Dev Patel, the British actor known for his roles in Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, is set to star in a new crime thriller called The Journeyman. Directed by Tarsem Singh, the film will follow the story of a struggling tennis pro who finds himself entangled in a dangerous world of match-fixing to support his family. Production for the film is planned to start next year, with AGC Studios financing the project and handling international distribution.
A Dark Twist in the Tennis World
In The Journeyman, Patel will play a tennis player whose dreams are crumbling as he faces financial challenges. Desperate to make ends meet, he falls into a risky scheme of match-fixing. The story takes a dark turn as his involvement in illegal activities escalates, pulling him into a ruthless web of corruption and violence. This thriller promises to offer an intense look at the dark side of professional sports, revealing the pressures that can drive athletes to desperate measures.
Tarsem Singh, known for his distinctive visual style, is expected to bring a fresh take to this suspenseful narrative. Stuart Ford, AGC Studios chairman and CEO, expressed excitement about the project, saying, “The Roberts have written a taut, suspenseful crime thriller full of twists and turns. It feels like a perfect fit for a visionary filmmaker like Tarsem and a top-tier producer of Scott’s caliber. Tarsem’s renowned visual flair and deep experience working with top athletes will see him depict a viscerally authentic version of the pro tennis circuit.”
A Star Team of Talent
This project brings together a well-rounded team of talent. Scott Franklin, who previously worked on award-winning films, will produce the movie alongside Stuart Ford, Tarsem Singh, and Mason Eways from LBI Entertainment. The executive producers include Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of Bay Mills, known for their commitment to developing impactful stories on screen.
Franklin shared his enthusiasm, especially about collaborating with Tarsem Singh. “Before I ever produced my first film, I saw The Fall in 2006 and Tarsem instantly became one of my favorite filmmakers,” Franklin said. He also noted his admiration for Dev Patel, citing his recent film Monkey Man, where Patel not only starred but also directed. “The thought of having a chance to watch these two come together and create magic on screen became a dream come true,” Franklin added. He called this opportunity “once in a lifetime” and expressed gratitude for the support of AGC Studios and Bay Mills.
Dev Patel’s Rising Career
Dev Patel’s career has grown immensely since his early days in the British TV show Skins. His big break came with Slumdog Millionaire, a role that brought him widespread recognition and a BAFTA nomination. Over the years, he has proven his versatility, taking on roles in movies like Lion, Hotel Mumbai, The Personal History of David Copperfield, and The Green Knight. His performance in Lion earned him the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. Recently, Patel made his directorial debut with Monkey Man, where he also starred and produced.
For Patel, The Journeyman presents a unique role that allows him to dive into a complex character facing moral dilemmas and life-altering decisions. This film offers him the opportunity to portray a flawed, human side of an athlete that audiences rarely see, providing a raw look at the high-stakes pressures athletes face.
Director Tarsem Singh’s Distinct Style
Tarsem Singh, known for his visually stunning films, brings his unique style to The Journeyman. He started his career by directing commercials for major brands like Nike and Pepsi before moving on to feature films. His debut film The Cell (2000) was visually groundbreaking, followed by The Fall (2008), which has since become a cult favorite for its artistic direction and emotional depth. Singh’s other works include Immortals (2011), Mirror Mirror (2012), and Self/Less (2015). Recently, his Punjabi-language film Dear Jassi won the Platform Award at the Toronto Film Festival, marking Singh’s continued evolution as a director with a passion for visually driven storytelling.
Stuart Ford praised Singh’s ability to bring an authentic version of the pro tennis world to life. Singh’s style, which often combines visual grandeur with psychological depth, seems well-suited to a story about the hidden struggles and temptations in sports.
Writers Known for Dark, Gritty Stories
The screenplay for The Journeyman is written by Bryan and Alexis Roberts, a husband-and-wife duo known for their dark, edgy storytelling. This film will explore the “gray areas” of life, focusing on how ordinary people make questionable choices in challenging situations. The Roberts are known for their gritty, realistic approach to storytelling, which aligns with the intense subject matter of The Journeyman. Their script promises to bring tension and suspense to the film, challenging viewers to think about the lengths people go to when faced with hard decisions.
Production and Distribution Plans
AGC Studios, the company financing and producing The Journeyman, will oversee international distribution. AGC International will represent the film’s global rights and plans to introduce the film to buyers at the American Film Market (AFM) next week. CAA Media Finance will manage the film’s domestic distribution in the U.S., partnering with AGC Studios. The involvement of AGC and CAA shows the high level of support behind this project, adding to the anticipation for its release.
With an award-winning team, an intriguing storyline, and a lead actor of Dev Patel’s caliber, The Journeyman is expected to attract a lot of attention. The film’s look at the dark side of sports promises to be both gripping and thought-provoking, bringing audiences a new perspective on the lives of athletes. As production begins next year, fans of thrillers and sports dramas alike can look forward to seeing The Journeyman unfold on screen.
News Source Variety
