Netflix Secures $34 Million Deal for Monsanto Drama, Starring Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie, and Laura Dern
ICARO Media Group
" Directed by John Lee Hancock, the project boasts a star-studded cast including Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie, and Academy Award winner Laura Dern.
Based on a true story, "Monsanto" revolves around the remarkable journey of Brent Wisner (played by Powell), a young and inexperienced attorney who takes on a seemingly insurmountable case against the U.S. chemical company Monsanto. The case is on behalf of Dewayne "Lee" Johnson (Mackie), a high school groundskeeper who used Monsanto's popular product Roundup, a highly successful weed and grass pesticide killer.
During the trial, Dr. Melinda Rogers (Dern), the chief toxicologist at Monsanto, testifies with utmost confidence that Roundup is safe. The film delves into the gripping courtroom drama and explores the profound impacts of the case.
Powell, who is currently in the spotlight, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I've always been fascinated by true stories of ordinary people against extraordinary odds. This story encapsulates that spirit with a critical issue that affects us all. And it's a privilege to bring it to audiences with an exceptional filmmaker and powerful cast."
Dern also expressed her excitement about collaborating with director John Lee Hancock, saying, "I've loved my collaborations with John Lee and look forward to working with him again. There couldn't be a more vital story to be a part of."
Director John Lee Hancock shared his motivations behind choosing this project, stating, "I was drawn to this contemporary David vs. Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny, and of critical importance in today's world. My ambitions are to deliver a smart, thoughtful, and commercially successful legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey."
The film's producer, McKay, highlighted the importance of stories like "Monsanto" in today's cinematic landscape, stating, "These days stories about the 'little guy' taking on huge institutions seem few and far between, both in real life and on the big screen. So, when a story as riveting and inspiring as this one shows up on our desks, we get excited. People love and need these movies."
Laura Dern's incredible acting prowess and distinguished career make her an exceptional addition to the cast. With accolades like the Academy Award, Screen Actors Guild, Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA under her belt, Dern has delivered critically acclaimed performances in movies such as "Marriage Story," "Little Women," and Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park," among others. She has also made notable appearances in hit series like HBO's "Big Little Lies."
Dern's upcoming projects include the executive production and starring role in "Palm Royale" for Apple TV+ and an untitled Noah Baumbach project for Netflix. Additionally, she will soon grace the screen in "Lonely Planet," another Netflix production that showcases her immense talent.
With the $34 million deal in place, Netflix aims to bring "Monsanto" to audiences worldwide, delivering a powerful narrative that explores the theme of standing up against overwhelming odds with fairness and truth on one's side. As the film's production gets underway, fans eagerly await the arrival of yet another enthralling story presented by the streaming platform.