Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson have been cast in a new romance drama directed by Joe Swanberg. The film, which is currently untitled, marks another collaboration for the duo, who have previously worked together on three other projects. The announcement was made by Deadline, which also noted that Cory Michael Smith will join the cast.
While specific plot details remain undisclosed, the film is set to be filmed in various locations across Alaska. Swanberg, known for his distinctive storytelling style, is both writing and directing the project. In addition to acting, Fanning will serve as a producer alongside Swanberg and Ashleigh Snead. Executive producers include Dan Johnson, Kathy Gitibin Parsa, and Ariana Parsa.
Recognizing Past Collaborations
This upcoming film represents the fourth time that Swanberg and Johnson have worked together. Their previous collaborations have included Drinking Buddies (2013), Digging for Fire (2015), and Win It All (2017). Johnson, who gained further recognition from his role in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has consistently delivered strong performances in independent cinema.
Fanning, celebrated for her versatile acting skills, recently starred in The Equalizer 3 alongside Denzel Washington. In this film, Washington portrays retired assassin Robert McCall, who seeks solace in a quiet Italian town but is soon drawn into a conflict with the local mafia. The film has received acclaim, and Washington confirmed that two more sequels are in the works, stating, “I told them I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five.”
Future Prospects in Film
Washington expressed his appreciation for the franchise, emphasizing that it serves both the audience and his own desire to portray an action hero. He noted, “They want me to go get the bad guys: ‘We can’t get them, so you go get them.’” This sentiment reflects the connection established between the actor and fans of the series.
Director Antoine Fuqua, who helmed The Equalizer 3, indicated that while he views the third film as a potential conclusion, he is open to exploring a prequel using modern de-aging technology. “I definitely thought about it a lot. Especially now with the new technology and the AI,” he mentioned, considering the possibility of depicting McCall’s earlier years.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between Fanning, Johnson, and Swanberg promises to attract attention from both critics and audiences. With filming set to take place in the scenic backdrop of Alaska, this project holds the potential for a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers across various demographics.
