Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Duane Jones As Atticus Finch In ‘Maggie’
Chris Scalzo
Maggie still courtesy of the Toronto International Film Festival
Lionsgate has purchased the North American distribution rights to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s latest film, ‘Maggie’. The film also features Abigail Breslin and Joely Richardson.
Arnie takes a more dramatic turn, playing a father that stays with his daughter as she slowly succumbs to a zombie bite. It’s a post-apocalyptic drama, but I imagine Arnold will still to do some flexing and shooting.
Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president, Steven Beeks stated the following: “Maggie has all the ingredients that spell commercial excitement, from a compelling script and an A-list superstar surrounded by a world-class cast. We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who turns in a performance that marks a dramatic departure from his action persona, and partner with our friends at Lotus Entertainment on a film that will resonate with thriller aficionados everywhere.
‘Maggie’ is a Black List script. For the uninitiated, it’s a list of popular scripts that have yet to be put into production. Studio executive Franklin Leonard publishes the Black List the second Friday of every December. Previous Black List scripts include ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Argo’, and ‘50/50’.
The film was recently pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival line up by Lionsgate, where it was to make its world premiere. An effort to dodge bad press? Or is it so good, they don't need a festival push?
I’m intrigued by the premise and the potential for a reserved performance by Schwarzenegger. Will it be more drama than horror, focusing on the father/daughter relationship inside a hellish landscape? Are you excited to see a more morose, contemplative Arnie?
The feature film debut for director Henry Hobson, ‘Maggie’ is set to be released early in 2015.