EXCLUSIVE: It’s been almost 13 years since James L. Brooks last directed a film and it looks like fans of the Oscar-winning writer/director will soon have their wish granted as his next project approaches production. Sources told Deadline that not just when the 20th century comes to Brooks’ next film Ella McCay but that Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edibiri, Albert Brooks, Kumail Nanjiani and Spike Fearn are in talks to star in the film.
“As one of the most empathetic playwrights of our time, James Brooks has set the standard in film and television for decades,” said Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios. “In Broadcast news for The SimpsonsJim is also a key part of the 20th’s foundation and we couldn’t be more proud to support him in his long-awaited return to the director’s chair.”
The film will follow an idealistic young politician who juggles family issues and a challenging professional life as she prepares to take over from her mentor, the state’s former acting governor.
Brooks will also produce along with his producing partners Julie Ansell and Richard Sakai, who will produce the film through their Gracie Films banner. Seth Meier will executive produce.
EVP Scott Aversano will oversee the 20th.
Although Brooks hasn’t directed a film since the 2010 comedy How do you know starring Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon, he is still very busy in production, most recently with the adaptation of the Judy Bloom novel Are you there, God? It’s me, Daisy. Released by Lionsgate earlier this year, the film received widespread praise and recently earned star Rachel McAdams a Gotham nomination.
