Latest news with #MonkeyMan
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dev Patel is set to write, direct and star in period revenge drama The Peasant
Dev Patel is prepared to unleash his filmmaking skills once again. The Slumdog Millionaire star is all set to write, direct and star in an upcoming period revenge drama, The Peasant, set in medieval India. The Peasant marks Dev's second directorial as he reunites with Thunder Road Pictures, the company behind his breakout directorial debut Monkey Man. (Also read: Dev Patel graces cover of Vanity Fair magazine with Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman, Zendaya and Zoe Saldana) According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will be a high-adrenaline revenge actioner with shades of Braveheart and John Wick mashed with the notes of King Arthur. Set in the 1300s, the film centers around a shepherd who unleashes a furious campaign against a group of mercenary knights who ravaged his community, revealing himself to be much more than an ordinary man. Fifth season, which is also financing and producing the drama, first collaborated on the project with screenwriter Will Dunn, who had previously worked on Ms Marvel. It was supposed to have an Italian setting with pope-connected story. The project had reportedly generated quite a buzz as it also landed on the prestigious 2023 Black List, the annual directory of most popular unproduced screenplays. However, now, under Dev's guidance, the film has shifted its plot to India to make it look more colourfully vibrant and almost mystical. The producers are hoping to turn the feature into a franchise, too. In Monkey Man, Dev portrays an underdog street fighter who ends up becoming a vigilante superhero. His character fights against the mighty and rich who oppress the downtrodden and are also responsible for his mother's death. Monkey Man also stars Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Aditi Kalkunthe and Makarand Deshpande in key roles.
India Today
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
After Monkey Man, Dev Patel to direct and star in revenge-thriller The Peasant
Actor-filmmaker Dev Patel is embracing an exciting new chapter in his career, seamlessly balancing his roles as both actor and director. He has come on board to co-write, direct, produce, and star in the upcoming period action-thriller 'The Peasant'.Set in medieval India, the film marks Patel's reunion with Thunder Road Pictures following his acclaimed directorial debut, 'Monkey Man'. Co-produced by Fifth Season and Thunder Road, The Peasant is reportedly infused with the spirit of 'Braveheart', 'John Wick', and 'King Arthur', according to The Hollywood story centres on a shepherd in 1300s India who launches a fierce rebellion against a band of mercenary knights that destroyed his community - unleashing a side of him no one expected. Patel's previous film 'Monkey Man', also a revenge thriller, received widespread praise upon its theatrical release in 2024. The film is now available for streaming on Peacock TV.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Dev Patel to write, direct, and star in period revenge thriller ‘The Peasant'
Dev Patel is expanding his filmmaking journey with The Peasant, a high-stakes period action thriller set in medieval India. Patel will direct, co-write, produce, and star in the film, reuniting with Thunder Road Pictures, the company behind his breakout directorial debut Monkey Man. Backed by Fifth Season and Thunder Road, The Peasant has been described as having the spirit of Braveheart and the kinetic energy of John Wick. The story follows a shepherd who unleashes a furious campaign against a group of mercenary knights who ravaged his village, revealing himself to be far more than an ordinary man. Originally developed by Fifth Season with screenwriter Will Dunn, The Peasant was first envisioned with an Italian backdrop as a papal thriller. Under Patel's leadership, the setting has been reimagined into an almost mystical 1300s India. Patel and Dunn are working together on the new drafts. The project initially landed on the 2023 Black List, highlighting it as one of Hollywood's most sought-after unproduced scripts. Producers are already eyeing the potential for The Peasant to launch a new action franchise. Patel's move into this territory follows the success of Monkey Man, his revenge thriller that earned widespread acclaim upon its 2024 release.
Boston Globe
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Jeff Bezos just killed James Bond. Here are 3 things Amazon can do to save the franchise.
Despite Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's But all hope is not lost. If Bezos and Amazon hope to retain the magic that has captivated audiences for 63 years, they must ensure that the cadence of big-screen movies remains the central part of the franchise with bold choices, reverence to the character's history, and a determination to keep audiences coming to the theaters — not asking Alexa to cast the latest episode to their living room TV while they sit on the couch in sweats. Advertisement Here are three ways Bezos and Amazon can save the franchise. Daniel Craig, left, and Director Martin Campbell on the set the 2006 film "Casino Royale." Jay Maidment/Columbia Pictures/Handout Hire Martin Campbell to direct the next movie. Campbell is responsible for directing two of the greatest Bond debuts, Pierce Brosnan's arrival in 'GoldenEye' and Daniel Craig's franchise reset in 'Casino Royale.' If Amazon wants to recapture some of that magic, it should look no further than Campbell, who has proven that he knows how to set the tone with a new actor while retaining the elements that make a classic Bond film. Brosnan's suave portrayal in his 1995 debut was a welcome change from the brutalism of Timothy Dalton's efforts in the 1980s. Despite Brosnan's dashing good looks, Campbell deftly managed to keep the new floppy-haired Bond grounded with solid storytelling and tight pacing. Similarly, as Brosnan's tenure grew increasingly fantastical and the franchise faced assaults on all sides — from the satire of Austin Powers to the raw machismo of Jason Bourne — Campbell was tapped again to reinvent the wheel in 2006 with Craig. 'Casino Royale' tossed out the Brosnan-era films' worst habits and embraced a grittier, more bruising version of the character, to Advertisement Campbell, who will turn 82 in October, certainly has nothing left to prove and is widely regarded as the director who best represented the franchise in the modern era. But the health of the franchise depends on a strong debut from the yet-to-be-named new actor, and there is perhaps no one better suited to helm the ship than someone who has done it twice before. Dev Patel poses for photographers upon arrival for Le Grand Diner du Louvre during the Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Womenswear fashion week, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Paris. