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Octavia Spencer is attached to star in Seacole, a period biopic about “a pioneering Jamaican doctress who battled prejudice to play a key role in the Crimean War, rivaling Florence Nightingale.” The film will reteam Spencer with producer of The Help, Brunson Green, and is set to be directed by Charlie Stratton (In Secret). [The Hollywood Reporter]
Emma Roberts and Dave Franco will star in Nerve, Lionsgate’s adaptation of Jeanne Ryan‘s young adult novel. Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish), will direct and the script was penned by Jessica Sharzer. The book told the story of a high school wallflower who attempts to broaden her horizons by joining a global online game of provocative truth or dare with an audience of “watchers” who vote and comment. “But as she becomes a sensation and advances higher and higher, the game evolves and soon she finds herself in a dangerous situation.” [The Hollywood Reporter]
Frank Grillo (The Purge: Anarchy) will star in Akiva Goldsman‘s horror-thriller, Stephanie. The film was first announced last summer, and its script was written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski. “Abandoned by her parents in their remote home, Stephanie survives on peanut butter and conversations with her toy turtle, while a dark supernatural force looms in the background. When her mother and father return to claim her, the malevolent power spins out of control with Stephanie at the center.” [The Wrap]
James Marsh (Man on a Wire, Theory of Everything) will direct a film based on the British fated amateur yachtsman Donald Crowhurst. Colin Firth stars in the story of Crowhurst’s attempt to win the first round of the Golden Globe Yacht Race in 1968. “Crowhurst faced a hugely daunting task, entering the Sunday Times Golden Globe Yacht Race, where sailors competed in round-the-world nonstop single-handed sail, despite never having sailed in a trimaran until several weeks before the race.” [Variety]
