You might recall that back in October, director Joel Schumacher was quoted as saying that he wanted Halle Berry for his next project, which was this one, The Hive, although no deals were in place at the time, and shooting was supposed to begin in February.
Fast-forward to today, as it's being reported that Halle is indeed attached to star in the thriller, although this time with a different director helming the project – Brad Anderson (Vanishing On 7th Street, The Machinist).
Rich D'Ovidio (13 Ghosts, Exit Wounds) penned the script, which is based on an original story by Rich, Nicole D'Ovidio, Jon Bokencamp.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions already picked up domestic distribution rights, so it looks like this baby is a go, with production now scheduled to begin in late June in Los Angeles.
What's it about?
Set against the backdrop of a 911 call center, fast-paced suspense pic will find Berry playing a 911 emergency operator who must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a disturbed killer.
"I'm thrilled to be working with Halle on this… It's a formidable role for an equally formidable actress," said director Anderson. Variety notes that when Anderson replaced Schumacher on the project in January this year, Halle wasn't attached; several "top actresses" reportedly pursued the project, and Berry eventually committed to it after soe scheduling conflicts were resolved.
I've dug most of Brad Anderson's work – mostly dark thrillers (Next Stop Wonderland, his debut feature aside), although nothing he's done has been particularly mindblowing (though I can say that for lots of directors), and he doesn't do *blockbusters* either. But he's more than capable, and I'm curious to see what comes of this.