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) Scott A Garfitt/Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP Select Dev Patel to play James Bond. Bezos and Amazon should select the best actor willing to commit to the franchise for the next decade. That actor is Patel, a top-tier performer whose Indian heritage would give the franchise a new twist and allow the script writers to explore the impact of British imperialism on the MI6 ranks. Patel's self-directed 'Monkey Man' was as close as you get to a Advertisement Patel, 34, is also primed to carry the franchise for the next decade. Something that cannot be said of James Bond, played here by Daniel Craig, is a nearly bulletproof spy with innumerable talents, a penchant for martinis, and a license to kill. Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images Do not water down the Bond universe with the 'Marvel' or 'Star Wars' treatment. We don't need a Moneypenny origin story on Prime. Or a kitschy return to the Cold War setting of earlier franchise installments. For every 'Mandalorian' or 'Andor,' 'Star Wars' fans have had to endure slop like 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' that damages the reputation of a formerly unimpeachable film universe. We don't need a Bond multiverse or crossovers with other characters. We don't need strict adherence to continuity — Bond movies are escapism. The character is a nearly bulletproof spy with innumerable talents, a penchant for martinis, and a license to kill. We need a blockbuster big-screen movie every few years that leans on the historic franchise and simultaneously pushes the boundaries of action filmmaking. Spin-offs and TV shows are inevitable now that Bezos and Amazon have full control, but committing to what has made James Bond films so enduringly great will be key to the success of the franchise moving forward. Best of luck Blofeld … er, I mean Bezos. Rami Abou-Sabe can be reached at
The Guardian
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Denzel was scheming, powerful and sexy!': readers' worst Oscar snubs
Monkey Man! I've heard very little of this thriller in reviewers' top films of 2024, or lists of films snubbed by the Oscars. I think people are doing Patel a disservice by forgetting this film. He is incredible as both a director and actor in this movie. For his violent and beautifully coordinated fight scenes alone I think this film deserves more recognition. But it's so much more than that; the storyline encompasses an origin story, a hero arc, and a dystopian setting that closely emulates the world we live in. The inclusion of underrepresented voices also reflects what we should value cinema for, presenting the hijra community in such an openly positive way was refreshing and enlightening to see. Eleanor, 22, Buckinghamshire Clarence Maclin for best supporting actor in Sing Sing. Sing Sing is based on the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts programme at Sing Sing correctional facility. Other than Colman Domingo, and one or two other professional actors, most of the cast are previously incarcerated inmates playing themselves. This includes Maclin, who serves as the foil to Domingo's Divine G. His character arc is the heart of the film, and he is mesmerising and magnetic. I was floored to learn he wasn't a professional actor, and to play himself while depicting such growth and subtlety is unlike anything else I have seen. While Domingo has been nominated for best actor, I think Maclin's performance was equal if not superior to it, and all the more impressive for his playing himself. Laura, 30, Glasgow I really feel Denzel was snubbed for Gladiator II. He had his own gravity in that movie. His performance was incredibly fun but also nuanced and showed a side of him as an actor that we don't normally get to see: scheming, powerful and a bit sexy. When I left the theatre, my lasting impression wasn't of Paul Mescal's fight scenes or sharks in the Colosseum, but rather of Denzel's captivating turn as Macrinus. Marguerite Manning, 25, London The romantic tennis drama Challengers was overlooked this year for its soundtrack, which played perfectly into the 'Brat summer' genre of last year, reflecting the sounds of tennis balls hitting courts and shoes skidding with dance beats. Then there's the original song 'Compress / Repress', where Trent Reznor creates the modern-day feeling of a Peter Gabriel song with fantastic groove. I have never heard a soundtrack like it. It stands strongly on its own. This was my favourite movie of the year, and although it isn't tackling anything super deep and profound, it is well made and such a fun time. Georgia Mallett, 23, Kentucky, USA I think the horror film Heretic should have at least a nomination for best original screenplay. A brilliantly crafted horror that features true suspense and a truly great performance by Hugh Grant. The Monopoly scene alone is so beautifully written that it had me in hysterics. And in awe that the film had the bravery and inclination to show the antagonists' true beliefs and theories on religion. Outstanding. Pete, Salford I genuinely don't understand the lack of excitement and awards hype for Dune: Part Two. It was by far the most exhilarating movie-theatre experience I had last year and is the closest thing to match my excitement for Oppenheimer. For Denis Villeneuve to not be nominated for best director is a travesty. There is a lot of bad sci-fi made, so for this one to turn out even better than the first is an achievement that should be celebrated. Brendan, 31, Ontario, Canada I'm surprised Kate Winslet hasn't been nominated for more awards for her portrayal of Lee Miller in the war drama Lee. The only individual nomination she had was at the Golden Globes, but hers was as good a performance as any on the Oscars nominations list. It's the type of performance – of a historical figure – that the Academy is usually eager to recognise. On this, I'm also surprised that Lee as a film hasn't received a nomination for best picture. Brett, 38, Greater Manchester Daniel Craig was overlooked for best actor in Queer. Craig manages, through the form and function of his performance, to incur the viewer's contempt and sympathy in equal measure. There lurks a real and hidden gentleness in the character. Among the faux malice of people raging against the dying of the light, Craig invites us into the soul and inner conflicts of his character. Patrick Callaghan, 63, London The drama Vermiglio by Maura Delpero deserved a nomination for best international film. I was so fascinated by the story, the interpretations of the actors, many of them on camera for the first time, the use of light and the scenery. It tells the tale of a family, of love and resentment, of a history not so distant, of motherhood as a salvation or a prison, of stillness and changes. I thought the film was simply striking. And the very last scene was so moving. Anonymous, 30, Italy
