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“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Aaron Sorkin is taking his trademark dialogue-packed style to the history books in his new film, “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Sorkin will, of course, be writing the script, as well as directing the film. The story will follow the events of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. With Lyndon B. Johnson not seeking re-election, the Democratic party convened to elect a new nominee. Given Johnson’s contribution to the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War, protesters vowed to disrupt the event with tens of thousands of antiestablishment individuals, despite warnings from the city that law and order would be maintained. The riots ended with the police and National Guard beating reactionary protesters at will. Out of the violence came the trial of the Chicago Eight, the organizers of the protests. Later, the headlines were revised to note the group as the Chicago Seven when one of the accused was removed to face charges in a separate trial. While the project has bounced around and been put on hold several times, it is now moving into the preproduction stage. The film, cast by Francine Maisler, has already attached several actors, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eddie Redmayne, Jonathan Majors, and more. Production is set to begin in October in Chicago and New Jersey.
“Yes Day”
Jennifer Garner is taking a real-life family tradition to the big screen in “Yes Day.” Garner shared the annual “event” with several outlets, describing the day as one where anything goes and every request, usually made by her children, must be answered with a yes. The idea behind the project, which Garner will star in and produce, however, isn’t unique to the actor: It comes from a 2009 picture book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld. The Netflix film will highlight the innocent and outrageous requests by children on that one day each year. While Garner is the only actor currently attached to the comedy, cast by McCarthy/Abellera, additional roles are in the process of being filled. The family-friendly film is scheduled to begin shooting in November. Los Angeles will host the project.
“Four Good Days”
Glenn Close and Mila Kunis are about to face down addiction together. Based on a Washington Post article by Eli Saslow, the film will follow an estranged mother assisting her daughter through a substance abuse crisis. The mother and daughter use the time to delve deep into their past by revisiting trauma and opening old wounds. Veronica Collins Rooney is casting the project that has not yet attached other actors. The drama is set to start shooting in October. Los Angeles will host the production.
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This story originally appeared in the Sept. 12 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.