Indie
‘Genus’ Described As ‘Looper’ Meets ‘Se7en’
Joseph White will direct the sci-fi thriller Genus for London based production and finance outfit Catalyst Global Media, Bloody learned out of Cannes.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Jonathan Trigell (writer of Boy A, dramatized by Film Four and The Weinstein Co. and recipient of four BAFTA Awards), Genus is a gripping and action-packed sci-fi thriller set in a bleak and dangerous future.
The film is being adapted for the screen by Mike Carey, the award-winning novelist, graphic-novelist (“Lucifer,” “Hellblazer” and “X-Men: Legacy”) and screenwriter of Cannes 2015-reported Warner acquisition She Who Brings Gifts starring Gemma Arterton, Paddy Considine and Glenn Close.
“In the not-so-distant future, genetic selection and physical perfection are the norm – all the qualities men and women aspire to can be purchased prior to birth, and those financially unable to ‘self-improve’ are ostracized as an underclass in London’s King’s Cross (The Kross). When a series of disturbing murders shakes the Kross, the unorthodox Detective Gunt is assigned to the case. As tensions mount between the improved and the unimproved, Gunt is running out of time. But as he gets closer to the truth and uncovers a larger conspiracy, he will come to question everything he’s ever known to be true.“
“Genus is a fascinating proposition from novelist Jonathan Trigell who presents us with a piece of science fiction that is relevant and frighteningly possible. Mike Carey was our number one choice for this adaptation and we are thrilled to be announcing the talented and visionary director Joe White at the helm,” said Catalyst CEO Charlotte Walls. “Tonally and stylistically we see Genus as “Gattaca” meets Looper wrapped up in a detective thriller akin to Se7en and we know that Joe’s wide-ranging talents can make this a reality.”
Joseph White, who’s VFX background includes credits on such films as Skyfall, has recently garnered much notoriety and acclaim for The Brain Hack – an ambitious, mind-bending, award-winning and viral 19-minute online sci-fi thriller that he wrote and directed and which was commissioned, financed, produced and scored by Catalyst. The Brain Hack has already been optioned for a feature film remake by Jeff Robinov’s Studio 8 and will be produced by 3 Arts Entertainment’s Erwin Stoff, Will Rowbotham and Richard Abate.
Genus will go into production later this year.
The Wayans are out to cancel the Cancel Culture with Scary Movie, and the cast assures it will do just that.
“They sort of have an across-the-board style,” Anna Faris tells EW. “It’s always been a part of the Wayans Brothers, their electricity. ‘Can we offend you? Will you still love us? Come on, you still love us, don’t you?'”
Regina Hall concurs, promising the “boundary-pushing” sixth installment in the horror parody franchise will “offend everyone.”
EW has shared a batch of behind-the-scenes images from Scary Movie, which hits theaters June 5 via Paramount.
Faris and Hall are joined by fellow franchise favorites Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, and Jon Abrahams in the legacy sequel.
The ensemble includes Damon Wayans Jr., Gregg Wayans, Kim Wayans, Benny Zielke, Cameron Scott Roberts, Heidi Gardner, Olivia Rose Keegan, Ruby Snowber, Savannah Lee Nassif, Sydney Park, Kenan Thompson, and Felissa Rose.
Michael Tiddes (A Haunted House) directs from a script by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, original Scary Movie director Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans (Scary Movie 2), and Rick Alvarez (A Haunted House).
The film will slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final.
Scary Movie launched in 2000, followed by Scary Movie 2 in 2001. The Wayans’ involvement ended there, but the series continued with 2003’s Scary Movie 3, 2006’s Scary Movie 4, and 2013’s Scary Movie 5.
Regina Hall & Marlon Wayans on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Marlon Wayans & Regina Hall on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Michael Tiddes & Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Marlon Wayans on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Regina Hall & Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
You must be logged in to post a comment.