Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe have signed on to star in the upcoming historical epic “The Weight,” set in Oregon around 1933. Hawke portrays Samuel Murphy, a man imprisoned in a labor camp following the death of his wife. In the film, Murphy aims to escape and regain custody of his daughter, Penny, but finds himself ensnared in a dangerous gold smuggling operation orchestrated by the unscrupulous overseer, Clancy, played by Crowe. Tension mounts as Murphy navigates the treacherous wilderness while grappling with the possibility of betrayal from within his own ranks.
The project is directed by Padraic McKinley, known for his work on television series such as “Kingdom” and “Debris.” The screenplay is crafted by Shelby Gaines, Matthew Chapman, and Matthew Booi, based on an original story by Booi and Leo Scherman. Fields Entertainment, Under The Influence, and augenschein Filmproduktion, along with Construction Film, are collaborating on production.
“The Weight” has successfully secured €2 million (approximately $2.07 million) in funding from the Bavarian regional film fund, FFF Bayern, and is set to commence principal photography in Bavaria this summer. Producing for Fields Entertainment are Simon Fields and Nathan Fields, with Ryan Hawke representing Under The Influence, and Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo from augenschein. Co-producer Veronica Ferres of Construction Film and executive producer Ralf Berchtold will also be key figures in the project.
WME Independent and CAA Media Finance are handling the film’s financing and co-representing its domestic distribution rights. International rights are also represented by WME Independent, which is pitching the project to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin this week. Capelight Pictures is lined up to release the film in Germany.
In the meantime, Hawke is expected in Berlin next week for the world premiere of Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” where he stars alongside Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott as the legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart. With its unique storyline and powerful performances, “The Weight” promises to be a significant addition to the filmographies of both Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe.
