Robert Redford to play Dan Rather; Scarlett Johannson may join Hail, Caesar!

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Scarlett Johannson and Robert Redford have appeared on screen twice together at very different phases in their careers. The first time was in THE HORSE WHISPERER and most recently was this year’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER. While we may never get to see them pair up again, both have very active careers with Redford experiencing a resurgence after last year’s turn in ALL IS LOST.

Next up for Redford looks to be playing a very famous real person in the form of Dan Rather. Deadline says that Redford will appear opposite Cate Blanchett in the film adaptation of book “Truth and Duty: The Press, The President, And The Privilege Of Power” by Mary Mapes. The film will be directed by James Vanderbilt, screenwriter on THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and WHITE HOUSE DOWN and will focus on the 60 Minutes news story surrounding George W. Bush and his dereliction of duty from the National Guard. From the sounds of it, TRUTH AND DUTY will play like a feature film version of THE NEWSROOM. Redford has a track record with political films like ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN and LIONS FOR LAMBS, so this could be a very intriguing project.

Johannson is also in talks to join The Coen Brothers latest film HAIL, CAESAR. The comedy already stars George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, and Ralph Fiennes and follows a fixer in 1950s Hollywood. Hijinks will likely ensue. It is unknown what role Johannson will play but I would bank on her being either a starlet or a femme fatale. In the end, does it really matter what the role is? We are talking about Scarlett Johannson joining a Coen Brothers movie. What else could you ask for?

Both TRUTH AND DUTY and HAIL, CAESAR! are slated to go into production in the coming year. Release dates have not yet been announced.