In July, out of the blue, a long-dead Steven Spielberg project called The Trial of the Chicago 7 was revived with Captain Phillips director Paul Greengrass in talks. But now it looks like DreamWorks will have to put the project on the back burner again since Greengrass has pulled out.
According to Variety, which first reported the news, DreamWorks and the Bourne Ultimatum director could not agree on a budget. The site had reported last week that the studio was hoping to keep the budget under $35 million while still working with Greengrass, but no deal could be reached.
Chicago 7 has been in the works since at least 2007, when Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The Newsroom) first wrote it. Spielberg appeared to be very interested in directing it, but nothing came of it. Ben Stiller was reportedly interested in 2008, but nothing happened there either.
Then suddenly in late July, it was reported that Greengrass started talking with DreamWorks about doing it. The story focuses on seven people who were charged with conspiracy in connection with the demonstrations at the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention.
It looks like the studio will not be able to make this unless it deals with the fact that it could cost over $35 million, especially if they want a major director like Greengrass to do it.
Greengrass, an experienced action director, recently filmed Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks. It hits theaters on Oct. 11 and is expected to be a player at the Oscars.
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