Sofia Vergara and Netflix are at the center of a new lawsuit filed by late Griselda Blanco’s children over upcoming limited true crime series “Griselda.”
Lead star and executive producer Vergara is named in the suit that alleges the series uses Blanco’s family’s images and likenesses without proper authorization. TMZ first reported the legal filing. IndieWire has reached out to Vergara’s representatives and Netflix for comment.
Vergara responded to the pending legal claim in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying of playing Blanco, “I’m trying to understand her from the beginning. I started from being fascinated by her, because she achieved many things that it was impossible for a woman to achieve, even though they were horrific.”
“Griselda” creator Eric Newman added, “It’s not my first rodeo. The Escobar family made similar claims [for the TV series ‘Narcos’]. We had a very specific story we wanted to tell. I believe we told it,...
Lead star and executive producer Vergara is named in the suit that alleges the series uses Blanco’s family’s images and likenesses without proper authorization. TMZ first reported the legal filing. IndieWire has reached out to Vergara’s representatives and Netflix for comment.
Vergara responded to the pending legal claim in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying of playing Blanco, “I’m trying to understand her from the beginning. I started from being fascinated by her, because she achieved many things that it was impossible for a woman to achieve, even though they were horrific.”
“Griselda” creator Eric Newman added, “It’s not my first rodeo. The Escobar family made similar claims [for the TV series ‘Narcos’]. We had a very specific story we wanted to tell. I believe we told it,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Sofia Vergara is leading a different type of modern family.
The sitcom alum transforms into Colombian cocaine queenpin Griselda Blanco, who was deemed the “Godmother” of the drug trade, for Netflix limited series “Griselda.” The show is created by “Narcos” showrunners Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz, with Baiz directing all eight episodes. The series is written by Ingrid Escajeda and Doug Miro.
Per the official series description, “Griselda” is “inspired by the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman, Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco’s lethal blend of charm and unsuspected savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business leading her to become widely known as the ‘Godmother.'”
Carolina Giraldo aka Karol G portrays Griselda’s confidante Carla, who is a close friend from Medellín that arrives in Miami alongside several other sex workers to help smuggle in product.
The sitcom alum transforms into Colombian cocaine queenpin Griselda Blanco, who was deemed the “Godmother” of the drug trade, for Netflix limited series “Griselda.” The show is created by “Narcos” showrunners Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz, with Baiz directing all eight episodes. The series is written by Ingrid Escajeda and Doug Miro.
Per the official series description, “Griselda” is “inspired by the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman, Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco’s lethal blend of charm and unsuspected savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business leading her to become widely known as the ‘Godmother.'”
Carolina Giraldo aka Karol G portrays Griselda’s confidante Carla, who is a close friend from Medellín that arrives in Miami alongside several other sex workers to help smuggle in product.
- 11/30/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“S.W.A.T.” has been canceled after seven seasons at CBS.
The procedural drama starred Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a S.W.A.T. sargeant tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds. The cast also included Rochelle Aytes as Hondo’s girlfriend Nichelle, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca, David Lim as Victor Tan, and Alex Russell as Jim Street.
Season 6, which is currently on the air, is averaging 6.8 million total viewers and a 0.7 rating among adults 18-49 according to Nielsen’s Live + 7 data from late April.
The Season 6 finale, titled “Legacy,” will air on May 19. Per the logline, the team works with the DEA and their iron-jawed leader, Mack Boyle (Timothy Hutton...
The procedural drama starred Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a S.W.A.T. sargeant tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds. The cast also included Rochelle Aytes as Hondo’s girlfriend Nichelle, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca, David Lim as Victor Tan, and Alex Russell as Jim Street.
Season 6, which is currently on the air, is averaging 6.8 million total viewers and a 0.7 rating among adults 18-49 according to Nielsen’s Live + 7 data from late April.
The Season 6 finale, titled “Legacy,” will air on May 19. Per the logline, the team works with the DEA and their iron-jawed leader, Mack Boyle (Timothy Hutton...
- 5/6/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
To coincide with the release of the new drama Embattled, which is available on digital download, we sat down with the film’s star Stephen Dorff to find out more about the hard-hitting drama.
Dorff has made a name for himself in high-profile films like Blade and Public Enemies, the actor has said he is more at home in smaller films, and with Embattled, he finds himself once again diving into a complex character. Here, he plays Cash, an aggressive man who has channeled his long-gestating aggression into becoming an Mma fighting champion who has become a superstar.
But while it might seem like this is another fighter story in the tone of Rocky or Warrior, Embattled goes much deeper, telling a story of anger, resentment, and retaliation, as well as one of fathers and sons, boyhood and manhood, and how far we go to protect those we love. Dorff...
Dorff has made a name for himself in high-profile films like Blade and Public Enemies, the actor has said he is more at home in smaller films, and with Embattled, he finds himself once again diving into a complex character. Here, he plays Cash, an aggressive man who has channeled his long-gestating aggression into becoming an Mma fighting champion who has become a superstar.
But while it might seem like this is another fighter story in the tone of Rocky or Warrior, Embattled goes much deeper, telling a story of anger, resentment, and retaliation, as well as one of fathers and sons, boyhood and manhood, and how far we go to protect those we love. Dorff...
- 7/6/2021
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Surprisingly insightful film explores relationship between martial arts champion and his two sons, one of whom has a genetic disorder
Part classic montage-showdown sports movie, part southern gothic Oedipal family drama, this decidedly peculiar but oddly compelling film is the proverbial curate’s egg. The plot revolves around the fraught relationship between a mixed martial arts cage fighting champion named Cash Boykins and his semi-estranged 18-year-old son Jett. In possession of a much finer soul than his old man, high-school senior Jett lives in a modest suburban house with his waitress mother Susan (Elizabeth Reaser) who divorced Cash a while back, and younger brother Quinn, a sweet, cheeky kid who happens to have Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects physical and mental development.
Jett has a weird, semi-professional relationship with Cash, having been groomed to be the next Mma in the family by the domineering patriarch, but there’s...
