Dr. Lauren Wagner who was involved in a manned expedition to Mars. The whole world admired and respected her. But Lauren knew fear. Inside―voices entreating her to love them. Outside―the mystery of the missing group that had gone before her. The dead group. But were they simply dead? Or something else?
Melinda Nishioka and Pike will serve as EPs on the feature.
The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor creator Mike Flanagan will co-write the screenplay with James Flanagan, with the former set to direct and produce along with Intrepid Pictures producing partner Trevor Macy. Plot details are being kept secret; however, the Season of Passage centers around celebrity Dr. Lauren Wagner who was involved in a manned expedition to Mars. The whole world admired and respected her. But Lauren knew fear. Inside―voices entreating her to love them. Outside―the mystery of the missing group that had gone before her. The dead group. But were they simply dead? Or something else?
Melinda Nishioka and Pike will serve as EPs on the feature.
- 4/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Elizabeth Banks has set her next directing gig — inspired by an (almost unbelievable) true story involving cocaine smuggling and a 175-pound bear.
Banks has signed on to direct “Cocaine Bear,” which is described as a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985,” produced by “The Lego Movie” filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
As such, the project also serves as a reunion for Banks, Lord and Miller after the actor voiced Wyldstyle in the animated franchise. Lord and Miller’s production banner (Lord Miller) will produce the project as part of the duo’s first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
The script for “Cocaine Bear” comes from Jimmy Warden, but additional information around the project, is being kept under wraps.
Now, back to the bear.
According to a New York Times report, published in Dec. 1985, the bear died of an apparent cocaine overdose, found by the...
Banks has signed on to direct “Cocaine Bear,” which is described as a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985,” produced by “The Lego Movie” filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
As such, the project also serves as a reunion for Banks, Lord and Miller after the actor voiced Wyldstyle in the animated franchise. Lord and Miller’s production banner (Lord Miller) will produce the project as part of the duo’s first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
The script for “Cocaine Bear” comes from Jimmy Warden, but additional information around the project, is being kept under wraps.
Now, back to the bear.
According to a New York Times report, published in Dec. 1985, the bear died of an apparent cocaine overdose, found by the...
- 3/10/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Elizabeth Banks has found her next project and will direct a thriller at Universal called “Cocaine Bear,” that Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will produce.
“Cocaine Bear” will be Banks’ third feature after last directing “Charlie’s Angels” in 2019 and “Pitch Perfect 3” from 2015. “Cocaine Bear” is based on a true story of events that took place in Kentucky in 1985, and Jimmy Warden wrote the spec screenplay on which the film will be based.
The film’s story is only loosely inspired by a New York Times article, but it is exactly what the title suggests. Back in 1985, a 175-pound black bear died after ingesting a duffel bag full of cocaine. The cocaine was dropped out of an airplane by a convicted smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load while parachuting.
The exact plot details are being kept under wraps. Production is expected to begin this summer.
Lord and...
“Cocaine Bear” will be Banks’ third feature after last directing “Charlie’s Angels” in 2019 and “Pitch Perfect 3” from 2015. “Cocaine Bear” is based on a true story of events that took place in Kentucky in 1985, and Jimmy Warden wrote the spec screenplay on which the film will be based.
The film’s story is only loosely inspired by a New York Times article, but it is exactly what the title suggests. Back in 1985, a 175-pound black bear died after ingesting a duffel bag full of cocaine. The cocaine was dropped out of an airplane by a convicted smuggler because he was carrying too heavy a load while parachuting.
The exact plot details are being kept under wraps. Production is expected to begin this summer.
Lord and...
- 3/9/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Elizabeth Banks, who most recently directed the latest Charlie’s Angels installment, has signed on to direct Cocaine Bear for Universal Pictures. Written by Jimmy Warden, the film is described as a character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.
Banks and Max Handelman will produce through their Brownstone Productions banner alongside Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Lord Miller. Banks, Lord, and Miller all worked together on The Lego Movie franchise.
Aditya Sood, who brought the project in, is also producing the pic as well as Brian Duffield. Executive Vice President of Production Matt Reilly and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
A source tells Deadline producers are aiming to get cameras rolling by this Summer.
EVP of Production Matt Reilly and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Banks has also teamed with...
Banks and Max Handelman will produce through their Brownstone Productions banner alongside Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Lord Miller. Banks, Lord, and Miller all worked together on The Lego Movie franchise.
Aditya Sood, who brought the project in, is also producing the pic as well as Brian Duffield. Executive Vice President of Production Matt Reilly and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
A source tells Deadline producers are aiming to get cameras rolling by this Summer.
