If you are spending $100 million on a film starring two of the hottest young actors in Hollywood, Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, then you better not drop the ball. That’s the position that Lionsgate finds themselves in right now with their upcoming YA film “Chaos Walking.” The studio is hoping this sci-fi film launches a new franchise, and they’re willing to take their time on it. And according to The Hollywood Reporter, they’re going to do some extensive reshoots to ensure the film is right.
THR just broke the news that Lionsgate is currently working on figuring out the time to get Holland, Ridley, and director Doug Liman all back together for a few weeks more of reshoots that are said to be “significant.”
The current issue is scheduling these reshoots around their stars’ busy schedules. Holland is knee-deep in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the sequel to “Spider-Man: Homecoming” beginning production soon and reshoots for the fourth ‘Avengers’ film to be rumored for the Fall. That doesn’t leave much time for “Chaos Walking.” Ridley, herself, is about to go back out to a galaxy far, far away with production on the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode IX.” And there’s no doubt that Disney is going to ensure they’re stars are there for every bit of filming for these mega-franchises.
In the meantime, while Lionsgate is waiting for the scheduling to work out, they’re reportedly in negotiations with the author of the titular novel, Patrick Ness, to come on and write some new pages for the reshoots. As THR reports, Ness would then join the litany of writers that have contributed to the sci-fi film, which include Charlie Kaufman, Lindsey Beers, John Lee Hancock and Gary Spinelli.
The story, which is causing the studio and filmmakers a big ol’ headache, revolves around two young adults, who are navigating a dystopian future where the world around them erupts into war. What makes this story unique is that in this future society, the all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts in a stream of images, words, and sounds called the Noise.
At this point, Lionsgate is just trying to ensure that their massive investment is given its proper due, which could mean missing it’s March 2019 release date.
“Chaos Walking” is directed by Doug Liman, who has had his fair share of troubled productions. Films like “The Bourne Identity” and “Edge of Tomorrow” were reported to have very tough productions, with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie coming on to help figure out the latter.