Jessica Chastain Joel Edgerton Split - H 2012
Getty ImagesJessica Chastain and Joel Edgerton have signed on to star in an ambitious double feature film project for Myriad Pictures — The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Hers.
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Ned Benson (In Defiance of Gravity) wrote and will direct the films, which explore a couple’s relationship during a difficult time in their marriage from both sides. Set in New York City, the husband is a restaurant owner, while his wife has gone back to college.
William Hurt is in talks to join the cast. Cassandra Kulukundis is producing the films and is the casting director.
Myriad will launch the project to foreign buyers at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.
Both films will be stand-alone movies. “We have to make both films work on their own, both for the buyers but also for the audiences. Together, these films will describe a fully, more complete look at these characters and their lives,” sayd Myriad CEO Kirk D’Amico, whose sales and financing company backed Margin Call.
D’Amico believes the project reflects the changing times in terms of distribution models (in the U.S., Margin Call was released day and date on VOD and in theaters).
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“It is possible to consider making films in a completely different way than the single production method one film at a time. We’re intrigued also to work with our distribution partners to discover what kind of releasing and promotional options may arise,” D’Amico said.
Chastain is up for an Oscar for best supporting actress for The Help.
The deal for Myriad was negotiated by senior vp business affairs David Ducar and director of acquisitions and production Ari Haas, and by Alan Grodin for the producers.
In Berlin, Myriad also will be shopping 2012 Sundance Film Festival entry Nobody Walks to foreign buyers. D’Amico acquired international rights to that film — starring John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Dylan McDermott and Justin Kirk — this week.
