There’s news that Kathryn Bigelow has stepped down from her upcoming feature film Aurora. Based on David Koepp’s book, Aurora was initially set to be made under Netflix’s production banner. However, the streaming giant’s focus on profit over creative integrity led to Bigelow’s departure from the project. Indeed, losing such an acclaimed filmmaker is a setback for the film. However, there is still hope for Aurora to find a new home with a passionate director who values the book’s message.
Why is Kathryn Bigelow’s departure from Aurora a loss for the film?
Kathryn Bigelow is a renowned Oscar-winning filmmaker, primarily known for directing films in the action and thriller genres. Some of her notable works include Point Break, Strange Days, The Hurt Locker, and Zero Dark Thirty. These films often feature intense action sequences and suspenseful storytelling. They also explore complex themes related to conflict, violence, and human psychology. She would have marked a comeback with Aurora, as she hasn’t made a film since 2017’s Detroit. But even a slight silver lining diminished as the director stepped down from the project.
It was recently reported by The New York Times that Bigelow left the project some months prior, though did not indicate what happened behind the scenes. Reportedly, Bigelow’s departure from the film is due to Netflix’s push towards films that appeal to the largest common denominator. According to the Times, Netflix admittedly wants to gear towards projects with mass appeal instead of filmmaker passion projects.
However, it should be noted that there is no evidence that this is why Bigelow left the Netflix project, though it gives some context as to why the film was shelved.
As of Aurora, the upcoming film will be an adaptation of David Koepp’s book of the same name. The book tells the story of two estranged siblings, Aubrey in Aurora, Illinois, and Thom in Silicon Valley. When a solar storm knocks out power worldwide, the two characters must confront their residual issues.
Will Aurora find a new helmer?
While losing Kathryn Bigelow from a project like Aurora is indeed disappointing, it’s too soon to lose hope for the project. If Bigelow’s departure is a setback for the film, it also opens up opportunities for other talented directors.
Aurora could potentially find another supportive partner and director. Since the film is going to be an adaptation of Koepp’s book, it can’t be denied that he is a well-established author who is celebrated for his work. This can be an additional factor to entice the filmmaker to helm this project. Fans of the book can only hope it will fall into the hands of a passionate creative who cares about its messaging.
