Adam Driver, who is poised for a busy fall thanks toMarriage Story,The ReportandStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is in early talks to star oppositeMatt DamoninRidley Scott’s period dramaThe Last Duel, Collider has learned.
Ben Affleckis set to co-star alongsideKilling EvesensationJodie Comer, and yes, this is the movie set in 14th century France in which a knight rapes his friend’s wife while the man is away at war. When no one believes the woman, her husband returns from the battlefield to challenges his former friend to a duel from which only one of them will walk away. At least… that’s how it was described initially.
Today’sVarietyannouncement sanitizes the original logline, and according to the trade,The Last Duel"is an epic tale of betrayal and justice, told from three distinct points of view: two knights (Damon and Driver) whose bond is tested by treachery and a young woman (Comer) forced to navigate the brutal and oppressive culture of the era in order to survive.
Deadline initially reported that Damon and Affleck would play the two leads, but Variety reports that Affleck was always slated for a supporting role due to his commitment toAdrian Lyne’sDeep Water. I’m not sure I’m buying that, asDeep Wateris slated to start production in November, andThe Last Duelwon’t start shooting until early 2020, but regardless, it’s a relief to learn that Affleck isn’t playing the rapist, as that’s not what his career needs right now.
Driver is a solid choice for the part despite being quite a bit younger than both Affleck and Damon. The actor has never shied away from risque material, having caught his big break on HBO’sGirls. Interestingly enough, Disney/Fox have apparently yet to formally greenlightThe Last Duel, and I can’t imagine Disney would cast Driver in this part if his role inStar Warswas slated to continue beyondThe Rise of Skywalker, which brings the Skywalker saga to a close.
Damon and Affleck co-wrote the script withNicole Holofcener, and theGood Will Huntingduo will also produce alongside Scott andKevin Walsh.Madison Ainsleywill serve as an executive producer, andDrew Vintonwill oversee the project on behalf of Damon and Affleck’s company Pearl Street Films.
Driver is poised to receive his second Oscar nomination forMarriage Story, which has received raves on the fall festival circuit. He also stars oppositeMarion Cotillardin the musical dramaAnnettefromHoly MotorsdirectorLeos Carax. Driver is represented by Gersh, andVarietybroke the news of his talks forThe Last Duel.
To watch the final trailer forStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,click here.
