David Fincher Reportedly Directing New Western Drama ‘Bitterroot’

David Fincher on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Gisele Schmidt/Netflix.

Preview:

David Fincher is reportedly aboard a new western called ‘Bitterroot’.
Michael Gilio wrote the script, which appeared on the 2008 Black List
Netflix has yet to confirm Fincher’s attachment.

It’s fair to say that the Western is having a mixed time in terms of success at the moment. While Taylor Sheridan’s modern-day take on the genre ‘Yellowstone’ (and its period set prequels) have been doing great business, Kevin Costner (who effectively left the parent ‘Yellowstone’ series to pursue his passion project) has seen giant Western saga ‘Horizon’ stumble at the box office, with theatrical plans for the second film in the franchise currently on hold.

Despite that, it appears David Fincher may be ready to try his hand at an oater, with What’s On Netflix reporting that he’s on board for a Western called ‘Bitterroot.’

What’s the story of ‘Bitterroot’?

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.

Michael Gilio, who also wrote the script draft that got ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ into development, crafted ‘Bitterroot,’ which hit the 2008 Black List when it was originally titled ‘Big Hole.’

The movie’s premise apparently concerns an elderly rancher whose life savings have been stolen.

He sets out to get his money back by robbing banks and hunting down the thieves — all while being pursued by his son, who is the sheriff. Compelling, eh?!

Comparisons have been made to Clint Eastwood classic ‘Unforgiven,’ so even with the riskier marketplace, this is a script that will surely be mad at some point. And it’s perhaps not surprising that given its long lifespan in the Hollywood marketplace, there has been at least one previous attempt to bring it to screens. Blind Wink Productions and Aversano Films were working on it with Gilio on board to both write and direct and Gore Verbinski to produce back in 2011.

We’ll caution at this point that Netflix has yet to officially comment on the possibility, though this appears –– according to What’s On Netflix’s sources –– to be coming together quickly, with casting offers out to potential stars.

What else is Fincher developing?

(L to R) Gary Oldman and David Fincher on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Miles Crist/Netflix.

The ever-busy filmmaker, who last directed ‘The Killer’ for the streaming service, has a couple of other irons in the Netflix fire.

There is a US version of ‘Squid Game’ that is awaiting approval from the company (budget issues are reportedly a sticking point, though you’ve got to imagine Netflix would look to get this made given the original series’ popularity).

And also? Fincher has been circling a ‘Chinatown’ prequel series that would follow the story before the classic movie.

On the movie front, the director has an untitled crime thriller at an early stage of development, but details are naturally scarce.

(L to R) David Fincher and Gary Oldman on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Miles Crist/Netflix.

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