In a recent exclusive interview with Empire, celebrated actor Paul Giamatti and acclaimed filmmaker Alexander Payne revealed their plans for a future collaboration. The dynamic duo, known for their previous work on the 2004 hit “Sideways,” has reunited for a new film titled “The Holdovers.”
“The Holdovers” is described as a heartwarming Christmas comedy-drama set in a boarding school, where Giamatti takes on the role of Mr. Hunham, a Scrooge-like and cantankerous teacher overseeing a group of lonely losers during the festive season.
Despite the two-decade gap since their last joint project, Giamatti expressed his desire to continue working with Payne, particularly in the realm of a private-detective movie. During the interview, Giamatti revealed, “I still harbor some hopes that you and I do a private-detective thing. I saw you say to somebody the other day that you would relish doing a movie where I got beaten up and shot at. And I thought, ‘Me too, that sounds great.’”
Payne offered a suggestion for the potential detective film, recommending they choose “a good Travis McGee novel” and bring John D. MacDonald’s renowned sleuth to the big screen. Giamatti enthusiastically agreed, stating, “All the Travis McGee novels are pretty good!”
The envisioned detective movie, regardless of the chosen character, is expected to feature a distinctive setting, emphasizing Payne’s keen sensitivity to location. Giamatti praised Payne’s unique approach, stating, “Another thing about working with Alexander is his incredible sensitivity and love of place. Each one of his movies is as much about the place that they’re in as the people.”
Payne, known for his affinity for exploring unique settings, discussed the possibility of setting the detective movie in Florida, describing the state as a “hot and sweaty land of Byzantine intrigue.”
As the interview concluded, Payne expressed his eagerness for future collaborations with Giamatti, confirming, “I don’t have a screenplay yet. Paul, if you’re offered something good that doesn’t have a director attached, please keep me in mind.” Fans can now anticipate more cinematic gems from the talented duo in the years to come.
