Naomi Watts to star alongside Frank Grillo for Blumhouse's 'Once Upon a Time in Staten Island'
Deadline reports that Naomi Watts and Frank Grillo have been roped in to star in Blumhose Productions' and Man in a Tree Productions' 'Once Upon a Time in Staten Island.' Described as a 'coming-of-age film,' it will be helmed by James DeMonaco, who is best known for creating the 'Purge' film series: 'The Purge,' 'The Purge: Anarchy,' and 'The Purge: Election Year.'
'Once Upon a Time in Staten Island' will also be written by DeMonaco, with the production for the film reportedly set to begin later this month. Set in Staten Island, New York, during the summer of 1982, cast in the film are also Lucius Hoyos (Heroes Reborn), Jonah Hauer-King (Little Women, Howards End), River Alexander (The Way Way Back), and Chase Vacnin (The Little Rascals Save the Day).
The film will mark a sort of a return for Watts, who has been conspicuously absent from the screen this past year. The actress was most recently involved in 'Twin Peaks,' the limited event television series and continuation of the 1990 show of the same name, in 2017.
She also starred in and served as an executive producer for Netflix drama series 'Gypsy' in 2017. Watts played the role of Jean Holloway, a psychologist who 'begins to develop dangerous and intimate relationships with the people in her patients’ lives.' The show was received poorly and canceled after one season by Netflix.
The Oscar-nominated actress is also playing a supporting role in 'Ophelia,' a British historical romantic drama which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival to mixed reviews. It is expected to be released worldwide sometime in 2018.
'Once Upon a Time in Staten Island' should offer the talented Watts another chance at redemption and will be produced by Jason Blum along with Sebastien K. Lemercier for Man in a Tree Productions. Watts will serve as executive producer alongside Kate Driver.