Cannes is now in full swing and that means one thing: casting news galore! THR is reporting today that the beautiful Naomi Watts is in talks to star alongside Matthew McConaughey and Ken Watanabe in Gus Van Sant’s Japan-set drama, Sea of Trees.
The Black List script will focus on an American (McConaughey) who travels to Japan’s “Suicide Forest” and plans to take his life while there. Things change though when he meets a Japanese man (Watanabe) who stops him. The duo then set out on a reflective journey “and one ultimately of rebirth.” As for Watts, she would play McConaughey’s wife and will appear in a series of flashbacks.
Sea of Trees definitely sounds like some pretty heavy material, and something that could definitely turn into a surefire awards contender, especially in the hands of the talent that’s been assembled here. This film won’t be for everyone, but for those looking for something a bit more existential and philosophical, this could be the perfect watch. Plus, it will be great to see McConaughey continue his career resurgence with what will likely be another meaty and powerful role for him to really lose himself in.
Sea of Trees will head into production this Summer. No release date as been set as of yet, but we’ll definitely keep you posted when we hear more.
