Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, Henry Winkler and Don Johnson to Lead Simon Curtis Comedy ‘Encore’
Simon Curtis (“My Week With Marilyn,” “Downton Abbey: A New Era”) has lined up a quartet of stars for upcoming comedy “Encore” from “Twilight” banner Temple Hill Entertainment.
The film — announced by Protagonist Pictures, which is launching worldwide sales ahead of Cannes — will reunite eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close with Oscar winner Jeremy Irons 34 years after their critically acclaimed hit “Reversal of Fortune.” Henry Winkler and Don Johnson round out the ensemble cast.
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Written by Academy Award nominee Robert Nelson Jacobs (“Chocolat”), “Encore” follows a group of retired actors as they attempt to reignite their passion for life. Former Broadway icons Marie (Close) and Nigel (Irons) are new residents of a retirement home, where they discover a community of forgotten talents. Motivated to revive Nigel’s passion for theater and embrace this new chapter in their life, Marie decides to stage a production with the residents, pulling everyone out of their past and into their present. This production will be their encore.
“I loved Robert’s touching and hilarious script from the moment I read it and it has been thrilling to see some of the greatest actors in the world respond in the same way,” Curtis said. “I look forward to continuing to build a dream cast so audiences can imagine a group of their favorite actors living out their golden years under the same roof.”
Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen and Isaac Klausner will produce for Temple Hill Entertainment (“Twilight” saga, “The Maze Runner” trilogy). Ryan Cunningham serves as co-producer. Protagonist Pictures is handling international rights, while UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance will be handling U.S. sales.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Robert’s wonderful screenplay, ‘Encore,’ to life under the artful direction of Simon Curtis, who has done a masterful job of assembling a group of talent that will be a joy to watch on screen together,” said Temple Hill co-founder Godfrey. “’Encore’ celebrates the idea that every day should be approached as the first day of the rest of your life, and it does so with immense heart and hilarity.”
Added Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop: “Full of emotion and laughter and anchored by a fantastic cast, ‘Encore’ is exactly the type of feel-good comedy audiences are craving — the perfect film at the perfect time to present to our buyers at Cannes. With Simon’s undeniable creative force behind the camera, and the extraordinary track record of our friends at Temple Hill, I cannot think of a better team of filmmakers to partner with on this project.”
Close is repped by CAA, MGMT Entertainment and Loeb & Loeb. Irons is repped by CAA. Winkler is repped by CAA and Management 360. Johnson is repped by CAA and Edelstein, Laird & Sobel.
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