The French Exit
Sony Pictures Classics has released a first-look photo from Azazel Jacobs’ dark comedy “French Exit” starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. Patrick DeWitt penned the novel upon which it is based, and adapted the script himself.
The actors play the forlorn, fallen Manhattan socialite Frances Price and her emotionally-stunted adult son Malcolm as they abscond from New York City to Paris following the scandalous death of her husband. The cat is Small Frank who will be voiced by Tracey Letts. [Source: Twitter]
Aya and the Witch
As expected, GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for legendary animation house Studio Ghibli’s latest feature “Earwig and the Witch” (aka “Aya and the Witch”). Goro Miyazaki helms the film which marks Studio Ghibli’s first entirely 3D CG-animated feature.
The story follows a smart orphan girl named Earwig as she gets adopted by a woman named Bella Yaga, who turns out to be a cruel witch that takes her to live in a haunted house. The film will debut in Japan this winter followed by a theatrical release in North America in early 2021. [Source: GKids]
Walmart
Walmart is reportedly developing Walmart+, a membership service that sounds very akin to Amazon’s Prime service. The new offering will cost $98 a year, with subscriber benefits including same-day delivery of groceries and discounted gas. Video elements, both original programming and third-party streaming, are expected to be included but details are murky. [Source: Deadline]
Rip Crew
HBO Max has begun development of Michael Seitzman and Mike Weiss’s crime drama “Rip Crew” at ABC Signature Studios. Weiss and Seitzman executive produce with Ross Dinerstein.
The story follows a disgraced ex-FBI agent turned criminology professor discovers that his most gifted students are planning a massive heist, he decides to scoop their score and become the criminal he used to chase. [Source: Deadline]
Real Pigeons Fight Crime
James Corden and Ben Winston’s Fulwell 73 will produce an animated movie and TV series based on Andrew McDonald’s recently released children’s book title “Real Pigeons Fight Crime” for Nickelodeon.
The story follows a secret squad of crime-fighting pigeons who set out to keep a town safe. Corden and Winston will executive produce and the movie and TV series are being developed to air on all Nickelodeon platforms. [Source: Nickelodeon]
Homecoming Queen
Tiffany Haddish is attached to star and produce the comedy “Homecoming Queen” for Amblin Partners. Raamla Mohamed (“Scandal”) will pen the script. The project is inspired by a true story of when Haddish traveled to Africa thinking she was royalty, only to find out that that designation means something completely different there. [Source: THR]
