I don’t know about you, butJames Gray’s sci-fi epicAd Astrais one of my most anticipated films of the year. I mean,Brad Pittdoesn’t just venture into space for anyone. I can’t say I love any of Gray’s films – hisBlood Tiesscript is probably my favorite – but he hasn’t made a bad one either. And hopefully,Ad Astrawill be his best yet. Either way, the director has signed on to a new project as he’ll step behind the camera for the indie dramaArmageddon Time, it was announced Thursday at Cannes.
Gray will direct from his own screenplay, which is set in Gray’s hometown of Queens, New York in the mid-1980s.Rodrigo Teixeira(Call Me By Your Name) will produce via his RT Features banner. Casting is currently underway, and production is slated to start early next year in New York.
Gray first partnered with RT Features onAd Astra, which co-starsTommy Lee Jones,Ruth NeggaandDonald Sutherland, and hits theaters in September. RT developed the film with Gray, who praised the company for its support. “RT Features is the best partner a director could ask for – they’ve got great taste, and they know how to support the filmmaker; I’m thrilled to be working with them again.”
Texeira calledArmageddon Timean “intimate project” for Gray, who pitched him the idea during a lunch break on set ofAd Astra. According to the press release, the two bonded over movie trivia. I wonder if they’ve ever seen the Schmoedown?
Gray made his feature directorial debut with 1994’sLittle Odessabefore going on to direct fourJoaquin Phoenixfilms –The Yards,We Own the Night,Two LoversandThe Immigrant. He also helmedThe Lost City of ZstarringCharlie Hunnam,Robert PattinsonandTom Holland. According to the press release, Gray will next directI Am PilgrimforMatthew Vaughn’s Marv Films and MGM, but it’s difficult to picture him directing that film beforeArmaggeddon Timegoes in early 2020, so perhaps that was a misprint? We’ll follow-up for further clarification. He’s represented by CAA, which also reps RT Features.
RT Features has three films premiering at Cannes this year –Danielle Lessovitz’sPort AuthorityandKarim Aïnouz’sInvisible Lifein Un Certain Regard, andRobert Eggers’The Lighthouse, starringRobert PattinsonandWillem Dafoe, in Directors' Fortnight.
