The hot spec script Jackie, about the immediate days following President Kennedy’s assassination, is getting the big screen treatment with Academy-Award winning actress Rachel Weisz attached to play the late first lady. Weisz’s fiancee, director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler), will direct and produce, along with his producing partner Scott Franklin and their Protozoa Pictures film company. The script had been rumored as a Steven Spielberg-produced telefilm for HBO, but Spielberg is not involved in any way, though his agency, CAA, has put together the package that they are now shopping to the major studios.
CAA declined to confirm, but the script, from Noah Oppenheim, head of development at television production company Reveille, has been a hot commodity at the agency since it came in last month. Jackie, written over period of nights and weekends by Oppenheim, catalogs the four days between JFK’s assassination and his burial, showing the beloved Jackie at both her most vulnerable and her most graceful. Oppenheim heads Reveille’s unscripted department and previously served as the senior producer on The Today Show, running the 7 a.m. hour.
It will be interesting to see how the British-born Weisz will take on the iconic role. We’ll keep you posted on where it lands, but should it all come together, it will mark Weisz and Aronofsky’s second collaboration after 2006′s The Fountain.
Why does this sound like an amazing idea?
I totally agree.
Honestly, I wish I had thought of it first. Such a dramatically rich idea and such an exquisite actress…
I think Justine Waddell would have been a better choice
I totally agree!!
Agreed.
I’m all giggly just thinking about it!
Britney Spears would have been perfect for this role. When is her new record coming out? Updates please!
Hahahahaha…..
We should probably just give Rachel the Oscar now.
Agreed!
Finally Hollywood comes up with an original idea! Kudos.
hmmm–isn’t similar to the Queen and her reaction to Diana’s death?
That’s exactly what I was thinking. It’s just like The Queen but with Jackie instead. Although, The Queen was an excellent film and this could potentially be just as good.
Not really. Jackie had to deal with the loss of a well loved husband and father, while the Queen dealt with Diana’s death like it was a nuisance. Completely different emotions, completely different roles.
I like Weisz as an actress, but I find the casting to be a bit too convenient, if you know what I’m saying.
I can’t help think the same think. I’m sure Weisz will be brilliant, but it is a bit… convenient, as you said.
…especially come Oscar season.
i assume you’re implying this is purely nepotistic but i really believe that’s only an issue if the person cast isn’t right for the role. personally, when i read just the headline i immediately thought “whoa, that’s good casting!”
just because aronofsky and weisz are a couple it doesn’t mean this can’t have fantastic results.
Well Jackie was both a classic beauty and an exotic beauty at the same time and Rachel fits both those characteristics.
I think this is a splendid idea. Can’t wait to see what Aronofsky and Ms. Weisz do next together;that is if this is actually a go.
Aronofsky is a genius! I’m so excited to see what he does with this.
And Rachel Weisz is one of the best actresses working today. She has the class and the range to nail it. Oscar for sure!
agreed! Rachel Weisz will do brilliantly I’m sure!
Oscar? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, people.
Sadly, I wish the transcripts from Jackie’s interviews post-assassination will not have been released in time to impact the script. They’re not going to be unsealed until the 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy inauguration.
It would have lead more authenticity to what is going to be a work of fiction or conjecture from people around her.
that’s a good point.. would have been very interesting
I still think Kate Winslet should do everything!
Nice! Love Weisz. She should be great.
I’m more intrigued by the idea of Darren Aronofosky directing. the most underrated filmaker this country has
Agreed! I’m glad that someone else recognizes this. He’s a genius.
He’s a talented guy and he made one major misstep in his career. I love Pi and Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler. But The Fountain is one of the most god-awful pieces of garbage I’ve ever had the misfortune to suffer through. I truly hate that film with a passion.
RAMO,
You’re misinformed. The Fountain must have gone over your head.
Rachel Weisz was one of my picks when you guys had the post about this project a few weeks ago. I think she’ll be great as Jackie.