Part classic montage-showdown sports movie, part southern gothic Oedipal family drama, this decidedly peculiar but oddly compelling film is the proverbial curate’s egg. The plot revolves around the fraught relationship between a mixed martial arts cage fighting champion named Cash Boykins and his semi-estranged 18-year-old son Jett. In possession of a much finer soul than his old man, high-school senior Jett lives in a modest suburban house with his waitress mother Susan (Elizabeth Reaser) who divorced Cash a while back, and younger brother Quinn, a sweet, cheeky kid who happens to have Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects physical and mental development.
Jett has a weird, semi-professional relationship with Cash, having been groomed to be the next Mma in the family by the domineering patriarch, but there’s...
- 6/29/2021
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Stephen Dorff only had a few weeks to transform himself into a mixed martial arts superstar in order to play the lead role in “Embattled.”
The actor was booked tight and had no choice but to hit the gym hard after wrapping work playing an Arkansas police officer in the third season of “True Detective.” For Dorff, the chance to play Cash Boykins was worth the punishment. It was a role he fought long and hard to land, having to elbow aside other, bigger and more bankable actors. And it’s a performance that Dorff thinks ranks among his best.
“Embattled” opens this week in theaters and on-demand. Dorff spoke to Variety about the emotional toll of channeling the abusive and egomaniacal Boykins, and shared his unvarnished thoughts about how the movie business has changed in the three decades he’s worked in and around Hollywood. Like the blunt-talking Boykins,...
The actor was booked tight and had no choice but to hit the gym hard after wrapping work playing an Arkansas police officer in the third season of “True Detective.” For Dorff, the chance to play Cash Boykins was worth the punishment. It was a role he fought long and hard to land, having to elbow aside other, bigger and more bankable actors. And it’s a performance that Dorff thinks ranks among his best.
“Embattled” opens this week in theaters and on-demand. Dorff spoke to Variety about the emotional toll of channeling the abusive and egomaniacal Boykins, and shared his unvarnished thoughts about how the movie business has changed in the three decades he’s worked in and around Hollywood. Like the blunt-talking Boykins,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
You’re either a sucker for films like director Nick Sarkisov and screenwriter David McKenna’s Embattled or you’re not. I’m the former—a fact that’s proven especially true when the filmmakers are willing to use the fighting drama genre as a means to provide something more than just an adversarial winner-takes-all approach. So I was hooked pretty much from the first scene as Cash Boykin (Stephen Dorff) runs his mouth on the way to the Octagon, pumping himself up with the crowd as his son Jett (Darren Mann) gives a few verbal jabs to keep him loose and also stoke the killer edge that’s vaulted him to two championship belts in Mma. It wasn’t that camaraderie, but what came next that earned my investment.
Namely, it was the look in Jett’s eyes as the elation and pride conjured by his father’s objective...
Namely, it was the look in Jett’s eyes as the elation and pride conjured by his father’s objective...
- 11/19/2020
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
“Over the top” is a relative concept in the bludgeoning, unabashedly theatrical sport of mixed martial arts, which makes cartoon hero-villains of stars like Conor McGregor, even as their fighting gets grimily down-and-dirty. So it perhaps goes against the spirit of things to describe “Embattled,” a sports drama animated by a clear McGregor proxy, as a bit overblown. Yet at several points in Georgian director Nick Sarkisov’s roaring, blood-and-guts film, it’s hard not to wish it would take things down a notch: A hokey, old-fashioned father-son meller clothed in a younger man’s bling-encrusted robes, it increasingly sacrifices emotional credibility for the violent, amped-up bravado of Mma itself. By the time it pivots into outright revenge fantasy territory, the script’s earlier attempts at intimate character work are largely undone, though committed performances by Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann remain.
“Embattled” is primarily fashioned as a showcase for Dorff,...
“Embattled” is primarily fashioned as a showcase for Dorff,...
- 11/18/2020
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Embattled Trailer — Nick Sarkisov‘s Embattled (2020) movie trailer has been released by IFC Films and stars Stephen Dorff, Darren Mann, Colin McKeenna, Donald Faison, Elizabeth Reaser, Said Taghmaoui, Mimi Davila, Karrueche Tran, Charles Green, Jay Galloway, Adam Karst, Michael Wayne Foster, and Ava Capri. Crew David McKenna wrote the screenplay for Embattled. Michael [...]
Continue reading: Embattled (2020) Movie Trailer: Egomaniacal Mma Champion Stephen Dorff fights His Estranged Son in the Octagon...
Continue reading: Embattled (2020) Movie Trailer: Egomaniacal Mma Champion Stephen Dorff fights His Estranged Son in the Octagon...
- 10/23/2020
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
"You've been offered another fight?" "Unfortunately... it's against me." IFC Films has unveiled the official trailer for an indie Mma drama titled Embattled, from director Nick Sarkisov (Krasny) and screenwriter David McKenna. A high school judo prodigy steps into the Mma cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution – his father. A son aspires to follow in his famous Mma father's footsteps, but along his challenging journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle, if possible, that his father has continued. Stephen Dorff stars as the father, and Darren Mann as the son, with a cast including Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison, Saïd Taghmaoui, Karrueche Tran, and Colin McKenna. This looks brutal in a seriously impressive way, a cinematic story about abusive fathers and stopping abusiveness by literally fighting your father. Intense. Fire it up below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Nick Sarkisov's Embattled,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: APA has signed writer-producer and creator David McKenna.
McKenna’s feature writing credits include such notable pics as New Line’s Oscar-nominated American History X and Blow, the Warner Bros. Sylvester Stallone movie Get Carter, Sony’s 2003 reboot of Swat starring Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez and LL Cool J.
In television, McKenna’s credits also include writing and executive producing the biopic Cocaine Godmother starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and creating the NBC series E-Ring starring Benjamin Bratt and the late Dennis Hopper.
IFC recently acquired McKenna’s new indie feature, the mixed martial arts drama Embattled starring Stephen Dorf, which is slated for release this November. In Embattled, a son aspires to follow in his famous Mma father’s footsteps, but along his journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle that his father has continued.
