While Netflix is busy these days rejecting films from renowned filmmakers, it seems like the streaming giant has finally got a deal to invest in. Recently, Netflix acquired the rights to the legal drama “Monsanto,” starring Glen Powell, in a Cannes deal reported to be worth around $30 million. Rocket Science represented the international rights and introduced the project at Cannes, while CAA Media Finance repped in the U.S. and negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. Made under the directorial vision of John Lee Hancock, the film will also star Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern.
What is Monsanto all about?
The upcoming film “Monsanto” is based on the true story of young upstart lawyer Brent Wisner (Powell), who took on the court case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dwayne Johnson (Mackie). Johnson used the company’s product, Roundup, a top-selling weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper. During the trial, Monsanto Company’s chief toxicologist, Dr. Melinda Rogers (Dern), testified that Roundup is safe. Hancock also wrote the screenplay with Michael Wisner and Alexandra Duparc.
Prior to the film sales, Hancock said: “I was drawn to this contemporary David vs Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny, and of critical importance in today’s world. My ambitions are to deliver a smart, thoughtful, and commercial legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey.”
Meanwhile, the lead actor of the film, Powell, who has been rising thanks to the success of his 2023 movie “Anyone but You,” shared that he has “always been fascinated by true stories of ordinary people against extraordinary odds.”
Powell will next be seen in the upcoming action-comedy Hit Man.
Discussing “Monsanto,” the actor further said, “This story encapsulates that spirit with a critical issue that affects us all. And it’s a privilege to bring it to audiences with an exceptional filmmaker and powerful cast.”
The film will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker John Lee Hancock. He is primarily known for making films in the drama genre. Some of his notable works include “The Blind Side,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” and “The Founder.”
While Hancock will direct the film, he will also serve as co-writer alongside Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc, and Ned Benson. Producers are Moritz Borman, Eric Kopeloff, Jon Levin, and Philip Schulz-Deyle, along with HyperObject Industries’ Adam McKay and Kevin Messick.
