Variety brings word that Golden Globe nominee Jennifer Lopez (Selena, Shades of Blue) will be starring in the lead role of Annapurna Pictures’ upcoming feature Hustlers.
The movie is inspired by the article “The Hustlers at Scores” penned by Jessica Pressler for New York Magazine. The story is a true-life Robin Hood tale that centers on a crew of former strip club employees who turn tables on their Wall Street Clientele.
Lopez is set to play the ringleader of the group of ambitious women who take their plans of getting their full cut too far. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, The Meddler, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist), the film takes place in the late aughts of New York City in the wake of the financial crisis and explores the toll it took on the livelihood of the dancers who relied on their Wall Street clients.
“The film is an empathetic look at women and men, our gender roles, what we’re valued for, what we’ve been told is our value in every movie, TV show, every corner of culture. Men have told they’re worth the size of their bank accounts. Women have been told they’re worth the symmetry of their faces, their bodies, their beauty and that’s what this film is based on. The rules of the club are the rules of the world,” Scafaria told the outlet.
Scafaria added: “There is no other actor who could embody this raw and dynamic character with such complexity, humanity and intelligence. It’s always been her. She’s f-cking Jennifer Lopez.”
Scafaria is also set to co-produce alongside Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s Gloria Sanchez, with Lopez executive producing the adaptation of NY Mag’s article alongside producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas. Associate producer Alexander Brown will also serve as executive producer.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
