David O. Russell is set to direct pool hustler feature Shutout, starring Robert De Niro and Jenna Ortega, we can reveal. This is a hot one for the Cannes market.
The pic will follow Jake Kejeune (De Niro), one of the last masters of a vanishing craft — the pool hustler. Having lived and lost by the roll of a ball in smoky backroom halls, Jake encounters Mia (Ortega), a young prodigy whose raw, electrifying talent reignites a fire he thought long extinguished. Sensing a rare opportunity to shape a legend, Jake takes Mia under his wing, honing her instincts and sharpening her natural gift. Together, they plunge into the ruthless world of high-stakes pool, where the line between unimaginable fortune and devastating failure is razor-thin. As Mia’s star ascends and her ambition grows, Jake must confront the ultimate question: can he steer her to greatness, or will her hunger for victory eclipse everything he has taught her?
Based on a screenplay by Alejandro Adams, Shutout will be produced by Russell, RK Films’ Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Mark Bomback. Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. CAA Media Finance is handling U.S. rights.
Oscar winner De Niro goes back a long way with The Fighter and American Hustle director Russell. The two probably are best known for their collaboration on Silver Linings Playbook. Ortega is riding high after the successes of Wednesday, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the Scream franchise.
RK Films was founded by producers Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum. The company has produced films including Maleficent, Snow White and the Huntsman, and The Huntsman: Winter’s War.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with the acclaimed director David O. Russell and the legendary Robert De Niro, and especially excited to see Jenna step into the spotlight alongside these two cinematic icons,” said RK Films’ Jeff Kirschenbaum. “It’s a rare and thrilling opportunity to support such a high-caliber team coming together to tell a compelling story — a lineup so precise, it feels like the perfect break.”
As we revealed last week, Black Bear will also be on the Croisette with Angelina Jolie pic Anxious People.
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