The full ensemble cast is announced for the remake of 1989’s The War Of The Roses which will star Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
It’s been just over a month since we learned that Jay Roach would be remaking the 1989 relationship comedy, War Of The Roses and we now have a fuller idea of what the film’s cast looks like.
We already knew that the new adaptation would be starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as the central couple, who just like Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in the 1989 original, proceed with a nasty yet entertaining divorce.
A fresh report (via Deadline) has now confirmed that the film’s cast will be rounded out by Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg and Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa.
McKinnon and Samberg are both established comedy stars who’ve led films themselves, so grabbing them both in supporting roles is a real coup. Add them to an ensemble which also includes Ncuti Gatwa (whose profile has elevated in the wake of his debut as the current Time Lord) and you have a notable cast.
Jay Roach has signed on to direct, while recent Oscar nominee Tony McNamara is typing the script. The film will be called The Roses. The original novel follows a couple, Jonathan (named Oliver in the 1989 film) and Barbara Rose as their marriage falls apart. In the 1989 film, Barbara simply realises she doesn’t love Oliver anymore and demands a divorce. Their divorce battle quickly turns bitter and horrible, which makes for some wonderful entertainment.
The remake is changing a few things, however (besides the slimmed-down title), including the character names.
Here’s an official logline, as previously posted by Deadline:
“Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Colman): successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that’s ignited when Theo’s professional dreams come crashing down.”
The film is being backed by Searchlight Pictures and as of yet, no release date has been set. With that cast in place though, this project will certainly be one to keep tabs on.
