Hollywood’s Next Blockbusters: Inside the Bidding Wars for “Split Fiction” and tom Cruise’s “Deeper”
Hollywood is buzzing with activity, and two projects are igniting fierce competition among studios: the adaptation of the video game “Split Fiction” and Tom Cruise’s aspiring undersea thriller “Deeper.” as the movie business enjoys a resurgence, these projects represent notable opportunities for studios aiming to capture the next big wave of success.The intense bidding wars and high-profile talent attached highlight the industry’s appetite for innovative and captivating stories.
“split Fiction”: The Next Big Video Game Adaptation
Following the impressive success of the “Minecraft” movie,studios are eagerly seeking the next blockbuster video game adaptation. “Split Fiction,” helmed by “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu, is generating considerable buzz. This two-hander, featuring female leads and written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese (the duo behind “Deadpool & Wolverine”), has attracted significant attention.
Sydney Sweeney is attached to star, further fueling the excitement. Sources indicate that Sony and Amazon MGM Studios are in a heated bidding war, with bids reaching into the millions. Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly in a strong position to secure the rights by early next week.
Did You Know? Video game adaptations have seen a surge in popularity, with accomplished franchises like “The Last of Us” and “Sonic the hedgehog” paving the way for more high-budget productions.
“Deeper”: Tom Cruise’s Undersea Supernatural Thriller
Perhaps even more intriguing is “Deeper,” an undersea supernatural film starring Tom Cruise and perhaps Ana de Armas. Doug Liman is set to direct this high-concept project. Recent sightings of Cruise and De Armas together, reportedly undergoing diving training, suggest that De Armas is close to joining the cast.
“Deeper” follows an astronaut who encounters a terrifying force during a deep-sea dive into an unexplored trench. The project has been in development for nearly a decade, initially acquired by MGM in April 2016 as a spec script by Max Landis. christopher McQuarrie is now reportedly involved in the script.
The film has seen several iterations, with Bradley cooper once attached to star and Kornél Mundruczó slated to direct. Later, Idris Elba and Baltasar Kormákur were also linked to the project, but those versions did not move forward.
Pro Tip: When developing a long-gestating project, regularly reassess the script and market trends to ensure the story remains relevant and appealing to contemporary audiences.
The Financial Stakes and Cruise’s Star Power
with a projected budget of around $200 million, “Deeper” proved too expensive for Warner Bros. However, Tom Cruise’s recent triumph at the Cannes Film Festival with the upcoming “Mission: Impractical The Final Reckoning” has reinvigorated interest. The film is expected to gross $70 million or more during its five-day opening weekend.
Ana de Armas also carries significant momentum, with her “John Wick” spinoff, “Ballerina,” projecting a $40 million-plus opening. This combination of Cruise’s box office draw and de Armas’ rising star power makes “Deeper” a highly attractive, albeit costly, venture.
While Cruise, Liman, and McQuarrie have plans to film a narrative movie in space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, Cruise reportedly wants to prioritize “Deeper.” the question is not *if* it will be made, but *where*.
Potential Trends in Blockbuster Filmmaking
The pursuit of “Split Fiction” and “Deeper” highlights several trends in blockbuster filmmaking:
- Video Game Adaptations: Studios are aggressively seeking successful video game franchises to adapt for the big screen.
- High-Concept Thrillers: Undersea and space-themed thrillers continue to captivate audiences, driven by the allure of the unknown.
- Star Power: The involvement of A-list actors like Tom Cruise and rising stars like Ana de Armas remains a critical factor in securing financing and attracting audiences.
- Franchise Potential: films with the potential to spawn sequels and spin-offs are highly valued, offering long-term revenue streams for studios.
These trends suggest a future where studios prioritize big-budget, star-driven vehicles with built-in audience appeal.
Table: Key Project Details
| Project Title | Director | Key Talent | Estimated Budget | Studio Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split Fiction | Jon M. Chu | Sydney Sweeney | Multiple Millions (Bidding) | Sony, Amazon MGM Studios |
| Deeper | Doug Liman | Tom Cruise, Ana de Armas (Potential) | $200 Million | TBD |
Will “Split Fiction” redefine video game adaptations? Can “Deeper” plunge new depths in cinematic storytelling? Only time will tell.
Did You Know? Underwater filming presents unique challenges, often requiring specialized equipment, extensive diver training, and innovative techniques to capture stunning visuals.
