Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver) is back behind the wheel, this time co-starring Oscar winner and Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine (Steel Magnolias). The two will co-star in the road trip comedy “Lucy Boomer,” directed by Howard Deutch (“Pretty in Pink,” “Some Kind of Wonderful”).
International Film Trust (IFT) is handling worldwide rights, and president of sales Christian de Gallegos introduced the project to buyers at the American Film Market this week.
The film, based on the novel by Russell Hill, was written by Ron Cutler and Mark Steven Johnson. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in February in New Mexico.
“Lucy Boomer” tells the story of Jack Ritchie (Elgort), a writer who moonlights as a community college instructor and thinks he’s finally had his big break when 93-year-old Lucy Boomer (McLaine), a former secretary to four U.S. presidents or more, agrees to be interviewed for his book. In exchange for the revealing diary, Jack helps Lucy escape from the Santa Fe nursing home and drive her home to North Dakota. Along the way, they pick up free-spirited hitchhiker Anna, disrupting their uneasy courtship. But their unlikely road trip takes an unexpected turn when a local detective begins tracking them.
Produced by Dan Grodnik (Fast Charlie, Heist), Lucy Boomer also includes Alan Mintz (We Broke Up), Mike Marcus (The Ward), Johnson (Grumpy Old Men), and International Film Trust co-founder and Benaroya Pictures CEO Michael Benaroya (Lawless).
“We couldn’t be more excited to add ‘Lucy Boomer’ to our slate,” said Michael Benaroya. “It has everything distributors love: a moving story, great direction from Howie Deutch, a great lead role from Ansel Elgort, and of course the legendary Shirley MacLaine.”
Mr. Elgort is repped by CAA and Brookside Artist Management, and Mr. McClain is repped by CAA. Mr. Johnson is represented by Michael Kagan of Range Media Partners.
