Roman Polanski, Vincent Gallo, and Panos Cosmatos are working on new feature films.

      At nearly 92 years old, Roman Polanski, more controversial than ever and coming off what may be the least appreciated film of his career, has not been widely anticipated to direct again. However, this acclaimed filmmaker appears unwilling to let the final shot of The Palace conclude his narrative. (The significance of this will be lost on those who haven't seen the film; but those who have will fully grasp its meaning.) Polanski recently had a meeting with Maciej Wróbel from Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, who disclosed that their discussion revolved around “plans related to the production of a new film” set to be shot in the director's homeland. [Wiadomości Gazeta]

      Since Polanski tends to maintain a low profile, there are currently no specific details available regarding this new project, but the indication of advanced funding and logistics suggests that further information may come soon. It will also be interesting to see who might star in the film and at which festival it could premiere.

      Let’s approach the next update as a compelling possibility without jumping to conclusions. Nevertheless, indications suggest a much-anticipated return for Vincent Gallo, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising if he––more recognized as a controversial public figure than as an artist, though the latter has its merits––does so under unusual circumstances. Deadline reports on a feature film led by Gallo, focusing on the Golden State Killer, which a) has secured distribution in the U.S. through Lionsgate’s Grindstone label and b) may ring a bell due to its controversial audition process that made headlines last year. (This film could also mark a potential comeback for the still-controversial James Franco.) Originally associated with Jordan Gertner, the project is now referred to as a work by Vito Brown.

      However, Vito Brown’s IMDb page was only created recently; prior to that, searching for his name yielded only Gallo’s character from Claire Denis' Keep It for Yourself. (Gallo also portrays Vincenzo Brown in Nénette and Boni, Shane Brown in Trouble Every Day, Captain Brown in U.S. Go Home, and Billy Brown in his own Buffalo ’66, along with a film titled The Brown Bunny.) If “Vito Brown” truly wrote and directed this film, what could explain the shift from Gertner, who remains a producer? Could the early controversy surrounding the project have necessitated such a concealment? We anticipate an intriguing premiere.

      More than a year after the announcement that Panos Cosmatos would follow Mandy with Flesh of the Gods, Deadline reports that Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac will be joined by Elizabeth Olsen, who will portray “the mysterious and enigmatic Nameless.” This film––written by Andrew Kevin Walker (The Killer, Seven) and based on a story he co-wrote with Cosmatos––follows Raoul and Alex, a wealthy married couple exploring “an electric nighttime realm of 80’s LA,” where they encounter “a mysterious and enigmatic woman and her hard-partying entourage.” This sets the stage for “a glamorous, surrealistic world of hedonism, thrills, and violence”––likely featuring ominous synthesizer music and the most intense neon lighting, based on Cosmatos’ filmography. (Cosmatos himself describes the project as a “propulsive and hypnotic [...] hot rod joy ride deep into the glittering heart of hell.”)

      Produced by Adam McKay and Betsy Koch, Flesh of the Gods currently has no defined start date.

      Lastly, there’s Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain. Bella Thorne (Club Random), Ariel Martin, Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), and True Whitaker (from Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO series) will headline this apparent sequel directed by Matthew Bright (in his first feature since the infamous Tiptoes in 2003) and produced by the creators of the original film. According to Variety, it promises “a bold new ride for Gen Z,” featuring a new group of girls whose reckless schemes compel them “to escape the chaos they've caused.” We look forward to catching glimpses of it at 1 a.m. on TUBI while scrolling through our phones.