The Virtual Cannes Film Market is underway, which means many deals and projects are coming together in hot packages. Just revealed, Oscar-winning actresses Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are attached to lead director Todd Haynes‘ new film, “May December.” The drama will see Gloria Sanchez Films, Killer Films, and Portman’s MountainA producing. Rocket Science is handling international sales while UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Fiance are covering the U.S. rights to the pic.
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Screenwriter Samy Burch penned “May December,” which focuses on actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman), who is poised to play Gracie-Atherton-Yu (Moore) in a film focusing on her notorious tabloid romance with younger husband Joe (23 years her junior) that gripped the nation. Berry hopes to learn more about their family dynamics to better understand how to tackle the role. At the same time, Joe is becoming an empty nester at 35 as the couple’s twins graduate high school.
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The drama is also set in the picturesque Camden, Maine, and it will begin filming sometime next year. Suggesting that Haynes will press pause on his Peggy Lee film “Fever” starring Michelle Williams.
It’s an interesting contrast for Natalie Portman, who recently wrapped he on Marvel’s “Thor: Love & Thunder” from Oscar-winning screenwriter Taika Waititi as the busy actress who has spent her entire career juggling commercial and awards caliber projects.
Haynes was behind “Carol” and previously worked with Julianne Moore multiple times, including on “Safe” and the Oscar-winning film “Far From Heaven.”