As the film undergoes a change in direction, Project Artemis is also getting a new cast with Channing Tatum replacing Chris Evans. Plot details for the movie are currently being kept under wraps, though it has so far been described as a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the 1968 Apollo 11 moon launch. Project Artemis hails from Rose Gilroy, who is making her screenwriting debut with the project.
Development on Project Artemis was announced earlier this year with Apple acquiring the rights to the film and landing Scarlett Johansson and Evans to star and Jason Bateman to direct. The film was set to mark the latest reunion between Johansson and Evans, who worked together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe together for a decade while also having starred in The Perfect Score and The Nanny Diaries prior. Despite anticipation for the two stars to reunite, it looks like things are shifting for Project Artemis.
The Hollywood Reporter has brought word that Channing Tatum will be replacing Chris Evans in Scarlett Johansson’s new movie, Project Artemis. The change in casting comes as the film also has gotten a new director, with Arrowverse co-creator Greg Berlanti signing on to take over for Jason Bateman. Sources report that the Ozark star departed Project Artemis over creative differences in early June.
Sources report that while Bateman’s departure from Project Artemis stemmed from creative differences, Evans’ came from scheduling conflicts as the studio continued their search for a new director. Interestingly, this marks the second major project to see Johansson and Evans initially set to reunite only for scheduling conflicts to get in the way, with Johansson having been set to star in the adventure rom-com Ghosted only to be replaced by Evans’ Knives Out co-star Ana de Armas. The change in Project Artemis casting is sure to come as a disappointment to longtime fans of Evans and Johansson, but given the comedic capabilities of both the Black Widow actress and Tatum, their pairing in the film is sure to prove a promising concept for audiences.
Prior to joining Project Artemis, Tatum has enjoyed back-to-back successes this year with his work in the adventure com-com The Lost City, in which he starred alongside Sandra Bullock, and the road dramedy Dog, which he also co-directed with writer Reid Carolin. The film will also mark Berlanti’s fourth time behind the camera for a feature-length project after his well-received directorial debut The Broken Hearts Club, the poorly received romantic comedy Life as We Know It and the acclaimed coming-of-age LGBTQ+ rom-com Love, Simon. With Johansson, Tatum and Berlanti now set for Project Artemis, audiences will have to keep their eyes peeled for further developments from the Apple film.
