Aaron Sorkin, one of the most decorated contemporary screenwriters, is reportedly dusting off an old script that he intends to make his next directorial follow up. After making his feature debut behind the camera with last year’s Molly’s Game, Sorkin now plans to go back to an old screenplay he wrote – titled The Trial Of The Chicago 7 – and the cast is already coming together.
Eddie Redmayne is in talks to star in the film, per Variety, while Sacha Baron Cohen is the first surprising name to be linked with the project, as he’s in talks to play Abbie Hoffman in the true story drama.
The film is based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more, which arose from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The trail went on to transfix the nation and began a conversation regarding mayhem designed to undermine the U.S. government.
Sorkin originally penned the screenplay over a decade ago with the intention that Steven Spielberg would direct, but it never came to fruition. But while Spielberg moved onto other projects, he reportedly saw Molly’s Game and suggested Sorkin direct the script himself for Spielberg’s production banner, Amblin Entertainment.
Sorkin is apparently looking for A-list talent for the project, and Redmayne pretty much fits the bill. The actor is reportedly looking for something “prestige level” in between shooting the second and third instalments of the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The third film begins shooting next July, so Sorkin’s film will probably get rolling early next year sometime.
The project obviously lends itself to a big ensemble, so expect some big names to be linked with the film. Sorkin has already shown he has talent penning courtroom (A Few Good Men) and political dramas (The West Wing), so this should be an exciting in-development project to keep an eye on.
#Peace.Love.TheTrialOfTheChicago7
