Spielberg's Directing Decisions

After nearly two years away from directing, Steven Spielberg is gearing up for a significant decision that will shape his future projects.

Industry executives from Fox, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. are eagerly awaiting his choice, as it could lead to an intense period of filmmaking.

Spielberg's options include directing Tom Cruise in the Fox/DreamWorks collaboration “Minority Report” or taking the helm of “A.I.,” a project he has been developing based on a concept by Stanley Kubrick for Warner Bros.

In addition, the script for “Harry Potter,” penned by Steve Kloves and due soon, has also caught Spielberg's interest.

While he has been in discussions with Fox, he remains tight-lipped about his plans. It’s possible he might choose to film two projects consecutively, reminiscent of his work on “Jurassic Park” followed by “Schindler’s List.” However, a final decision on the order of these projects is expected later this month.

In other news, Chartoff Productions and Phoenix Pictures are set to adapt Antjie Krog’s South African novel, “Country of My Skull.”

The screenplay will be crafted by Ann Peacock, an Emmy Award winner known for her work on the HBO film “A Lesson Before Dying.”

Producer Robert Chartoff has successfully secured the rights from Phoenix chairman Mike Medavoy.

This poignant story centers on an interracial romance unfolding during the truth and reconciliation hearings that took place following the end of apartheid in South Africa.In a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of South Africa's truth and reconciliation hearings, a married African American journalist becomes romantically involved with a white Afrikaner woman. This affair unfolds as the journalist reports on citizens revealing their past atrocities—rapes, tortures, and murders—in hopes of receiving amnesty, a crucial step towards healing the nation's wounds. Producer Chartoff, who previously collaborated with Medavoy on classics like "Rocky" and "Raging Bull," has acquired the rights to adapt this story for Peacock. He emphasized the importance of portraying the trials that aimed to foster societal reconciliation.

Medavoy indicated that they are close to securing a director for this South African film project, which will be managed by Diane Sokolow from Phoenix and Lynn Hendee from Chartoff's team.

In other news, Phoenix is currently negotiating with Mike Newell to direct "Shanghai," set in China. Additionally, production has commenced in Toronto on "The Sixth Day," featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which is receiving favorable test screenings ahead of its release on March 31.

Meanwhile, in Israel, Jonas McCord is directing "The Body," starring Antonio Banderas. The crew has stumbled upon ancient remains during filming, discovering real skeletons dating back to 300 B.C. Banderas portrays a priest tasked by the Vatican to refute claims regarding the bones found in a concealed tomb believed to belong to Jesus Christ. Olivia Williams, playing an archaeologist in the film, shared her astonishment at unearthing a skull preserved beneath a stone for over two millennia.

Williams expressed her newfound appreciation for archaeology, stating it has ignited a passion within her for her role. She recounted the remarkable discovery of artifacts alongside the remains, including perfume bottles and a bronze mirror, highlighting their historical beauty.

McCord aims to wrap up filming in Rome by December 23, with a cut of the film expected to be completed by May, ensuring it aligns with the filmmakers' vision, contrary to some media portrayals.

Costner's Hollywood Moves

In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Costner is rumored to be leaving his role in Beacon’s “13 Days” to collaborate with renowned director Oliver Stone on a new project titled “Without Borders.”

However, the buzz in Hollywood isn't just about this new venture. Many are speculating about a potential reunion between Costner and director Kevin Reynolds.

The duo, known for their past successes, initially planned to join forces on the pirate film “Ocra Coke.” Recent reports suggest they are actively seeking financial backing for this ambitious $80 million project.

The story revolves around Robert Maynard, a disgraced British naval officer who earns redemption by capturing the infamous pirate Blackbeard in a fierce battle at Ocra Coke, a coastal inlet in North Carolina.

Costner and Reynolds share a complex history—Reynolds helped launch Costner’s career with “Fandango,” and they enjoyed significant success with “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” However, their collaboration on “Waterworld” was fraught with tension, leading to Reynolds’ departure during the film’s post-production phase.

Despite their rocky past, industry insiders believe that time may have mended their relationship, allowing for a fresh start. Yet, skeptics remain, emphasizing that any reunion hinges on securing a financier and a studio willing to back the script penned by Marc Norman, who is known for “Shakespeare in Love.”

Film Industry Updates

Casting Updates:
Universal is not putting “Cinderella Man” into turnaround,
a project penned by Cliff Hollingsworth,
potentially directed by Billy Bob Thornton, featuring Ben Affleck.
Set during the Great Depression,
the film centers on a boxer and is produced by Penny Marshall,
with oversight from Universal's Kevin Misher.
Negotiations are underway for a co-production with Miramax.

Teen Market Insights:
The teen demographic has become a lucrative segment for films,
largely due to the affordability of young talent.
However, this trend is shifting as these teen actors begin to demand higher paychecks.
Rumor has it that Jennifer Love Hewitt,
a standout in this category,
has received a $2.5 million offer to star alongside Sigourney Weaver
in David Mirkin’s comedy “Breakers,”
which follows a mother-daughter duo of con artists.

Celebrity Ventures:
In the realm of digital innovation,
Patrick Stewart is the latest celebrity to sign an internet deal.
He will serve as a creative partner and spokesperson
for a San Francisco startup called Ububu.
Stewart's unique voice will guide users through the site,
set to launch next year.

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