‘Eve’ Director Matthew Newton Leaves Jessica Chastain Action Film After Abuse Controversy

A little over a week ago, Jessica Chastain announced that she was going to begin development on a new film titled “Eve.” The film, which is said to be a “character-driven action movie,” was to be written and directed by filmmaker Matthew Newton, and produced by Chastain’s own Freckle Films. However, what seemed like a simple announcement took on a whole life of its own.

Over the ensuing days, Chastain came under fire for hiring Newton to direct the film, after fans brought up the fact that the director pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend in 2007. While his past troubles are hardly news at this point, Chastain was criticized for hiring Newton after she’s been so vocal in support of the #MeToo movement. Many called for his firing.

And now, it appears that the other shoe has dropped and Newton is exiting “Eve.” Here’s Newton’s statement about his decision to leave the film (via Deadline):

“Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film ‘Eve’ that I will be stepping down as director. Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears. I am profoundly aware that I have a responsibility to lead where I have failed in the past. I can never undo the harm that I’ve caused the people I’ve cared about and I carry that shame and responsibility with me every day. Over the past eight years I have been working extensively with healthcare professionals to help me overcome my addiction and mental health illness. For the past six years I have lived a quiet and sober life. All I can do now is try to be a living amends and hopefully contribute to the positive change occurring in our industry.”

Even though he is stepping away from this project, his script will still be used as Chastain and the producers attempt to find a new director. And Newton will most likely not have a hard time finding another project to occupy his time. The director has been working steadily since 2007, most recently directing the film “Who We Are Now,” which starred Julianne Nicholson, Emma Roberts, and Zachary Quinto.

Since the film’s announcement, Chastain has stayed silent about the controversy. We’ll have to see if she decides to talk about the issue now that Newton has gone public with his decision to leave.