In an intriguing pairing,John Boyegaand two-time Oscar winnerRobert De Nirohave signed to star in a Netflix heist movie titledThe Formula, Collider has confirmed.
Deadline reports thatGerard McMurray(The First Purge) will write, direct and produce the movie, which will find Boyega playing a Formula One racing prodigy who is forced to become a getaway driver to save the only family he has left. The project marks a return to Netflix for McMurray, who previously directed one of the streamer’s first original features, the Black frat dramaBurning Sands(seen below).
McMurray will produce under his newly-formed Buppie Productions alongside De Niro, as well asJane RosenthalandBerry Welsh, who have an overall deal at Netflix.Jason Michael Bermanwill executive produce, whileSam Shawand Buppie Productions’Ephraim Walkerwill serve as co-producers.
The Formulabrings both Boyega and De Niro back to Netflix, as the latter recently starred inThe Irishman, while the former will soon be seen inJeremy Saulnier’s thrillerRebel Ridge. Their new film kind of sounds a little bit likeDrive, and I’m eager to see if De Niro is playing a thief in this, a laHeat, or if he’ll a cop of some kind.
Meanwhile, I’m also excited to see the next chapter of Boyega’s career now that he has put theStar Warsmovies behind him. I know thatLovers RockandMangrovedrew the most attention amongSteve McQueen’sSmall Axefilms, but I thought Boyega’s entryRed, White and Bluewas the standout of that anthology – thanks in large part to Boyega’s performance. The actor is currently filmingThey Cloned TyronewithJamie Foxx, and I think he’ll benefit from working with these Oscar-winning co-stars.
De Niro is keeping busy himself as well, as he’ll soon be seen alongside fellow Oscar winnersMorgan FreemanandTommy Lee JonesinGeorge Gallo’scrime comedyThe Comeback Trail, and he has wrapped the indie movieWash Me in the RiverwithJohn Malkovich. De Niro is also set to co-star inDavid O. Russell’snew film starringChristian BaleandMargot Robbie.
