It’s taken some years, but Alexander Payne’s most ambitious movie to date is finally happening. "Downsizing" has been in the works for long, long time, attracting big name talent, but never quite managing to get all the pieces in place to get it made. It’s not the project that presents the most obvious green light, but the wheels are in motion regardless, with another big name joining the ensemble (Annapurna Pictures, once reported as producers on the project, are no longer involved according to Paramount).
THR reports that Christoph Waltz has joined the crew which includes Reese Witherspoon, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Sudeikis, and Hong Chau. Like I said, the premise is a bit out there, with the story following an Omaha man in the not-too-distant future where humans are now able to shrink themselves to 1/8 their size as a means to battle over-consumption and the rapid depletion of earth’s natural resources. He decides to undergo the process himself, and joins others who have done the same.
Featuring plenty of VFX and more, this is far removed from Payne’s intimate dramedies, so we’re very curious to see the director really stretch his wings. It’s a project he’s been wanting to do forever, and we’re eager to see how it all comes together. "Downsizing" is set to open on Christmas Day 2017.