We’ve details of two new projects set to star the darling of Award Season, Meryl Streep.
The Oscar-winning actress will star opposite the already attached Jeff Bridges and Brendan Thwaites as a ‘Chief Elder’, in an adaptation of Lois Lowry’s fantasy book THE GIVER. The film chronicles a perfect world in which everyone is happy and the journey young Jonas (Thwaites) must venture on when he’s chosen to be the community’s ‘Receiver of Memories’. He’s thrust into training with an old man (Bridges), in which he must learn the truth about pain and sadness of the outside world. Once confronted with this reality, Jonas faces difficult choices about his own life and his future.
Shooting is set to begin in South Africa in November. Alexander Skarsgard is also onboard as Jonas’ father and SHAMELESS actor Cameron Monaghan will also portray best friend Asher. SALT and PARIOT GAMES director Phillip Noyce is at the helm.
In addition, FilmNation Entertainment have announced that Streep will join Robert De Niro in an adaptation of author Ann Leary’s bestselling novel THE GOOD HOUSE. The book is a darkly comic drama telling the story of Hildy Good (Streep), a New England realtor and alcoholic who strikes up a relationship with old flame Frank (De Niro) when her new friend Rebecca becomes the subject of the town tittle-tattle. THE HOURS’ Michael Cunningham will pen the screenplay but a director is still being sought. The press release below gives all the details.
New York, NY – August 6, 2013 – FilmNation Entertainment has acquired the rights from Jane Rosenthal to New York Times Bestseller The Good House by Ann Leary. Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham is set to adapt the project. Attached to star are Academy Award winners Meryl Streep, who previously collaborated with Cunningham on The Hours, and Robert De Niro, making this the fourth film Streep and De Niro will appear in together.
Rosenthal will produce and Berry Welsh, VP of Production, will executive produce for Tribeca Productions. Aaron Ryder and Karen Lunder will produce for FilmNation. FilmNation partner Steve Samuels played a role in bringing the project to FilmNation through his relationship with Leary.
The Good House is a wickedly funny look at denial, told through the eyes of Hildy Good (Streep), a New England realtor and not-so-recovering alcoholic whose perfectly compartmentalized life starts to come apart at the seams when she forms a new friendship with Rebecca McCallister. As Rebecca becomes the subject of town gossip, Hildy rekindles an old flame with Frank Getchell (De Niro), a tell it like it is Yankee, who tries to uncomplicate her complicated life in this darkly comic and strikingly authentic tale.
FilmNation’s EVP Production Karen Lunder said, “We knew right away with Jane’s and Michael’s demonstrated talent and Ann’s bestseller that we have the opportunity to create something truly entertaining. It is undeniable the authenticity and chemistry Meryl and Bob will offer us as they bring these characters to life.”
“Ann Leary has an intoxicating voice and created a truly original character in Hildy Good. When I read the book, I was only sorry it ended – but so thrilled that we’ll be able to bring it to the screen with Meryl Streep as the irresistible Hildy,” said Producer Jane Rosenthal. “It’s the perfect project to work on with Michael Cunningham and we are excited to be doing this in partnership with FilmNation, as they were equally passionate about Ann’s characters.”
Streep, De Niro and Cunningham are represented by CAA. Leary, whose booked was published by St. Martin’s Press, is represented by Sylvie Rabineau.
CAA’s Laura Walker brought the project to FilmNation’s EVP Production Karen Lunder, who will also produce. The deal was brokered by Alison Cohen, FilmNation’s EVP Business & Legal Affairs.
Source: FilmNation/Deadline/The Wrap
