When she’s not providing inspiration to aging boy bands everywhere, Uma Thurman is actually still making movies in Hollywood, and today brings word that the Pulp Fiction actress has signed on to topline a very promising comedy project called The Brits Are Coming.
James Oakley (The Devil You Know) will direct from a script he co-wrote with Alex Michaelides. Intriguingly, the lineup of producers includes Cassian Elwes, A Most Violent Year helmer J.C. Chandor (a mentor to Oakley), Robert Ogden Barnum and Will Clevinger, giving The Brits Are Coming a distinct air of importance behind the scenes. Adding to anticipation for the pic is news that Kristen Chenoweth, currently appearing in a Tony-nominated role on Broadway in On the Twentieth Century, has joined the supporting cast.
The story centers on a pair of nutty Brits, Harriet Fox (Thurman) and her husband Peter, who travel to L.A. in order to flee a gambling debt to a notorious gangster. Pursued by the ruthless criminal all the way across the pond, the pair schemes to win back the money by heisting expensive jewels, an operation that will require them to come into contact with Peter’s ex-wife and her new husband, Gabriel. Chenoweth is taking on the rather hilarious-sounding role of Gina, the pill-popping assistant to Gabriel.
Said Barnum:
Uma Thurman is a gifted actress who excels in all genres and will showcase her comedic skills in The Brits Are Coming, a hugely entertaining and hilarious script. Kristin Chenoweth is the perfect counterpart given her undeniable wit and charm which has been on display across television, film and stage productions.
I could certainly see the actresses making for an agreeable odd couple, and it will be interesting to see who ends up cast as Peter, Gabriel, the ex-wife and the gangster (though I’d imagine Jason Statham has that last role on lockdown if he wants it). In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye on The Brits Are Coming – if just out of relief that it will bring Thurman back to cinemas in a movie that’s not Nymphomaniac.
