Things are finally coming together on the Aaron Sorkin scripted feature film The Trail of The Chicago 7, as Sorkin will take on the directing role as well as Sacha Baron Coen and Eddie Redmayne reportedly in talks to star in the film. The two actors previously had supporting roles in Tom Hooper’s Les Miserables.
The Chicago 7 were seven defendants-Abbie Hoffman (Cohen), Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden (Redmayne), Rennie Davis, John Froines, and Lee Weiner-charged with conspiracy, inciting to riot, and other charges related to protests that took place in Chicago, Illinois on the occasion of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Bobby Seale, the eighth man charged, had his trial severed during the proceedings, lowering the number from eight to seven.
Chicago 7 has hired production designer Jon Hutman best known for projects such as Unbroken, The West Wing, Trespass, and Rock of Ages. HN Entertainment has also learned that filming is now expected to begin on February 4th in Toronto and is set to wrap on April 2nd.
Before Sorkin signed on to direct, Steven Spielberg and Paul Greengrass were involved at different stages to helm the courtroom political drama. Aaron recently made his directorial debut with the Oscar-nominated film Molly’s Game starring Jessica Chastain. I wouldn’t be terribly shocked if Chastain landed a role in Chicago 7, considering her history with joining multiple productions filming in Toronto including Molly’s Game previously and more recently IT: Chapter 2. A reunion with Sorkin would be a good excuse to shoot another film in the Canadian city.
This is most likely going to become Oscar-bait and nab a release date in late 2019, just in time for awards consideration. However, a release date hasn’t been made official.
SOURCE: HN ENTERTAINMENT