EVP of Production Matt Reilly and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Banks has also teamed with...
- 3/9/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Florence Pugh is producing and starring in the murder mystery “The Maid” for Universal Pictures, based on Nita Prose’s debut novel of the same name.
Universal announced Wednesday it had acquired the rights to the “The Maid,” set for publication in 2022 via Penguin Random House in the U.S. and Canada, and HarperFiction in the U.K.
The studio said the story contains elements of Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” with an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. It centers on Molly the maid, who leaves every room perfect and pristine, while getting to know each guest’s dirty secrets, and explores Molly’s descent into the murderous underbelly of her gilded workplace.
Joining Pugh as producers are Josh McLaughlin and Chris Goldberg, producing through their companies Wink Pictures and Winterlight Pictures, respectively. Prose will also serve as executive producer. The deal was brokered by ICM Partners...
Universal announced Wednesday it had acquired the rights to the “The Maid,” set for publication in 2022 via Penguin Random House in the U.S. and Canada, and HarperFiction in the U.K.
The studio said the story contains elements of Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” with an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. It centers on Molly the maid, who leaves every room perfect and pristine, while getting to know each guest’s dirty secrets, and explores Molly’s descent into the murderous underbelly of her gilded workplace.
Joining Pugh as producers are Josh McLaughlin and Chris Goldberg, producing through their companies Wink Pictures and Winterlight Pictures, respectively. Prose will also serve as executive producer. The deal was brokered by ICM Partners...
- 12/16/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: In a competitive situation, Universal has acquired rights to Nita Prose’s not-yet-released debut novel The Maid. Oscar nominee Florence Pugh is set to play the title character in the film, which Josh McLaughlin and Chris Goldberg are producing through their companies Wink Pictures and Winterlight Pictures, respectively. Pugh will produce as well. Prose will also serve as executive producer.
The deal was brokered by ICM Partners on behalf of the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV and Film Agency.
Set for publication in 2022 via Penguin Random House in the U.S. and Canada and HarperFiction in the UK, the novel blends the charm of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine with an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. It is set at the Regency Grand Hotel, where Molly the maid leaves every room perfect and pristine, while getting to know each guest’s dirty secrets. A Clue-like, locked-room whodunnit,...
The deal was brokered by ICM Partners on behalf of the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV and Film Agency.
Set for publication in 2022 via Penguin Random House in the U.S. and Canada and HarperFiction in the UK, the novel blends the charm of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine with an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. It is set at the Regency Grand Hotel, where Molly the maid leaves every room perfect and pristine, while getting to know each guest’s dirty secrets. A Clue-like, locked-room whodunnit,...
- 12/16/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal has won the film rights for Naomi Novik’s Ya novel Scholomance Random House series, putting the first novel A Deadly Education into development with Mandeville Films’ Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman.
The first book takes us into a dangerous school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death. There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you’re inside, there are only two ways out: you graduate or you die. El Higgins is uniquely prepared for the school’s many dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions – never mind easily destroy the countless monsters that prowl the school. Except, she might accidentally kill all the other students, too.
Novik is the author of several New York Times bestselling fantasy novels and...
The first book takes us into a dangerous school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death. There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you’re inside, there are only two ways out: you graduate or you die. El Higgins is uniquely prepared for the school’s many dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions – never mind easily destroy the countless monsters that prowl the school. Except, she might accidentally kill all the other students, too.
Novik is the author of several New York Times bestselling fantasy novels and...
- 5/26/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Liz Hannah has been set to adapt and make her feature directorial debut on Under Another Name, the upcoming Alexandra Andrews debut novel bought late last year by Universal Pictures for producers Chris Morgan Productions & Pascal Pictures. It’s the latest big step for the screenwriter who came out of AFI and made a high-profile debut with the spec script The Post, which became the Steven Spielberg-directed drama starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in the drama about the Washington Post‘s role in exposing the Pentagon Papers.
Hannah is currently executive producer on Hulu’s upcoming limited series The Drop Out, and writer-producer on Season 2 of Netflix’s Mindhunter, for which she was nominated for a WGA Award earlier this year. In 2017, Hannah was awarded the WGA Paul Selvin Award for The Post, and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Under Another Name is described as a timely psychological thriller about ambition.
Hannah is currently executive producer on Hulu’s upcoming limited series The Drop Out, and writer-producer on Season 2 of Netflix’s Mindhunter, for which she was nominated for a WGA Award earlier this year. In 2017, Hannah was awarded the WGA Paul Selvin Award for The Post, and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Under Another Name is described as a timely psychological thriller about ambition.
