Just the other day, when putting togethera list of potentialThe Batmandirectors, I lamented that it’s been too long since we’ve seen anything from filmmakerCary Fukunaga. That’s no fault of his—fresh off the success ofTrue Detective, theJane Eyredirector made his passion projectBeasts of No Nationa reality at Netflix, and then entered development on a couple of projects that didn’t pan out. He was lined up to write and direct the high-profileItmovie, but departed over creative differences. Then he was set to spearhead the TNT seriesThe Alienist, but dropped out of directing that show due to delays. But now Fukunaga’s next project is firming up, and we have an official production start-date.
As was announced previously, Fukunaga will direct the 10-episode dark comedy seriesManiacfor Netflix and Paramount Television, withEmma StoneandJonah Hillstarring, and Deadline reports that filming is now set to begin on August 15th in New York City. This won’t be as grueling a shoot asTrue Detective, as filming is set to wrap up right before Thanksgiving, making this a significant yet not extremely time-consuming project that fits right into Fukunaga, Stone, and Hill’s busy schedules.
Maniacis based on a 2014 Norwegian series and revolves around two characters stuck in a mental institution who escape into their own fantasy worlds. The premise offers some seriously great visual opportunities, and Fukunaga has shown as both a director a cinematographer that he has an eye for searing, memorable aesthetics.
This is a major coup for Netflix, especially given that Stone is about to become an Oscar winner for her role inLa La Land. She most recently wrappedBattle of the Sexesand is gearing up to shoot theYorgos LanthimosfilmThe Favourite, soManiacwill slot right into her schedule quite nicely. As for Hill, he’s in the mix for a couple of different films as an actor, but more pressingly is prepping to shoot his directorial debutMid-90s.
Fukunaga, meanwhile, has been developingManiacalongsideThe Alienistand is expected to tackle the long-developingThe Black Countas his next feature film. That movie tells the true story ofThe Count of Monte CristoauthorAlexandre Dumas.
So there you have it. Cary Fukunaga willfinallybe back behind a camera this August with one hell of a cast at his disposal. It’s unclear whenManiacwill hit Netflix, but late 2018 seems possible.
