In recent years, Bradley Cooper has broached war films from a number of different angles. He dazzled in Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper as Chris Kyle, a tortured Navy veteran whose harrowing tours in Iraq wreaked havoc on his home life. His widely praised performance earned a Best Actor nomination at the 2015 Oscars, though he ultimately lost out to Eddie Redmayne's performance in The Theory Of Everything.
Two years later, he lent the subject a lighter take in 2016 dramedy War Dogs. He played Henry Girard, a money-hungry arms dealer who tries to con Miles Teller’s character, David. Just before the movie’s theatrical release, news broke that he’d signed on to yet another combat-centric project, this time behind the camera. He’s currently developing Black Flags: The Rise of Isis for a limited series run.
Deadline is now reporting that Cooper has boarded an upcoming World War II thriller titled Atlantic Wall. He’s set to star in the 2018-slated film, which centers on a lone paratrooper stranded behind enemy lines before D-Day. He’s tasked with delivering intelligence critical to the battle’s outcome, while he also must find a way to protect the young son of a murdered ally.
Gavin O’Connor (The Accountant) will direct from Zach Dean’s (Deadfall) script, which made the coveted 2015 Black List. Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas (There’s Something About Mary), and Adam Kolbrenner (Prisoners) are attached to produce. According to Variety, Cooper will executive-produce alongside Todd Phillips, his partner at production company Joint Effort. Imperative, where Friedkin and Thomas are based, will co-finance the project. Here’s what Friedkin had to say regarding the announcement, per Deadline:
“We’re thrilled Imperative is bringing Atlantic Wall to life on screen with a talented filmmaker like Gavin. Bradley’s phenomenal track record speaks for itself. He’s perfect to portray our complicated, often reluctant hero. We can’t imagine better creative partners.”
With such a spectacular team behind it, Atlantic Wall is already shaping up to be quite the blockbuster contender. Cooper’s name, of course, carries weight, but he’s also carved a proven reputation for tackling dark, complex characters. O’Connor, too, is fresh off a big hit with The Accountant, which shattered box office expectations with a solid $24.7 million opening weekend. Collectively, the producers have a history in bringing gritty material to life on screen, from 2012 thriller Deadfall (2012) to Hugh Jackman-led mystery Prisoners (2013). All Atlantic Wall needs now is an equally stellar supporting cast.
We’ll keep you updated on Atlantic Wall as more information becomes available.
Source: Deadline