Matthew Modine is set to co-direct The Splendid Thing, a new film that combines romantic comedy, drama and fantasy, with Liam Neeson and John Cleese.
Hyde Park International Airport launched the project at the Cannes market and is currently in talks to bring in more stars.
In “The Splendid Thing,” Modine plays Declan King, an acclaimed novelist who has lost focus since his wife left him and is struggling to complete his latest work. He is sent on a book signing tour of Europe by an irate literary agent, where he hopes to find writing inspiration, but things quickly take a surreal turn as characters from his past books begin to come to life around him. Among them is a Great Gatsby-style Neeson, who beats Declan and sends him to the hospital, and Cleese, who plays a priest who doubles as the Grim Reaper. But the surreal events are just the beginning, as Declan comes to discover that literally nothing is as it seems.
The Splendid Thing was co-written by Modine and Stephen Wallis and produced by Natalie Marciano (Freud’s Last Sessions, How to Build a Truth Engine) and Orian Williams (Shadow of the Vampire, Control). Ashok Amritraj and Priya Amritraj are executive producers for Hyde Park Entertainment. James Steele will also serve as executive producer.
“I’m really excited about the emotional response to this story and the way it has led us to such an amazing ensemble of actors,” Modine said. “A fantastical and comical story, an international cast, and filmed in one of the most romantic countries in the world! It doesn’t get any better than this!”
Carl Clifton of Hyde Park International Airport added, “The incredible cast assembled for ‘It’s Wonderful’ is a testament to this heartwarming, moving and often hilarious script, which combines concepts from reality and fiction and brings to mind so many beloved films, from classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.'”
Liam Neeson is repped by CAA, John Cleese is repped by Anonymous Content and Matthew Modine is repped by Untitled Entertainment.
