Zach Braffis in talks to directThe Secret Ingredients of Rocket Colafor Escape Artists, andFlorence Pughis attached to star, multiple sources tell Collider.
Braff would direct from an original screenplay byMike Vukadinovich(Beetlejuice 2) that was voted to the 2014 Black List, so the script is highly regarded in industry circles. It would give Braff an opportunity to show what he can do with an epic love story that is of considerably greater scope and scale thanGarden State.
The film, which takes places over decades, follows twin brothers with opposite personalities who are separated at a young age and go on to live drastically different lives. Eventually, they reunite in an effort to save the company Rocket Cola despite their love of the same woman.
Pugh is currently attached to play the female lead, but she’s in talks to join Marvel’sBlack Widowmovie, which isn’t exactly a short shoot, so her ultimate participation will likely depend on when Braff is able to start production once he closes his deal. As of now, there is no start date, at least not one I could confirm. Still, this is shaping up to be Braff’s next project, as casting for the two male leads is currently underway.
Todd Black,Steve TischandJason Blumenthalare producing under their Escape Artists banner along withLiza Chasin, the veteran producer who recently left Working Title.My Week With MarilynhelmerSimon Curtiswas previously circling the project back in April 2017.
After earning raves for his directorial debutGarden State, Braff went on to write and direct the quirky dramedyWish I Was Here, as well as direct New Line’s heist comedyGoing in Style. As an actor, he’ll soon be seen in the indie dramaPercyalongsideChristopher WalkenandChristina Ricci. He’s represented by CAA and Management 360, and a representative for the actor did not respond to a request for comment.
Pugh recently starred in MGM’s wrestling movieFighting With My Family, Netflix’s historical dramaOutlaw Kingand AMC’s limited seriesThe Little Drummer Girl. She next stars inAri Aster’s horror movieMidsommarandGreta Gerwig’s dramaLittle Women. She’s repped by WME and Curtis Brown Group.
