George Clooney to star in new Noah Baumbach film, Paul Thomas Anderson announces latest project, and Taron Egerton to return to Apple TV+ for a second limited series
Jay Kelly (Netflix)
Noah Baumbach is set to direct his fourth feature film for Netflix after White Noise, Marriage Story and The Meyerowitz Stories. Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, the Netflix-produced movie is being described as a “funny and emotional coming-of-age story about adults.” Baumbach co-wrote the script with actor Emily Mortimer, with filming set to begin in early March in New York City and London. Production duties will also go to Heyday Films and Pascal Pictures. Baumbach recently co-wrote the hit blockbuster Barbie this summer with his partner Greta Gerwig, and Clooney recently directed Boys in the Boat starring Calum Turner and Joel Edgerton.
Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Film (Warner Bros. Studio)
Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza, Phantom Thread) is set to direct and write his new film, which is set in 1980s California. The project will star Leonardo DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon), Regina Hall (Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul) and Sean Penn (Licorice Pizza) and follow the escapades of former hippie Zoyd Wheeler. According to press materials, “Zoyd Wheeler’s bizarre ritual for disability checks leads to trouble with federal agent Brock Vond. Zoyd and his daughter Prairie seek refuge with old friends, uncovering a tumultuous story involving Prairie’s estranged mother, Frenesi Gates.” Filming will begin on February 15 in Los Angeles, Austin and Mexico, with production overseen by Unison Films and Ghoulardi Film Company.
Firebug (Apple TV+)
Taron Egerton (Rocketman, the Kingsman series) and the creators behind Apple TV+’s drama Black Bird are re-teaming on crime series Firebug, inspired by events surrounding notorious California arsonist John Leonard Orr. Written by Lehane (Mystic River, Live By Night) and inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (played by Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists. Firebug will be produced by Apple Studios and is developed, written and executive-produced by Lehane. In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside former HBO boss Plepler through Eden Productions as well as Bradley Thomas and Dan Friedkin through Imperative. Filming begins on March 11 in Vancouver.
