Early reports linking Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt and Steve Carell to roles in The Big Short began in January this year, and were finally been verified this morning. Paramount Pictures, New Regency and Plan B Entertainment have ended negotiations with the star-studded ensemble who are all confirmed to appear in the adaptation of Michael Lewis’ best-selling book.
The non-fiction narrative tells the story of several key players responsible for the 2008 marketing crash, and how their individual actions had major consequences on the stock market. Anchorman helmer Adam McKay is directing this one to the big screen based on a script by Charles Randolph. Despite the dry subject matter, the injection of several A-list names hints at a production geared towards award-savvy audiences.
Gosling, Bale and Carell topline as three figures in the investment world whose decisions saw them profit from the catastrophe. Pitt, who will do double-duty while producing for Plan B, is nestled into a smaller role as a partner at a capital investment firm.
Hidden in today’s confirmation announcement came word that the supporting roster has gained two new names: Marisa Tomei and Melissa Leo. There’s no details as to who either actress is expected to play, but let’s hope they’re given meatier material than the typical girlfriend-wife roles usually proffer. Of course, they could be badass bankers out to get rich quick too, in which case, we can’t wait.
Production on The Big Short is now underway in New Orleans. Tracy Letts, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Byron Mann, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong and Finn Wittrock co-star.
