In an exciting announcement from Searchlight Pictures, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are set to lead the cast of “The Roses,” a contemporary reimagining of the 1989 dark comedy classic “The War of the Roses.” Directed by the acclaimed Jay Roach, known for hits like “Bombshell” and “Meet the Parents,” and penned by Tony McNamara of “Poor Things” and “The Great” fame, this upcoming film is already generating buzz for its stellar creative team and fresh take on a beloved story.
“The Roses” delves into the seemingly idyllic life of Theo (played by Cumberbatch) and Ivy (played by Colman), a couple who appear to have it all: successful careers, a loving family, and a vibrant sex life. However, beneath this perfect exterior lies a powder keg of rivalry and bitterness, ready to explode when Theo’s professional aspirations suddenly implode.
Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight, praised the project: “‘The Roses’ is a wildly funny, bigger than life, and yet deeply human story. With Jay at the helm, and Benedict and Olivia and Tony, we have a dream team bringing it to life.”
Producing the film is Cumberbatch under his SunnyMarch banner alongside Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland, with the project having been in the pipeline since 2017. Colman will also serve as a producer under her South of the River banner with Ed Sinclair and Tom Carver, joined by Roach and Michelle Graham.
Adam Ackland was enthusiastic, stating, “We are thrilled to be working on this very special film with such an incredible team.” Meanwhile, Colman and Sinclair shared, “It has been an absolute thrill to see it spring into life under Jay’s passionate and thoughtful guidance. He and Tony are a match made in cinematic comedy heaven.”
“The Roses” marks a significant collaboration, the first project under a two-year first-look deal between Adler Entertainment Trust and Searchlight Pictures. This reimagining aims to honor the legacy of Warren Adler’s novel and its original film adaptation, which was a critical and commercial success, receiving accolades including a BAFTA and three Golden Globe nominations.
This collaboration not only promises to bring a modern twist to a classic tale but also unites some of the most celebrated talents in the industry today. With a script that balances humor with poignant human moments, “The Roses” is poised to reintroduce the story of a marital meltdown to a new generation, while retaining the wit and wisdom that made “The War of the Roses” a landmark film.
Fans of Cumberbatch, Colman, and Roach eagerly await more details on this project, as it continues to develop. “The Roses” is not just a retelling but a reenvisioning of a narrative that explores the complexities of love, ambition, and the sometimes thin line between harmony and chaos in marital life.
Stay tuned for more updates on “The Roses” as it progresses through development, promising to be a must-watch for audiences worldwide.