Filmmaker Joe Wright To Direct WWII Drama 'In The Garden Of Beasts'

Outside of the absolutely godawful “Pan,” filmmaker Joe Wright has been hugely consistent with delivering effective, well-acted dramas. And after landing some Oscar nominations for his last film, the WWII drama “Darkest Hours,” it would appear Wright is ready to go back to the same era for a new film.

According to Variety, the filmmaker has signed on to direct “In the Garden of Beasts,” based on the Erik Larson book of the same name. The film tells the true story of William Dodd, the US Ambassador assigned to Germany at the rise of Hitler. At first, everything in Berlin seems great, as Dodd and his family grow accustomed to life overseas. But that all changes as the true nature of Hitler’s rule becomes clear.

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The film is set to be produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, through their Playtone production company. “In the Garden of Beasts” has been toiling away in developmental hell for quite a while now, but seems to be back on solid ground with Wright aboard. The real question remains whether Hanks will sign on to star in the film, or if he’s content to serve as one of the producers. Judging by the premise, and the actor’s career choices, ‘Beasts’ sounds like a film that would be right up Hanks’ alley, so to speak.

As mentioned, Wright recently directed “Darkest Hours,” but is probably best known for his earlier films “Atonement” and “Pride & Prejudice.” He is currently in post-production on his next film, the adaptation of the incredibly popular thriller novel, “The Woman in the Window,” starring Amy Adams.

There’s no release date planned for “In the Garden of Beasts,” but we can assume that this is next on the schedule for Wright.