Exciting news for Gosling fans – it was announced today that Gosling and his Drive co-star Christina Hendricks’ script, How to Catch a Monster, has been green lit. The plot has been detailed as weaving, “elements of fantasy noir, and suspense into a modern day fairytale. Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town. Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery, if their family is to survive.” Gosling appears to be working with close acquaintances as not only is Hendricks his writing partner, but the new film will be produced by Drive producers Marc Platt and Adam Siegel (as part of Marc’s production company, Marc Platt Productions). It seems the whole process is being handled in a very familial manner, making one think this should become a very carefully crafted film. Sierra Affinity (also behind another Gosling vehicle, The Place Beyond the Pines) is handling the sale of the film, which will be bid on throughout the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.
There is little doubt as to how popular the film will become among buyers at the TIFF. Gosling is a hugely bankable star and those wanting their insignias alongside his directorial debut will be vehement in their desire to purchase various rights to do so.
The film is set to start production in June / July of 2013. Statements from production company Bold Films have accompanied the announcement with Michel Litvak (Bold Films’ financier) saying, “We have a tremendous amount of trust and confidence in Ryan, Christina, Marc and Adam, both personally and professionally... We responded immediately to Ryan's script, and look forward to nurturing the next phase of his career and continuing Bold's commitment to an artistically collaborative environment.”
Marc Platt was also on hand to leave a statement: “We are thrilled to be producing Ryan Gosling's debut as a writer and director and continue our collaboration which began on Drive. He has composed a beautifully haunting script and has a very clear vision of how he will bring it to life. His ability to draw audiences into his world as an actor will serve him well as a filmmaker.”
After Drive, The Ides of March, Crazy, Stupid, Love. and the upcoming Gangster Squad, The Place Beyond the Pines (premiering at the TIFF) and Only God Forgives, there is no question that How to Catch a Monster will be as eagerly anticipated as anything that Gosling has on his slate.
