For screenwriter Alex Kurtzman—best known for penning blockbusters like “Star Trek,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Mission: Impossible III”–he couldn’t ask for a better batch of talent as he readies his directorial debut, “Welcome to People.” The film stars Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Pfeiffer and Mark Duplass, and it will also feature a little cameo by Jon Favreau. But it appears the quality list of collaborators doesn’t end there as Kurtzman has enlisted one of the best known and celebrated film composers in the world to tune up his movie.
Film Music Reporter reveals that none other than A.R. Rahman will be writing the music for the film. The Bollywood legend came to Hollywood prominence thanks to his Oscar-winning score for Danny Boyle‘s “Slumdog Millionaire.” He added another Hollywood credit in 2009 with “Couples Retreat” for some reason (guess this writer now has a reason to rent it) before re-teaming with Boyle for last year’s “127 Hours,” which earned him another Oscar nod. And while Rahman’s works for Boyle’s films were somewhat supercharged, Kurtzman’s film may have him drawing down the faders a bit.
Written by Kurtzman along with his usual partner-in-crime Roberto Orci as well as Jody Lambert, the film follows the story of a twenty-something businessman (Pine) who, after the death of his father, must deliver $150,000 in cash to the alcoholic sister (Banks) he didn’t know he had and her son, a 12-year-old with major anger management issues. The man doesn’t want to part with the money but still reaches out to them without revealing who he really is. Wilde plays Pine’s girlfriend and Pfeiffer his mother, with Duplass set to portray a neighbor who takes a romantic interest in Banks’ character. Unless this premise is a bit wackier than it lets on, it will be interesting see Rahman exercising some different musical muscles. It’s a pretty great choice and Kurtzman certainly seems poised to deliver big things with his film.
The film is currently in post-production and no release date has been set, but it’s a safe bet that it’ll head into theaters sometime next year.
