Nothing ever truly dies in Hollywood, and even though intel about "Squirrel To The Nuts" dropped way back in the fall of 2010 without much heard of it since, it seems lots has been happening behind the scenes, with the pic now making some giant strides, with three of our favorite filmmakers helping it happen.
Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach are teaming to produce Peter Bogdanovich's first feature film in over a decade, "Squirrel To The Nuts." A pretty solid cast has been rounded up thus far with Owen Wilson, Olivia Wilde and Brie Larson set to star, and Jason Schwartzman circling, the Bogdanovich-penned tale is about a Broadway director (Wilson), who falls for a hooker-turned-actress (Larson) and uses her services despite being married to the star of the production. He later gives the hooker some money to pursue her dream of an acting career. As for Wilde, she'll play a therapist (presumably to Wilson's character), whose mother is being treated for alcoholism.
It sounds right in Bogdanovich's screwball wheelhouse—with a bit of Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite" and "Bullets Over Broadway" thrown in—and given the talent in front and behind the camera, it seems to fit everyone's sensibilities perfectly. But it's not a done deal just yet. The picture is still seeking financing and distribution, with a fall start being eyed. We wouldn't be surprised if financing comes through with distribution to be determined once the pic is in the can, as these kinds of projects tend to go these days. But either way, we like the start of this.
Bonus round: If you're in New York, the Museum Of The Moving Image is presenting the series "Paramount In The 1970s" from June 2nd to July 1st, and among the many great titles will be Bogdanovich's oustanding "Paper Moon" which you should drop everything and see on the big screen. Seriously. [Variety]
"Everyone says of Hollywood, is that it's a cold, heartless place. Yet nothing brings together people in this town, as much as the anticipation of another Peter Bogdanovitch flop."
-Billy Wilder
Any news about wide release dates for Moonrise Kingdom?
I shot an interview with Bogdanovich last month in Toronto. Nice guy. You can see it here:
http://www.theseventhart.org/issues/004-peter-bogdanovich-kinosmith/
It's pretty great. 50 minutes long and he gets pretty in-depth about a number of his films. The story he tells about meeting John Cassavetes is a great one.
I believe this film was once going to be made with John Ritter in the lead, around the time of 8 Simple Rules. Bogdanovich was supposed to guest star in the second season, but Ritter died before the episode could be shot or the film could be made. The success of the series was supposed to help green-light the film. With that said, I'm happy to see it's finally getting made, with such a talented cast and crew, well mostly talented…is Olivia Wilde talented? Looking forward to it!
I hope this would be good. I really liked "The Cat's Meow".
Sound bad on paper, tbh. Hope it doesn't suck. Would love to see Bogdanovich finally make another good film.
I hope it's somewhat of a return to form for him. He hasn't really made anything noteworthy in about 30 years (I do love They All Laughed).
If he would've stuck w/Polly Platt, he might've been one of the all-time greats.
FUCK. YES.