EX MACHINA director Alex Garland, who also served as screenwriter on such films as 28 DAYS LATER, SUNSHINE, and DREDD, will soon be heading into production on his second directorial effort, ANNIHILATION, based on a novel by Jeff VanderMeer.
The story centers on four women
who take on a dangerous mission where the laws of nature don't apply.
The group consists of an anthropologist; a surveyor; a psychologist who serves as the group’s de facto leader; and a biologist, who serves as the narrator.
Three of the roles have been filled so far, with Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, and Gina Rodriguez signing on to star in the film, and now the offer is out to the actress who Garland would like to see take on the fourth role and complete the ensemble: Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The deal hasn't been closed yet, but Leigh is said to be interested in being part of an all-female ensemble after being the sole female member of Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT. Leigh is always awesome, so it would be great to see her join ANNIHILATION.