Ridley Scott wasn’t playing around when news broke recently (including here) that he was planning an upcoming historical docudrama on the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. The film – entitled All the Money in the World – comes packaged with a Black List-approved script by David Scarpa (The Last Castle) and looks to be attracting heavyweight actors. It was originally reported that Oscar winner Natalie Portman was being sought for the buzzy role of Gail Harris, mother of Getty, yet that appears to have fallen through. No worries, as Scott is particularly adept at attract major talent to his projects.
Deadline now reports that four-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams (most recently nominated for her heart-wrenching performance in last year’s Manchester by the Sea) may be joining the as Harris. Also in talks appears to be two-time Oscar winner (and current House of Cards player) Kevin Spacey in the role of oilman John Paul Getty Sr., grandfather of the kidnapped Getty. Deadline also suggests Mark Wahlberg is being sought for a role as well in what looks like might be an intriguing character piece. Imperative Entertainment is on board to produce and finance the film – which will is looking to shoot in Italy this May – and Sony appears to have confirmed worldwide distribution rights for the film.
The focus of the story – set in the 1970s – focuses on Getty’s kidnapping and his mother’s desperate attempts to bring him home which involve a complicated relationship with Getty Sr., who despite his wealth and stature, was at first reluctant in providing funds for the ransom. The film may look to function equally as a thriller as it does a docudrama.
Scott, whose last film in the director’s chair was the Oscar-nominated blockbuster The Martian, next has the eagerly anticipated Alien: Covenant ready to go; that film will hit theaters on May 19th. Williams recently completed The Greatest Showman (starring Hugh Jackman), which arrives this Christmas, and also will appear in Todd Haynes’ Wonderstruck (which currently doesn’t have a release date.) She is also set to join her Manchester co-star Lucas Hedges in the comedy Mid ’90s, written and directed by Jonah Hill as well as headline a long-gestating Janis Joplin biopic. Spacey will soon be seen in a new season of House of Cards and appears in both Baby Driver and Billionaire Boys Club this year. While Wahlberg – last seen in Patriots Day – will next be seen in Transformers: The Last Knight and is currently shooting Daddy’s Home 2.
A question arises now if Scott can get this ready in time by years end. Stay tuned.