Studiocanal, on behalf of itself, SunnyMarch and Nine Stories, has announced that Emmy nominated PATRICK MELROSE director, Edward Berger, has been tapped to direct RIO, an upcoming psychological thriller from the pen of EASTERN PROMISES and DIRTY PRETTY THINGS writer Steven Knight. Now confirmed to be starring in the project are Hollywood high-rollers Benedict Cumberbatch and Jake Gyllenhaal, who in addition to their roles as actors will also help produce.
According to Deadline, who exclusively broke the news earlier today, the story of RIO centers on two old friends who meet again in the titular city. One is a journalist, the other a hugely successful financier. Unfortunately, little else is known about the plot other than that a female lead is also expected to come aboard.
Recently, both Cumberbatch and Berger teamed for the Showtime/Sky miniseries PATRICK MELROSE, which is based on the novels of the same name by Edward St. Aubyn. In the series, Cumberbatch plays troubled millionaire Patrick Melrose, whose harsh upbringing by an abusive father and addiction to drugs haunt his rise from ruin amidst a London setting.
In talking about working with Berger, who stepped in for Luca Guadagnino after scheduling conflicts arose, Cumberbatch and fellow producer, Adam Ackland, stated: “We are delighted to be working with Ed Berger again on this very special project. Together with Studiocanal and Nine Stories this promises to be a terrific collaboration, we can’t wait to bring Rio to life.”
Studiocanal CEO Didier Lupfer and EVP International Production Ron Halpern also expressed his enthusiasm in the acquisition of Berger by saying that he is “a director we have wanted to work with since we first saw Jack and Deutschland 83. Steve has written a great thriller and we couldn’t be more excited to work with the directing, writing, producing and acting caliber behind this project.”
Who among the Hollywood elite fo you think should join both Cumberbatch and Gyllenhaal as the female lead for RIO? Let us hear your suggestions in the comments section below.