For some people, the trials and tribulations experienced by director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon during the creation of his latest film “The Current War” might have been enough to scare them off from filmmaking forever. However, it appears the director is ready to start on a new project (hopefully with a smoother production) titled “Newsflash.”
The production company Stampede announced today that Gomez-Rejon has signed on to direct the upcoming film “Newsflash,” which follows the story of iconic news anchor Walter Cronkite as he prepares to address the world about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Stampede also announced that “Star Trek” and “Wonder Woman” star Chris Pine has joined the project, slated to portray Cronkite. The film is written by Ben Jacoby, whose script found its way on the coveted Black List.
“Ben’s script beautifully captured what it felt like to be in the newsroom on that fateful day,” said Gomez-Rejon. “I see it as an origin story about a hero born at a time when seeking the truth and uniting a country was more important than winning and ratings, which has never felt more prescient.”
“Alfonso has an unparalleled gift for capturing the ephemeral moments in life and making history feel more present than ever,” said producer Greg Silverman. “He’s an extremely gifted filmmaker and his vision for ‘Newsflash’ is one that will unite every generation who knows this story – and some who only thought they did.”
As alluded to, Gomez-Rejon recently released the “director’s cut” of “The Current War” after years of post-production drama, involving Harvey Weinstein, the destruction of The Weinstein Company, and no distribution deal. Previously, he helmed the acclaimed film “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.”
There’s no release date set, as the film is currently on the hunt for a distributor. However, production is expected to begin in New York City in February 2020.
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
NEWSFLASH takes place on November 22nd, 1963, when Walter Cronkite put everything on the line to get the story right as a president was killed, a frightened nation wept, and television came of age.