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“The Harder They Fall”
Netflix will help a man get revenge in its next film with a big star attached. The streaming service is adding to their catalogue of original content with “The Harder They Fall,” a quasi-Western. Set in Oklahoma in the late 1800s, the story follows a man whose parents were murdered when he was young. Twenty years later, on discovering that the killer is set to be released from prison, he reunites with his old gang to take him down for good. The vengeful tale is stacking up actors before its spring shoot with the help of Vickie Thomas Casting. Idris Elba and Jonathan Majors have boarded the production, which will be led by director Jeymes Samuel and produced in part by Jay-Z. The drama will start shooting in March 2020 and continue through the spring in New Mexico.
“Red Bird Lane”
HBO Max is getting into the horror biz with the new pilot “Red Bird Lane.” Like so many in the genre before, the film will be set in an isolated house in the wilderness. The story introduces eight unsuspecting strangers who are in for the scare of their lives when mysterious happenings start to occur in the house. As each person is exposed to terrifying situations, it becomes clear that not all will make it out alive. The project, which aims to be more about the moral and philosophical implications of life-threatening situations than the classic jump-scare horror tropes, is currently on the hunt for a cast. Vickie Thomas is busy—she’s also on board to find actors for this production. While no names have been added to the cast list just yet, with a start date in March 2020, announcements are likely on the horizon. The shoot will take place in spring in a currently undisclosed location.
“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”
There’s a secret to be kept, and the whole crew on the new film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” isn’t letting it slip. The project is an action comedy that will reunite “Crazy Rich Asians” stars Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh. Seeking out more cast members before production begins is Marvel go-to casting director Sarah Finn. While the plot is being kept under wraps, “Swiss Army Man” directors Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan are reteaming with the Russo brothers (“Avengers: Infinity War”) attached to produce. What is known of the film is that the story will be about interdimensional travel. While no official start date has been announced, the film will stay put in California for filming.
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This story originally appeared in the Dec. 19 issue of Backstage Magazine.