Guy Richie has assembled an Oscar winner and two Oscar nominees to lead his next film, “Wife & Dog.”
Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike and Anthony Hopkins have been cast in the feature, which was first announced by Variety in May. While the plot is remaining under wraps, “Wife & Dog” will see Ritchie return to the colourful, backstabbing world of the British upper classes, doubling down on an subject he recently explored in “The Gentleman” film and TV series.
The screenplay is written by Ritchie, who also produces alongside long-time producing partner, Ivan Atkinson (“The Gentlemen,” “Wrath of Man”)and Black Bear’s John Friedberg (“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” “Ferrari”). Executive producers include Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler for Black Bear.
Black Bear launched sales on “Wife & Dog” in Cannes earlier this year, and the film marks the company’s third collaboration with Ritchie and Atkinson following “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” and “In the Grey.” The picture will start principal photography in February 2025 in the UK.
“Wife & Dog” was part of Black Bear’s recent lineup at the American Film Market, alongside other titles including Idris Elba actioner “Hammer Down,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt genre film “Pendulum” from Mark Heyman, who wrote “Black Swan,” David Michôd’s untitled Christy Martin film starring Sydney Sweeney as the champion boxer, Leslie Mann and Isla Fisher comedy “Spa Weekend,” from the “Bad Moms” filmmaking team, Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman heist thriller “Tuner,” Gregg Araki’s provocative thriller “I Want Your Sex,” starring Olivia Wilde; and an untitled Jason Statham action movie.
Cumberbatch is represented by Conway van Gelder Grant, UTA, Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern and Narrative. Pike is represented by CAA, United Agents, Magnolia Entertainment, and Prosper PR. Hopkins is represented by Independent Talent Group, UTA, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Ritchie is represented by WME and Matthew Saver.
