Annapurna cuts its Fox News film, 'Fair and Balanced' just days before production start

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By Darian Scalamoni

            It was kind of surprising when the upcoming Fox News film based on the scandal of boss, Roger Ailes was announced so soon but as casting announcements began to flood in, I quickly was enticed to see this story told on screen. Unfortunately, for now, it seems that the movie won’t be moving forward.

            Just days after the casting announcement of Malcom McDowell as Rupert Murdoch, Deadline is now reporting that the movie will not be going forward at Annapurna. The production company has been floundering as of late and while this could have been a great prestige picture for them, the $35 million budget has apparently gone upwards to a point where they do not want to finance. Focus Features is being courted now to pick up financing and produce the film.

            Working under the title, Fair and Balanced, the movie has an all-star cast backing it with John Lithgow as Ailes plus an allegiance of terrific working actresses. Among them are Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, Allison Janney and Kate McKinnon. The film will also be directed by Jay Roach whose recent politically-themed movies include Game Change, Trumbo and All the Way.

            This movie is so timely that I’m sure it will be picked up. The most surprising part of this story is that Annapurna pulled the plug just days before production was set to begin. We will update you as soon as we know more about the status of Fair and Balanced.