Jennifer Lawrence Set to Star in and Produce Murder Mystery ‘The Wives’ for Apple and A24

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Jennifer Lawrence arrives for the 96th annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA, 10 March 2024. The Oscars are presented for outstanding individual or collective efforts in filmmaking in 23 categories.
ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

Jennifer Lawrence, renowned for her versatile performances across film genres, is set to immerse herself in a gripping murder mystery titled “The Wives,” reminiscent of the high drama seen in reality TV’s “The Real Housewives.” Apple Original Films recently secured the project in a competitive acquisition, marking Lawrence’s foray into both production and starring roles.

Under her production banner, Excellent Cadaver, Lawrence will produce alongside Justine Ciarrocchi. The film, currently in development, promises intrigue and suspense, although specific plot details and production timelines are yet to be disclosed.

“The Wives” will be penned by Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley, notable for their Pulitzer Prize finalist play “Circle Jerk.” Apple Studios and A24 are co-producing the film, continuing a successful partnership following their collaboration on the 2022 drama “Causeway,” which also featured Lawrence.

Lawrence’s career spans a breadth of acclaimed roles, from her breakout in “Winter’s Bone” to her iconic portrayal of Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” series. More recently, she starred in the R-rated comedy “No Hard Feelings” and shared the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio in the satirical disaster film “Don’t Look Up.”

Beyond her acting prowess, Lawrence’s involvement in “The Wives” underscores her expanding influence in shaping narratives within the entertainment industry. Her collaboration with emerging talents like Breslin and Foley reflects a commitment to fostering innovative storytelling.

Meanwhile, Jeremy O. Harris, a Tony and Independent Spirit Award nominee known for “Slave Play” and “Zola,” joins the production team alongside Josh Godfrey under their banner, bb2. Harris continues to make waves with his boundary-pushing narratives across stage and screen.

Apple and A24 have solidified their partnership as a reliable force in town. Currently, they are collaborating on several projects, including the Spike Lee-directed drama “High and Low,” featuring Denzel Washington. They have also recently released the Morgan Neville-directed documentary “STEVE! (Martin) a Documentary in 2 Pieces,” which won an Academy Award, and are gearing up to premiere the dark comedy series “Sunny,” starring Rashida Jones.

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Breslin is widely recognized for his contributions to the stage. Notably, he directed Maia Novi’s “Invasive Species” at the Vineyard Theater and serves as creative director at Fake Friends alongside Foley. Their productions, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Circle Jerk” and “This American Wife” by FourthWall Theatricals, have garnered critical acclaim.

Foley, an Obie-winning actor and writer, most recently appeared in Thomas Bradshaw’s “The Seagull” at The New Group in Woodstock, NY. His collaboration with Breslin on “Circle Jerk” earned them the 2022 Obie Award and a nomination as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in drama in 2021.

Lawrence’s new venture into producing underscores her evolution as both an artist and a cultural influencer, leveraging her platform to champion projects that challenge conventions and captivate audiences. As she navigates the complexities of “The Wives,” Lawrence’s role extends beyond acting, shaping the creative vision and thematic depth of the murder mystery.

“The Wives” not only marks a significant addition to Lawrence’s body of work but also highlights her proactive role in shaping the future of cinema. With a stellar creative team and backing from Apple and A24, the film promises to deliver a compelling narrative that will intrigue audiences and showcase Lawrence’s multifaceted talents in a new light.

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