Focus Features is nearing a domestic distribution deal—reportedly in the $11M range—for Paul Greengrass’ historical drama “The Rage,” one of the bigger plays of this year’s Cannes market.
Sources tell Deadline that Andrew Garfield is now in active negotiations to take over the lead role from Matthew McConaughey, who had previously been attached.
Garfield has been cast in the role of a farmer who becomes the leader of the revolt which might be based on real-life revolter Wat Tyler, who led the uprising before being killed by forces loyal to King Richard.
The film, scripted by Greengrass himself, centers on the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, one of England’s most significant uprisings, sparked by economic hardship, political unrest, and brutal taxation. Garfield would star as a common farmer who rises to lead the rebellion—possibly inspired by the historical figure Wat Tyler, though that detail remains unconfirme
Greengrass hasn’t been behind the camera since “News of the World,” his Tom Hanks-led Western that was quietly released during the pandemic five years ago. It earned solid reviews, though it didn’t generate the kind of acclaim Greengrass is typically known for. The same goes for “July 22,”his 2018 Venice premiered film, which received a respectful but muted response from critics.
Of course, Greengrass redefined modern action filmmaking with his use of handheld camerawork in the ‘Bourne’ series — a stylistic shift that left a lasting imprint on Hollywood and cements his place among the most influential directors of the 21st century. His finest films, which include “Captain Phillips,” “United 93,” and “Bloody Sunday,” are intense, real-life dramas where chaos and heroism collide.
Greengrass has wrapped production on “The Lost Bus” for Apple TV+, a dramatization of the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California. The film stars Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Lee Curtis and is expected to make its debut on the fall festival circuit.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.