- 3/9/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart is back together with Night School director Malcolm D. Lee for an untitled action-comedy pitch by Comedy Central Broad City scribes Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs. The latter duo will write the script and executive produce.
Hart will produce through his Hartbeat Productions banner alongside Will Packer and James Lopez through their Will Packer Productions. Lee will also produce through his Blackmaled Productions. Hart and Packer also worked together on Night School, Ride Along and the Think Like a Man series.
Universal’s Sevp of Production Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio. Bryan Smiley and Carli Haney will oversee for Hartbeat Productions alongside Sheila Walcott who will oversee for Blackmaled Productions. Variety reported the news.
Hart will produce through his Hartbeat Productions banner alongside Will Packer and James Lopez through their Will Packer Productions. Lee will also produce through his Blackmaled Productions. Hart and Packer also worked together on Night School, Ride Along and the Think Like a Man series.
Universal’s Sevp of Production Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio. Bryan Smiley and Carli Haney will oversee for Hartbeat Productions alongside Sheila Walcott who will oversee for Blackmaled Productions. Variety reported the news.
- 2/25/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures is developing an untitled action-comedy based on an original idea from “Broad City’s” Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs with Kevin Hart attached to star.
Aniello and Downs will write the script as well as executive produce.
Malcolm D. Lee is on board to direct the film with Will Packer and James Lopez producing through their Will Packer Productions. Hart will produce through his Hartbeat Productions banner as will Lee through Blackmaled Productions.
It’s the second feature film from Hart, Packer and Lee, who teamed for the 2018 hit comedy “Night School,” which became the highest-grossing domestic comedy that year. The project also reunites Hart and Packer after partnering on the hit “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man” TV series.
Universal’s Senior Exec VP of Production Erik Baiers and creative executive Christine Sun will shepherd for the studio. Bryan Smiley and Carli Haney will take...
Aniello and Downs will write the script as well as executive produce.
Malcolm D. Lee is on board to direct the film with Will Packer and James Lopez producing through their Will Packer Productions. Hart will produce through his Hartbeat Productions banner as will Lee through Blackmaled Productions.
It’s the second feature film from Hart, Packer and Lee, who teamed for the 2018 hit comedy “Night School,” which became the highest-grossing domestic comedy that year. The project also reunites Hart and Packer after partnering on the hit “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man” TV series.
Universal’s Senior Exec VP of Production Erik Baiers and creative executive Christine Sun will shepherd for the studio. Bryan Smiley and Carli Haney will take...
- 2/25/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Azia Squire has been tapped to adapt B.B. Alston’s unpublished Balzer+Bray novel Amari and the Night Brothers at Universal Pictures, a feature project that Black-ish actress Marsai Martin will star in and produce.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project also drew the attention of Don Cheadle who is producing with Mika Pryce of Radicle Act Productions as well as Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville Films, and Josh Martin and Prince Baggett for Martin’s Genius Productions.
Squire’s recent credits include Bet’s Boomerang and Sister, which was recently featured on the 2019 Black List. She is also writing Return of The Rocketeer for Disney+. Sister centers around a queer black woman following her mother’s sudden passing. She returns to her Southern town to assist her estranged sister in planning the funeral. Her trip...
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project also drew the attention of Don Cheadle who is producing with Mika Pryce of Radicle Act Productions as well as Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville Films, and Josh Martin and Prince Baggett for Martin’s Genius Productions.
Squire’s recent credits include Bet’s Boomerang and Sister, which was recently featured on the 2019 Black List. She is also writing Return of The Rocketeer for Disney+. Sister centers around a queer black woman following her mother’s sudden passing. She returns to her Southern town to assist her estranged sister in planning the funeral. Her trip...
- 1/17/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We hear that Universal Pictures in a competitive situation has taken the rights to Alexandra Andrews’ unpublished debut suspense novel Under Another Name which Fast & Furious franchise producer Chris Morgan and Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal will produce.
The novel is described as a taut and twisty, character-driven novel, and is tentatively set for publication in March 2021 by Little Brown in the U.S., Tinder Press in the UK, and in a dozen languages around the globe. Andrews worked as an editor and reporter at ProPublica and as a commercial copywriter before moving with her husband and daughter to Paris, where she wrote Under Another Name.
Morgan and Ainsley Davies will produce through their Universal-Based Chris Morgan Productions. Davies is the company’s Head of Development.
Pascal has had a fantastic year with the Oscar-winning success of Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse, the $1.1 billion grossing sequel Spider-man: Far From Home...
