Darren Aronofsky’s Next Film Might Be an A.I. Courtroom Drama
Darren Aronofsky is not a filmmaker you would necessarily describe as “prolific.” In the nearly 20 years since releasing his debut feature, Pi, the director has made six films — including Mother!, the new thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, slated to hit theaters this fall. This isn’t a knock against Aronofsky, a director whose filmography is defined more by quality than quantity, which is exactly why new reports about his next project are a little surprising.
According to both Deadline and The Tracking Board, Paramount has acquired a sci-fi project scripted by Joe Epstein for Aronofsky to direct. Not much is known about the film, which is currently untitled and described as a courtroom drama that revolves around artificial intelligence — a vague premise, but intriguing nonetheless. Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures will reportedly produce the film with Paramount, the studio behind his two most recent films: Noah and Mother!.
The latter is set to hit theaters in October and also stars Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer and Domhnall Gleeson. Based on Aronofsky’s own screenplay, Mother! “Centers on a couple whose relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.” Paramount has yet to release a trailer for the film, but they did debut a really fantastic teaser poster during Cannes.
As for the new sci-fi film, it would hardly be the first time that Aronofsky directed from someone else’s script — it also wouldn’t be the first time a report about Aronofsky directing a new film turned out to be incorrect. Because he produces films through his Protozoa Pictures banner, like last year’s Jackie and the upcoming White Boy Rick, Aronofsky has occasionally been reported as director when he’s only serving as producer.
Still, the notion that we might get another Aronofsky film so quickly is kind of exciting, no?