Since 2008's critically heralded Rachel Getting Married, Jonathan Demme has had some hardships getting back into the swing of narrative features. He followed the Oscar-nominated film with three documentaries, and was set up to helm the Black List screenplay Honeymoon With Harry until Robert De Niro pulled out, causing the project to lose its footing. Thankfully, Demme seems to be back on track as Anonymous Content has attached him to Old Fires.
Variety reports the flick, penned by Tadpole's Heather McGowan, centers on a world-renowned architect who requires intense mental and physical rehabilitation after waking from a coma. With the help of his snarky female physical therapist, he will not only attempt to heal his body and mind, but also reconnect with his children and his wife. Demme, who has helmed such riveting dramas as Philadelphia and The Silence of the Lambs, seems a sharp choice for this project. The film's producers hope to go into production on Old Fires early next summer. There's no word yet on who may star.
Other projects Demme has in the works include two intriguing literary adaptations. The first is an ambitious animated adaptation of Dave Eggers' celebrated non-fiction work Zeitoun, which Demme has been developing since 2009. The film, like the book, will center on the harrowing but inspiring story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a family man of New Orleans, Muslim, and Syrian immigrant who became a hero and a victim during the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The animated angle on this adaptation was inspired by the book's simple but elegant cover art.
Also in the works is a movie version of to Stephen King's new novel 11/22/63. Demme snagged the rights last fall, and though we haven't gotten further word on the production since then, the project seems promising as King himself gave his stamp of approval, signing on as executive producer. This freaky feature will focus on a time-travelling tale of two men attempting to prevent the Kennedy Assassination.
In the meantime, Demme recently wrapped on Wally and Andre Shoot Ibsen, which reunites My Dinner With Andre stars Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory. Shot quickly at the New York's Pen and Brush art club, this film captures the pair performing Henrik Ibsen's Master Builder. It's expected to hit theaters in 2013.
