Following comments made last year during the “Men” press tour that he would step away from directing and stick with screenwriting, filmmaker Alex Garland evidently hasn’t changed his mind after helming his latest film, “Civil War.”
In a new interview with The Guardian, the U.K. outlet spoke with the filmmaker about his latest political thriller and, in the process, learned Garland is sticking to his previous claim. “Nothing’s changed,” Garland said about his impending retirement from directing. “I’m in a very similar state. I’m not planning to direct again in the foreseeable future.”
READ MORE: Alex Garland Says ‘Civil War’ Is Made In The “Apocalypse Now’ Mode & Meant To Be “Opaque”
Of course, that’s not entirely true. Garland has already set up his next film, a co-directing effort called “Warfare,” and a thriller that boasts a stellar cast, including Cosmo Jarvis (known for his breakout role in “Shogun”), Will Poulter (“Midsommar”), Kit Connor, and Finn Bennett. Ray Mendoza, a stunt coordinator and producer on films like “Emancipation” and “Lone Survivor,” will co-direct with Garland on the war film.
There is also a “28 Days Later” reunion in the works. Garland, filmmaker Danny Boyle, and recent Best Actor Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (currently only producing but could reprise his role of Jim) are teaming up on “28 Years Later,” which will launch a new rage virus trilogy at Sony Pictures. Garland will spearhead the scripts and creative vision. Of course, Garland made his Hollywood bones with Boyle on a string of films that include “The Beach,” “Sunshine,” and the aforementioned horror pic “28 Days Later.”
As with anything, Garland could easily change his mind after a couple of years focused on screenwriting, and maybe he needs a break. Initially, Garland planned on stepping away after “Men,” but the timeline switched to after “The Warfare.” Perhaps a co-directing effort with Garland overseeing the less experienced Mendoza is the perfect way to make the hand-off.
“Civil War” will be released by A24 on April 12, and you can read The Playlist’s review here.