David O. Russell proved that Robert De Niro could still act when he wants to in Silver Linings Playbook and the two might get another chance to work together again in Joy, a new project that will also star Jennifer Lawrence.
Joy, which was first reported on in January, centers on the inventor of the Miracle Mop, Joy Mangano. She is a single mom who went on to become one of America’s most successful businesswomen. The film is set up at Fox 2000.
Lawrence hasn’t officially signed the dotted line and when she does, De Niro might come aboard, The Hollywood Reporter said on Monday. He would play Mangano’s father.
Before THR’s report, Indiewire reported that Russell spoke with Omaha.com’s Go about the movie. He did say that he hoped to cast De Niro.
“I think I’d very much like [Robert] De Niro to be in it, I think he’s gonna be in it," Russell told the site before a Q&A in Omaha. “And of course I always create a role for Bradley Cooper. I try to have things people have never done. Then they can get excited, and it’s exciting for audiences. That’s what makes it daring in some way.”
Joy must start production in February if Fox hopes to get Lawrence in the movie. THR reported today that Fox also wants to get production on X-Men: Apocalypse moving in April, since that hits theaters in May 2016.
Joy will be shot in Boston and is based on a script by Annie Mumolo (Bridesmaids), with edits from Russell. The director had added extra meat for a lead actor when Leonardo DiCaprio said he was interested, but he’s out of the picture and Bradley Cooper might be in it.
Cooper, Lawrence, Russell and, to a lesser extend, De Niro, all worked on American Hustle just last year.
Lawrence will next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. She did film a cameo for Dumb and Dumber To, but THR says this scene was cut.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com