Brady Corbet, the director behind “The Brutalist,” is in pre-production on his next film, which is set to shoot in Portugal and South Africa.
A production grid currently circulating lists the project under the title “The Origin of the World.” The film is aiming for a May/June start, which suggests a likely 2027 release.
Corbet plans to shoot his untitled Western in 70mm, and it will indeed be rated NC-17—or “X,” in his own words. However, while the film is “inspired” by the stylings of ’70s films such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” it will not be a horror movie. The story spans from the 19th century into the present day, though it is predominantly focused on the 1970s.
Corbet has said the film will tackle the Northern California economy and run approximately four hours in length. In another interview, he mentioned that it will once again explore the immigration process, this time from China to California. He is shooting the project on very rare eight-perf 65mm cameras.
Corbet previously revealed that the project will be “experimental, elemental … about the body,” adding to its ambition, the story reportedly spans “150 years.”
No casting or plot details have been revealed. There is also no word yet on who is backing the project, but don’t be surprised if Corbet’s ‘Brutalist’ studio, A24, returns for this one. Otherwise, Neon would likely jump at the opportunity if given the chance.
This will mark Corbet’s fourth feature following “The Childhood of a Leader,” “Vox Lux,” and “The Brutalist,” the latter of which earned 10 Oscar nominations and won three, including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Cinematography (Lol Crawley), and Best Original Score (Daniel Blumberg).