Black Bear and Hope Studios have officially announced that the acclaimed Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie will take the lead role in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Anxious People, a captivating tale based on the bestselling novel by Fredrik Backman.
Meet the Visionary Director Behind Anxious People
The film Anxious People will be brought to life by the talented director Marc Forster, who is well-known for his impressive work on the 2022 film A Man Called Otto featuring Tom Hanks, as well as the thrilling blockbuster World War Z. This adaptation draws from the #1 New York Times bestselling novel by Fredrik Backman and follows the gripping narrative of an investment banker, portrayed by Jolie, who finds herself at an open house when an unexpected bank robber takes everyone hostage.
Joining Forster in this exciting project is David Magee, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter renowned for his previous work on A Man Called Otto, which also saw collaboration with Forster. As of now, no additional casting details have been revealed, nor has a release date been announced for this intriguing film adaptation.
The production team for Anxious People includes Fredrik Wikström Nicastro and Renée Wolfe from Hope Studios, both of whom have contributed to successful projects like A Man Called Otto and Christopher Robin. Forster, Magee, and Neda Backman will serve as executive producers, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience. Notably, Black Bear is preparing to negotiate for distribution rights during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, which promises to generate considerable excitement within the film community.
The official synopsis of Anxious People sets the stage for a unique and engaging narrative: “On the eve of Christmas Eve, investment banker Zara (played by Jolie) reluctantly finds herself mingling with an eclectic group of strangers at an open house. When an unwilling bank robber unexpectedly takes the group hostage, chaos and oversharing ensue, secrets come to light, and nothing goes as planned. The film is a poignant and charming exploration of a crime that never truly occurred, featuring a would-be bank robber who vanishes into thin air and eight extraordinarily anxious strangers who discover deep connections they never anticipated.”
