Will Smith saves the day!
It’s been reported that the “Bad Boys” actor will be taking the lead role and replacing Hugh Jackman in “Collateral Beauty“. Jackman dropped out of the project in July due to scheduling conflicts with his “Wolverine” project for Fox which is set for a March 3rd, 2017 release. At the time, Johnny Depp was also being eyed to take on the role.
SOURCE: Variety
Rooney Mara is also attached to star in the drama, set to be the next film from “Me & Earl & The Dying Girl” director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon. The story follows a New York advertising executive (Smith) who experiences a deep personal tragedy. When his colleagues come up with an unconventional plan to break him out of his depression, the plan works, but not in a way that anyone imagined.
Overbook Entertainment will be co-producing the project alongside Anonymous Content, PalmStar and Likely Story with PalmStar fully financing the project. Written by Allan Loeb, PalmStar Media and Likely Story paid $2.25 million for his script.
SOURCE: Will Smith Official Facebook Page
Principle photography is expected to start in October. Anonymous Content’s Michael Sugar and Bard Darros are producing along with Loeb, with PalmStar CEO Kevin Frakes and Anthony Bregman exec producing.
Smith was most recently seen in “Focus” alongside Margot Robbie, and will next be seen in Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated DC Comics film “Suicide Squad” in which he will star as Deadshot.
“Collateral Beauty” is still in its early stages of production and no release date has been set.