UPDATE: The fallout continues! Deadline is reporting that with the exit of Lynne Ramsay, Jude Law has now jumped ship as well, citing that he had signed on to work with Ramsay specifically. Her departure obviously changes that. Wow, just when you thought it was all good to go. No word on a replacement for Law, but with so many cast members and the original director switching out at the last minute you have to wonder how much integrity will be left. The news of O’Connor onboard to helm is a good development, but losing more cast members? Not so good.
After yesterday’s shake up on the Natalie Portman led western JANE GOT A GUN, which saw director Lynne Ramsay deciding not to show up to work and quitting the production, the producers were left scrambling to fill her shoes. Producer Scott Steindorff was shocked by Ramsay’s departure, but remained steadfast to keep the production on track, saying, “…we are keeping the show going on, directors are flying in, and a replacement is imminent.” And, just as he said, the replacement has arrived in the form of WARRIOR director Gavin O’ Connor.
And, suddenly, I’m actually interested in seeing JANE GOT A GUN. I wasn’t exactly inspired by Ramsay to begin with, but O’Connor is a better proven filmmaker, especially for a film that would require some action. O’Connor’s WARRIOR was an outstanding film and one of the most underrated I’ve seen of late. His other credits include the Kurt Russell hockey pic MIRACLE and the crime drama PRIDE AND GLORY with Edward Norton. He hasn’t had a major studio hit, but he’s a solid filmmaker with a lot of promise.
I would say that the production was not only saved, but actually boosted by having O’Connor step in. Now, it’s time to get to work as production resumes for JANE GOT A GUN, starring Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, and Jude Law, which is slated for release sometime in 2014.