Formerly with UTA, McKenna continues to be repped by Heroes & Villains Entertainment,...
McKenna’s feature writing credits include such notable pics as New Line’s Oscar-nominated American History X and Blow, the Warner Bros. Sylvester Stallone movie Get Carter, Sony’s 2003 reboot of Swat starring Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez and LL Cool J.
In television, McKenna’s credits also include writing and executive producing the biopic Cocaine Godmother starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and creating the NBC series E-Ring starring Benjamin Bratt and the late Dennis Hopper.
IFC recently acquired McKenna’s new indie feature, the mixed martial arts drama Embattled starring Stephen Dorf, which is slated for release this November. In Embattled, a son aspires to follow in his famous Mma father’s footsteps, but along his journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle that his father has continued.
Formerly with UTA, McKenna continues to be repped by Heroes & Villains Entertainment,...
- 10/7/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films nabbed North American rights to Stephen Dorff’s mixed martial arts drama “Embattled” and plans to release the film in November.
The Blitz Films production marks Georgian-born director Nick Sarkisov’s English-language film debut. David McKenna, whose credits include “Blow” and “American History X,” wrote the script.
Dorff plays a man who channels his aggression into becoming a major champion in the cage-fighting sport but when his second son is born with Williams Syndrome, an incurable developmental disorder, he runs away from his family. McKenna’s own 15-year-old son Colin, who was born with Williams Syndrome, portrays the boy. When his elder son, played by Darren Mann, decides to follow his father’s footsteps into the fight game, a media firestorm results in the father and son facing each other in a battle that neither can truly win.
The cast also includes Karrueche Tran, Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison,...
The Blitz Films production marks Georgian-born director Nick Sarkisov’s English-language film debut. David McKenna, whose credits include “Blow” and “American History X,” wrote the script.
Dorff plays a man who channels his aggression into becoming a major champion in the cage-fighting sport but when his second son is born with Williams Syndrome, an incurable developmental disorder, he runs away from his family. McKenna’s own 15-year-old son Colin, who was born with Williams Syndrome, portrays the boy. When his elder son, played by Darren Mann, decides to follow his father’s footsteps into the fight game, a media firestorm results in the father and son facing each other in a battle that neither can truly win.
The cast also includes Karrueche Tran, Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison,...
- 7/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Actor Stephen Dorff has signed with ICM Partners, returning to the agency he has had a long association with.
Dorff is coming off starring turns on the most recent installment of HBO’s True Detective opposite Mahershala Ali and as the title character in the drama series Deputy, which aired on Fox for one season, with Dorff cast in one of the biggest talent deals of the 2019 pilot season.
Dorff’s feature credits include Blade, Public Enemies, World Trade Center, Cold Creek Manor, The Power Of One, Cecil B. Demented, I Shot Andy Warhol and Somewhere. He will next star as Mma fighter Cash Boykins in the David McKenna-penned Embattled, which is finalizing a distribution deal.
Multiple projects are in various stages of development through his La Costa Productions including a Twa Flight 800 miniseries in the works at eOne TV from David McKenna, with Dorff executive producing.
Dorff,...
Dorff is coming off starring turns on the most recent installment of HBO’s True Detective opposite Mahershala Ali and as the title character in the drama series Deputy, which aired on Fox for one season, with Dorff cast in one of the biggest talent deals of the 2019 pilot season.
Dorff’s feature credits include Blade, Public Enemies, World Trade Center, Cold Creek Manor, The Power Of One, Cecil B. Demented, I Shot Andy Warhol and Somewhere. He will next star as Mma fighter Cash Boykins in the David McKenna-penned Embattled, which is finalizing a distribution deal.
Multiple projects are in various stages of development through his La Costa Productions including a Twa Flight 800 miniseries in the works at eOne TV from David McKenna, with Dorff executive producing.
Dorff,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Nikolay “Nick” Sarkisov is the co-founder and head of Blitz Films, a production and financing company he founded in 2018 with his father, Sergey. With headquarters in Los Angeles and Moscow, Blitz Films focuses on pursuing unique storie.
Blitz has partnered with first-time filmmakers such as cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko’s “Show Me What You Got” and Jud Cremata’s one-take film “Let’s Scare Julie to Death.” He’s in post-production on “Embattled,” which he directed from a script written by David McKenna and starring Stephen Dorff; and in development on television series “Sultana,” set during the Ottoman Empire.
After completing medical school in Russia, Sarkisov decided to pursue his passion for entertainment and began working with independent television producer Evan Charnov (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”) Following the success of his feature directorial debut “Krasny,” Sarkisov directed 30 episodes of the Russian TV series “The Moon.” He discussed Blitz at the American Film Market.
Blitz has partnered with first-time filmmakers such as cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko’s “Show Me What You Got” and Jud Cremata’s one-take film “Let’s Scare Julie to Death.” He’s in post-production on “Embattled,” which he directed from a script written by David McKenna and starring Stephen Dorff; and in development on television series “Sultana,” set during the Ottoman Empire.
After completing medical school in Russia, Sarkisov decided to pursue his passion for entertainment and began working with independent television producer Evan Charnov (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”) Following the success of his feature directorial debut “Krasny,” Sarkisov directed 30 episodes of the Russian TV series “The Moon.” He discussed Blitz at the American Film Market.
- 11/10/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Eryl Cochran heads production & development at production and financing shingle Blitz Films, where she works alongside company founders, filmmakers Nikolay and Sergey Sarkisov. Blitz, launched in 2018, is carving out a niche in the indie world with an eye for emerging talent. Blitz’s slate includes “Show Me What You Got,” directed by cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko; “Let’s Scare Julie to Death,” a one-take film directed by first-time helmer Jud Cremata; and “Embattled,” written by David McKenna (“American History X”), directed by Nikolay Sarkisov and starring Stephen Dorff. It’s also in development in TV series “Sultana,” set during the Ottoman Empire.
Why start a company now, when the indie marketplace is so challenging?
