If you’ve been keeping score with all things Cannes, you’ve likely come across news about Mel Gibson’s new dark action comedy, Fatman, which shoots early next year following the release of his next thriller, Boss Level, featuring Frank Grillo.
Gibson is attached to play a rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus fighting his business decline, now targeted by a 12 year-old seeking retribution after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking. Small Town Crime helmers Ian and Eshom Nels will direct from their own script.
Brandon James of Rough House, Nadine de Barros (JT Leroy) of Fortitude and Lisa Wolofsky (White Crow) of Skywolf are producing with James’ Rough House Partners, David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jody Hill exec producing.
Casting is still underway by Chelsea Bloch, C.S.A. (A Dog’s Way Home, The Mummy) and Marisol Roncali, C.S.A. (Deadpool 2, After) of Atomic Honey.
“I am Excited to be working with the incredibly talented Nelms Brothers who have written a unique, highly entertaining script. Mel is the perfect choice as Kris Kringle like we’ve never seen him before. I couldn’t be more thrilled to watch this darkly comedic Christmas film come to life,” said de Barros of Fortitude.
“This rowdy Santa tale is a film we’ve been excited to make for some time and we’re thrilled to have equally passionate partners in Rough House and Fortitude who carry the same fire!” said writers/directors Eshom and Ian Nelms.
Fortitude is handling international sales rights and for buyers at Cannes with CAA handling US sales rights.
Gibson is represented by CAA, Nelms by Ilene Feldman Management, LBI Entertainment, ICM Partners and Morris, Yorn, Rubenstein.
