Perhaps tired of the challenge of adapting some of the great literary works of the 20th century, James Franco has decided to try something totally different. He's planning to direct Future World, an original sci-fi film of his own conception. One thing hasn't changed and it's the level of talent he's been able to assemble, and a few more big names have entered the mix.
Joining the previously cast Milla Jojovich and George Lewis Jr. are Lucy Liu, rappers Snoop Dogg and Method Man, Margarita Levieva (Adventureland), Suki Waterhouse (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies), and Jeffrey Wahlberg (Mark's nephew). For a clue as to why Snoop and Meth are involved, note that the story takes place in a world ravaged by disease and a "chronic" war. I expect there will be much passing around of the chronic on that set, a lot of it by Franco. The rest of the story centers on a boy of noble birth who must brave the dangerous wastelands along with his robot companion to find a cure for his mother's fatal illness; a cure that may or may not exist.
Franco will co-direct alongside Bruce Thierry Cheung, and maybe having some help will take some of the pressure off, especially since he plans to take on an acting role, too. Method Man, Franco, and Leveiva are currently working together on David Simon's HBO series, The Deuce, which just got picked up and should arrive later this year. [Variety]
