Taika Waititi's World War 2 Nazi-Satire Film 'Jojo Rabbit' Has Begun Production
After the critical and commercial success that was 'Thor: Ragnarok' Taika Waititi will soon be returning with his World War II, Nazi-Satire film 'Jojo Rabbit.' Screen Daily reports that the executives at production company Fox Searchlight have confirmed that the film has begun production.
'Jojo Rabbit' will chronicle the story of a young boy named Jojo who longs to be a part of the Hitler Youth during the rise of Nazi Germany.
His imaginary friend is none other than Adolf Hitler. But one day, he discovers a Jewish girl living inside his attic and, after initially trying to find ways to get rid of her, begins to see her as human.
The movie already boasts of quite the stellar cast, with more presumably set to join the ranks. Scarlett Johannsson, who most recently reprised her role as Black Widow in 'Avengers: Infinity War,' will be portraying a resistance fighter.
The Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning Sam Rockwell, best known for roles in movies such as 'Lawn Dogs,' 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,' and 'Seven Psychopaths,' will feature in the role of a Hitler Youth Camp Captain.
'Jojo Rabbit' also features Thomasin McKenzie (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Lucy Lewis Can't Lose), comic Rebel Wilson (Bargain, Bridesmaids), and newcomer Roman Griffin Davis in the leading role of Jojo. Furthermore, Waititi will be portraying Adolf Hitler.
Speaking about his upcoming project, Waititi said, "I’m stoked to begin shooting my anti-war satire. We’ve assembled an incredible cast and I couldn’t be more excited to finally ridicule Nazis and their beliefs. This film is going to piss off a lot of racists and that makes me very happy."
Searchlight's presidents of production Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum were equally pleased, "Taika is a master at bringing honesty and humanity to the surface in any story, all while allowing us to laugh. We could not be more thrilled to join him in the remarkable journey of 'Jojo Rabbit.'"
There will be high hopes for Waititi's 'Jojo Rabbit' after the success of 'Thor: Ragnarok' and how the director managed to flawlessly infuse light-hearted humor and silliness to what was until then a serious franchise. Described by critics and audiences as the best movie in the trilogy, the movie went on to gross $854 million worldwide and was the ninth highest-grossing movie of 2017.
The screenplay for 'Jojo Rabbit' has been written by Waititi and besides serving as director, he will also be producing alongside Carthew Neal and Chelsea Winstanley. Kevan Van Thompson will be serving as the executive producer.
Screen Daily also reports that Greenbaum and Greenfield, senior vice-president of production DanTram Nguyen, and vice-president of production Taylor Friedman will be overseeing the production for the studio.
