Darren Aronofsky is in early conversations to direct the A24 pic Breakthrough that has Dwayne Johnson on board. Sources stress it is still very early, but if a deal closes this would mark his return to A24 after helming The Whale, which won Brendan Fraser an Oscar. Zeke Goodman penned the script.
A24 had no comment.
Set in turn-of-the-millennium Southern California, the story follows an alienated young man who comes under the influence of a motivational guru, whose intoxicating charm masks his morally questionable methods of manipulation and his own concealed darkness. We’re told Johnson will play the supporting role of the guru, with casting still underway for the lead role and other supporting parts.
The pic will be produced and financed by A24. Stacey Sher’s Shiny Penny Productions will produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, with Jacob Epstein and Justin Wolf to exec produce via Lighthouse Management and Media.
Next up for Aronofsky is the Sony thriller Caught Stealing, starring Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz. That pic will bow this August.
He is repped by CAA.
Follow Us