A24 is behind “Jonty,” a new film starring Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”) in the title role, opposite Tony winner Cole Escola (“Oh, Mary!”). Plot details remain under wraps (via Deadline).
The film will be co-written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, remember that name? Her last film was “Hustlers,” which was very much a thing six years ago, earning glowing reviews and puzzling Oscar buzz for Jennifer Lopez’s performance as a stripper.
Scafaria is sharing scripting duties with “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong and BAFTA winner Sam Bain (“Four Lions”). She’s actually twice Emmy nominated for directing “Succession,” not to mention a DGA nod. Her other film directing credits include “The Meddler” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.” She most recently directed the pilot for HBO’s “I Love LA.”
“Jonty” was originally supposed to be directed by Eric Warheim and was set to shoot just before the pandemic hit. The project was halted as a result. Michael Cera had been cast in the lead role, which has now gone to Jesse Plemons.
As it stands, the race looks like this at the top: "The Odyssey," "La Bola Negra," and then "You Can See Everything," with plenty of room to keep climbing.