Ben Affleckis lining up a new directorial project, and no, it’s not a superhero movie. While the multitalented performer/writer/filmmaker is currently busy playing the Caped Crusader in Warner Bros.’ currently-filmingJustice League, he’s closing in on a deal to direct and star in an adaptation of theAgatha Christieshort storyWitness for the Prosecutionfor 20th Century Fox, which he’ll also produce alongsideMatt Damon,Jennifer Todd, and the Agatha Christie estate.
Christopher Keyser, who createdParty of Fiveand currently writes for the FX seriesTyrant, is penning the screenplay for the courtroom drama, which tells the story of a trial involving a man arrested for the murder of a wealthy older woman who named the man as her sole heir. The man, it turns out, was already married, which casts a great deal of suspicion on him. During the trial, his wife agrees to testify for the prosecution, albeit as part of a convoluted plan to eventually secure a “Not Guilty” verdict.
The greatBilly Wilderadapted the story for the big screen in 1957 withCharles Laughton,Marlene Dietrich, andTyrone Powerin the lead roles. The film garnered six Oscar nominations in total, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress, so there are certainly big shoes to fill.
This kind of whodunit drama is a curious choice of material for Affleck, whose previous directorial efforts have been steeped more in thoughtful character study than plot—although one could argueArgois more of a dramedy thriller. He most recently wrapped his long-awaited follow-upLive by Night, which is a prohibition-era crime drama, and he’s attached to directa standaloneBatmanmoviefor Warner Bros. that he’s co-writing withGeoff Johns.
Where doesWitness for the Prosecutionfall on Affleck’s schedule? It’s unclear. After he wrapsJustice Leaguehe’ll no doubt be busy with awards season promotion forLive by Night, and while Warner Bros. no doubt wants thatBatmanmovie sooner rather than later, Affleck has a hefty amount of sway with the studio and is in no hurry to rush that film into production before the script is in tip-top shape. Moreover, whileLive by Nightwas set as Affleck’sArgofollow-up years ago, he had no qualms pushing that film when acting opportunities arose for films likeGone GirlorBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
One curious aspect ofWitness for the Prosecutionis Damon serving as producer. Affleck’s set to star in the film, but perhaps this could be the project that finally reunites the Oscar-winning screenwriters in front of the camera? Assuming their schedules finally align, that is.
