Multiple prominent sources are now confirming that Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver will star in director Joseph Cedar's upcoming thriller, Useful Idiots. I may have to start easing up on my skepticism of World of Reel's scoops, although in the article it's stated that Cedar co-penned the script with 60 Minutes producer Shachar Bar-On. No mention anywhere of this having been written by Callie Khouri, so not sure if this is a completely different project.
Weaver had recently confirmed her participation in this a couple weeks ago, but now we have very specific details on who's producing, and more importantly, what the plot details are:
The pic follows Diane Castle (Streep), a veteran journalist who covers the New York luxury property market. She’s disillusioned with writing puff pieces about the wealthy elite and regretful that she might not have lived up to her potential. When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime. At its center is a mysterious oligarch whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist. Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family and all those around her.
Sounds juicy! A timely story that sounds smart, sophisticated, and yet seems to also deal with the main character's interpersonal relationships, which should allow Meryl to dissect the character more deeply. I'm also very interested to learn who will be cast as the oligarch and the "brilliant young strategist."
Interesting that none of the articles mention a likely date for filming to start. But Sigourney Weaver had confirmed in an interview that it was filming in "early 2026." The original news from World of Reel suggested a January start. If that's the case, I imagine a late 2026 release date would be feasible.
As thrilled as I am by the premise and the joint pairing, I do find it concerning that there’s no mention of MGM as the distributor and that the production companies are selling it to buyers…let’s get it done for 2026!
ReplyDeleteSay more about what concerns you, Darcy. Is the concern that since they're "selling it to buyers" that the quality of the script or what they think the whole project will be is not great? Or more the timing of when it might reasonably begin filming and then therefore get released?
Deleteps- This is Jeff. I don't know why it's posting as Anonymous.
DeleteHi Jeff! Definitely the latter. It seems like a small-to-medium budget independent movie and Deadline says that Fifth Season is going to finance the production but that’s not usually inclusive of distribution and marketing responsibilities so why film a movie without a deal to pay for it to be in theatres?? I can see someone like A24 coming on board at some point if it’s quality to add it to its 2026 slate but until that news breaks I’d be surprised if we have a clear picture of when we’ll get to see it. This year’s The Testament of Ann Lee is a good comparison — filmed quietly, had a noisy festival premiere and then took weeks for Searchlight to agree to buy it for release and awards campaign this year. Does that make sense?
DeleteIt mentions Closer Media as a production company too
DeleteMakes perfect sense. But doesn't that happen all the time where there aren't necessarily international and domestic distributors attached, but they still have producers to actually pay for the filming/production to go ahead? I imagine those involved with the project have logistics to work around in regard to schedules, and don't necessarily wait around to know who will distribute before they film. In Variety's article, they say "Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at AFM, and CAA Media Finance will handle the U.S. rights."
ReplyDeleteI'd be shocked if this isn't easily picked up. Maybe it won't happen before the end of the year, but seems strange that it wouldn't. AFM is this month I think? Regardless, just thrilled Meryl is attached to this!
Sounds great. Surely Weaver will play the oligarch.
ReplyDeleteWeaver said that she will play the best friend of heroine.
ReplyDelete