Fox Searchlight is reportedly structuring a new production deal with producer Damian Jones. The deal includes a reboot of the 1991 Julia Roberts thriller Sleeping With The Enemy and a feature version of James Corden’s stage play One Man, Two Guvnors.
What’s happening:
- According to Deadline, UK producer Damian Jones and Fox Searchlight have signed a deal that includes developing a slate of new movies from Searchlight.
Sleeping With the Enemy:
- The deal will bring about a “reimagining” of the 1991 film Sleeping With the Enemy written and directed this time by US filmmaker Nia DaCosta.
- DaCosta’s feature debut Little Woods was about sisters who worked outside the law for the betterment of their lives. Lily James and Tessa Thompson starred.
- Sleeping With The Enemy is based on the 1987 novel of the same name, but author Nancy Price. The story follows a woman trying to escape her abusive husband.
- No other details have been released about the reboot at this stage.
One Man, Two Guvnors:
- Additionally, the deal would bring about a feature version of James Corden’s One Man, Two Guvnors award winning play.
- One Man, Two Guvnors is being written by Oli Refson best know for the BBC comedy series Uncle.
- Richard Bean and Nicholas Hytner will serve as executive producers.
- James Corden starred in the fast-paced farce about the mixed fortunes of a down on his luck man who finds himself employed by two very different bosses, one of whom is a notorious gangster.
- No announcements have been made regarding Corden’s involvement.
President’s Astrologer:
- Searchlight and Jones have tapped filmmaker John Madden (Shakespeare In Love and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) to direct President’s Astrologer.
- Samantha Strauss, will write the screenplay for President’s Astrologer which tells the story of Joan Quigley a San Francisco astrologer.
- Quigley was called on by First Lady Nancy Reagan following an attempted assassination of the President. She remained as the White House astrologer in secret until being outed in 1988.
- The film will focus on the relationship between Quigley and the First Lady.
Additional Projects:
- Finally, the deal includes an untitled murder mystery film from Mark Chappell along with projects from Roisin Conaty and Simon Farnaby.
About Jones:
- Jones’ production deal has been set by Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents of Production for Film and Television Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum.
- In 2017, he produced Goodbye Christopher Robin for the studio.
- In 2016, he and the studio made UK comedy Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
- Jones’ other current projects include:
- Michael Winterbottom’s Greed starring Steve Coogan
- Monday with Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough
- Upcoming films with Alice Lowe, John Morton, Tim Firth, Björn Runge and Sophia Al Maria
What they’re saying:
- Katie Goodson-Thomas, Searchlight’s SVP of Production & Acquisitions in the UK: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Damian, as one of the UK’s most prolific producers, he’s an ideal partner for us.”
- Damian Jones: “I’m thrilled to continue my relationship with the marvelous team at Fox Searchlight and their commitment to UK production and distribution is unsurpassed. We’re putting together a great slate that continues to grow, with a number of projects lining up for 2019.”