Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy have signed on to star in the biopic Louis Wain. The drama will tell the story of the real-life eccentric British artist best known for his paintings of anthropomorphised big-eyed cats. BAFTA-nominated director Will Sharpe is directing from a script he co-wrote alongside Simon Stephenson. Amazon has secured the rights to the project.
Wain found success thanks to his unique drawings, but in his later years it is believed he suffered from schizophrenia, which, according to some psychiatrists, can be seen in his works. He died in 1939. Cumberbatch will play Wain, while Foy will play his wife, Emily. This is the first time the duo have collaborated since their 2011 film, Wreckers.
“I am thrilled by the prospect of playing the courageous, playful spirit that is Louis Wain and to be producing such a special film”, Cumberbatch said of the project.
“I have admired Will’s work for several years through Flowers and from the moment we first met, knew he was the perfect person to bring Louis’ inspirational and odyssean story to life. Together we plan to bring audiences a sincerely uplifting, playful, thought provoking tale of resilience, creativity and the enduring power of love”.
Foy had an impressive 2018, with Unsane, First Man and The Girl In The Spider’s Web. However this is her only announced role since. Cumberbatch has Ironbark and Sam Mendes‘ much-anticipated WWI drama 1917 coming up.
Louis Wain doesn’t line up with Amazon’s recent acquisitions of big blockbuster properties like Lord Of The Rings, but the company is still likely looking for that awards prestige. Although this ostensibly sounds like a very milquetoast, Oscar bait biopic, with talented actors like Cumberbatch and Foy on board, they certainly could elevate it.
#Peace.Love.LouisWain
