John Boyega to Star in New Sci-Fi Film THE FRESHENING From BIRDS OF PREY Director Cathy Yan
John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) is set to star in a sci-fi film project from Birds of Prey director Cathy Yan titled The Freshening. The project is inspired by a short story from Rachel Khong that was published in the Paris Review.
The story is set in a near future “where tensions over race and gender have reached a violent extreme and the U.S. government institutes a public health initiative known as ‘The Freshening’: every American receives an injection, after which everyone only sees others as the same race and gender as themselves.”
The film will follow “what happens when a street drug hits the scene, promising a chance to see the world as it really is, and newly met Sam and Reese (Boyega) must decide whether to disrupt the ‘freshened’ world?”
Well, that sounds like an interesting, wild, and unique story. It feels like a story you’d see on The Twilight Zone. The movie is being produced by FilmNation Entertainment, Ali Wong, Hyperobject Industries’ Adam McKay and Betsy Koch, and Rewild’s Yan and Ash Sarohia.
The producers said in a statement: “We are tremendously excited to have John bring this complex character and story to life and can’t wait to begin filming with this incredible group of likeminded creatives.”
Director Yan added: “It’s a dream to work with John Boyega, a singular talent whose commitment to his craft and willingness to take risks have delivered such memorable, wide-ranging performances. I know he’ll bring incredible depth and nuance to Reese. I’m thrilled he’s on for this wild ride.”
Filming is due to start later this year on the project, and they are in the process of filling the rest of the cast.
Source: Deadline