Little known fact, Forest Whitaker directed the awfully titled Sandy Bullock rom-com HOPE FLOATS. I hope I didn’t ruin your day with that factoid.
Although not directing, it seems Whitaker is in line to produce and star in a new voodoo-themed psychological thriller. According to Variety, the film is called VIPAKA, and will also star Anthony Mackie and Sanaa Lathan (below).
With French/Lebanese director Philippe Caland attached, VIPAKA follows two adversaries who go head-to-head in a game that will test each man’s belief in what they’re certain is the truth.
Sounds pretty vague to me, but with the whole voodoo element coming into play, I’m sure Whitaker will not disappoint. VIPAKA will mark the third feature film that Caland will direct, coming behind RIPPLE EFFECT (which starred Whitaker) and HOLLYWOOD BUDHA. He also wrote the 1997 drama BOXING HELENA.
As you might imagine, both Whitaker and Mackie are extremely busy these days. Mackie has a number of projects in the works, including ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER and REAL STEEL. Whitaker, as usual, has four big acting gigs in the works, including collaborations with Bobby De Niro, Bob Duvall and Bruce Willis.
Until we scare up more on VIPAKA, how does the initial premise sound to you?