King Arthur fights back to big screen

Flynn biopic in the works

LOS ANGELES, May 9, (RTRS): A new dawn, and possibly even a franchise, await the legend of British folklore hero King Arthur.

Warner Bros’ “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” out in U.S. theaters on Friday, revives the tales of the legendary warrior, his famed knights of the round table, and the magician Merlin.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, “Legend of the Sword” goes back to the origins of Arthur, played by Charlie Hunnam, as he is plucked from the poverty in which he grew up as an orphan, and becomes a reluctant leader of a resistance against his uncle, King Vortigern, played by Jude Law.

“Something that has been really, really important in my life, and it’s one of the central themes of the film, is a person’s unquestionable ability to elevate themselves in life through conscious endeavor,” Hunnam told Reuters.

Arthur is the only one able to wield the magical sword Excalibur from the stone in which it is trapped and, with the guidance of friends and some wizardry from Merlin, the hero finds himself on a quest to save England from the tyrannical rule of a ruthless king.

While the folklore of King Arthur dates back to the Middle Ages, the story of a civilian uprising is something that can apply to a modern-day audience, said Djimon Hounsou, who plays Arthur’s confidant Bedivere.

“It resonates loudly about what’s going on in America or, more importantly, about what’s going on in the world,” Hounsou said.

Ritchie

Adapted

The legends of King Arthur have been adapted into numerous films over the years, from 1953’s “Knights of the Round Table” to 2015’s “Arthur and Merlin.” Ritchie believes it has staying power, saying he has already envisioned several more films for his iteration of the folklore hero.

Production has begun in Australia on the actionadventure movie “In Like Flynn,” with Thomas Cocquerel starring as young Errol Flynn and Russell Mulcahy directing.

Producers are James M. Vernon and Corey Large. Executive producers are Joan LeSeur, Gary Ousdahl, Felipe A Dieppa and Luke Flynn — the grandson of Errol Flynn. Luke Flynn is also appearing in the film as an older Errol Flynn.

The story follows Flynn as a young man whose magnetism inspires a rag-tag team of friends to set sail on a thrilling adventure in search of elusive New Guinea gold. The screenplay is written by Corey Large, Steve Albert, Luke Flynn and Alexander Djamirze.

The film also stars Large, William Moseley, Clive Standen, Callan Mulvey, Isabel Lucas, Nathalie Kelly and features David Wenham and Dan Fogler.

Mulcahy’s directing credits include “Highlander,” “Resident Evil” and “The Shadow.” He’s also an executive producer and director on the TV series “Teen Wolf.”

Tim Blake Nelson is starring as the title character in the movie “The True Don Quixote,” a modern-day version based on the classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes.

Shooting began Monday near New Orleans with Chris Poche (“Over The Hedge”) directing from his own script. Jacob Batalon (“Spiderman: Homecoming”) is co-starring as Sancho Panza.

Producers are Trey Burvant through Charthouse Films and Jason Waggenspack through his Neutral Ground Films.

The story is centered on a man who’s safe and comfortable and bored to death with his life. In his state of despair, the stories of passion and pain change his mind until he awakens insane, anointing himself as Don Quixote to find adventure, fame and glory that will make his life worthwhile — while never leaving his one-mile square neighborhood.

“Don Quixote,” published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, centers on a Spanish nobleman who loses his sanity as he seeks to revive chivalry. Poche noted that “Don Quixote” is the most published book in the world.

“At the same time, it’s this hilarious, intimate little buddy comedy about a guy who essentially just goes out and attacks his neighborhood because he goes insane from boredom and propaganda, which feels very timely,” he said. And who better than the brilliant Tim Blake Nelson to capture Don Quixote’s combination of despair and joy?”

Johnny Depp will star in the comedy-drama “Richard Says Goodbye” with Wayne Roberts directing from his own script.

Stuart Ford’s IM Global is fully-financing the project and is launching sales at the Cannes Film Festival, which opens May 17. CAA is representing domestic rights.

Producers are Automatik’s Brian KavanaughJones (“Loving”) and IM Global production head Greg Shapiro, whose credits include “Zero Dark Thirty” and “The Hurt Locker.”

Depp will portray the titular Richard — a college professor who is given a life-changing diagnosis and then decides to throw all pretense and conventions to the wind and live his life as boldly and freely as possible. He smokes, drinks, has sex, and insults anyone who annoys him.

Roberts directed and wrote “Katie Says Goodbye,” starring Olivia Cooke, Mireille Enos, Christopher Abbott, James Belushi and Mary Steenburgen, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Variety’s Geoff Berkshire gave “Katie” a mixed review.

Russell Crowe and David Oyelowo are circling a movie based on the groundbreaking Clarence DarrowOssian Sweet civil rights cases.

Sources tell Variety that Crowe is in talks to co-star with Oyelowo, who closed a deal, in the adaptation of “Arc of Justice” for the Mark Gordon Company.

The Mark Gordon Company had no comment on Crowe’s negotiations.

“Narcos” helmer Jose Padilha is directing with the Mark Gordon Company financing.

Based on Kevin Boyle’s book “Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age,” the true story centers on a racial incident in 1925 Detroit that put African American doctor Ossian Sweet (Oyelowo) on the stand for murder. His defense was funded by the nascent National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and led by Darrow (Crowe).