There was the sense that there were a lot of stories that weren’t being told. It was wanting to address these topics and open these worlds and make them accessible. And we were not afraid of...
Why start a company now, when the indie marketplace is so challenging?
There was the sense that there were a lot of stories that weren’t being told. It was wanting to address these topics and open these worlds and make them accessible. And we were not afraid of...
- 5/22/2019
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Show Me What You Got, the directorial debut of Inside Job cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko, has wrapped production. The under-the-radar pic is backed by Blitz Films and counts award-winning filmmaker Phillip Noyce among its executive producers. Billed as a modern-day Jules & Jim, Show Me What You Got stars Cristina Rambaldi, Neyssan Falahi and Mattia Minasi.
A coming-of-age (at 30) tale, it explores the profound effect strangers can have on the trajectory of each other’s lives. The story follows three people from La to Italy as they navigate their way through intimacy, sexuality and proving their worth to their families and to the world around them.
Blitz Films financed and produced the movie which is in line with the company’s vision to back up-and-coming directors. Blitz’s Nikolay Sarkisov and Double Take Pictures’ David Scott Smith are producers with Noyce and Sergey Sarkisov exec producing.
Sarkisov says, “As directors, we...
A coming-of-age (at 30) tale, it explores the profound effect strangers can have on the trajectory of each other’s lives. The story follows three people from La to Italy as they navigate their way through intimacy, sexuality and proving their worth to their families and to the world around them.
Blitz Films financed and produced the movie which is in line with the company’s vision to back up-and-coming directors. Blitz’s Nikolay Sarkisov and Double Take Pictures’ David Scott Smith are producers with Noyce and Sergey Sarkisov exec producing.
Sarkisov says, “As directors, we...
- 3/7/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, a quartet of Ufc fighters have joined Stephen Dorff’s “Embattled,” firefighting documentary “Wildland” is bought, and Timothée Chalamet and Rachel Weisz are honored.
Castings
Ufc fighters Tyron Woodley, Cowboy Cerrone, Eryk Anders, and former Ufc fighter Kenny Florian have joined Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann in director Nick Sarkisov’s Mma drama “Embattled.”
Written by David McKenna, the film will be produced by Sergey Sarkisov for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz’s Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran from Blitz Films will oversee production. The film is currently shooting in Alabama.
Mann plays a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage for a vicious battle of retribution against his father, played by Dorff.
“It’s been really important to me that the film feels as authentic as...
Castings
Ufc fighters Tyron Woodley, Cowboy Cerrone, Eryk Anders, and former Ufc fighter Kenny Florian have joined Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann in director Nick Sarkisov’s Mma drama “Embattled.”
Written by David McKenna, the film will be produced by Sergey Sarkisov for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz’s Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran from Blitz Films will oversee production. The film is currently shooting in Alabama.
Mann plays a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage for a vicious battle of retribution against his father, played by Dorff.
“It’s been really important to me that the film feels as authentic as...
- 10/12/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Darren Mann is set to star opposite Stephen Dorff in Embattled, an indie film that follows a high school judo prodigy (Mann) who steps into the Mma cage for a vicious battle of retribution against the ultimate rival – his father (Dorff). Elizabeth Reaser, Karrueche Tran, and Saïd Taghmaoui are also attached to co-star in the pic, which is being directed by Nick Sarkisov.
The pic marks the English-language debut feature for the Georgia-born director. David McKenna penned the screenplay. The producers are Sergey Sarkisov of Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen of Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran will oversee production for Blitz.
Shooting will take place in Alabama this fall.
Mann, who most recently appeared in the Tiff premiere of Giant Little Ones, can next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series.
Twilight...
The pic marks the English-language debut feature for the Georgia-born director. David McKenna penned the screenplay. The producers are Sergey Sarkisov of Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen of Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran will oversee production for Blitz.
Shooting will take place in Alabama this fall.
Mann, who most recently appeared in the Tiff premiere of Giant Little Ones, can next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series.
Twilight...
- 9/27/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Don’t let this casting roundup go without applying for the great gigs available today! The Broadway musical “Frozen” based on the hit Disney movie of the same name is seeking singers and dancers for replacement roles. Plus, a sci-fi thriller play that will be presented at FringeNYC and a comedy-horror short are casting leads, and a short dramatic film is seeking its main cast. “Frozen,” Singers & DANCERSThe current Broadway production of “Frozen” is now casting possible replacements. Singers and dancers, aged 18 and older, are wanted to join the ensemble. Talent may also play or cover featured roles, such as Queen Iduna, Bulda, and more. There will be Equity Chorus Calls on Aug. 20 and 21 in New York City. Pay is $2,034 per week. Apply here! “Turing Test”Join the cast of “Turing Test,” a sci-fi thriller play to be presented at FringeNYC in October. A male actor, aged 35–45, is wanted to...
- 8/14/2018
- backstage.com
Stephen Dorff, best known for starring opposite Wesley Snipes in Blade, has signed on to star in Embattled, an indie pic which will mark Georgia-born director Nick Sarkisov’s English-language debut. Written by David McKenna, the film holds sentimental value as McKenna’s son, Colin, who was born with Williams Syndrome, will be featured in a supporting role.
The story follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution – his father.
Dorff, who will next co-star in the third season of HBO’s True Detective, is set to play the father in the film which is slated to go before cameras this September in Alabama.
Sarkisov will produce for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz co-founder Sergey Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers.
The story follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution – his father.
Dorff, who will next co-star in the third season of HBO’s True Detective, is set to play the father in the film which is slated to go before cameras this September in Alabama.
Sarkisov will produce for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz co-founder Sergey Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers.
- 7/25/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent filmmakers Sergey Sarkisov and Nick Sarkisov have launched Blitz Films as a finance and production company, Variety has learned exclusively.
The first project the company is producing and financing is “Heart of a Champion,” a martial arts story written by David McKenna (“American History X”). Produced in association with Straight Up Films, the film follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution –- his father.
Blitz, which made the announcement Wednesday, will specialize in “responsibly-budgeted” indie fare along with a wide variety of genre projects. Producer Eryl Cochran has signed on as head of production and development for Blitz and will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office.
