Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver to Star in ‘Useful Idiots’
Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver have been cast in Joseph Cedar’s “Useful Idiots,” a provocative thriller set in New York City.
“Useful Idiots” follows veteran journalist Diane Castle (Streep) as she “covers the New York luxury property market, disillusioned with writing puff pieces about the wealthy elite, and feeling regretful that she may not have lived up to her potential. When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime. At its center is a mysterious oligarch, whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist. Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family, and all those around her.”
Cedar, who has helmed films including “Beaufort” and “Footnote,” will direct the project with a script he penned alongside “60 Minutes” producer Shachar Bar-On.
Fifth Season will finance and produce with Closer Media’s Zhang Xin and Jonathan King, Academy Award-winner Bruce Cohen and William Horberg. Graham Taylor, Christopher Slager, and Dan Guando will executive produce for Fifth Season. Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at AFM, and CAA Media Finance will handle the U.S. rights.
Streep is repped by CAA and Gendler, Kelly & Cunningham, while Weaver is represented by UTA, Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer, and The Lede Company. Cedar is represented by CAA, Kneller Artists Agency, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz.
“Useful Idiots” follows veteran journalist Diane Castle (Streep) as she “covers the New York luxury property market, disillusioned with writing puff pieces about the wealthy elite, and feeling regretful that she may not have lived up to her potential. When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime. At its center is a mysterious oligarch, whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist. Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family, and all those around her.”
Cedar, who has helmed films including “Beaufort” and “Footnote,” will direct the project with a script he penned alongside “60 Minutes” producer Shachar Bar-On.
Fifth Season will finance and produce with Closer Media’s Zhang Xin and Jonathan King, Academy Award-winner Bruce Cohen and William Horberg. Graham Taylor, Christopher Slager, and Dan Guando will executive produce for Fifth Season. Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at AFM, and CAA Media Finance will handle the U.S. rights.
Streep is repped by CAA and Gendler, Kelly & Cunningham, while Weaver is represented by UTA, Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer, and The Lede Company. Cedar is represented by CAA, Kneller Artists Agency, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz.