Ben Affleckis quickly becoming one of the busiest men in Hollywood, and seems to be gettin' while the gettin' is good. He is currently busy reprising his role as Batman forZack SnyderinJustice Leagueand has already signed on to direct a soloBatmanmovie for Warner Bros. Now it looks like he is going to be taking on yet another directing project not involving a superhero. This time, it will be an adaptation of theAgatha ChristiestoryWitness for the Prosecution.
Deadlineis reporting that 20th Century Fox is closing the deal withBen Affleck, who will both direct and star in the movie.Witness for the Prosecutionwas originally written as ashort storybyChristie, and was adapted to the big screen in 1957 bySome Like It HotdirectorBilly Wilder. That version was received very well, having been nominated for Six Academy awards, including Best Picture. Here is a description of the original short story.
“When wealthy spinster Emily French is found murdered, suspicion falls on Leonard Vole, the man to whom she hastily bequeathed her riches before she died. Leonard assures the investigators that his wife, Romaine Heilger, can provide them with an alibi. However, when questioned, Romaine informs the police that Vole returned home late that night covered in blood. During the trial, Ms. French’s housekeeper, Janet, gives damning evidence against Vole, and, as Romaine’s cross-examination begins, her motives come under scrutiny from the courtroom. One question remains, will justice prevail?”
Affleckhas a good relationship with 20th Century Fox, having starred inDavid Fincher’sGone Girlfor them a couple of years ago. He has yet to direct anything for the studio though, as his first movieGone Baby Gonewas done by Miramax, withThe TownandArgobeing done by Warner Bros.Live By Night,Affleck’s upcoming directorial effort, which he somehow managed to squeeze in after filmingBatman V Supermanand beforeJustice League, is eyeing a limited release in December for Oscar season and is also being done for Warner Bros. It looks like Fox is trying to get in onAffleck’s good name right now too, assuming the deal goes through.
This new adaptation ofWitness for the Prosecutionwill be written byChristopher Keyser, who is most well known as a TV writer and producer on shows likeParty of Fiveand FX’sTyrant.Affleckwill also be producing the movie, alongside his best friend and producing/writing partnerMatt Damon, as well asJennifer Toddand members of theAgatha Christieestate. There is no word yet on what partAffleckwill be playing, but it seems likely that he would play the role thatCharles Laughtonplayed originally, being thatAfflecktends to play the lead in his own movies. Save forGone Baby Gone.
There was a handful of years in the mid 2000s whereBen Affleckwasn’t exactly in the best of spots. After movies likeDaredevil,GigliandJersey Girl, he wasn’t being taken all that seriously. However, a few critically acclaimed hits behind the camera and a welcomed turn as the new Caped Crusader in the DC Extended Universe, and he is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. His Oscar win forArgocertainly didn’t hurt anything. He is definitely in-demand, and seems to be taking full advantage.Ben Affleckwill next be seen starring in the Legendary Pictures thrillerThe Accountant.
