While clearly still in the early stages, reports have surfaced centering on the what may be Quentin Tarantino‘s project. The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report that the two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker – who most recently unveiled The Hateful Eight (2015) – appears to be prepping a new project that will focus on the infamous Manson murders that took the country by storm in the summer of 1969. If this project materializes, it would mark the first time in which Tarantino has tackled a story derived from true events. Naturally, any new project from Tarantino elicits a strong response in cinephile circles.
What appears to be known at this time is Tarantino has penned a screenplay and if it moves along, he would direct as well. The specific focus of the story is unknown as is a title. Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who have a storied history with Tarantino that dates back to Tarantino’s 1992 breakout Reservoir Dogs appear likely to be involved once again, though its unclear if The Weinstein Company will directly serve as distributors and it appears, based on reporting from The Hollywood Reporter, that other studios may be sought to help out with financing and distributing duties.
As is the case with Tarantino projects, a deep pool of talent will likely be involved on screen. Reportedly, A-listers including Brad Pitt (who memorably collaborated with Tarantino on Inglourious Basterds) and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence have been approached while Deadline dropped the tip that Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street) may be in the running to portray Sharon Tate, the slain actress and wife of filmmaker Roman Polanski who was brutally murdered by Manson followers. Deadline has also posited Samuel L. Jackson (a long-time Tarantino alum; he received an Oscar nomination for Pulp Fiction and recently appeared in The Hateful Eight) may also be in contention for lead role. No casting has been confirmed as of yet but Tarantino will surely get his pick of top-tier talent.
The Manson murders dominated headlines and scared the country in the summer of 1969 and have since remained a pop culture curiosity and an oft-filmed subject, typically on television (notable examples include the recent NBC series Aquarius starring David Duchovney and the 2004 made-for-television movie Helter Skelter starring Jeremy Davies. On Aug. 8, 1969, cult leader Charles Manson – a convict with musical ambitious and a grudge against the industry – sent his followers to attack the inhabitants of a Benedict Canyon home in Los Angeles. Everyone was murdered that night including Tate, who was eight months pregnant at the time.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that plans for the project are for a production start sometime next summer with developments hoping to cleared sometime after Labor Day.
Stay tuned.
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