Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
War! What is it good for? When it comes to Aaron Sorkin, it’s dialogue-heavy scripts. In addition to penning his next film, the prolific “West Wing” creator has also signed on to direct the project, stepping in for the previously attached Steven Spielberg, who was initially replaced by Paul Greengrass. The historical drama will follow the events that unfolded at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. In a year that saw the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the escalation of the Vietnam War, tensions throughout the country eventually came to a head when a group of college-age citizens set out to protest in Chicago. With legions of police and National Guardsmen set to stop them from marching to the convention, the scene soon turned violent. The bloody event, aired throughout the country, became symbolic of the national unrest during the late ’60s. Casting is underway with Francine Maisler, and Sacha Baron Cohen, who has reportedly stepped in to fill one of the many roles, is currently the only name attached. Production on the drama is slated to begin in February 2019 and carry on through the end of winter. No location has been announced for the project, but a large metropolitan area will most likely win the bid.
“Braddock”
Football is a rowdy game of strategy, but for one high school team, sometimes the best outcome is the one least planned. During the 1950s steel strike, a high school coach, Chuck Klausing, notices his prayers for a successful game begin coming true when there is a historic winning streak for the Pennsylvania team. Plagued by poverty and malnutrition, the players rally to bring home a record-breaking 55-game winning streak over the course of Klausing’s time at the school from 1954–1959. The true story, directed by Gregory Caruso and cast by Chrystie Street Casting, has reportedly nabbed Joshua Jackson. Production is slated to begin in January 2019 in Pittsburgh.
“The Secret”
Two star-crossed lovers are about to get their shot. The book that was a big hit on Oprah’s must-read list is being made into a film starring Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas. The film will follow a newly widowed woman who indulges in her handyman’s view on life as a series of signs from the universe. The project helps promote book author Rhonda Byrne’s philosophy of willing your wants into existence. The project, cast by Kathleen Chopin, is set to start filming in November in New Orleans.
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