Update: It’s been confirmed that Amazon, Lee, West, Jackson, John Cusack, and Jennifer Hudson are lining up for Chi-Raq, a comedy-musical based on the Greek comedy Lysistrata — in which “the women of Athens withhold sex from their husbands in an effort to bring the Peloponnesian War to an end” — but now about “a woman’s quest to end gang warfare in Chicago.” Continue below to read the original story. [Screen Daily, The Dissolve]
Coming off of one of his best films in some time, the Kickstarter-backed drama Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Spike Lee is looking towards his next feature film project and it’s one that will likely transport him out of New York City. Like his last feature, it’ll also take an unconventional route to screens along with an ensemble that has at least one unexpected member in it.
According to The Wrap, the film is titled Chi-Raq and is being made for Amazon Studios. They also note that Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Piven, Common and Yeezus himself, Kanye West, are all being eyed to star in the film. While plot details aren’t officially available, the project’s title refers to Chicago, specifically the dangerous gun violence in certain areas of the city.
With Kanye West and Common both having grown up in the city, we imagine they have a distinct passion for the project. There are no details on roles just yet, but Lee’s longtime collaborator Jackson would only have a cameo. Deals are still waiting to fall into place, and we’ll update as they do — but, as of now, it’s a project we’re greatly looking forward to.
What do you think of the potential cast for Lee’s next feature?