With his recent cinematic outings either high-concept or young adult fare like RIPD, The Giver and Seventh Son, Crazy Heart is starting to seem like a long time ago in the Jeff Bridges canon. But he's returning to some heavier drama for the upcoming **The Emperor's Children{
The story revolves around three entitled New York thirtysomethings, Daniele, Maria and Julius, plus the outsider Bootie, Maria's cousin, who never quite manages to find room in the tight-knit trinity. Bridges will play Murray Thwaite, a famous journalist whose story also becomes entangled with that of the younger clique, in the days preceding and following 9/11.
This is actress Bell's second feature as director, following 2013's In A World. Nobody but Bridges has been cast in The Emperor's Children so far, but given that she starred in her directorial debut (as well as writing and producing) it's not unfeasible that Bell might be eyeing a role for herself here.
Noah Baumbach (Greenberg, Frances Ha) wrote the screenplay, while Ron Howard is among the producers. The Emperor's Children is currently in pre-production with shooting planned for later this year. Messud's novel is published in the UK by Picador.