As I reported a few months back, Joel Coen is heading back behind the camera.
Joel is bringing Josh O’Connor with him. Deadline confirms that Coen’s next film, Jack” of Spades,” will shoot this summer in Scotland, with O’Connor in the lead role. Details on the project remain tightly under wraps, but this marks Coen’s first film since “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” and only his second solo outing without brother Ethan.
Jack of Spades also continues a notable run for O’Connor, who’s been quietly building an impressive roster of collaborations with top-tier American directors. He’s currently in New York wrapping up work on Steven Spielberg’s untitled sci-fi project for Amblin and Universal, starring alongside Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson.
Coen’s decision to film “Jack of Spades” there may not be random — his last feature was Macbeth, and perhaps the landscape left an impression. Casting is still underway, but offers have gone out to two high-profile British actresses with major stage and screen credentials.
Meanwhile, in a bit of sibling symmetry, Ethan Coen’s latest film “Honey Don’t!” premieres at Cannes tonight — his second solo project, following last year’s “Drive-Away Dolls.” Whatever the Coens are cooking as a duo, which is a horror film, it’s clear their reunion will have to wait.
No word yet on plot specifics for “Jack of Spades,” but with hopefully it’s worthy of the Coen name.