In an interview for the December issue of Empire UK, Sigourney confirmed that she is indeed participating in Joseph Cedar's upcoming project Useful Idiots, with filming expected to get underway early next year. Initial reports had suggested a January timeline. From the article:
Although, I am playing Meryl Streep's best friend in a movie that's going to shoot at the beginning of 2026 (Joseph Cedar's Useful Idiots). And that'll be fun! I mean, how rare is it to have two older women who are best friends, and have a history together? I'm delighted they're even having that in a movie, that's a shock. And so now, yeah. I'm ready finally to play the best-friend part.
That's as solid confirmation as I think we need that this is moving forward. As previously reported, Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise) penned the screenplay. No official word on whether this is officially a feature film or a limited series, but my impression is that it's a film. Still no word on plot, and maybe I'm reading too much into this, but Weaver stating that she's playing Meryl's best friend suggests to me that Meryl may have more a lead role and Weaver supporting. I certainly hope Meryl features prominently regardless, and would love for it to be a co-lead scenario! With Khouri's writing, that latter would not surprise me at all. Hopefully when the trades announce this project more formally we'll get some sense of a plot. Knowing Cedar's filmography, I'm not anticipating a comedy.
I do hope the initial report of it being funded by AmazonMGM is also correct because if that’s my only lingering concern - small movies can fall apart if not financed!! Other than that, get on it, trades so we can have something more to look forward to! Maybe at festivals late next year. A summer box office smash and a festival player would be a wonderful 2026!
ReplyDeleteAgreed I hope the financing is secure! And if they do in fact start around January, seems like this would ready for release in late 2026? Big box office hit with DWP2 (hopefully) with a more serious/artsy/possibly political drama for the fall? Yes please! Maybe Joni Mitchell biopic will happen in spring or even a bit later with the potential filming timeline of Useful Idiots. Then film the Corrections next fall or winter for 2027! Then there'd be a (likely) supporting role in a film biopic and a high-profile limited series for that year.
DeleteCan Streep have a Doubt vs Mamma Mia year?
DeleteI miss Meryl in dramatic roles. Need a proper cry once in a while. I hope she has many releases by 2027, cause 2028 is 100 years of Oscars! She’ll likely be invited probably could also present (a segment or since she’s never presented best pic before) but need her to get a nom then!!!
DeleteThis is great news! Finally both on the screen together, reliving their drama school days!
DeleteThe most wonderful news about Meryl in the past two years!
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