The Trades with Reuben Schwartz (Season 29)

 

Hello again and welcome to another edition The Trades, my annual look at the news, casting, rumors, and general happenings at the studio each season.

In the grand scheme of things, 29 might not be as milestone-worthy as 30. But it seems Last Resort Films is doing just fine this season. The story of the season thus far has been John Malone’s Murder Mysteries. The Neil Gaiman adaptation is a visual feast, with Darren Aronofsky safely in the pole position for Best Director (with Denis Villeneuve in the rearview). It’s a film hard to define in terms of genre, which would make for one unique LRF front-runner if it ends up in that position. At this point it seems like it’s hard to top.

While the big hits have been few and far between and profits have been low, there’s only been four films that have lost money this season. That may just be a natural outcome of more star-heavy vehicles where the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, and more help get the movie made while also cutting into their bottom line. It will be interesting to see the top salaries post released at the end of the season.

At the same time, will any new stars be made out of this season? Samara Weaving left a memorable impression in her first star vehicle at the studio. Jeremy Allen White is following up his TV success with a Marvel movie and prestigious crime drama, so he’s covering all of his bases. Joe Keery also impressed in his superhero debut in Starman. Hopefully the season’s remaining slate will also provide some room for some breakout performances.

I, for one, cannot help but get excited when looking at the back half of this season judging from recent In Development posts. We’ve got:

• An original superhero project from 86-year-old legend Ridley Scott.
• The LRF debut of notorious Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke.
• A Ben Affleck-led boxing remake from sports movie master Gavin O’Connor.
• The latest LRF film from Greta Gerwig.
• A new entry into a big budget original LRF franchise.
• The studio’s first western since last season’s Best Picture winner AKA Billy the Kid.
• A promising crime drama from the acclaimed duos of Ellis/Malone and the Safdies.
• David Fincher’s return to noir starring the likes of Sean Penn and Matthew McConaughey.

And that’s just what we have the details on! Any more octogenarians want to throw their hat into the ring? While it is unlikely that all of those will be successful, this season will be one to remember if just a few of those live up to their potential. That will all be clearer by the next time we talk. Until then, I’ll see you at the movies!