We already know that JJ Abrams is about to get out of director’s jail as it had been recently announced that he was set to direct a mysterious new film, starring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega, which apparently resides in the “Fantasy” genre and has franchise aspirations.
This morning, Dwayne Johnson posted on Instagram that he was working on a project with Abrams. Has he been added to the cast of Abrams’ next film? Here’s what Johnson wrote in the caption which accompanied a photo of himself and Abrams:
Years in the making — we finally broke bread, we drank, we laughed, we talked life stuff, love stuff, dude stuff, and took our time chopping up our passion for movies and storytelling. Then we raised our glass and toasted to … Yup, this one is gonna be fun. JJ & DJ. From the mind of Zak Penn.
Zak Penn? Is he the main writer for this project? His credits include “Last Action Hero,” “Behind Enemy Lines,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Ready Player One,” and “Free Guy.”
We don’t know plot details for Abrams’ upcoming film. TheInSneider had previously reported that it would be an ‘80s inspired throwback:
I’m told it’s “A fantasy film with some ‘Last Starfighter’ vibes,” according to a source who added that it doesn’t take place in space and that it’s decidedly a throwback of sorts. They noted that the script has drawn mixed reception from industry insiders who have read it — but hey, ya can’t please everyone.
The Last Starfighter? Really? That’s pure ‘80s nostalgia. In the 1984 film, directed by Nick Castle, High schooler Alex Rogan conquers the Starfighter video game, only to find out it was just a test, and is transported to another planet. He has been recruited to join a team of the best starfighters to defend their world from the attack.
A production start date hasn’t been revealed yet. However, a recent Production Weekly listing had Abrams’ film going by the name of “Acorns,” and the plot revolving around “a young married couple struggling to survive against a supernatural entity.” Abrams’ reps couldn’t confirm or deny the info.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.