Co-stars of Yorgos Lanthimos’ morbid and borderline misanthropic “The Lobster” Rachel Weisz and Colin Farrell are set to reunite, rather appropriately, in the latest film from Todd Solondz: “Love Child,” recently announced for the upcoming Cannes virtual market. According to a press release on behalf of Cinetic Media and MadRiver International, the film is touted as a “dark and hilarious twist” on the classic Oedipus story, as a precocious child plans to rid himself of his brutish father so he can have his mother all to himself. But a handsome stranger appears, and the plan quickly goes sideways.
“This is my first movie with a plot and my first movie taking place in Texas,” Solondz said of the project. “It’s fun, and it’s sexy, and it’s shaped by the Hollywood movies that made me want to become a filmmaker. I’ve loved Rachel and Colin’s work forever and am so honored to be able to excite their passion for serious and unexpected work as well.” Christine Vachon of Killer Films, who has produced past Solondz films as “Happiness” and the more recent “Weiner-Dog,” will produce “Love Child” with David Hinojosa on behalf of 2AM.
The film was previously set to star Penélope Cruz and Edgar Ramírez (which, funnily enough, would have made a reunion for the two performers there too) as it was due to do the rounds on the European Film Market. As for the current leads, Weisz will next appear in Marvel’s “Black Widow,” which will no doubt be a decidedly different vibe from whatever Solondz is cooking up. Farrell is set to be in another Cannes piece, starring alongside Jodie Turner-Smith and Justin H. Min in Kogonada’s sci-fi drama and follow up to “Columbus,” “After Yang.” In their work in Lanthimos’s films, Farrell and Weisz have both proven their relish for acerbic and acidic writing, so this combination of artists could make for a very interesting “Love Child” indeed.
Cinetic Media and CAA Media Finance set up the financing for “Love Child” and represent domestic rights together with WME. MadRiver International will handle international sales and will pitch the film to global buyers at the Cannes virtual market later this month.