Joe Wright Set to Direct Tim Winton’s Sci-Fi Thriller JUICE for Working Title Films
Acclaimed filmmaker Joe Wright is heading back to the big screen with an exciting new project, and this one sounds like it could deliver a gripping mix of survival, suspense, and timely social commentary.
The two-time BAFTA winner has signed on to direct a feature adaptation of Juice, the post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller novel from celebrated Australian author Tim Winton, with Working Title Films producing.
Working Title has officially secured the rights to Juice and has also brought in writer Abi Morgan (The Hour, Shame, The Iron Lady) to adapt the novel for the screen.
The story takes place in a broken world devastated by climate change. Society has collapsed, and a young husband and father is recruited into a highly secretive resistance movement.
His mission is to join a militia targeting the isolated wealthy figures believed to be responsible for the environmental catastrophe that reshaped the planet.
But after an operation goes disastrously wrong, he's forced to flee and fight for survival in an unforgiving landscape where danger waits around every corner.
It's the kind of high-stakes premise that feels perfectly suited to Wright's filmmaking style. He has a knack for telling deeply personal stories against massive historical and political backdrops, something he's demonstrated throughout his career.
Most recently, Wright directed The Agency for Showtime and Paramount+, while his feature film credits include Atonement, Pride & Prejudice, Anna Karenina, Darkest Hour, Hanna, and The Soloist.
Speaking about the project, Wright shared his excitement, saying: “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Tim Winton has entrusted us with his extraordinary epic. The story is both a thrilling modern family saga and an urgent call to action. I cannot wait for audiences to experience it on the big screen.”
Winton is enthusiastic about handing the novel over to Wright. The acclaimed author has built an impressive body of work over the years, with novels including Cloudstreet, Breath, The Turning, and Blueback, all of which have received film adaptations.
He's also been shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, including for his internationally bestselling novel The Riders, which is currently in post-production at A24. The film stars Academy Award winner Brad Pitt, is directed by Edward Berger, and is being produced by Scott Free.
Winton praised Wright's vision for Juice, saying: “I’m pleased to know a filmmaker of Joe Wright’s caliber has chosen to adapt Juice for the screen. His capacity to portray the turmoil and the turning points of nations and peoples as well as private individuals distinguishes his work as a director, and I’m confident that Juice is in good hands.”
With Wright directing, Morgan adapting Winton's acclaimed novel, and Working Title backing the production, Juice is shaping up to be a sci-fi film worth keeping an eye on.
Source: Deadline