The novel is described as a taut and twisty, character-driven novel, and is tentatively set for publication in March 2021 by Little Brown in the U.S., Tinder Press in the UK, and in a dozen languages around the globe. Andrews worked as an editor and reporter at ProPublica and as a commercial copywriter before moving with her husband and daughter to Paris, where she wrote Under Another Name.
Morgan and Ainsley Davies will produce through their Universal-Based Chris Morgan Productions. Davies is the company’s Head of Development.
Pascal has had a fantastic year with the Oscar-winning success of Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse, the $1.1 billion grossing sequel Spider-man: Far From Home...
- 12/17/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Universal is developing the Adib Khorram 2018 Penguin Books Ya novel Darius the Great is Not Okay.
Kevin Hamedani and Travis Betz will adapt for Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman’s Mandeville Films which is producing.
The novel follows half-Persian Darius Kellner, a fanboy who knows how to speak Klingon better than Farsi, and is more versed in Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. However, his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life. He’s never really fit in at home, and he’s sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn’t exactly help. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they’re spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city’s skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush—the original Persian version of his name...
Kevin Hamedani and Travis Betz will adapt for Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman’s Mandeville Films which is producing.
The novel follows half-Persian Darius Kellner, a fanboy who knows how to speak Klingon better than Farsi, and is more versed in Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. However, his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life. He’s never really fit in at home, and he’s sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn’t exactly help. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and everything changes. Soon, they’re spending their days together, playing soccer, eating faludeh, and talking for hours on a secret rooftop overlooking the city’s skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush—the original Persian version of his name...
- 10/24/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hot off the success of Night School which is on its way to clicking past $40M worldwide by the end of today, the pic’s director Malcolm D. Lee is back in business with Universal for the romantic ensemble comedy How to Fall in Love with Anyone.
The studio is developing the project, inspired by Mandy Len Catron’s New York Times viral article “To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This”, with Lee’s Blackmaled Productions banner. Raamla Mohamed (ABC’s Scandal) and Ryan Richmond (Money Matters) will pen the script. Todd Hoffman will produce for his Storied Media Group, alongside Lee.
In Catron’s article she focuses on a 1997 Suny Stony Brook study in which psychologist Arthur Aron explored whether intimacy between two perfect strangers could be accelerated by having them ask each other 36 personal questions. As they go along, each question becomes increasingly personal and intense...
The studio is developing the project, inspired by Mandy Len Catron’s New York Times viral article “To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This”, with Lee’s Blackmaled Productions banner. Raamla Mohamed (ABC’s Scandal) and Ryan Richmond (Money Matters) will pen the script. Todd Hoffman will produce for his Storied Media Group, alongside Lee.
In Catron’s article she focuses on a 1997 Suny Stony Brook study in which psychologist Arthur Aron explored whether intimacy between two perfect strangers could be accelerated by having them ask each other 36 personal questions. As they go along, each question becomes increasingly personal and intense...
- 10/3/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Author: Zehra Phelan
Universal Pictures have hired Straight Outta Compton co-writer Jonathan Herman to write the script for their planned re-imaging of the Mark Wahlberg-Reese Witherspoon led 1996 movie Fear.
The all new re-imaging of the psychological thriller is said to be from a female perspective this time after the original story revolves around an upper-middle-class family whose seemingly perfect existence is threatened when their teenage daughter begins dating an attractive and mysterious young man, much to her father’s chagrin.
Also in the news – Kristen Wiig top choice to star as Wonder Woman’s adversary in sequel
The original film was directed by James Foley from a screenplay by Christopher Crowe and also starred William Petersen, Alyssa Milano and Amy Brenneman. Original producer Brian Gazer will return to produce for Imagine Entertainment. Universal’s Evp Production Jon Mone and creative executive Christine Sun will oversee alongside Imagine’s Tyler Mitchell.
Universal Pictures have hired Straight Outta Compton co-writer Jonathan Herman to write the script for their planned re-imaging of the Mark Wahlberg-Reese Witherspoon led 1996 movie Fear.
The all new re-imaging of the psychological thriller is said to be from a female perspective this time after the original story revolves around an upper-middle-class family whose seemingly perfect existence is threatened when their teenage daughter begins dating an attractive and mysterious young man, much to her father’s chagrin.
Also in the news – Kristen Wiig top choice to star as Wonder Woman’s adversary in sequel
The original film was directed by James Foley from a screenplay by Christopher Crowe and also starred William Petersen, Alyssa Milano and Amy Brenneman. Original producer Brian Gazer will return to produce for Imagine Entertainment. Universal’s Evp Production Jon Mone and creative executive Christine Sun will oversee alongside Imagine’s Tyler Mitchell.
- 3/5/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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