Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial Of The Chicago 7 On Hold

Just when it thought its days sitting in the development holding cells might finally be coming to an end, long-gestating drama The Trial Of The Chicago 7 is now on hold, according to Variety, thanks to writer/director Aaron Sorkin's busy schedule.

Based on Brett Morgen’s documentary Chicago 10, the film follows the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy, arising from the counterculture protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The trial transfixed the nation and sparked a conversation about mayhem intended to undermine the US government.

Sorkin had Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Jonathan Majors in his cast and a February start date on the books, but now pre-production has shut down. The Hollywood Reporter has heard that there were also concerns about the budget{ =nofollow}, especially in the wake of Detroit and First Man, both period pieces like this one, faring relatively poorly at the box office. Still, production team Amblin appears committed to staying on board: "Aaron just adapted To Kill A Mockingbird, which is premiering on Broadway this Thursday," the company said in a statement carried by both trade papers. "He is currently evaluating his schedule and commitments to determine the best time and way to make The Trial Of The Chicago 7. Amblin remains involved as a producer."

Even if it does get moving again, we're going to have to wait longer for the "four star masterpiece-meets-three star movie" clash between our James and Helen on the Podcast.

Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.