It’s only been about three years since Josh Trank’s last film, “Fantastic Four,” but honestly it feels like a lifetime since the director has had a new project in development. After a series of unfortunate press clippings about his off-set activities and short-lived collaboration with Lucasfilm, people have been waiting for Josh Trank to have a worthy follow-up to his breakout film “Chronicle.” With the upcoming film “Fonzo,” it looks like Trank is taking a break from superheroes and sci-fi and looking at a new direction.
If a new Josh Trank film, on its own, doesn’t excite you, then maybe you’ll be interested to know that the filmmaker has enlisted Tom Hardy, and a pretty great supporting cast, to star in the film. “Fonzo” tells the story of ruthless businessman and bootlegger Al Capone, played by Hardy, who ruled Chicago and was the most infamous and feared gangster of American lore. However, at the age of 47, following nearly a decade of imprisonment, dementia rots Capone’s mind and his past becomes present as harrowing memories of his violent and brutal origins melt into his waking life.
Deadline is reporting that joining Hardy in the cast is Linda Cardellini, as Capone’s wife Mae, Academy Award nominee Matt Dillon, Golden Globe winner Kyle MacLachlan, Jack Lowden and Katherine Narducci. Along with directing the film, Trank is also credited as the writer of “Fonzo.”
This marks the first project for Trank after the disastrous “Fantastic Four” and his short-lived work with Lucasfilm. “Fantastic Four” was one of the least successful superhero films in recent years, which was plagued by behind-the-scenes issues stemming from disagreements with Trank and Fox. The end result is a heavily re-shot film that never connected with audiences or critics.
Following that, Trank was signed to direct a rumored “Boba Fett” standalone film for Lucasfilm. However, he was fired shortly after the “Fantastic Four” debacle. Clearly, Trank is hoping “Fonzo” can be the film that returns the filmmaker to the success he had post-“Chronicle” in 2012.
Production on “Fonzo” is scheduled to begin in April in New Orleans. No word yet on when this film will be released.