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1:24 pm PDT 10/9/2018
by
Tatiana Siegel
The nascent studio of Megan Ellison began distributing films with "Detroit" by Kathryn Bigelow last summer.
On this day of dramatic twists and turns at Annapurna Pictures, the president of the movie Chelsea Barnard is out.
The move comes in the wake of Megan Ellison's studio jettison two films that he had developed: the untitled film by Jay Roach, Fox News / Roger Ailes, and a Jennifer Lopez film, stripper, based on the New York magazine article "The Hustlers at Scores." Both projects had been defended by Barnard. Annapurna declined to comment.
The news comes hours after The Hollywood journalist announced Tuesday that Annapurna Pictures was unloading its untitled Fox News film centered on the late Ailes, followed by the announcement of the purchase of Lopez's photo. This latest film has landed at STX, which is in advanced talks to acquire the project. (It is said that Constance Wu signed for co-starring before the film leaves the Annapurna group.) Lopez and producers Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina had a positive experience with the STX team on Second actand that played an important role in their desire to take the film there.
Overall, this is a troubling turning point for Ellison's nascent studio, which began distributing films with Kathryn Bigelow Detroit last summer. Focus Features, Amblin and Participant Media are about to acquire Fox News, which is directed by Roach and will be in production in two weeks.
It is unclear why Annapurna would separate either from the hugely popular Fox News project or the flagship Lopez vehicle, both seen as women's empowerment themes. Sources say Annapurna is facing financial problems and is linking co-funding partners to several recent projects, including Fox News.
Barnard, who has been part of Annapurna since its inception in 2011, was named film leader at the company in January 2017. His executive producer credits include Spike Jonze's Her and the Steve Carrell-Starrer foxcatcher.
The trio of moves is a surprise, especially with regard to the Fox News drama, given that the film's casting has continued until Monday, when Malcolm McDowell enlisted in the role of Rupert Murdoch. A source says Annapurna continues to help cast Fox News.
John Lithgow is expected to play the role of Fox News channel president, accused of sexually harassing many women in the network. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie complete the cast. The big courtCharles Randolph wrote the script.
Given the dramatic events of the day, all eyes are now on the upcoming James Bond film, which MGM will distribute domestically through its joint venture with Annapurna.
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