Director Ridley Scott is nearing production on his upcoming docudrama All the Money in the World, which centers on the infamous 1973 kidnapping of oil billionaire J. Paul Getty’s grandson. A starry cast in the form of Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg and two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey appear set to lead the project, with Variety breaking the news that rising young actor Charlie Plummer will join the picture as J. Paul Getty III.
The story – which is hoping to starting filming later this month in Italy – recalls a chilling chapter in the Getty story. J. Paul Getty III, rebellious grandson to the oil tycoon was kidnapped in the early 1970s and held for $17 million ransom. The fraught events showcase early reluctance to pay up on the part of his grandfather (to be played by Spacey) as well as contention held between the elder Getty and Abigail Harris, Getty III’s mother (to be played by Williams; a role initially sought for Oscar winner Natalie Portman). Wahlberg is slated to portray a business confidant to the elder Getty. The screenplay for All the Money in the World was penned by David Scarpa and was acknowledged on the Black List.
Reportedly, an extensive casting search was launched on who would portray the essential role of the kidnapped grandson before Plummer was put in contention. It surely would mark the most high-profile role to date for the young actor who earned strong reviews for his turn in the indie King Jack last year (including from us) and will soon be seen in The Dinner (starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney) and in A24’s Lean on Pete (from 45 Years director Andrew Haigh) later this year. Interestingly, Plummer was an early contender for Peter Parker before Tom Holland beat him out in the end.
Sony Pictures will release the film.