Jeff Nichols’ second film, the Michael Shannon/Jessica Chastain drama Take Shelter, has been gaining tremendous buzz, including winning the Critic’s Week award at the Cannes Film Festival. The promotion of this possible Oscar contender hasn’t stopped Nichols from thinking about his next project though and he’s already begun the casting process.
According to Deadline, Nichols’ next film will be titled Mud. Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon are currently in talks to star as the two leads. Tye Sheridan, the boy in The Tree of Life, is also said to be involved.
Mud tells the story of a friendship between a fugitive (McConaughey) and a 14-year-old boy (Sheridan), who helps him hide from the law as Mud tries to reunite with his one and only love, Juniper (Witherspoon).
I’m enjoying seeing McConaughey break away from the rom-com schlock and trying something new. Just this year alone, he’s starred in The Lincoln Lawyer, Bernie and the upcoming Killer Joe, all of which are dramas or dark comedies.
Next year sees the release of The Paperboy, from Precious director Lee Daniels, which also look promising. I’m willing to give McConaughey a shot at continuing down this different road of acting and I look forward to seeing what he can do in Mud.
Witherspoon, on the other hand, could use some help. As beautiful and as talented as she is, I haven’t been too impressed with her post-Oscar films. Here’s to hoping this will give her a boost.
There is no currently scheduled release date for Mud, but we will let you know once the news breaks.
What do you think of the casting so far? Share your comments below.
