Christoph Waltz to Direct Stephen Frears’ ‘Billy Wilder and Me’ Producer Jeremy Thomas

Two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz will play one of the icons of Hollywood’s golden age. Billy Wilder and meDirected by Stephen Frears.

The project was announced by legendary producer Jeremy Thomas along with the Jury Prize winner amid the success of Cannes. EOAnd it will be based on Jonathan Coe’s beloved 2020 book. wild lord and meAdapted by Christopher Hampton.

Part adult story, part realistic portrayal of the beloved Billy Wilder (Waltz), the action of the film takes place in the summer of 1977, when an innocent young woman begins working with the famous director and his screenwriter Iz Diamond. Greek island at the time of filming hat. When he follows Wilder to continue filming in Germany, he joins him on a memory trip to the heart of his family’s history.

Frears teams up with two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter Hampton, their third collaboration since dangerous allies s Cherry. Meanwhile, Thomas and Frears made a cult road movie Necklace together in 1984.

The producers are Reinhard Brundig and Christ’s Christ. Constantakopoulos, who had previously partnered with Thomas in the Jim Jarmusch film. “Only loved ones survived.

Production will begin in spring 2023 in Greece, Munich and Paris. More castings will be announced soon.

“Europe and Hollywood. Hollywood and Europe. “The most interesting dilemma in cinema,” Frears said.

Waltz added: “Billy Wilder said, ‘You have to dream to wake up in the morning.’ A Stephen Frears film written by Christopher Hampton and produced by Jeremy Thomas for me.

Hampton said: “Since our first meeting in Los Angeles in the early 1940s, Billy Wilder has been very kind and encouraging to me. “Jonathan Coe’s wonderful novel has given us a wonderful opportunity to express my gratitude and admiration for one of the undisputed giants of film history.”

Thomas added: “I’m excited about this collaboration and looking forward to filming like a true movie lover.”