Update: Sony Pictures is officially pulling Ridley Scott’s “All The Money In The World” from AFI Fest 2017. A wide release is still set for the thriller based on the real life kidnapping of John Paul Getty III on Dec. 22. That means Michelle Williams is still a potential contender for a Best Actress nomination if Sony continues with an awards campaign around the film despite Kevin Spacey‘s involvement.
In a statement the studio noted, “‘All the Money in the World is a superb film and more than worthy of its place of honor in the AFI Fest. But given the current allegations surrounding one of its actors and out of respect for those impacted, it would be inappropriate to celebrate at a gala at this difficult time. Accordingly, the film will be withdrawn. However, a film is not the work of one person. There are over 800 other actors, writers, artists, craftspeople and crew who worked tirelessly and ethically on this film, some for years, including one of cinema’s master directors. It would be a gross injustice to punish all of them for the wrongdoings of one supporting actor in the film. Accordingly, the film will open wide as planned on December 22.”
In a separate statement, AFI Fest also added, “AFI Fest celebrates film as a collaborative art form. We support Sony’s decision to postpone the premiere in order to ensure the thousands of people who worked together on this film are honored at a proper time and in a proper light.” [Deadline] — Gregory Ellwood
Original post: The dominos continue to fall for Kevin Spacey. The actor, who is facing a growing number of allegations of sexual harassment and assault, has been dropped by his agency and publicist, and effectively kicked off “House Of Cards.” Now, his shot at a third Oscar is being taken off the table.
Sony is now considering canceling next week’s AFI Fest premiere of Ridley Scott‘s “All The Money In The World” and pushing the film’s scheduled December 22nd release date back to June 2018. The move isn’t exactly surprising, given that last week it was decided that an Oscar campaign for Spacey would be scrapped. Also starring Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg, the film tells the true story of the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, with Spacey playing the ornery oligarch who doesn’t give in easy to ransom demands.
Nothing has been firmly decided just yet, but apparently, it’s Scott’s idea to scrap the AFI bow – while some producers still want to soldier on with the film’s release. It’s hard to say where the film’s commercial prospects might be better served, but it’s probably a no-win situation given that Spacey’s reputation is going to be a stain on the movie no matter when it hits cinemas. The only thing likely on the minds of both the studio and producers is that Danny Boyle‘s FX series “Trust,” based on the same story, launches in January — the Spacey film was originally going to beat it to the punch.
A decision is likely to arrive soon as AFI Fest kicks off on Thursday. [Variety]