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The Trial of the Chicago 7

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The Trial of the Chicago 7
Directed byAaron Sorkin
Written byAaron Sorkin
Produced by
  • Marc Platt
  • Matt Jackson
  • Stuart M. Besser
  • Tyler Thompson
Starring
Production
companies
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • September 25, 2020 (2020-09-25) (United States)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an upcoming American drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. It stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Alex Sharp, Frank Langella and Mark Rylance.

It is scheduled to be released on September 25, 2020, by Paramount Pictures.

Premise

Based on the story of the Chicago Seven, a group of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy, inciting to riot, and other charges related to anti-Vietnam War and countercultural protests that took place in Chicago, Illinois, on the occasion of the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Cast

Production

In 2007, writer Aaron Sorkin wrote a script entitled The Trial of the Chicago 7, based on the conspiracy trial of the so-called Chicago 7.[1] Producers Steven Spielberg, Walter F. Parkes, and Laurie MacDonald collaborated on the development of Sorkin's script, with Spielberg intending to direct the film. Sacha Baron Cohen was originally cast as Abbie Hoffman,[2] while Spielberg approached Will Smith for the role of Bobby Seale, and planned to meet with Heath Ledger about playing Tom Hayden.[3] The Writers Guild of America strike, which started in November 2007 and lasted 100 days,[4] delayed filming and the project was suspended.[5] Sorkin was later to continue to rewrite the script for Spielberg, and the director intended to mostly cast unknowns to keep the budget down.[6] Paul Greengrass[7] and Ben Stiller[8] were rumored as replacement directors, but the project did not move forward.

In October 2018, Sorkin was announced as director.[9] In December 2018, the film was put on hold due to budgetary concerns,[10] until it was revived and ready for distribution offers.[11] Paramount Pictures ended up picking up distribution rights.[12]

Casting

In October 2018, Cohen and Eddie Redmayne joined the cast.[9][13] In November 2018, Jonathan Majors joined the cast.[14] In February 2019, Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Alex Sharp joined the cast. Michael Keaton was also being considered for a role.[15] In August, Frank Langella and Mark Rylance were added to the cast.[12] In September, Jeremy Strong was cast, replacing Rogen.[16] In October, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joined the cast to replace Majors, with Kelvin Harrison Jr., Keaton, William Hurt, J. C. MacKenzie, Thomas Middleditch, Max Adler and Ben Shenkman joining the cast.[17][18][19][20][21][22]

Filming

Principal production was set to begin in September 2019, but began the next month in October between Chicago, New Jersey and Toronto.[12][23][24][25]

Release

The film will receive a limited release on September 25, 2020, with a wide release on October 2, 2020.[26]

References

  1. ^ Michael Fleming, Pamela McClintock (July 12, 2007). "Sorkin on 'Trial' at DreamWorks". Variety. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
  2. ^ John Harlow (December 30, 2007). "No more jokes as Borat turns war protester". The Sunday Times. London. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
  3. ^ "Will Smith Confirms Involvement in Spielberg's CHICAGO 7". Collider. January 15, 2008. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved January 22, 2008.
  4. ^ Paul Greengrass in Talks for Aaron Sorkin-Penned 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' , Rebecca Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 July 2013.Retrieved: 26 April 2015.
  5. ^ Nicole Sperling (February 22, 2008). "Spielberg's 'Chicago 7' delayed". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 26, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  6. ^ Nikki Finke (February 22, 2008). "Spielberg Delays Start Of 'Chicago 7' Due To "Uncertainty Over A SAG Strike"". LA Weekly. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  7. ^ Neil Miller (August 10, 2008). "Paul Greengrass to Direct The Trial of the Chicago 7?". Film School Rejects. Retrieved August 10, 2008.
  8. ^ "Ben Stiller Might Direct Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7?!". FirstShowing.net. 2008-10-22. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
  9. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (26 October 2018). "Aaron Sorkin to Direct 'Trial of the Chicago 7' With Sacha Baron Cohen in Talks to Star". Variety. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  10. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (12 December 2018). "Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7' Put On Pause". Deadline. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  11. ^ "Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' Moving Forward After Shutdown". The Hollywood Reporter. 1 February 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  12. ^ a b c Paramount & Cross Creek Board Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Chicago 7;’ Frank Langella, Mark Rylance Join Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jonathan Majors
  13. ^ Justin Kroll (30 October 2018). "Eddie Redmayne in Talks to Star in Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  14. ^ Anthony D'Alessandro (26 November 2018). "Jonathan Majors In Talks To Play Black Panther Party Co-Founder Bobby Seale In Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7'". Deadline. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  15. ^ "Hot Berlin Pic: Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7' Adds Seth Rogen, Jonathan Majors, Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Heads To Market Before Summer Shoot". Deadline. 1 February 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  16. ^ ‘Succession’ Star Jeremy Strong Joins Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Trial of the Chicago 7’ (EXCLUSIVE)
  17. ^ Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ Adds ‘Aquaman’s’ Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (EXCLUSIVE)
  18. ^ ‘The Trial Of The Chicago 7’: Kelvin Harrison Jr Joins Aaron Sorkin-Helmed Feature
  19. ^ Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial Of The Chicago 7’ Gets October 2020 Release Date; Michael Keaton & More Board
  20. ^ Aaron Sorkin's 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' Adds Michael Keaton, Sets September 2020 Release
  21. ^ Sneider, Jeff (October 28, 2019). "Exclusive: Thomas Middleditch, Max Adler Join Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7'". Collider. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  22. ^ Tyler, Jacob (October 28, 2019). "AARON SORKIN'S 'THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7′ ADDS MAX ADLER, THOMAS MIDDLEDITCH, & BEN SHENKMAN TO CAST". Geeks Worldwide. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  23. ^ Christine (September 27, 2019). "Friday, Sept. 27 Filming Locations for This is Us, Lucifer, SVU, & more!". OnLocationVacations.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  24. ^ Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Trial of the Chicago 7’ Gets New Life as Paramount Backs the Star-Studded Drama
  25. ^ Phoebe Waller-Bridge HBO series ‘Run,’ Aaron Sorkin film ’The Trial of the Chicago 7’ shooting here
  26. ^ Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial Of The Chicago 7’ Gets October 2020 Release Date; Michael Keaton & More Board