Damien Chazelle‘s next project, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, is scheduled to begin filming in October 2024, as confirmed by World of Reel.
The untitled film is described as a “mid-budget” drama with action elements set in a prison. The original script is penned — and will also be directed — by Chazelle.
The film was announced during Paramount’s CinemaCon 2024 presentation. It is confirmed that Chazelle has signed an overall deal with Paramount. Following the box office disaster of his last film ‘Babylon,’ which grossed $63 million against a production budget of just under $100 million, it resulted in an estimated $87 million loss for Paramount.
The cast details are not yet available. However, Chazelle and Paramount executives are planning to add A-list actors to the project.
Speaking to the Talking Pictures Podcast, Chazelle mentioned that he has almost completed a new script and pitch for Paramount’s upcoming production.
Chazelle said, “I’ve been sort of busy writing. So I’ll get a taste of how it’s changed or not [since “Babylon”] once I get to finish this script and try to get it made. I’m in a sort of trepidatious state of mind, but I have no illusions. I won’t get a budget of “Babylon” size any time soon, or at least not on this next one.”
“Certainly, in financial terms, “Babylon” didn’t work at all. You try to not have that effect what you’re doing creatively, but, at some level, it can’t help but affect it. But maybe that’s okay? I have very mixed mind about it. Maybe I won’t be able to get this one made. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Chazelle will produce alongside his partner Olivia Hamilton through their Wild Chickens banner.
The release date is expected in 2025, though the exact date has not yet been revealed.