Nick Sarkisov will make his American feature directorial debut with “Heart of a Champion.” He began his career working with independent...
The first project the company is producing and financing is “Heart of a Champion,” a martial arts story written by David McKenna (“American History X”). Produced in association with Straight Up Films, the film follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution –- his father.
Blitz, which made the announcement Wednesday, will specialize in “responsibly-budgeted” indie fare along with a wide variety of genre projects. Producer Eryl Cochran has signed on as head of production and development for Blitz and will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office.
Nick Sarkisov will make his American feature directorial debut with “Heart of a Champion.” He began his career working with independent...
- 6/20/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Al Pacino looks weathered and downtrodden as disgraced college football coach Joe Paterno in the teaser trailer for the upcoming HBO film, Paterno. He stares off morosely as between scenes of players on the gridiron, child molester Jerry Sandusky being arrested and guiding a boy into an elevator, men crying and journalists attempting to question Paterno – all as voices chant "Joe Pat-ern-o" and clap along excitedly. When one of his sons asks, "Dad, did you know about Jerry?" the reason why Pacino is staring off comes into focus.
The film,...
The film,...
- 1/19/2018
- Rollingstone.com
Vinyl alumna Annie Parisse is back at HBO with a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films' untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal, challenging his legacy and…...
- 7/10/2017
- Deadline TV
Kathy Baker (The Ranch) and Heroes alum Greg Grunberg have been cast in lead roles opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films' untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse…...
- 6/28/2017
- Deadline TV
Welcome back to our guide for what’s casting in New York City! As usual, we’ve scoured the landscape to bring you information on all the best projects in film, theater, and television, sourced with information from the most reliable sources. This is show business we’re talking about, though, and as quickly as a play can bring down its curtain, a project can end before it’s even begun; that said, here’s what you can currently look out for! You know a project is juicy when it doesn’t even have a name yet. HBO’s forthcoming feature, that will star Al Pacino as the embroiled Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, is casting background actors. Here’s everything we know. The team, helmed by Grant Wilfley Casting, seeks male and female actors ages 18–27 to portray college students. Talent can be either nonunion or SAG-aftra. The film is currently being billed as the “Untitled Levinson Project,” referring to Oscar winner Barry Levinson, who will both direct and executive produce. Shooting is slated for July–September in New York City. The script is a triple-hander courtesy of Debora Cahn, John C. Richards, and David McKenna. Apart from Pacino, no...
- 6/22/2017
- backstage.com
The Girlfriend Experience alumna Riley Keough has been tapped for a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films’ untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal…...
- 6/20/2017
- Deadline
The Girlfriend Experience alumna Riley Keough has been tapped for a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films’ untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal…...
- 6/20/2017
- Deadline TV
Barry Levinson attached to direct and executive produce.
Al Pacino will star as former Penn State American football coach c in a new HBO film set to be directed by Barry Levinson.
The currently untitled project is being produced in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Pacino will play Paterno, the most successful coach in college American football history who became embroiled in Penn State’s Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.
Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna will write the script. Levinson will also serve as an executive producer alongside partners Jason Sosnoff and Tom Fontana.
Ed Pressman, Rick Nicita, and Lindsay Sloane will also serve as executive producers.
The project marks Pacino’s fourth at HBO following You Don’t Know Jack, Phil Spector and the mini-series Angels In America.
Levinson directed and served as executive producer on You Don’t Know Jack and was an executive producer on Phil Spector. He collaborated...
Al Pacino will star as former Penn State American football coach c in a new HBO film set to be directed by Barry Levinson.
The currently untitled project is being produced in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Pacino will play Paterno, the most successful coach in college American football history who became embroiled in Penn State’s Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.
Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna will write the script. Levinson will also serve as an executive producer alongside partners Jason Sosnoff and Tom Fontana.
Ed Pressman, Rick Nicita, and Lindsay Sloane will also serve as executive producers.
The project marks Pacino’s fourth at HBO following You Don’t Know Jack, Phil Spector and the mini-series Angels In America.
Levinson directed and served as executive producer on You Don’t Know Jack and was an executive producer on Phil Spector. He collaborated...
- 6/5/2017
- ScreenDaily
Al Pacino is tackling the Penn State sex abuse scandal head-on.
The Oscar winner is set to play late college football legend Joe Paterno in a currently untitled HBO movie that chronicles the coach’s downfall in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal.
RelatedBig Little Lies Season 2 Inches Closer to Reality, Author Liane Moriarty Confirms
The project — directed by Barry Levinson, who teamed with Pacino on the recent HBO pic Wizard of Lies — will delve into how the darkest chapter in Penn State history challenged Paterno’s legacy as the winningest coach in college football history,...
The Oscar winner is set to play late college football legend Joe Paterno in a currently untitled HBO movie that chronicles the coach’s downfall in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal.
RelatedBig Little Lies Season 2 Inches Closer to Reality, Author Liane Moriarty Confirms
The project — directed by Barry Levinson, who teamed with Pacino on the recent HBO pic Wizard of Lies — will delve into how the darkest chapter in Penn State history challenged Paterno’s legacy as the winningest coach in college football history,...
- 6/5/2017
- TVLine.com
Just days after signing a lucrative first-look deal with Universal Pictures, Jordan Peele has become the first African-American writer-director to gross $200 million worldwide with his debut film, “Get Out.” Released back in late February, “Get Out” crossed the milestone on Sunday with $173.8 million of its $204.3 million worldwide gross coming from domestic screens. The film is approximately $3 million away from passing the record for highest grossing debut for a black director, which was set by Clark Johnson’s “S.W.A.T.” in 2003. Unlike “Get Out,” “S.W.A.T.” had different directing and writing credits, with David Ayer and David McKenna penning...
