Idris Elbais going all in onThe Hunchback of Notre Dame.THRreports that the tremendously talented actor has signed on to star in, direct, and produce music for a modern retelling of theVictor Hugoclassic for Netflix. The film is described as a “sonic and musical experience,” with Elba finally melding his passion for music with his passion for filmmaking. Indeed, Elba is an accomplished musician and DJ in his own right, with a producing credit onJay-Z’sAmerican Gangstersoundtrack album back in 2007, along with a number of other credits.
The GiverandThe Current WarscreenwriterMichael Mitnickwill pen the script for this newHunchback of Notre Dametale, which tells the story of a hunchback named Quasimodo who falls in love with a gypsy named Esmeralda. Elba is producing the film alongside his producing partnerAna Garanito,Fred Berger(La La Land), andBrian Kavanaugh-Jones(Midnight Special).
Elba made his directorial debut with the dramaYardie, which hits theaters this year, and also created and stars in the upcoming Netflix comedy seriesTurn Up Charlie, which will revolve around a struggling DJ played by Elba. It’s unclear which project will come first, but one imagines it’s possible script work onHunchbackcould continue while Elba shootsCharlie, after which he could move into shootingHunchback.
Regardless, this is a very big signal from Netflix that they’re in the Idris Elba business. The actor starred in their first original movie,Beasts of No Nation, back in 2015, so their relationship has significant roots.
Elba most recently had a swell supporting role inMolly’s Gameand leadThe Dark Tower, which was supposed to jump-start a franchise but, uh, didn’t. So now it seems like he’s keen on creating his own content as opposed to simply being a hired gun, and it’s hard to blame him. Very curious to see how this one turns out.
