Humanity has faced the elements time and time again, with almost every instance showcasing the resilience of our species. This is even more highlighted when the scenario features one singular person against nature's perilous ways of existence. We've seen such hopeless scenarios portrayed in films like 127 Hours and Gravity before, and we're about to see it again in Blake Lively's next prospective project. This time, the struggle is Lively's humanity versus a hungry great white shark that's blocking her way home.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Lively, last seen in this spring's The Age Of Adeline, is in talks for the lead role in Run All Night director Jaume Collet Serra's next film, In The Deep. The role would be the central human performance of the film, as it's set in an "isolated area" where Blake Lively's character decides to surf. Before you can say, "Vaya con Dios, brah," the menacing Great White saunters into the picture and presents itself as a major obstacle in the still-unnamed character's journey home.
There are a couple of conditions that need to be considered before any movement on In The Deep can be made. The first, and most important, consideration is the fact that Lively is currently in production with All I See Is You, as well as being recently cast in Woody Allen's untitled project for 2016, her schedule might not line up with that of the film's intended production schedule. No time frame is mentioned, but considering how much money Sony's been bleeding throughout 2015, it wouldn't be a surprise if the studio fast tracked this film for a late 2016 / early 2017 release date.
At least, that's the window they should consider if they want to race that other shark film into theaters. Let's not forget that Mandy Moore just recently booked herself for a tangle with the creatures of the deep with 47 Meters Down. While the similarities aren't enough to warrant a law suit just yet, they are similar enough that whoever gets into theaters first gets to set the tone and collect all of the rewards an early adapter would be given. Though, to be perfectly honest, In The Deep seems like the one out of the two concepts that holds more weight. Or water.
While there's no official statement on when In The Deep will get started, as well as no confirmation that Blake Lively will be taking the role, the prospective project could be a gold mine for whomever decides to make it. The high concept of Gravity in the middle of the ocean sounds like it'll at the very least draw in a crowd, but at most showcase the chops that Lively's acting career in a light that no one else has seen. We'll see if the stars align her to get the gig, and as soon as we hear anything further, you can expect us to tell you just as quickly.
