Michael Patrick King, the writer/director/producer behind many episodes of Sex & The City (as well as its spin-off movies), is known for infusing projects with sex, shopping, sassy dialogue and outspoken female characters. For years, he was a key player in the SATC phenomenon that spurred a change in how female characters were written, and spawned countless conversations that included declarations like, “You’re such a Carrie!”
However, King and the franchise he’s best known for took a palpable hit this year when critics and fans alike shunned Carrie and the gang’s vacuous and gaudy sequel, Sex and the City 2. So, I have to admit, I’m surprised by Deadline’s report that Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, and Oprah Winfrey are attached to King’s latest effort, an untitled comedy backed by Universal. These women are each icons of modern ladyhood in America. Bullock is America’s sweetheart, who handles everything from Oscar wins to Bombshell McGees in with aplomb. Oprah is a dynasty all her own, and Meryl – what can you say? Meryl Streep is a living legend. Full of grace, humor, and an enviable lack of vanity, Streep has become the actress to which all others aspire. So what story have all these incredible actresses signed onto? Something deeply stirring, powerful, and supremely written, surely.
According to Deadline, “It’s an ensemble comedy set in the world of a Home Shopping-type network, where characters make their way through the maze of mania that surrounds marketing, marriages and the media.” The Home Shopping Network?
When I read this, my heart sank. I thought of the insipid comedy, Little Black Book, and the truly god-awful, The Ugly Truth. Movies about TV production have a sordid track record. But then there’s Network. Maybe it’ll be like Network! I mean, the script must be amazing for all of these A-listers to sign on, right?
Here’s what King said, “I came up with the idea of writing for Meryl, Sandy and Oprah, and it became so specific to them that I wanted to be sure I had interest from these ladies…I put it in front of each of them and they all said yes. To have access to these women, tell them this story and hear yes was almost like a Greek mythological journey, with me going from one goddess to the next. It was humbling. They’re all unique, and the idea of writing parts that three strong women will play is such a challenge.”
So…there isn’t a script yet. But King is very excited, and “will begin writing immediately,” with the hopes of going into production in the summer or fall of 2011, depending on the schedules of his stunning cast.
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That must have been one helluva pitch.
What do you think of this movie package?