Rumorville: Cate Blanchett Might Join Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Nightmare Alley’ + More Projects to Watch

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Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.

“Nightmare Alley”
Far from nightmarish news, Cate Blanchett may soon be joining Guillermo del Toro’s next big feature, “Nightmare Alley.” A remake of the 1947 film, the story follows a corrupt con-man who teams up with a female psychiatrist to trick people into giving them money. In addition to Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, Ron Perlman, Richard Jenkins, and Mark Povinelli are also rumored for roles. Bradley Cooper is currently the only actor confirmed for a role in the film. Del Toro will direct from a script he co-wrote with Kim Morgan. It is scheduled to begin filming at the start of 2020. Robin D. Cook is the casting director.

“The Eternals”
The rumors for Marvel’s “The Eternals” continue! Even after a slew of major stars, including Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani, were finally confirmed at this year’s Comic-Con, the film is still building its main cast. According to Variety, Gemma Chan is currently in talks to join the feature. The “Crazy Rich Asians” star played Minn-Erva in “Captain Marvel,” but it’s unknown if she would play the same role in “The Eternals.” Chloe Zhao will direct from a script written by Matthew and Ryan Firpo. It is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 6, 2020. As always, Sarah Finn will serve as casting director.

“Women of the Movement”
First reported by Deadline, ABC is currently developing “Women of the Movement” (working title), an anthology series chronicling the civil rights movement as told by the women behind it. Jay-Z, Will Smith, and Aaron Kaplan are producing the project, which will be written by “The Handmaid’s Tale” writer Marissa Jo Cerar. According to Deadline, the first eight-episode season will be inspired by the book “Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement” and will center on Tills mother, Mamie Till. Be sure to keep an eye out for future news if and when casting gets underway.

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