UPDATE: Here’s another update on this promising project. Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread”) has joined the cast of “Jack of Spades,” which is still shooting in Scotland.
EARLIER:,I got tipped this morning that Joel Coen’s “Jack of Spades,” starring Josh O’Connor, has been shooting in Scotland for a few weeks. In fact, production is nearly halfway through completion.
We already knew that Coen was bringing O’Connor along in the lead role. Details on the project remain tightly under wraps, but I can confirm another major addition to the cast: Frances McDormand, who was spotted on set with O’Connor.
McDormand, 68, a three time Oscar-winning actress, is married to Coen, and has starred in eight Joel and Ethan films. Her most notable credits include “Fargo,” “Three Billboards,” “Wonder Boys,” “Almost Famous” and “Nomadland.”
Back in 2021, Coen released “The Tragedy of Macbeth” as his first solo project. At the time, his brother and longtime collaborator Ethan’s absence was puzzling. The Coens had always worked together — in fact, prior to “Macbeth,” they hadn’t missed a collaboration since their 1984 debut “Blood Simple.”
Turns out, a creative break was needed between Joel and Ethan, they’ve gone on to helm solo projects since their last collaboration, 2018’s “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.” Let’s not mention what Ethan has been up to with partner and co-writer Tricia Cooke. Some things are better left unsaid.
“Jack of Spades” marks Joel Coen’s first film since “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” which also starred McDormand alongside Denzel Washington.