Matthew Modine is set to direct himself alongside Liam Neeson and John Cleese in upcoming feature “The Splendid Thing,” described as blending romantic comedy, drama and fantasy.
Hyde Park Intl. is launching the project at the Cannes market, with more stars currently in discussion to join.
“The Splendid Thing” will see Modine play Declan King, a celebrated novelist who has lost his focus and has been struggling to complete his latest novel since his wife left him. He’s sent by his exasperated literary agent on a book-signing tour to Europe, where it’s hoped he may find inspiration to write, but things soon take a surreal turn as characters from his previous books start coming to life all around him. Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper. But the surreal happenings are just the beginning as Declan comes to discover that literally nothing is what it seems.
“The Splendid Thing” was co-written by Modine and Stephen Wallis and is produced by Natalie Marciano (“Freud’s Last Session,” “How to Build a Truth Engine”) and Orian Williams (“Shadow of the Vampire,” “Control”). Ashok Amritraj and Priya Amritraj are executive-producing for Hyde Park Entertainment. James Steele will also serve as executive producer.
“I’m absolutely thrilled by the emotional reaction to this story and how it has led us to our incredible ensemble of actors,” said Modine. “A phantasmic, comical story, an international cast, being filmed in one of the most romantic countries in the world! What could be better!?”
Hyde Park Intl.’s Carl Clifton added: “The fantastic cast assembled for ‘The Splendid Thing’ is testament to this heart-warming, poignant and often hilarious script. Playing with notions of reality and fiction, it brings to mind so many beloved movies; from classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once.'”
Liam Neeson is represented by CAA , John Cleese is represented by Anonymous Content and Matthew Modine is represented Untitled Entertainment.
English (US) ·