- 5/7/2017
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
When "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History," from director Ken Burns and writer Geoffrey C. Ward, debuted on PBS last fall, a familiar political dynasty seemed suddenly fresh. Tracing the lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor over the course of nearly a century, the 14-hour epic breathed new life into its subjects by switching deftly between world-historical events and and the peculiarities of the Roosevelts' personalities—and Teddy, advocate of "the strenuous life," was the documentary's surprising star. More than a century after he became the 26th President of the United States, it turned out to be Tr's breakout role. With the news that Showtime is developing a limited series about the man behind the "Square Deal," the Progressive Party, and "Big Stick" diplomacy, written by David McKenna ("American History X"), Roosevelt is in the midst of what you might call a post-career resurgence. Along with the Showtime project...
- 9/4/2015
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Bloodline
Acclaimed film actress Andrea Riseborough is making the jump to television as she has signed on for a recurring role in the second season of Netflix's Florida-set dark family drama "Bloodline". The show returns to Netflix during the first half of next year.
Rise borough plays Evangeline, a streetwise and unpredictable character from the past of Danny Rayburn (Ben Mendelssohn). The actress joins a cast that includes John Leguiazamo as the violent Ozzy Delvecchio who also has connections with Danny. "Bloodline" will return to Netflix during the first half of next year. [Source: TV Line]
House of Cards
Colm Feore has scored a recurring role in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix's "House Of Cards". Feore will play a high-profile new character in the White House drama, but specifics have not been revealed. The new season is currently filming in Baltimore ahead of an early 2016 release. [Source: Deadline]
The Watcher
"Homeland" executive producer Alex Cary,...
Acclaimed film actress Andrea Riseborough is making the jump to television as she has signed on for a recurring role in the second season of Netflix's Florida-set dark family drama "Bloodline". The show returns to Netflix during the first half of next year.
Rise borough plays Evangeline, a streetwise and unpredictable character from the past of Danny Rayburn (Ben Mendelssohn). The actress joins a cast that includes John Leguiazamo as the violent Ozzy Delvecchio who also has connections with Danny. "Bloodline" will return to Netflix during the first half of next year. [Source: TV Line]
House of Cards
Colm Feore has scored a recurring role in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix's "House Of Cards". Feore will play a high-profile new character in the White House drama, but specifics have not been revealed. The new season is currently filming in Baltimore ahead of an early 2016 release. [Source: Deadline]
The Watcher
"Homeland" executive producer Alex Cary,...
- 9/4/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Showtime is developing a limited series based on the life of President Theodore Roosevelt, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap. The project is in the early stages of development. “American History X” screenwriter David McKenna will write the series in addition to serving as executive producer. The series comes from Electus and Authentic Talent and Literary Management. Electus’ Ben Silverman and Sean Canino will produce along with Authentic’s Jon Rubinstein and Jason Egenberg. Also Read: Patti LuPone Returns to 'Penny Dreadful' as Series Regular The 26th President of the United States was previously played...
- 9/3/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Showtime has put in development The Life And Times Of Teddy Roosevelt as a limited series. David McKenna (S.W.A.T., Blow) is writing the script, and Electus and Authentic Entertainment is producing. The project centers on the 26th President of the United States, who served two terms from 1901-09. Taking office at age 42 after the assassination of President McKinley, Roosevelt remains the country’s youngest Potus. His progressive agenda included trust-busting, conservation…...
- 9/3/2015
- Deadline TV
Teddy Roosevelt is headed back to the small screen. The former president, who played a large role in PBS's acclaimed 2014 Ken Burns documentary The Roosevelts, is the subject of a new limited series in development at Showtime, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The project, which hails from Electus and Authentic, is in the early stages of development. David McKenna (American History X) is writing the script. Ben Silverman and Sean Canino from Electus will produce with Jon Rubinstein and Jason Egenberg from Authentic. { "nid": 814567, "type": "blog", "title": "Showtime Chief Teases 'Homeland's' Isis Season, Talks TV's 'Stupid Money'", "path": "http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/showtime-chief-teases-homelands-isis-814567", "relative-path": "/live-
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- 9/3/2015
- by Kate Stanhope
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
40. Night of the Hunter (1955)
Scene: The Preacher on the Horizon
Video: http://youtu.be/9PyNL2ahKwc?list=PLZbXA4lyCtqolaQOAXly96de5FYQlPzqK Just like a few others in this section of the list, Charles Laughton’s brilliant Night of the Hunter isn’t really a horror film, but still sets out to keep the audience on edge. Starring a diabolical Robert Mitchum as a preacher/serial killer Reverend Harry Powell, it follows him as he tries to woo his former cellmate’s widow Willa (Shelly Winters), hoping to learn where he has hidden his bank loot. Powell devises that his children John and Pearl must know, but he struggles to gain young John’s trust. When Willa learns of his plan, Powell is forced to kill her and hide the body, leaving him as sole caretaker of the children, who flee down the river. And then the scene. Having believed they have escaped Powell,...
Scene: The Preacher on the Horizon
Video: http://youtu.be/9PyNL2ahKwc?list=PLZbXA4lyCtqolaQOAXly96de5FYQlPzqK Just like a few others in this section of the list, Charles Laughton’s brilliant Night of the Hunter isn’t really a horror film, but still sets out to keep the audience on edge. Starring a diabolical Robert Mitchum as a preacher/serial killer Reverend Harry Powell, it follows him as he tries to woo his former cellmate’s widow Willa (Shelly Winters), hoping to learn where he has hidden his bank loot. Powell devises that his children John and Pearl must know, but he struggles to gain young John’s trust. When Willa learns of his plan, Powell is forced to kill her and hide the body, leaving him as sole caretaker of the children, who flee down the river. And then the scene. Having believed they have escaped Powell,...
- 10/11/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Literary agent Trevor Astbury has left Paradigm and is expected to join CAA, an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap. Representatives for CAA and Paradigm did not immediately respond to TheWrap's late-night requests for comment. Also read: Adam Kanter, Martin Spencer Join Paradigm; Clients to Follow From Resolution It remains unclear which clients would follow Astbury to his next agency. At Paradigm, the well-respected dealmaker represented screenwriters Jon Spaihts (“Prometheus”), Bill Dubuque (“The Judge”), Ernie Cline (“Ready Player One”), Bert Royal (“Easy A”), Jamie Linden (“Dear John”), Patrick Lussier (“Terminator: Genesis”) and David McKenna (“American History X”) as well as “Hitman” director.
