Fox Searchlight Going For Sacha Baron Cohen-Michael Winterbottom Comedy ‘Greed’
EXCLUSIVE: Fox Searchlight is circling rights to the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy Greed, produced by UK production banner Revolution Films. Baron Cohen is teaming with Brit helmer Michael Winterbottom, who is set to direct, with Melissa Parmenter producing.
I’m hearing the story is a satirical take on the world of the super-rich with Baron Cohen playing a cut-throat retail billionaire. While further details are being kept under wraps, it’s believed to be a role inspired by the lavish lifestyles of the elite, perma-tanned billionaire businessmen who shamelessly invest money into offshore tax havens, a parody of the unacceptable face of capitalism.
Winterbottom is no stranger to the subject of the growing disparity between economic classes – he directed 2015 documentary The Emperor’s New Clothes starring actor and activist Russell Brand, which examined the gaping financial inequality that exists in a society where corrupt bankers are rewarded and ordinary families are crippled by austerity. He and Parmenter are also the director-producer duo behind the amusing hit travelogue/feature The Trip and its sequel The Trip To Italy and upcoming The Trip To Spain, all starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, as well as A Mighty Heart and 9 Songs.
Baron Cohen is repped by CAA. Winterbottom is repped by UTA in the U.S. and Independent Talent Group in the UK.
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