We haven’t yet read Jason Matthews’ novel “Red Sparrow,” published in 2013, but we should probably get around to it, given that some of the biggest movie talent around have spent the last few years sniffing around it. First, Darren Aronofsky was attached to the project, then David Fincher became involved with his regular collaborator Rooney Mara.
Those two fell off in favor of the now-cancelled “Utopia,” but “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” director Francis Lawrence came on earlier in the year, and now Deadline have confirmed what’s been whispered about for a while: he’ll likely be reteaming with his Katniss Everdeen, Hollywood’s brightest star, Jennifer Lawrence, on the project.
The book sees a state intelligence officer in modern-day Russia, the role that Lawrence would play, tasked with seducing a young CIA officer, only for the pair to fall for each other. “American Hustle” writer Eric Warren Singer penned the first draft, and “Revolutionary Road”’s Justin Haythe rewrote him. There’s no deal in place for either director or star at present, but they’re reportedly keen to work together again (they were also mulling “The Dive” at one point).
They’re both busy—Lawrence has “Passengers” and “The Rosie Project” in the immediate future, Lawrence is gearing up for “The Odyssey” — but if this could happen, it’d be very intriguing. More news on it as it arrives.
