Stuntwoman Dies in ‘Deadpool 2’ Tragedy
Tragedy struck the production of Deadpool 2, currently on location in Vancouver, when a stuntperson died in the midst of filming. Joi “SJ” Harris was killed in a stunt gone wrong after losing control of her motorcycle. Deadpool 2 was the first film the stuntwoman worked on, though Harris did have the distinction of being the first female African-American road racer. Production on the sequel to last year’s surprise hit has halted. Star Ryan Reynold’s said he was “devastated” by the accident and the loss of life in a statement released on social media, a sentiment echoed by director David Leitch. In a statement made to Deadline, Leitch said, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today. No words can express how I and the rest of the Deadpool 2 crew feel about this tragedy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time.” Stunt performers are the unsung heroes of Hollywood, putting their lives and safety on the line for our entertainment. Theirs is a dangerous job, one that offers little in the way of recognition of wide acclaim. Harris’ death is a tragic reminder of the work stuntpeople do every day. Our hearts are with her friends and family, as well as the entire cast and crew of Deadpool 2.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 14, 2017
(Deadline, Twitter)
Aaron Sorkin Makes Film Directorial Debut with ‘Molly’s Game’
Academy and Emmy award winning writer Aaron Sorkin is set to make his feature film directorial debut with the release of Molly’s Game. With an all-star cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, and Michael Cera, Sorkin’s directorial debut, which he also wrote, examines the life of Molly Bloom, who started one of the most financially successful underground poker games in history. Based on a memoir by Bloom, the film examines the world of excess and high stakes gambling that she took over and subsequently lost after. This looks like another winner for Sorkin, filled with top notch performances and that trademarked Sorkin wit. Molly’s Game opens November 22.
(STX Entertainment)
Disney Taps New Scribe to Pen ‘Captain Marvel’
Marvel has tapped a new screenwriter to pen their upcoming Captain Marvel, which stars Brie Larson as the titular superhero, after previous screenwriters were forced to drop out due to conflicting schedules. Screenwriter Geneva Robertson-Dworet will be taking over writing duties from Meg LeFauve and Nicole Perlman. Robertson-Dworet has made waves in the screenwriting world recently, having penned the script for the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot staring Alicia Vikander and being tapped to write Gotham City Sirens, a spinoff of Suicide Squad. No word yet on if any of the work previously done by LeFauve and Perlman will be retained in the new script, but the hiring is a massive opportunity for Robertson-Dworet. Captain Marvel is currently slated for release on March 8, 2019.
(Deadline)
TIFF Announces New Film from Louis C.K.
Comedian Louis C.K.’s first movie in 16 years will make its debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. I Love You, Daddy stars C.K., Chloe Grace Moretz, and John Malkovich, and features the comedian as a successful TV producer and writer. The film was reportedly shot entirely in secret and was filmed in black and white. This marks his first foray into filmmaking since 2001’s Pootie Tang, though he’s since had a wildly successful television career with Louie, a semi-autobiographical look at the behind the scenes life of a comedian.
