Word has come in this afternoon via Deadline that THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are in talks to re-team for THE AERONAUTS, an action adventure based on true events film for Amazon Studios.
The project would find Redmayne in the role of scientist James Glaisher and Jones starring as Amelia Wren, a balloon pilot. In 1862, they embarked on an extraordinary journey to discover the secrets of the heavens. In the process, they fly higher in an open balloon than anyone ever has – either before or since. They make breathtaking discoveries, but as they ascend to the highest reaches of the atmosphere, they are forced into an epic fight for survival.
The film is set to be directed by Tom Harper (PEAKY BLINDERS), with production by WONDER's Mandeville Films’ Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman. Jack Thorne, scibe of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play will pen the script. With cameras set to roll in London, England come Spring 2018, THE AERONAUTS might just be the coolest movie featuring a hot air balloon since Janice Karman's THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE (1987).
Straight up, you won't catch my ass ever riding in no hot air balloon. I can think of at least 5 nightmare scenarios related to that mess without so much as breaking a sweat. This movie sounds like it has the potential to be very cool, though, especially with Redmayne and Jones both contributing. Hot air balloons on the other hand, nope!