Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are set to star together in a remake of The War of the Roses. Based on a 1981 Warren Adler novel of the same name, The War of the Roses was originally a 1989 dark comedy surrounding the story of a married couple trying to drive each other out of the house in a bitter divorce. The film was directed by Danny DeVito, and starred DeVito alongside Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.
As per Variety, Cumberbatch and Colman are now set to co-star in an adaptation of The War of the Roses. Like the 1989 film, this retelling of The War of the Roses will be based off of the Adler novel. Cumberbatch will play Theo opposite Colman’s Ivy in the film, who are the couple at the center of the story. The project will be produced be searchlight, who excitedly said the following via president Matthew Greenfield’s announcement:
“‘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.”
What To Expect from The War of the Roses
In addition to Colman and Cumberbatch, Greenfield is referring to Jay Roach and Tony McNamara. The former, who is best known for his previous work on Bombshell and Meet the Parents, will serve as the director of the film. McNamara will step in as The War of the Roses’ screenwriter. The film will be produced by Cumberbatch alongside Lead Clarke, Adam Ackland, Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver, Colman, Roach, Michelle Graham, Jonathan R. Adler, and Michael Adler.
McNamara’s name is a particularly exciting one to be attached to the project. A two-time Oscar nominee, McNamara is recently coming off of a nomination for Poor Things. He also wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Favourite, which starred Colman as well. He is also one of the creators as well as a writer on the Hulu TV series The Great. Because of this extensive and unique experience — as well as his history working with Colman — McNamara will be a great addition to The War of the Roses team.
Related
10 Best Olivia Colman Movies, According to Metacritic
Olivia Colman has starred in a wide array of movies, from independent British dramas to studio comedies and animated fantasties.
Cumberbatch and Colman are also great choices for the lead roles in The War of the Roses. As evidenced by her roles in TV shows like Fleabag and Landscapers, as well as her recent work in the film Wicked Little Letters, Colman has a knack for playing middle-aged women that are gradually unraveling. There is an unhinged nature to playing the role of Ivy (formerly named Barbara Rose), and it is one that Colman can play well. Opposite a fellow powerhouse like Cumberbatch, the duo is sure to stun in the adaptation of The War of the Roses.
