Deadline is reporting that Damien Chazelle has set up his next film over at Paramount. While plot details are still vague, sources says Chazelle’s film is set in a prison based off an original script he wrote.
It is unknown when the film will go into production since no other talent is attached but sources say Chazelle and Paramount execs are expected to get busy real soon in meeting with A-list talent for a project that is sure to attract a long list of suitors.
Chazelle’s last film, “Babylon,” tanked at the box-office, making $63 million against a production budget of a little under $100 million. The film ultimately lost Paramount an estimated $87 million. Oddly enough, it was a huge hit in France, with both critics and audiences.
Earlier this year, Chazelle had mentioned almost being done writing a new script and that, although he was about to pitch it to a studio, an uncertainty lingered in his head as to how Hollywood would welcome him back into fold after “Babylon.”
I’ve been sort of busy writing. So I’ll get a taste of how it’s changed or not [since “Babylon”] once I get to finish this script and try to get it made. I’m in a sort of trepidatious state of mind, but I have no illusions. I won’t get a budget of “Babylon” size any time soon, or at least not on this next one.
Certainly, in financial terms, “Babylon” didn’t work at all. You try to not have that effect what you’re doing creatively, but, at some level, it can’t help but affect it. But maybe that’s okay? I have very mixed mind about it. Maybe I won’t be able to get this one made. We’ll have to wait and see.
Chazelle’s previous credits as a director include “Whiplash,” “La La Land,” and “First Man.” Today’s news makes it clear that he’s not in director’s jail and we couldn’t be happier for him.