Xavier Dolan
Ahead of “Mommy” and “Tom at the Farm” filmmaker Xavier Dolan’s new film “Matthias and Maxime” premiering on MUBI this week, the Quebecios helmer was asked what project is next for him by Vice. He reveals he has three quite different projects lined up: “A mini-series, a horror film set in the late 1800s and a social drama.” However more immediately for him is “waiting for the world to feel better in order to be allowed to shoot films like we should; hand in hand.” [Source: Vice]
Neal Moritz
Paramount Pictures has announced a two-year extension of its first-look deal with producer Neal Moritz, extending his tenure through to the end of 2023. The pair had success with the recent “Sonic the Hedgehog” film and Mortiz will produce the sequel along with films like “To Catch a Thief” and the “A Prophet” remake “American Son” starring Russell Crowe. [Source: THR]
Roman Polanski
Filmmaker Roman Polanski has lost a court bid to be reinstated to membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The 87-year-old was expelled by the Academy in May 2018 because of a long-standing criminal case involving unlawful sex with a minor in 1977.
The director had argued that he was denied due process by the Academy when it decided to expel him under a new code of conduct drawn up in response to the #MeToo movement. The judge argued he was “given the opportunity to present any evidence he deemed relevant” to the Academy. [Source: SMH]
Upstate
Netflix has set a deal with Ryan Reynolds and live-action “Aladdin” scribe John August, who last worked together on 2007’s “The Nines,” for the pair to co-write the original feature comedy “Upstate”. The project is being setup as a star vehicle for Reynolds, but plot specifics are under wraps. Both will executive produce. [Source: Deadline]
Lucy & Desi
Amy Poehler is set to direct “Lucy & Desi,” a documentary on comedy husband-and-wife duo Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for Imagine Documentaries and White Horse Pictures.
The film explores how their groundbreaking sitcom “I Love Lucy” forever changed Hollywood, cementing her legacy long after her death in 1989. The project includes first-person narratives, archival film and still photos. [Source: Rolling Stone]
