Probably one of my favorite actor/director bromances right now is the one between Michael Shannon and Jeff Nichols. The actor has been in every one of Nichols’ movies to date, and while we (im)patiently wait for the director’s big studio effort "Midnight Special" next spring (sadly pushed from release this fall), the duo are charing another project to pair up on.
Shannon, along with Nick Kroll, Jon Bass, Marton Csokas, and Bill Camp, are joining "Loving," which already has Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga slated to lead. The based-on-a-true-story drama is inspired by the documentary “The Loving Story” directed by Nancy Buirski (here’s our review) which tells the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, who were actually brought to trial for being in an interracial marriage in Virginia in 1958. While you might think the story is perfect fit for a villainous turn by Shannon, he’ll actually be paying a LIFE magazine photographer who took pictures of the couple in 1965.
The set will be a reunion of sorts, not just for Nichols and Shannon, but also for Edgerton and Camp who worked with the director on "Midnight Special." Production is now underway on the film, so maybe we’ll see Nichols return to Cannes in the spring? [The Wrap]
Bonus: Listen to a 50 minute chat with Michael Shannon on the Happy/Sad/Confused podcast. He talks "99 Homes," "Freeheld," "Midnight Special" and "Batman V. Superman."