If the formula works, why mess with it? Across his last two films — "Silver Linings Playbook" and "American Hustle" — David O. Russell has uncovered an undeniable chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Robert De Niro. And even though the latter actor only appeared briefly in ‘Hustle,’ it never felt like a stunt so much as smartly utilizing the ace up your sleeve. Now, as Russell gears up "Joy," he’s looking to bring the gang back together. With Lawrence already attached to lead the picture, the director is looking to bring in some familiar co-stars.
Yesterday, Russell participated in a Q&A with longtime friend Alexander Payne at the Holland Centre in Omaha, and beforehand he chatted briefly with Go, and revealed his plans for his next movie. "I think I’d very much like (Robert) De Niro to be in it, I think he’s gonna be in it," Russell said. "And of course I always create a role for Bradley Cooper. I try to have things people have never done. Then they can get excited, and it’s exciting for audiences. That’s what makes it daring in some way."
Chronicling the rags-to-riches tale of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop, Russell sees the movie not just as inspirational story, but a great character piece. "It’s the story of a certain woman, what’s going on inside her from a young girl, broke, to when she becomes a bit of a mogul, a bit of a power broker. And the people she’s surrounded by are extremely … she has very complicated, deep, personal family relationships, which are the bane of her and the reason she is who she is," Russell explained. "There are great roles for other actors as well, to create a world."
Sounds like another potential winner from Russell. Likely, we’ll know more very soon about the project as "Joy" is already eyeing to shake up the Oscar race next year with a December 25, 2015 release date. Updated: Yep, it’s a thing and THR confirm that De Niro is in talks to play Lawrence’s father in the movie. Shooting starts in February.