- 3/19/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
It's been 15 years since the release of "American History X" (on October 30, 1998), and to this day, the movie stands as a riveting and brutal drama about the persistence of white-supremacist racism in America. It cemented Edward Norton's reputation as the premier Method actor of his generation, and it included at least one scene (the infamous curb-stomp sequence) that's been copied by everyone from "The Sopranos" to "Family Guy."
Yet to this day, many viewers still don't know the often even more dramatic story that went on behind the scenes of the film, in which first-time feature director Tony Kaye fought with Norton and distributor New Line over the final cut of the film. He ultimately filed a $200 million lawsuit because he preferred to be credited as Humpty Dumpty rather than allow the studio's cut to be released under his name. Read on to learn more about Kaye's epic and...
Yet to this day, many viewers still don't know the often even more dramatic story that went on behind the scenes of the film, in which first-time feature director Tony Kaye fought with Norton and distributor New Line over the final cut of the film. He ultimately filed a $200 million lawsuit because he preferred to be credited as Humpty Dumpty rather than allow the studio's cut to be released under his name. Read on to learn more about Kaye's epic and...
- 10/29/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
1.) We've already seen how much Ashton Kutcher looks like Steve Jobs in the upcoming biopic jOBS, which will close the Sundance Film Festival on January 26. Now, USA Today gives us our first look at Josh Gad as Jobs' Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. I wouldn't quite say the resemblance is uncanny, but a successful biopic has never been purely dependent on casting lookalikes. Open Road Films has already picked up the film for an April release. 2.) After watching recent '80s remakes like Fright Night, Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn set the box-office on fire (no, not really), Warner Bros. has decided now is the time to reboot Gremlins. The studio would have to work out a deal with Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment first, and negotiations have fallen through several times over the years, but a source seems to think there's a decent chance we could see Gizmo and...
- 1/17/2013
- by Kevin Blumeyer
- Rope of Silicon
Al Pacino and director Brian De Palma, who worked together on "Scarface" and "Carlito's Way," are re-teaming for "Happy Valley," a new movie about the controversial Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. The film will be based on Joe Posnanski's biography "Paterno," which is a NY Times best-seller. Pacino will play the winningest coach in college football history. But when it came out that his former defense coordinator Jerry Sandusky is a pedophile and Paterno didn't properly report the scandal, the coach was fired. He died shortly after of cancer. Ncaa reacted by removing Paterno's wins going back to the cover-up. Sandusky was found guilty on 45 counts of sexual abuse against young boys and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Producers are currently in talks with David McKenna (American History X, Blow) to write the script.
- 1/17/2013
- WorstPreviews.com
Al Pacino and Brian De Palma, who worked together on 1993’s Carlito’s Way and 1983’s now-classic Scarface, are joining forces once again for Happy Valley, a feature about the controversial Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. Producer Edward R. Pressman announced Wednesday that he has optioned the film rights to Paterno, the best-seller by sports journalist Joe Posnanski. Rick Nicita, who is managing a select group of clients through his company RPMedia, also will produce the project, with Anthony Scaramucci serving as exec producer. Photos: Touchdown! Hollywood's Best Football Movies The producers are in preliminary discussions with screenwriter David McKenna
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- 1/17/2013
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Edward R. Pressman ("Wall Street") has optioned feature film rights to New York Times best seller "Paterno" by sports journalist Joe Posnanski. Ex-caa partner-turned-manager Rick Nicita will also produce the biopic to star his client Al Pacino as Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. And with Brian De Palma ("Scarface," "Carlito’s Way") attached to direct "Happy Valley," the team behind "Carlito's Way" and "Scarface" is together again. The producers are in talks with writer David McKenna ("American History X") to adapt for the screen. We spoke to De Palma about his latest film, "Passion," starring Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace, which debuted in Venice and played the Toronto and New York film festivals. “I can’t think of a better duo to tell this story of a complex, intensely righteous man who was brought down by his own tragic flaw," says...
- 1/17/2013
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Three acting heavyweights – Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco are set to star in The Iceman, a mob hitman thriller from B-grade director Ariel Vromen, who is stepping up to the big leagues here and in a big way!
Excitedly, as something of a rare treat – Shannon will be leading the picture as notorious hitman Richard Kulinski who it’s claimed killed over 100 people in his four decade career (40′s to 80′s) whilst working for the mob and keeping his true identity secret from his wife and kids.
Del Toro will play his boss Roy DeMeo and Franco is his mentor, Mr. Softee, backers Millennium Films and Bleiberg Entertainment announced Thursday. There’s no word just yet on who will play agent Dominick Polifrone, the man who goes undercover to try and take Kulinski down but they’ve certainly set a high casting precedent here.
They called Kulinski...
Excitedly, as something of a rare treat – Shannon will be leading the picture as notorious hitman Richard Kulinski who it’s claimed killed over 100 people in his four decade career (40′s to 80′s) whilst working for the mob and keeping his true identity secret from his wife and kids.
Del Toro will play his boss Roy DeMeo and Franco is his mentor, Mr. Softee, backers Millennium Films and Bleiberg Entertainment announced Thursday. There’s no word just yet on who will play agent Dominick Polifrone, the man who goes undercover to try and take Kulinski down but they’ve certainly set a high casting precedent here.
They called Kulinski...
- 1/21/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Updated: I added a video featuring an interview with Kuklinski at the end of the article
Who would you rather see play a character described by Deadline as "a hulking 6'4" and 300 pound" contract killer who "lived what on the surface was a quiet life as husband and father in New Jersey"? Mickey Rourke or Michael Shannon? It's a question buyers at the American Film Market are facing right now as they decide between two dueling features centered on Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer for the Gambino family who, by his own account, killed up to 200 people.
The question came up regarding these two films after ComingSoon.net uploaded the poster to the right and even after I posted it earlier today someone immediately asked what happened with the Rourke feature, which was first reported back in September. As it turns out, there is now one film being shopped...
