Once set to be directed by Alexander Payne with Emma Stone in the lead role, the "darkly comedic psychological thriller" called The Menu is now heading toward production with Mark Mylod at the helm and Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) as the female lead. Joining Taylor-Joy in the cast are Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Hong Chau (Downsizing).
Written by Will Tracy and Seth Reiss, The Menu is set
in the world of eccentric culinary culture, centering on a young couple who visit an exclusive restaurant on a remote island where an acclaimed chef has prepared a lavish tasting menu, with some shocking surprises.
Ralph Fiennes (Spectre), who has been involved with the project since the Payne days, will be playing the "globally-celebrated chef" who has developed this "eccentric culinary event" and "has added a few secret, and potentially nefarious, ingredients to his extravagant menu."
Set up at Searchlight, The Menu is being produced by Adam McKay and Betsy Koch through their company Hyperobject Industries. Searchlight's SVP Production DanTram Nguyen and director of production Zahra Phillips are overseeing the project for the studio.
I have been interested in The Menu ever since it was first announced in early 2019, so I'm glad it's still moving forward and that it's gathering such a solid cast. I look forward to seeing how it will turn out in the end. I assume Fiennes' chef character has prepared a cannibal feast for his guests, and that sounds like the makings of a good time to me.
Mylod's previous credits include Ali G Indahouse and episodes of the shows Entourage, Game of Thrones, Shameless, Amazing Stories, and Succession. Tracy has written for The Onion and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, while Reiss has written for Comedy Bang! Bang! and Late Night with Seth Meyers.