A reunion between filmmaker Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan for a feature film project has studio and streaming execs buzzing.
The untitled project is to be the next movie from Coogler, the filmmaker behind Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Coogler wrote the script and will direct. Jordan, who has frequently worked with the filmmaker, including in the Panther movies as well as Creed and Fruitvale Station, would star.
This is the first spec script from Coogler through his production company, Proximity Media. His only other spec was his 2013 breakthrough, Fruitvale Station. This new one is a fully internally developed project. It’s based on an original idea from Coogler, who will serve as lead producer. Producing with Coogler are Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian
The project is operating under such a veil of secrecy that little is known about it. In fact, executives and buyers were forced to make the pilgrimage to the Beverly Hills offices of WME, the agency that represents Coogler and Jordan, in order to take a gander on the script and get details. Those meetings took place last week.
Coogler and his team are being methodical. The second step is occurring this week, with interested parties meeting with the filmmaker to hear him lay out his vision. A production commitment will be asked.
The project is being described as a “genre” feature. That, however, is a wide-ranging term that encompasses horror and its subsets, as well as thriller, science fiction, even fantasy. Two sources have said there is a period element to the story. Coogler’s camp had no comment.
Coogler is one of the most sought after filmmakers of his generation. He reinvented the Rocky franchise with 2015’s Creed, which has now spanned three movies, while his Marvel Studios debut Black Panther became a cultural touchstone, generating $1.2 billion globally and earning a best picture nomination, a rarity in the comic book genre.
Jordan, who is additionally repped by M88, both starred and directed Creed III and is due to tackle a fourth installment.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Hollywood
