Last month, we reported that James Gray and Guillaume Canet were teaming on an English language remake of 2008 French film, “Les Liens Du Sang,” which Canet himself starred in. The ’80s set story of two rival brothers, one a pimp and the other a cop, and how the former manages to be the family favorite and it sounds very much in the vein of Gray’s “We Own The Night.”
More details on the project have emerged today starting with the announced, no-brainer working title of “Rivals.” The film is now set in the ’70s and will be set in Philadelphia. According to StudioCanal head Olivier Courson,”the film is not really a remake, it’s a completely different story, set in a completely different environment.” Canet might take a small role for himself, which has led to rumors that his real-life partner Marion Cotillard might join the project as well, though nothing has been set yet. That said, the project may end up finding plenty of A-list actresses circling it as Canet says, “Though the screenplay isn’t finished yet, there looks to be some beautiful female parts.” Gray is assisting on the screenplay which Canet will direct.
The the project continues a busy time for the actor/director following his international breakout hit “Tell No One.” He has his next directorial feature “Les Petits Mouchoirs” (“Little White Lies”) starring partner Marion Cotillard due for release this fall. He also has a starring role in Massy Tadjedin’s completed “Last Night” alongside Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley and Eva Mendes. The film, which is currently being left in limbo by Miramax‘s closure finds its way to screens soon.
The team up of the undersung Gray and the on-the-rise Canet sounds too good to be true, and we’re thrilled. We’ll be eyeing this project closely as it comes together and you can consider it firmly placed on our list of most-anticipated films for next year.