Andrew Garfield and Focus near deals for Paul Greengrass’ “The Rage”
EXCLUSIVE: In one of the bigger deals being thrashed out during the Cannes market, we hear that Focus Features is working on a domestic pact in the $11M range for Paul Greengrass’ peasant revolt movie The Rage.
Andrew Garfield, a two-time Oscar nominee, is currently in active negotiations with the film to take over the leading role from Matthew McConaughey.
The film will take place in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, which was a massive uprising in England that took place in large areas in response to political and socio-economic tensions. If a deal is reached, which we believe will happen, Garfield would play a farmer that becomes the leader in the revolt. The character is said to be based upon the legendary Wat Tyler, who led an uprising until he was killed by loyalists of King Richard. This has not been confirmed.
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Garfield is a great fit for this project because of his English background. (The dual UK/US citizen was raised in England) Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge and The Social Network are just a few of the many projects Garfield has worked on. He has shown a long-standing ability to blend action and prestige roles that connect with audiences, and generate significant box office. After the Hunt, Luca Guadagnino’s After The Hunt will see him opposite Julia Roberts.
Greengrass is a nominee for an Oscar, and he’s known for movies like Captain Phillips, United 93 and the Bourne series. Jason Blum produces through Blumhouse Productions with Greg Goodman and Joanna Kaye. Greengrass is also involved. CAA Media Finance represents domestic sales with WME Independent. FilmNation sells international. Focus has been involved in the project for some time and started talks at EFM.
Blum and Goodman have recently teamed up on Greengrass’s upcoming film The Lost Bus.
Focus has just come off of a lucrative and busy awards season, thanks to Conclave. The History Of Sound by Wes Anderson and Phoenician Scheme are at the Cannes Festival. There is also high expectation for films such as Hamnet and Bugonia.
Reps and dealmakers declined comment.
