After nine years, Tom Ford is returning to the director’s chair with an adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 novel, “Cry To Heaven.” The billionaire fashion designer wrote the screenplay and will also produce the film. Alongside him is an immensely talented collection of actors and actresses, undoubtedly his most ambitious ensemble thus far.
Adele will make her acting debut after taking a break from music. Joining her include Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, Hunter Schafer, Paul Bettany, Owen Cooper, Lux Pascal, and many more.
The original novel is set in Italy during the eighteenth century. A peasant music teacher takes on an impressive student from a noble family, and the two attempt to become opera stars. Given the time period and setting, this could be Ford’s most visually extravagant film yet. In particular, we anticipate the film’s styling and costumes to be impeccable.
According to a report from Deadline, Tom Ford has been interested in adapting this story for a while, just waiting until he had the entire cast together before starting pre-production. The project was taken to multiple studios before Ford eventually chose to finance the film himself. This decision gives the fashion mogul creative control over the film’s production.
Both of Tom Ford’s previous directorial efforts received international recognition and Oscar nominations. His first film, A Single Man (2009), premiered in competition at the 2009 Venice Film Festival and earned Colin Firth his first Oscar nomination for Best Lead Actor at the 2010 ceremony. His second film, Nocturnal Animals (2016), won the Grand Jury prize at the 2016 Venice Film Festival and earned Michael Shannon his second Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Tom Ford’s film adaptation of “Cry To Heaven” is set to start principal photography at the beginning of next year with a potential fall 2026 release.
Sources: Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter
News Update Courtesy of Gabe Lillianthal