Well, this is an interesting career move for George Clooney, who usually aligns himself with A-list filmmakers.
Sources tell Deadline that Clooney and Annette Bening are set to star in the upcoming book adaptation “In Love,” based on Amy Bloom’s New York Times bestselling memoir. The film will be directed by Oscar nominee Paul Weitz, who co-wrote the script with Bloom.
“In Love” is an illuminating, modern love story about two people who make an impossible decision together that honors their enduring commitment — he chooses to end his life through assisted suicide in Switzerland after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The script must be compelling for Clooney to sign on. He is famously selective in the directors he works with, having collaborated multiple times with the Coen brothers, Steven Soderbergh, David O. Russell, Tony Gilroy, Alexander Payne, Alfonso Cuarón, and Noah Baumbach.
That isn’t to say Weitz is a mediocre filmmaker—he’s had his share of highlights. Along with his brother Chris, he helped reshape the Hollywood landscape with “American Pie.” His best work remains the utterly charming “About a Boy,” while his most underrated effort is the Lily Tomlin-starring “Grandma.” In between, he struggled with films like “American Dreamz,” “Down to Earth,” “Little Fockers,” “Admission,” “Fatherhood,” and “Bel Canto.”
Clooney is coming off the festival circuit premiere of Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.” The film will receive a limited theatrical release beginning November 15 before streaming on Netflix on December 5.
No production start date has been announced for “In Love,” but Clooney recently mentioned plans to make “Ocean’s 14” next year, suggesting he either intends to shoot both films in 2026 or that “In Love” is likely slated for 2027.