In an exclusive report, it has been revealed that Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, renowned for his role in “Gladiator,” is set to collaborate once again with director Derrick Borte, known for their work together on “Unhinged,” for an upcoming action-thriller titled “Bear Country.”
Crowe is slated to portray the character of Manco Kapak, an aging yet formidable club owner who finds himself in a precarious situation after being robbed by a masked assailant. As he grapples with the aftermath of the robbery, his plans of selling the club and embarking on a new chapter with his girlfriend become increasingly uncertain. With cartel bosses pressuring him and a new contender vying for control of the club, Kapak’s world is thrown into chaos.
The screenplay, adapted from Thomas Perry’s novel “Strip,” has been penned by Borte and Daniel Forte, promising a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. The film is set to be produced by Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures, alongside Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard, Mark Bower, Bruno Mustic of Life & Soul Pictures, and David Lipper and Robert A. Daly Jr. of Latigo Films, with co-financing from Gramercy Park Media.
Principal photography for this joint Nickel City Pictures and A Higher Standard production is scheduled to commence in October on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Crowe, known for his iconic roles in films like “A Beautiful Mind,” “LA Confidential,” and “Gladiator,” is currently involved in the production of “Nuremberg” and has “Kraven the Hunter” lined up for the future.
Commenting on their reunion, Borte expressed his enthusiasm for working with Crowe again, citing their previous collaboration on “Unhinged” as a positive experience that laid the groundwork for their partnership on “Bear Country.”
Fasano echoed Borte’s sentiments, emphasizing Crowe’s ability to captivate audiences and elevate thriller genres with his dynamic performances.
Greenstein highlighted the synergy between Crowe and Borte, noting their talent for transforming simple concepts into compelling cinematic experiences, as evidenced by their work on “Unhinged.”
Crowe is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Goodman, Genow, while Borte is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency and Frankfurt Kurnit.
