Glen Powell, Laura Dern, Anthony Mackie, and a legal drama? I am so in that it is not even funny. A new Netflix film promises to throw all our faves into the court room and I cannot wait!
The news, which came out in May via Deadline from Cannes, is for me. I say that because I am a humble Marvel girl who loves Jurassic Park and thinks Glen Powell is the best. So really, a movie made for me. But I also think that we lost the appeal of legal dramas, especially ones based on a true story! Think Erin Brockovich! I miss her!
The film is described as follows: “Monsanto tells the true story of young, untried attorney Brent Wisner (Powell), who takes on a seemingly insurmountable case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne ‘Lee’ Johnson (Mackie) who used Monsanto’s best-known product Roundup, a wildly financially successful weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper. During the trial, Dr. Melinda Rogers (Dern), the chief toxicologist of the Monsanto Company, testifies with certainty that Roundup is safe.”
At the time of the announcement, the stars and producer Adam McKay spoke about the project and their excitement. The film is directed by John Lee Hancock and was written by Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc, Ned Benson and Hancock.
Powell said in a statement, “I’ve always been fascinated by true stories of ordinary people against extraordinary odds. 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.”
Dern went on to talk about working with Hancock, the two previously worked on The Founder together. “I’ve loved my collaborations with John Lee and look forward to working with him again. There couldn’t be a more vital story to be a part of.”
For Hancock himself, he shared his thoughts on bringing the legal drama to life. “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,” said Hancock. “My ambitions are to deliver a smart, thoughtful and commercial legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey.”
McKay, who is known for his own biting commentary on the world and his ability to have a comedic edge to his films, talked about how people “love and need” movies like this. “These days stories about the ‘little guy’ taking on huge institutions seem few and far between. Both in real life and on the big screen. So, when a story as riveting and inspiring as this one shows up on our desks we get excited. Why? Because people love and need these movies,” he said.
“They always have and always will. Erin Brockovich, Silkwood, It’s a Wonderful Life, Spotlight, 12 Angry Men, Moneyball, Norma Rae… I legitimately think I can list 200 wildly successful and beloved films about real people standing up against overwhelming odds with only fairness and truth on their side. So, let’s make number 201.”
We don’t yet know when the film will come out. Given Powell’s busy schedule and Mackie leading the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it could be a minute but it is exciting to know that Powell, Dern, and Mackie are working on something together!
(featured image: Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/Mindy Small/FilmMagic/Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
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