Robert De Niro will collaborate again with director David O. Russell, adding a Gen Z icon to the mix: Jenna Ortega.
IndieWire confirmed that De Niro and Ortega will play a pseudo Paul Newman and Tom Cruise for Russell’s version of “The Color of Money,” titled “Shutout.” Ortega is set to star as the ingenue pool hall amateur who learns the ways of lifelong pool hustler De Niro. Deadline first reported the news.
The official synopsis reads: “De Niro plays Jake Kejeune, one of the last masters of a vanishing craft — the pool hustler. Having lived and lost by the roll of a ball in smoky backroom halls, Jake encounters Mia (Ortega), a young prodigy whose raw, electrifying talent reignites a fire he thought long extinguished. Sensing a rare opportunity to shape a legend, Jake takes Mia under his wing, honing her instincts and sharpening her natural gift. Together, they plunge into the ruthless world of high-stakes pool, where the line between unimaginable fortune and devastating failure is razor-thin. As Mia’s star ascends and her ambition grows, Jake must confront the ultimate question: can he steer her to greatness, or will her hunger for victory eclipse everything he has taught her?”
“Shutout” is written by Alejandro Adams, with Russell directing and producing along with RK Films’ Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Mark Bomback. Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. CAA Media Finance is handling U.S. rights. De Niro will receive the honorary Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with the acclaimed director David O. Russell and the legendary Robert De Niro, and especially excited to see Jenna step into the spotlight alongside these two cinematic icons,” RK Films’ cofounder Kirschenbaum said. “It’s a rare and thrilling opportunity to support such a high-caliber team coming together to tell a compelling story — a lineup so precise, it feels like the perfect break.”
De Niro previously starred in Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” “American Hustle,” “Amsterdam,” and more. Russell is represented by CAA and 42West; De Niro by CAA and RMG; Ortega by CAA and Viewpoint.
In addition to “Shutout,” Russell also has the John Madden biopic “Madden” in the works with Nicolas Cage portraying the NFL icon.
