Variety announced today that Jim Sturgess is set to star in Promised Land, a new film directed by British filmmaker Michael Winterbottom. The project recounts the lead up to the 1948 partition of Palestine and the subsequent creation of the state of Israel. Sturgess will star as a British officer hunting down extremist Jewish factions during those turbulent times. The $5 million project will be produced by Winterbottom’s partner Andrew Eaton through their Revolution Films and is set to begin filming in the summer of 2010.
In a recent interview with JSOnline, Jim Sturgess stated his preferences for future directors saying, “There are so many amazing people that I would like to work with and every time I am asked this question I can never think of any,” yet he went on to name Michael Winterbottom among his list of top directors he’d love to work with. Among Winterbottom’s better known films is A Mighty Heart, which starred Angelina Jolie as the widow of murdered journalist Daniel Pearl.
Tags: ANDREW EATON, jim sturgess, Michael Winterbottom, REVOLUTION FILMS, Variety
I love Jim and I have to admit I don’t feel really excited about this movie. I’ve also recently read the book that one of his latest movies - The Way Back - is based on and after reading it, I can’t imagine going to see him in it. I also worry if he keeps doing small budget films like Promised Land that will likely have no promotional dollars or money for worldwide distribution, no one will ever see him. I know there was a recent announcement that Heartless is going to go worldwide - but I’m not sure I believe that. Fifty Dead Men Walking trailers were playing in my city’s movie theaters but the film never came there. It only made screens in a few cities and I’m guessing it will be the same for Heartless.
I appreciate that Jim has to do what he thinks is right for him and projects that interest him. Being a big movie star is obviously not a priority for him. It’s the work he’s all about and I do respect that. But, as a fan, I want to see him in movies that will come to my city.
Hi Stephie, thanks so much for your comment. You raise some good points and I definitely understand how you feel about wanting to see Jim’s movies. Heartless, The Way Back and Guardians of Ga’Hoole should all be released worldwide, so I’m hopeful that you will see them wherever you live. I also invite you to join our forum so you can meet more of Jim’s fans and discuss his career. We’re a friendly group so please consider joining!! Thanks, FG / Diane
Stephie, I can understand your disappointment. I am sympathetic. I agree, Promised Land looks a very small budget indie. I think it will be funded by the UK Film Council, which means no doubt that the script is of high quality. I understand Jim is very disciplined in the choice of films — he looks at scripts and directors first when choosing his projects. It looks like our Jim gets a lot of scripts sent to him, including many crappy ones. So, he goes for qualities. If it means to choose small indies, rather than big mainstream blockbusters, to satisfy his artistic challenges, then I believe he goes for the former without much hesitation.
I am sure sooner or later he will take on roles in large budgeted films.
He needs to figure out a way to hang out and meet Johnny Depp(love him also) he is picky about his rolls but always chooses unique and good roles.
I completely understand your point Stephie
I live in Thailand, and there are two or three of his movie i think that get into the theater..The rest I have to search through the rental stores or some Indie movies shops.
but I love watching indies and him in those films ^_^
Stephie,I really understand your point.I’m also eager to see Jim’s films at cinema in my city soon.But at this moment,actually Jim is quite new talent in the industry.ATU was released only a couple years ago.Before ATU,Jim was just struggling actor.He says of these struggle days like this,”The band I was in had just split up, the last acting job I had, I had one line, covered myself in petrol and ran through a pub, so I was pretty much ready to give up acting.”.But after ATU,Five times Oscar nominee director Peter Weir casted Jim as lead actor in his new movie.And it was rumored Jim was offered SM role(Maybe he didn’t accept it though).Now Jim is set to star in Michael Winterbottom. Winterbottom is acclaimed director.His films are always invited first-rate festivals,like Cannes and Berlin,Sundance.And Remember,UPSIDE DOWN has biggest budget among Jim’s films.Actually Jim has brilliant career ahead of him^^.