Deadline is reporting that Catherine Zeta-Jones will reunite with director Steven Soderbergh on his next film, The Side Effects, which is set to star Blake Lively, Jude Law and Channing Tatum. Zeta-Jones has reportedly signed on to play Dr. Erica Siebert but at this time, next to nothing is known about her character.
Production was slated to begin in April but Variety is reporting that Megan Ellison and Annapurna Pictures have pulled out of financing the film, which may lead to some production delays.
Though no official reason was given for the departure, The Playlist tells us that “well-placed sources” state that Lively’s casting was the reason for Annapurna Pictures’ departure. They also state that Rooney Mara, Michelle Williams, Imogen Poots, and Emily Blunt are all being considered as possible replacements if Lively bows out or if another financier doesn’t agree with her casting.
Soderbergh is known for fighting for the actors he wants and the finance companies could do a hell of a lot worse than Blake Lively. Apparently Soderbergh wanted her for Magic Mike as well, unfortunately that didn’t end up working out.
On top of this, by the time The Side Effects hits cinemas, Lively will have already starred in Oliver Stone‘s Savages, which could really help legitimize her as a serious acting talent.
Another possible reason for Annapurna’s departure is that they wished to release the film in March 2013, while apparently Soderbergh wants to release it in late December 2012, for a possible awards push.
Whatever the reason may be, hopefully this will all be sorted quickly and they’ll be able to go ahead with the April shoot.
The Side Effects stars Blake Lively, Jude Law, Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta Jones, and will be in cinemas within the next year or so.
