John Cusack (Love & Mercy, 2012) is in advanced negotiations to star in the wild-chase thriller Misfortune for producers Lee Nelson and David Buelow of Envision Media Arts, it was announced today by Radiant Films International President and CEO, Mimi Steinbauer.
Sharp, quick-witted businessman Miller (Cusack) left everything behind, including his family, to start a new life after embezzling a client’s money. All had been going according to plan until he becomes separated from his cash in the middle of the wilderness. Three young friends happen upon the lost fortune, and a desperate and violent Miller will do anything to get his money back.
Lucky McKee (The Woman, May, All Cheerleaders Die) will direct the film from a screenplay written by Jared Butler and Lars Norberg. McKee has carved his place in the suspense thriller genre after co-directing Red, the film based on award-winning author Jack Ketchum’s novel, and premiered out of competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Red was released by Magnolia Pictures. McKee also directed the cult favorite horror film May released by Lionsgate.
Misfortune is the latest addition to Radiant’s packed Cannes slate. The deal was negotiated by John Short, Senior Vice President of International Sales, on behalf of Radiant. The sales company will represent the international rights and present the project to buyers during the Marche.
“We are thrilled to be working with a talent such as John Cusack. He is perfect for the role of a white-collar businessman so consumed by greed he trails off the beaten path of morality. Cusack combined with Lucky’s knack for suspense, give the film all the ingredients it needs for a chilling thriller. The buyers already love it.” commented Steinbauer.
The charismatic John Cusack has built a remarkable acting career. He received a Best Actor Golden Globe nod for his performance in the comedy High Fidelity and recently received critical acclaim for his performance as the troubled Beach Boys leader, Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy. Other recent credits include Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq, a modern take on a Greek play, released by Lionsgate, Roland Emmerich’s blockbuster 2012, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, Being John Malkovich and Runaway Jury.
Lee Nelson and David Buelow’s Envision Media Arts produced the critically acclaimed Celeste & Jesse Forever starring Rashida Jones and Andy Samburg, released by Sony Pictures Classics. Their latest film Mr. Church starring Britt Robertson and Eddie Murphy world premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. David Tish the company’s EVP, Creative Affairs will Executive Produce Misfortune.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
