Netflix Circling Triple Frontier, Ben And Casey Affleck Eyed For Lead Roles

Just when all hope seemed lost for J.C. Chandor’s long-brewing crime saga Triple Frontier, Deadline brings word today of a potential lifeline: Netflix.

Three weeks on from the moment when Paramount ostensibly pulled the plug on Chandor’s drama – losing both Channing Tatum and Tom Hardy in the process – the online streamer is reportedly the hot-tipped favorite to land the project. Negotiations are ongoing, so this isn’t quite locked in just yet, but assuming Netflix, Chandor and all remaining parties reach an agreement, Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck (Manchester By the Sea) would be offered the chance to headline Triple Frontier opposite Mahershala Ali of Moonlight fame.

Deadline’s report also points out that, in order for Triple Frontier to enter production later this year as planned – J.C. Chandor and the creative team were actually all set to get the cameras rolling this month, before the wheels ground to a halt – Paramount needs to formally extricate the feature film so that Netflix can swoop in to acquire the rights.

Story-wise, we know that the Oscar-winning Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty, Detroit) is the brains behind the screenplay, one which takes place in the notorious border zone between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. If the Affleck brothers were to sign on, they’ll be assuming roles once earmarked for Tom Hanks and Will Smith, while we understand that Dead Men Tell No Tales star Johnny Depp was also in contention early on.

In light of this latest twist in the Triple Frontier saga, Netflix has emerged as a potential lifeline for the project. Assuming a deal falls into place, J.C. Chandor’s troubled project would become yet another high-profile feature film to join the crowded slate, so stay tuned for more.