Who would you rather see play a character described by Deadline as "a hulking 6'4" and 300 pound" contract killer who "lived what on the surface was a quiet life as husband and father in New Jersey"? Mickey Rourke or Michael Shannon? It's a question buyers at the American Film Market are facing right now as they decide between two dueling features centered on Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer for the Gambino family who, by his own account, killed up to 200 people.
The question came up regarding these two films after ComingSoon.net uploaded the poster to the right and even after I posted it earlier today someone immediately asked what happened with the Rourke feature, which was first reported back in September. As it turns out, there is now one film being shopped...
- 11/4/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
There are two Afm project packages being shopped on the same subject: Richard Kuklinski, the notorious New Jersey mob hit man. Nu Image has Boardwalk Empire's Michael Shannon to play Kuklinski and Benicio Del Toro and (maybe) James Franco attached to The Iceman, a film that will be directed by Ariel Vromen that is eyeing a production start next summer. Natural Selection CEO Matty Beckerman comes to Afm with a rival project, on which he said he has just closed a deal for life rights of Kuklinski's wife, Barbara, and Pat Kane, the cop who brought Kuklinski to justice. The project, based on the Philip Carlo book The Ice Man: Confessions Of A Mafia Contract Killer, is being scripted by American History X's David McKenna and has Mickey Rourke attached to play Kuklinski. Beckerman is producing and said his Natural Selection will fully fund a movie that will start production in the spring.
- 11/3/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Last month we reported that Mickey Rourke was set to play hard as nails mafia hitman, Richard “The Ice Man” Kuklinski in a big screen adaptation entitled Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer. Written by “Natural History” and “Blow” scribe, David McKenna, the film is based on the book of the same name.
Now it we hear that there is a second biopic also in the works. The Iceman, from Isreali filmmaker Ariel Vromen is based on another book telling the story of one of the most infamous contract killers to ever walk the earth, The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer by author Anthony Bruno.
This second project has just signed three names to it’s slate according to production weekly, who announced via their twitter feed that with Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco have all been signed to the project.
Now it we hear that there is a second biopic also in the works. The Iceman, from Isreali filmmaker Ariel Vromen is based on another book telling the story of one of the most infamous contract killers to ever walk the earth, The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer by author Anthony Bruno.
This second project has just signed three names to it’s slate according to production weekly, who announced via their twitter feed that with Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco have all been signed to the project.
- 10/6/2010
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
Mickey Rourke is currently set to star as hitman Richard "The Ice Man" Kuklinski in "The Ice Man," and upcoming film based on Philip Carlo's "The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer" book which is being adapted by David McKenna (American History X, Blow). Everything is progressing nicely, but the project just got some competition from director Ariel Vromen (Danika) who is working on "The Iceman" movie, which is also a Kuklinski biopic but is based on Anthony Bruno's "The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer" book. And to make it more of a competition, Vromen just signed James Franco, Michael Shannon, and Benicio Del Toro. Shannon will play the lead role. Summary of the book: Richard Kuklinsky, son of a brutal, alcoholic father who came home only infrequently and a mother who vented her resentment on her children, grew up to be an efficient mass murderer.
- 10/1/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
A couple weeks ago it was reported that Mickey Rourke would play the lead role in a biopic about notorious mafia hitman Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski. The deal was finalized after being rumored since September 2009 and was supposed to begin shooting this past spring based on a script by David McKenna. In my write-up of the story, I denounced the project, objecting to the idea of glorifying a mass murderer. Just my luck, it appears that there are now two films about the man being made. Production Weekly, via their Twitter feed, has announced that Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro, and James Franco have joined the cast of The Iceman, a project being written by Morgan Land based on the book by Anthony Bruno (the Mickey Rourke-version is based on the biography by Phil Carlo) and directed by Ariel Vroman. Looking at the Vroman film's IMDb page, it appears...
- 10/1/2010
- cinemablend.com
Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro, & James Franco are attached to star in "Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer" for Natural Selection says Production Weekly.
Based on the true story of Richard "The Ice Man" Kuklinski, a man who for more than 40 years led a double life as both a professional assassin and a doting husband and father in suburban New Jersey. Mickey Rourke was linked to the project earlier this month.
David McKenna ("Blow," "American History X") adapted the script from the book by Philip Carlo. Ariel Vroman will direct while Matty Beckerman will produce.
Based on the true story of Richard "The Ice Man" Kuklinski, a man who for more than 40 years led a double life as both a professional assassin and a doting husband and father in suburban New Jersey. Mickey Rourke was linked to the project earlier this month.
David McKenna ("Blow," "American History X") adapted the script from the book by Philip Carlo. Ariel Vroman will direct while Matty Beckerman will produce.
- 9/30/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Mickey Rourke, currently promoting his latest flick, Passion Play at the Toronto Film Festival has another hard-as-nails part to add to his ever expanding repertoire. The actor, who stars alongside Megan Fox in Passion Play is attached to star in “Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer” according to the Trades.
“Ice Man” is the true story of one of the most prolific contract killers who ever lived, Richard “The Ice Man” Kuklinski. Kuklinski, born in New Jersey, made his first killing at aged 13 and claimed to have killed over 250 men in a bloody career spanning 40 years. While working for the DeCavalcante crime family and New York City’s Five Families, Kuklinski was also a loving and doting husband and father to his unsuspecting wife and children.
Matty Beckerman’s Natural Selection will finance and produce the film, which is currently being penned by “Natural History” and “Blow” scribe,...
“Ice Man” is the true story of one of the most prolific contract killers who ever lived, Richard “The Ice Man” Kuklinski. Kuklinski, born in New Jersey, made his first killing at aged 13 and claimed to have killed over 250 men in a bloody career spanning 40 years. While working for the DeCavalcante crime family and New York City’s Five Families, Kuklinski was also a loving and doting husband and father to his unsuspecting wife and children.
Matty Beckerman’s Natural Selection will finance and produce the film, which is currently being penned by “Natural History” and “Blow” scribe,...
- 9/15/2010
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
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