Angelina Jolie is set to star in Anxious People, the latest feature from director Marc Forster (World War Z, A Man Called Otto), adapted from the best-selling novel by Fredrik Backman, the same author behind A Man Called Ove.
The story is described as a “comedy about a crime that never took place,” and it follows Zara, an emotionally armored investment banker (played by Jolie), who begrudgingly attends an open house the day before Christmas Eve.
“Things spiral quickly when a nervous would-be bank robber, botching their escape, ends up taking everyone hostage. What follows is a tangled, heartfelt mess involving eight strangers, a disappearing criminal, and some seriously uncomfortable oversharing.
“In the chaos, these wildly different characters begin to discover unlikely connections and shared humanity.”
The script comes from Oscar-nominated writer David Magee (Life of Pi, Finding Neverland, A Man Called Otto), reuniting much of the same creative team from A Man Called Otto, which grossed over $110 million globally.
Producer Wikström Nicastro said in a statement: “Fredrik’s novels speak to our shared humanity in a way that really moves audiences, and we’re proud to be able to deliver another heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of his work.”
Forster added: “The story is filled with humor, heart, chaos, and unexpected hope.”
Producer Renée Wolfe summed up the film’s spirit, saying: “Anxious People is a uniquely warm and heartfelt story that speaks to our chaotic times by asking us to step outside of our own stories and slow down enough to actually see one another.
“It is set a week before Christmas and highlights a time when generosity and giving are values that are more in focus. Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic and always entertaining, Anxious People is a book that has sold over 6 million copies world-wide and, with Angelina Jolie playing the lead and Marc Forster directing, will surely prove to be a movie that will captivate millions more.”
Jolie has had a diverse run in recent years from producing the Tony-winning The Outsiders musical to starring in Pablo Larraín’s Oscar-nominated Maria, and directing First They Killed My Father.
This sounds like another great project for Jolie to take on.
Source: Deadline
