In a swift and remarkable series of developments over the past month, the buzz is that Imagine Entertainment’s latest project, “After The Hunt,” penned by Nora Garrett, has found a home at Amazon MGM Studios. The project boasts an impressive lineup with Julia Roberts set to lead and Luca Guadagnino stepping in as director. The screenplay, crafted by Garrett, will be brought to life under the production expertise of Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum from Imagine Entertainment, with Guadagnino also producing via his Frenesy banner. Garrett is not only the screenwriter but will also serve as an executive producer alongside Imagine’s Karen Lunder.
The movie is poised to be a gripping dramatic thriller, centering on a college professor who faces a pivotal moment in her life. She is thrust into turmoil when a top student accuses a colleague of misconduct, all while a sinister secret from her own past threatens to emerge. Allan Mandelbaum was instrumental in bringing the script to Imagine and collaborated with CAA to attract top talents like Guadagnino and Roberts to the project.
Since its arrival at Imagine Entertainment, the screenplay has generated significant buzz, becoming one of the most discussed scripts in recent times. Many agents have lauded it as one of the finest scripts to emerge post-writers strike, attracting attention from numerous leading directors eager to meet with Imagine co-founder Brian Grazer. Guadagnino ultimately secured the directing role after a pre-Oscars meeting with Grazer, where he presented a compelling vision for the film.
The quest to cast the film saw many A-list actresses vying for the role of the older professor, but Julia Roberts, riding high from her recent success with “Leave The World Behind,” was the top choice. Her commitment to the project turned it into a highly sought-after package, with several studios competing. However, Amazon MGM Studios, leveraging its existing relationship with Guadagnino, whose film “Challengers” is set to premiere next month, made a decisive bid and secured the deal.
This deal exemplifies the current trend of studios prioritizing spec scripts and major packages, especially in the aftermath of the dual strikes, willing to invest heavily in promising projects. An example of this trend is Amazon’s quick move to acquire a new thriller starring Kim Kardashian, produced by Bruna Papandrea.
For Garrett, this represents a significant breakthrough. As a first-time screenwriter, securing such a high level of talent for her debut sale speaks volumes about the quality of her script and its appeal to top industry talents.
Julia Roberts continues to enjoy a successful career, with her Netflix thriller “Leave The World Behind” breaking streaming records during the holiday season. The film, directed by Sam Esmail, also featured performances by Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke.
Luca Guadagnino remains one of the most active directors, with his upcoming film “Challengers” for MGM Amazon Studios generating considerable buzz. Despite delays due to the strikes, anticipation has been building, especially for the performances of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Guadagnino is also preparing for the release of his adaptation of “Queer,” starring Daniel Craig, later this year.
All involved parties are represented by CAA, with Garrett also managed by Sydney Blanke at Fourth Wall Management and Yorn Levine; Guadagnino by Range and Goodman Genow; and Roberts by Hirsch Wallenstein.