“The Trade” has been one of the more intriguing projects on the pile for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Brewing for years, and at one point threatened with a lawsuit, the project would’ve reteamed Affleck and Damon on the big screen, with Casey Affleck also involved as a co-writer on the script, working his brother to punch up the 2009 Black List draft by Dave Mandel. And it looks like the film is once again moving, however, with some major changes.
Variety reports that Jay Roach has been tapped to helm the outlandish tale of bases and balls. The story is based on real-life New York Yankees players Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich, who in 1973 revealed that they had been swapping wives and fell for each other’s partners. Great stuff, however, the increasingly busy Affleck — who next two years will be devoted to “Batman Vs. Superman,” “Justice League” and “Live By Night” — and Damon (who at one point was also eyeing to direct) will no longer be starring, but will stick around as executive producers instead.
So, a bit of bummer but this is a great big screen story, and Roach is a good choice. He’s oscillated between drama (“Recount, “Game Change“) and comedy (“Austin Powers,” “The Campaign“) fairly nimbly and this seems like a tale that will have plenty of both. No word yet on when this might roll, but it looks like everyone is getting the diamond ready to play ball.
