In a pretty shocking development, Annapurna Pictures has dropped the untitled Fox News movie that was to starCharlize TheronandNicole Kidmanmere weeks before production was set to begin. The film aims to chronicle the sexual harassment plaguing the halls of Fox News, and the ripple effect ofGretchen Carlson(played by Kidman) going public with the harassment she received from Fox News head honchoRoger Ailes, withJohn Lithgowfilling that role.
It sounds like the movie could still happen, asVarietyreports that a new distributor is expected to come to the rescue in the coming weeks;The Wrapsays Focus Features is in the mix. As for why Annapurna passed, Variety cites one source who says Annapurna became uncomfortable with the growing budget, while two other sources say Bron Studios—which financedFencesand the upcomingThe Mule—will come on board.
It’s unclear if production will be affected, but filming was due to begin soon under the direction ofJay Roach, who helmed the politically focused HBO moviesGame ChangeandRecountas well as the theatrical biopicTrumbo. Oscar-winningThe Big Shortco-writerCharles Randolphpenned the script, and the impressive ensemble cast also includesMargot RobbieandKate McKinnon.
This isn’t the only project about Roger Ailes and the sexist environment of Fox News currently in the works. Showtime is also putting together a limited series starringRussell Croweas Ailes andNaomi Wattsas Gretchen Carlson. Indeed, this angle is a hot one at the moment, and Roach was no doubt hoping his film would be first out of the gate. If another studio steps in soon he will likely still beat the Showtime series to the punch, but we’ll see.
