An intriguing new project appears to underway. That of a new – and as of now untitled – feature film centering around the relationship between the late John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Producer Michael De Luca appears to be teaming with Ono herself in order to bring about a dramatization of her love story with the former Beatles icon. While certainly still in its most early stages, the project – according to Deadline, who broke the story first – has attracted Oscar nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything) and producer Josh Bratman.
Two of the most gargantuan figures in music beginning in the late ’60s, Lennon and Ono will surely both prove casting challenges for prospective directors and casting directors alike. At the same time, their story – which began when the duo met while Ono was an emerging artist and Lennon was one of the, if not the biggest music star in the universe. Certainly, the film will delve into Lennon’s departing The Beatles (and perhaps Ono’s involvement in such) as well as the activism both participated in afterwards, specifically in their opposition to the Vietnam War. Lennon and Ono remained together, famously, until his murder in 1980.
De Luca stated of the project, “The story will focus on ripe and relevant themes of love, courage and activism in the U.S. – with the intention of inspiring today’s youth to stand up for and have a clear vision for the world they want. I am also honored and privileged to be working with Yoko Ono, Anthony McCarten and Josh Bratman to tell the story of two amazing global icons.”
De Luca, who is producing the upcoming Oscar telecast along with Jennifer Tood, has long history of fact-based films including the critically admired and Oscar approved The Social Network and Captain Phillips. McCarten, too, may be more than capable for the assignment given his Academy Award nominated work in penning the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything; since then he wrote the upcoming Winston Churchill bio Darkest Hour (due in theaters later this year) as well as the long-gestating Freddie Mercury bio Bohemian Rhapsody, which looks finally ready to go with director Bryan Singer and Emmy winning actor Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) attached). No director yet has been announced for the Lennon and Ono story.
We will watch for the latest developments.
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