Greenlit means a project is officially a go, so all you have to do is follow these leads to stay up to date. You never know where you’ll find an opportunity to land an audition!
“Bond 25”
The 25th film featuring master spy 007 got back on track last week, with American director Cary Fukunaga replacing Danny Boyle, who walked from the production less than a month ago. Filming is to begin at Pinewood Studios in March 2019, with the production aiming for a February 2020 release date, just three months later than originally scheduled. Best known for new Netflix show “Maniac”, HBO’s “True Detective” and war drama “Beasts of No Nation,” Fukunaga is the first American to direct James Bond and was described by Variety as a “risky choice.” However, the Bond team said on Twitter: “We are delighted to be working with Cary. His versatility and innovation make him an excellent choice for our next James Bond adventure.” Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are reported to have been considering numerous directors after Boyle dropped out in August over “creative differences,” said to revolve around Boyle and “Trainspotting” writer John Hodge’s script. Veteran Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are confirmed to be back on board for the latest installment in the franchise. As is Casino Royale casting director Debbie McWilliams.
“Defending the Guilty”
After a well-received pilot broadcast last week, new BBC comedy drama “Defending the Guilty” begins shooting a full first series next month. Based on the popular non-fiction book by Alex McBride, the series sends up young criminal barristers as they seek to secure work and stars Will Sharpe as an idealist being shown the ropes by a cynical mentor, played by Katherine Parkinson. “Cuckoo” writer Kieron Quirke provides the adaptation and casting director Rachel Freck is attached.
“Hallelujah!”
Long-awaited period comedy “Hallelujah!” looks to be gearing up to film in 2019, starring Ralph Fiennes (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”) as composer George Frideric Handel. Set in a riotous 18th Century London and Dublin, the farce follows the drunk and cantankerous Handel, a faded star of the era. After finding a fresh connection to The Muse in an actress on the run from her husband, Handel is tasked with a royal composition for King George II and forced to defy doubters and critics in order to get the show on the road. Directed by “The Thick Of It” actor Chris Addison and produced by Andrew Eaton (“The Crown”) and Gina Carter (“Yardie”), casting director Theo Park looks likely to be attached.
Check out Backstage’s London audition listings!
