Neither critics nor audiences really took to David O. Russell‘s “Amsterdam” last Fall. But no matter to Russell: he’s already busy shopping around his next project at the Berlinale. Variety reports that “Super Toys,” Russell’s next feature, hits the 2023 European Film Market in Berlin, with Keke Palmer and Sacha Baron Cohen slated to star.
As per usual, Russell writes the script of “Super Toys” on top of directing duties. The film sees Palmer and Cohen as “groovy ’70s toy sale reps on a life-and-death mission to save themselves, their marriage, and their live-wire 12-year-old daughter while on the road in Middle America.” So, yup, it sounds like “Super Toys” continues Russell’s penchant for antic, mad-cap humanistic period pieces.
But who else is on board “Super Toys” at the moment? Acting-wise, no one but Palmer and Cohen, but Charles Roven and Matt Budman produce the movie. CAA Media Finance takes over the film’s US distribution rights, while FilmNation Entertainment handles it internationally. And given Russell’s name and Palmer’s rising it-factor after a super-successful 2022, expect a studio to snatch up “Super Toys” before Berlinale wraps up.
Speaking of Palmer, “Super Toys” is the latest project for an actress coming off a career year. In 2022, Palmer starred in Jordan Peele‘s “NOPE,” did voice work for Pixar‘s “Lightyear,” and led the crime thriller “Alice.” Her turn in “NOPE” notched her a Best Supporting Actress award from the New York Film Critics Circle, an accolade of note. Other recent work for Palmer includes the launch of Kevy TV, a digital network aimed at spotlighting burgeoning content creators, hosting NBC‘s revival game show “Password,” and voice work for “The Proud Family,” “Big Mouth,” and its spinoff, “Human Resources.”
Meanwhile, Cohen nabbed two Oscar noms for his roles in “The Trial Of The Chicago 7” and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” in 2021. He’s also kept busy with voice work for Pixar’s “Luca” and the HBO Max/Cartoon Network special “Chelm: The Smartest Place On Earth.”
Expect more casting news for “Super Toys” once someone picks it up off the EFM in Berlin.
