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.
“Star Wars”
The Skywalker saga may be over, but Taika Waititi’s “Star Wars” legacy may just be getting started. First reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the “Jojo Rabbit” filmmaker has been courted to develop a new movie for the hit franchise. There’s not a lot of information to go on yet, but Waititi is coming off major acclaim after directing the final episode of Season 1 of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian.” He has also helmed another big franchise in Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” as well as the forthcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Should this project get off the ground, usual “Star Wars” casting director Nina Gold will likely head the duties, regardless of who’s at the directing helm.
“Uncharted”
Sony Pictures’ “Uncharted” has taken a few hits recently (including losing another director— this time, Travis Knight), but the studio is looking to get the video game-to-screen adaptation back on track. Ruben Fleischer is reportedly atop the shortlist to helm the picture, which will star Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland. This is the latest directing chance for the film, which has been in progress as far back as 2008 and has so far had six directors bow out (David O. Russell, Neil Burger, Seth Gordon, Shawn Levy, Dan Trachtenberg, and Knight). The current draft of the screenplay is by Rafe Judkins, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway. Fleischer is a regular filmmaker at Sony, including the recent “Zombieland: Double Tap” and “Venom.” He exclusively uses casting director John Papsidera for his films, so if he officially comes on board for “Uncharted,” expect the Automatic Sweat CD to fill out of the rest of the cast.
David O. Russell/Christian Bale Film
Speaking of Russell, the filmmaker is looking to add to his already-busy to-do with a huge project at New Regency and Fox/Disney. According to Deadline, Russell has written and directed a currently untitled film that will star Christian Bale and is on the fast track at the studio. Plot details are unknown, but it is expected to draw a strong cast and start production in April. Should the film go into production, this will be a reunion for Russell and Bale, who worked together on 2010’s “The Fighter.” Russell last helmed Fox’s “Joy” in 2015. His usual CD team is Lindsay Graham and Mary Vernieu, so keep an eye on Betty Mae, Inc.’s office for casting opportunities.
“Funny Girl”
No one will be raining on Idina Menzel’s parade if this week’s rumors are true. Menzel is reportedly in talks to star as Fanny Brice in the first Broadway revival of “Funny Girl,” reported first by Broadway Journal. Different versions of either a revival or a film remake have made it into the news in recent years, including with Lady Gaga. Rosie O’Donnell also revealed back in 2018 she would be playing Rose Brice, Fanny’s mother, in an upcoming revival, though that is still unconfirmed. The Broadway revival will be directed by Michael Mayer, who helmed the West End production in 2015. No official announcement has been made, but as always when it comes to Broadway productions, keep an eye out for casting calls from Telsey + Company.
“The Boys”
Amazon Studios’ “The Boys” is looking to reunite its creator with an old friend. “Supernatural” star Jeffrey Dean Morgan started tweeting out his love for the series just yesterday, which led series creator Eric Kripke, who also created “Supernatural,” to respond with an offer Morgan likely won’t refuse: “I’ll make you a deal. Season 3. I’ll write it, and if you’re avail, come shoot it!” Morgan’s response? “In a heartbeat!” Now, Amazon has not officially renewed the show for a third season (it was picked up for two seasons from the start), but this could be enough cause for one. The series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Karen Fukuhara, Laz Alonzo, Tomer Capon, Erin Moriarty, Antony Starr, Jessie Usher, Chace Crawford, Dominique McElligott, and Nathan Mitchell as the titular team of vigilantes that fight back against superpowered people who abuse their abilities. Season 2 has already been filmed and will premiere at some point this year. Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer is the show’s casting team.
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