UPDATE: A Page Six Hollywood report also has Chalamet quietly attached to “Lupin the Third” at Warner Bros. There’s no writer or director yet. But David Heyman (“Harry Potter”) is producing. Chalamet would star in the film based on the adventures of the French master thief.
EARLIER: According to DanielRPK, Timothée Chalamet has joined Dwayne Johnson in Darren Aronofsky’s “Breakthrough.” No confirmation on my part, or from the trades, so let’s call this one a “rumor.”
The A24 film, described as a psychological thriller, was penned by up-and-comer Zeke Goodman. Johnson was already locked in to co-star — not lead — and Chalamet’s addition would mean he’s the actual lead.
Set in early-2000s Southern California, “Breakthrough” follows a disaffected young man, played by Chalamet, who falls under the spell of a seductive, manipulative self-help guru — Johnson’s role, in a rare supporting turn.
The potential, and that’s with a question mark, addition of Chalamet is certainly intriguing. A recent Page Six Hollywood report had studios growing anxious as Chalamet remains highly selective about his next move. Although Warner Bros. is actively developing a sequel to his box-office hit “Wonka,” he has not rushed to sign on, and he has also shown little urgency about accepting a reported $25M offer to kickstart James Mangold’s “High Side,” preferring to wait for the screenplay. Sources describe him as being extremely picky, creating uncertainty for projects and filmmakers hoping to work with him.
As for Johnson, “Breakthrough” is shaping up to be a post-blockbuster recalibration. He has lined up new projects with Aronofsky, Martin Scorsese, and J.J. Abrams. First up will be a reunion with his “Smashing Machine” director, Benny Safdie, on “Lizard King,” which is set to shoot in August.
Meanwhile, Aronofsky is coming off “Caught Stealing,” which was released last year to positive reviews. He also has an A24-backed Elon Musk biopic in the works, along with Netflix’s “Cujo.” No word yet on which project he will shoot first.
Aronofsky is a strong filmmaker in my book, purely for having directed three great films — “The Wrestler,” “Black Swan,” and “Requiem for a Dream.” He’s been hot and cold throughout his career, but when he hits the bullseye, he does so with a bang.
Back in January, at the Sundance Film Festival, a bidding war emerged over Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite.” A24, Netflix, Searchlight, Focus Features, and NEON among the studios in the mix.