It was announced today that filming has begun on Scott Cooper’s (CRAZY HEART) crime drama OUT OF THE FURNACE. The recent rumors of Woody Harrelson joining the movie have been confirmed along with word that Forest Whitaker is joining the cast as well. Christian Bale is leading the pack of Oscar winners and nominees that also includes Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, and Zoe Saldana.
The press release makes it clear that OUT OF THE FURNACE is the “current title” of the film, which likely means we will not be calling it by this title for long. Filming began in the mill towns of Pennsylvania and will move to the Pittsburgh area as well.
OUT OF THE FURNACE tells a story about fate, circumstance and justice. Russell (Bale) and his younger brother Rodney (Affleck) live in the economically depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.
Saldana plays Bale’s love interest Lena Warren and Shepard plays Red, Russell and Rodney Baze’s uncle. Harrelson plays the brutal crime boss Harlan DeGroat and Whitaker plays Wesley Barnes, the Sheriff of Braddock.
No word on a release date yet, but stay tuned as this sounds like it is going to be a heck of a film.