After a few delays related to COVID-19, Ridley Scott wrapped up production on The Last Duel in October, but we all know that the director doesn't like to sit still too long, so it's no surprise that he's moving full steam ahead on Gucci, an upcoming crime drama based on the book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.
Lady Gaga (A Star is Born) is already attached to star in Gucci as Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, who was "tried and convicted of orchestrating her ex-husband's assassination on the steps of his office in 1995," and it's now been announced that Jeremy Irons (Watchmen) has signed on as well and will play Maurizio's father, Rodolfo Gucci. Previous reports had stated that Robert DeNiro was in talks to play the part, but it would seem that those plans didn't pan out. Adam Driver (A Marriage Story) is expected to star alongside Lady Gaga as Maurizio Gucci, but he's still in the stages of finalizing his deal along with Jared Leto (Suicide Squad), Al Pacino (The Irishman), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), and Reeve Carney (Penny Dreadful). The script has been penned by Roberto Bentivegna (The Last Man in Brooklyn) and is expected to hit theaters on November 24, 2021.
A synopsis of The House of Gucci via Amazon:
In 1993, Gucci's financial partner, InvestCorp, forced Maurizio Gucci, the last of the Gucci family to run the Gucci Corporation, out for draining company coffers with extravagant business practices. However, on March 27, 1995, the Gucci heir was slain as he approached his office building. In 1998, his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani Martinelli was sentenced to 29 years in prison, for arranging his murder. Did Patrizia murder her ex-husband because his spending was wildly out of control? Did she do it because her glamorous ex was preparing to marry his mistress, Paola Franchi? Or is there a possibility she didn't do it at all? The Gucci story is one of glitz, glamour, intrigue, the rise, near fall and subsequent resurgence of a fashion dynasty. Beautifully written, impeccably researched, and widely acclaimed, The House of Gucci will captivate readers with its page-turning account of high fashion, high finance, and heart-rending personal tragedy.
Speaking of The Last Duel, the film is set in 14th century France and is said to be an epic tale of betrayal and justice which will be told from three distinct points of view, that of two knights (Matt Damon and Adam Driver), whose bond is tested by treachery, as well as a young woman (Jodie Comer) who is forced to navigate the brutal and oppressive culture of the era in order to survive. The film also stars Ben Affleck and currently set for an October 15, 2021 release.