David Chase Announces LSD Film; Latest Information on Projects by Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, David Lowery, and Sacha Baron Cohen

      As we mentioned when Criterion Channel showcased his debut—and thus far only—feature Not Fade Away, the world certainly needs more films from David Chase. The prolonged wait, exacerbated by his efforts, only heightens our anticipation as he has now hinted at a new and increasingly likely project. Tied to Chase's longstanding ambition to create films, this project is being developed alongside an HBO limited series that adapts John Lisle’s Project Mind Control: Sidney Gottlieb, the CIA, and the Tragedy of MKUltra. The film, inspired by a friend's experiences, tells the story of two families and contrasts the agency's attempts to weaponize LSD with the successful distribution of the polio vaccine.

      Despite the lengthy process of adapting Lisle’s book, which Chase describes as an “embarrassment of riches,” the feature remains his top focus. It is linked to a teenage experience of taking LSD that resonates with The Sopranos’ interpretation of the afterlife, along with a young Chase’s realization that “there were other levels of existence.” [The Wrap]

      While it remains uncertain whether Quentin Tarantino will make another film or continue to adhere to his ten-film limit while exploring other mediums, long-time cinematographer Robert Richardson informed Deadline that “there’s a possibility sometime next summer” for a Tarantino shoot. Although he admits he has “no idea” what that might entail, Richardson, who has collaborated with Tarantino for 25 years and was previously expected to shoot The Movie Critic just a few years prior, is among our most dependable sources. In the meantime, we may see additional Tarantino content, albeit in a different form: Richardson suggests “you’d be a fool not to think there’ll be” an extended cut of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood following the release of The Adventures of Cliff Booth later this year—potentially featuring footage seen in a book trailer released five years ago.

      For many years, Wes Anderson has expressed a desire to make a western. This information dates back so far that Luke Wilson, who hasn't appeared in one of Anderson's films in twenty-five years, was initially slated to star alongside Owen Wilson, whose recent appearances in Anderson's projects seem more like a contractual obligation. Around 2014, the director remarked on the idea during the Bottle Rocket press tour, referring to the potential film as “a very peculiar kind of a Western.”

      Last week, while speaking at the Louvre (a fitting venue for him), Anderson revealed (partly due to pressure from Bill Murray) that the idea is still alive: “We will do a Western, you know. I think. For many years, we’ve talked about doing a Western. Owen and Luke Wilson, I believe, will be part of that… They’re from Texas, too, and I think it’s our destiny.” There has been no update regarding a sequel to The Phoenician Scheme during this fast-paced period of the director's work; perhaps some material is already written and awaiting approval? [Variety]

      If I had a time machine, I might venture back and place a significant bet on the collaboration between David Lowery, Alex Ross Perry, and Michael Bay and come away with a fortune. According to THR, Lowery will direct The Fisherman, an adaptation of John Langan’s novel that he co-wrote with Perry, with Bay’s Platinum Dunes producing alongside screenwriter Gary Dauberman (known for It and Annabelle). Although this might appear to be a major shift for the director of Ghost Story and Mother Mary, a summary of the source material suggests it aligns with his rustic style, centering on “Abe and Dan, two widowers who bond during fishing trips in upstate New York as a way to cope with their sorrow.” The synopsis continues with Dan suggesting they try a new, secluded fishing spot known as Dutchman’s Creek, rumored to allow people to see their loved ones. Despite a chilling tale from a man in a diner about the creek’s dark history, the two men proceed, ultimately confronting Der Fisher, also known as The Fisherman.

      Sacha Baron Cohen has secretly filmed a new Ali G movie, marking the character’s return after over 20 years. Currently, details about the film are scarce, and it is expected to arrive with a level of hype similar to that of a second Borat. [Variety]

      Finally, Dwayne Johnson is continuing his career rehabilitation with Free Byrd, an action-drama (though we’ll see how much it leans toward one genre over the other) directed by Greg Kwedar, a producer on Sing Sing and Train Dreams. The film revolves around “a motorcycle stuntman in Las Vegas who hides his dementia diagnosis from everyone, including his mechanic brother, as he risks everything on one last jump [and] explores the mind's vast mysteries and the importance of asking for help before it’s too late.” With Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity involved,