Earlier this year, we reported that Alexander Payne was signed on to direct a film called “The Menu,” for producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Not much was known about the film, other than it was expected to draw some serious acting talent. And sure enough, it has, as Emma Stone and Ralph Fiennes have signed on to star in the upcoming dark comedy film.
According to Deadline, Stone and Fiennes are joining the Payne-directed film, which is scripted by Will Tracy and Beth Reiss. The film is said to be about a lavish dinner that is held on an exclusive, private island and attracts some of the biggest names in the world that are interested in seeing what the world-class chef has cooked up. Of course, being that this is a dark comedy, the plot gets twisted when it’s revealed that some of the items on the menu are a bit…unusual.
READ MORE: Alexander Payne Teams Up With Producers Will Ferrell & Adam McKay For New Horror Comedy
Stone is reportedly signed to play one half of an A-list couple that the story follows throughout the film. Fiennes, on the other hand, will play the chef that sets up the entire event. It’s expected that some other major names will sign on to be part of the project, as it inches closer to production.
Stone is probably best known for her Oscar-winning performance in “La La Land,” but has a litany of other major films under her belt. Fiennes is an Oscar-nominated actor for his roles in “Schindler’s List” and “The English Patient,” but has recently starred in films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Hail, Ceasar!” and “The White Crow.”
No word on when production is said to begin, as the film currently finds itself in a bit of an unusual situation. Ferrell and McKay are currently figuring out their future as partners, as it’s been reported that they are dissolving their production banner, leaving the studio deals with certain films in odd positions. But, with Stone, Fiennes, and Payne aboard, it’s likely that there will be plenty of studio interest.