Sony Pictures Classics has secured the worldwide rights to Richard Linklater’s upcoming film, “Blue Moon.” This acquisition marks another significant collaboration between the acclaimed director and the distributor. The film, which will star Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott, is set to begin production in Dublin, Ireland, this summer.
“Blue Moon” delves into the final days of Lorenz Hart, one half of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers & Hart. The narrative unfolds primarily in Sardi’s Restaurant on March 31, 1943, the opening night of “Oklahoma!” This event marked Richard Rodgers’ first collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II, following Hart’s departure. Hart, who struggled with alcoholism and depression, passed away later that year in November.
The screenplay, penned by Robert Kaplow, is based on his novel “Me and Orson Welles,” which also inspired a previous Linklater film. Linklater, who has been developing this project for over a decade with Hawke and Kaplow, expressed his excitement and gratitude for finally bringing this story to life.
Sony Pictures Classics and Renovo Media Group are financing the film, continuing a long-standing relationship with Linklater that began with the release of his debut film, “Slacker.” This partnership has seen the release of other Linklater films such as “Suburbia” and “Before Midnight.” The distributor is also well-acquainted with Hawke, having released several of his films, including “Before Midnight,” “Maggie’s Plan,” “Maudie,” and Pedro Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life.”
Linklater will produce “Blue Moon” alongside Mike Blizzard and John Sloss. The film will be a Detour/Renovo production in association with Wild Atlantic Pictures, Under The Influence, and Cinetic Media. Executive producers include Macdara Kelleher, Donna Eperon, John Keville, David Kingland, Lisa Crnic, Aaron Wiederspahn, and Steven Farneth.
Sony Pictures Classics expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Almost a year ago, Rick, Ethan, and John reached out to us with Robert Kaplow’s amazing script ‘Blue Moon.’ Helping them over the following months to bring it together has been incredibly exciting. Now, on the verge of production, with this fantastic cast and crew in place and Rick at the helm, we are thrilled to finally announce it and bring the film to audiences everywhere in the world.”
The film’s creative team includes director of photography Shane F. Kelly, production designer Susie Cullen, editor Sandra Adair, and costume designer Consolata Boyle. This ensemble of talent promises to bring a rich and authentic portrayal of the era and the poignant story of Lorenz Hart.
Ethan Hawke, who is represented by CAA and Mgmt Entertainment, will be working with Linklater for the ninth time. Margaret Qualley, represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, Bobby Cannavale, represented by CAA and Framework Entertainment, and Andrew Scott, represented by CAA and United Agents, round out the main cast.
This project marks Linklater’s return to traditional cinema after his recent ventures with Netflix. The director’s reunion with Hawke, a frequent collaborator, adds a layer of anticipation for fans of their previous works together.
“Blue Moon” is set to be a significant addition to Linklater’s filmography, offering a deep dive into the life of a troubled yet brilliant artist. With Sony Pictures Classics backing the project, the film is poised to reach a global audience, continuing the legacy of both Linklater and the distributor in bringing compelling, character-driven stories to the screen.
