Sometimes, it's easy to peg actors as being experts in one particular form of acting but not in others. When I think of the comedic actor Simon Pegg, my brain automatically goes to films like SHAUN OF THE DEAD, the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE franchise and the British sitcom SPACED. However, that's not to say that, every now and again, an actor can't surprise you by stepping into a role that requires them to stretch their acting muscles to deliver a different kind of performance. Today, we've got some Pegg-related news that will require the actor to embrace a bit of tragedy while still tapping into the powers of his well-nourished funny bone.
Just this afternoon, we've learned that Pegg has signed on to star in director Katharine O'Brien's LOST TRANSMISSIONS, a film that follows Hannah, a shy songwriter, who discovers her friend, respected record producer Theo Ross, has lapsed on his medication for schizophrenia. Hannah rallies a group of friends to help commit Theo to a psychiatric facility, chasing him as he outruns his colorful delusions through the glamour and grit of Los Angeles. From the highs of rock and roll to rock bottom, this is a story of the unsung heroes behind the hits.
Thomas Benski and Lucas Ochoa will produce for Pulse Films with Brian Levy acting as Executive Producer on the project. Additionally, Craig Newman from ATC Management will Co-Produce, with Alvaro Valente serving as the film's Associate Producer.
In commenting on the film, Thomas Benski stated the following, “At Pulse we've always been about discovering and championing new filmmakers and therefore we're super excited about Katharine and her debut film. We are genuinely excited that we will be bringing this remarkable true story to life with Katherine O’Brien and the incredibly talented Simon Pegg.”
Adding to Benski's comments is the film's director, Katharine O'Brien who offered the words, "In dealing with mental health, Lost Transmissions combines both comedic and tragic elements. Simon has such a uniquely attuned sense of how to play a range of comedy in moments that still feel real. I'm excited to embrace his very fine skills as a dramatic actor with this film."
If you ask me, this sounds like quite the intriguing role for Pegg, and I'm certainly interested in seeing what he does with it. Plus, I'm a sucker for music-realted cinema.
Be sure to catch Simon Pegg when he steps into the role of Ogden Morrow for Steven Spielberg's book-to-film adaptation of Ernest Cline's sci-fi thriller READY PLAYER ONE – opening in theaters on March 30, 2018.