Though you’d be forgiven for thinking that Ridley Scott has next-to-no room left on his busy, busy schedule what with Alien: Covenant and its embryonic sequel, the prolific filmmaker is reportedly on the verge of closing a deal to helm All the Money in the World.Â
Per Deadline, the David Scarpa-scripted drama has been plucked from Hollywood’s Black List by Sony. It chronicles the infamous 1973 Mafia kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, and Gail Harris’ desperate attempts to locate her wayward son. To make matters worse, the boy’s greedy grandfather John Paul Getty Sr., said to be the world’s richest man at the time, outright refused to pay the $17 million ransom.
Angelina Jolie was once in contention to take point as Harris, but ultimately decided to pass due to scheduling concerns. According to Deadline, Ridley Scott and Co. have now turned their sights toward Natalie Portman for the role. Hot off her stellar performance as Jackie Kennedy in the eponymous biopic, Portman is a natural fit to play the real-life figure, though it remains to be seen whether the actress will officially sign on. It’s also worth noting that Jack Nicholson was originally in talks to play the part of John Paul Getty Sr. – a strong match if there ever was one – but we understand the Oscar-winner won’t be a part of All the Money in the World after all.
It’s still early, early days, then. That being said, and assuming all the necessary pieces fall into place, All the Money in the World will lens in Italy from May, which is right around the time when Ridley Scott will be unleashing Alien: Covenant into theaters.
