The Prohibition Era drama Ezekiel Moss is finally moving forward, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams coming aboard to star. Philip Seymour Hoffman has long been attached to direct the film from a Black List script by Keith Bunin.
Exclusive Media has come aboard to handle international rights, and will launch the project to foreign buyers at Berlin’s upcoming European Film Market.
Adams will play Iris, who, emotionally fragile after the loss of her husband, runs a boarding house to get by and provide for her spirited son, Joel. They reside in a small town overrun by religious fervor, and their lives are forever changed when she begins to fall in love with Ezekiel Moss (Gyllenhaal), a mysterious drifter who has the divine ability to channel and physically inhabit the spirits of the dead.
Likely Story’s Anthony Bregman, PalmStar Media Capital’s Kevin Frakes, Merced Media Partners’ Raj Brinder Singh and Cathy Schulman of Mandalay Vision are producing. Singh recently collaborated with Exclusive Media on Rush, on which he served as co-executive producer.
Adams, who is represented by WME, is up for the Oscar for best actress for her role in American Hustle.
Gyllenhaal was last seen in Prisoners. He is also repped by WME.
In the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s sudden death on Sunday (February 2) Exclusive Media will not present Ezekiel Moss at the Berlin market this week.
Hoffman had been lining up to direct his second feature after Jack Goes Boating and the Prohibition Era Ezekiel Moss was to star Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams.
“Exclusive Media is deeply saddened to learn the shocking news of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s passing,” the company said in a statement.
“He was a truly gifted actor and director who not only inspired his fellow colleagues, but audiences around the world and he will be greatly missed.
“We give our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. As such, Exclusive Media will not be presenting Ezekiel Moss to international buyers at EFM at this time while producers explore the next steps for the film.”
What will happen with this project now that, sadly, Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his apartment?
hello but as it is possible to talk with Jake Gyllenhaal
I am his large admirer from Kazakhstan!he is the best actor
Jake is too busy to chat, sorry. Yes shame about Philip. Very sad to hear the news.