Hollywood heavyweights Mahershala Ali and Tom Hardy are poised to cast an evocative light on one of New York City’s most infamous and darkest chapters with their lead roles in the upcoming crime thriller, ’77 Blackout.’ Helmed by the directorial prowess of Cary Joji Fukunaga, this gripping narrative is set to transport audiences back to the night when New York City was plunged into darkness and disarray.
The events of July 13, 1977, when a massive power outage blanketed the five boroughs of New York City in sheer darkness, are etched in history. The blackout spanned a horrifying 25 hours, leading to widespread looting, arson, and utter chaos. It is against this backdrop that ’77 Blackout’ unravels the malignant plan of five morally compromised police officers intent on capitalizing on the pandemonium to execute a heist aimed at the city’s criminal underbelly.
At the creative helm of Atlas Entertainment, producers Charles Roven, Madison Weireter, William Green, and Aaron Ginsburg have joined forces to bring this pulse-pounding thriller to life. Fukunaga, a filmmaker revered for his innovation and psychological depth, is not just steering the ship as director but has also been instrumental in refining the script originally crafted by screenwriter Frank John Hughes.
The plot is entrenched in the moral ambiguities faced by its central characters, offering a visceral dive into themes of survival and ethical boundaries pushed to their limits in times of societal collapse. The script revision by Fukunaga is anticipated to add layers of psychological realism, setting it apart from conventional heist movies.
Securing the international rights for the movie, Black Bear will showcase the project at the prestigious Cannes market, indicating a strategic move to align the film on a global platform.
Taking center stage in ’77 Blackout’ is Mahershala Ali, portraying the complex character of Ray Butler. Ali, an actor celebrated for his compelling performances and a two-time Oscar recipient for his roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book,’ brings an unmatched depth to his characters. Alongside Ali, the magnetic Tom Hardy steps into the gritty world as Eddie Boyle, bringing his formidable screen presence known from an array of high-profile roles.
Fukunaga is no stranger to the genre, having directed the critically acclaimed first season of ‘True Detective,’ which garnered praise for its intense and brooding narrative. His versatility as a filmmaker has been demonstrable in projects like Netflix’s ‘Maniac’ and the James Bond installment ‘No Time To Die,’ cementing his status as a maverick storyteller capable of navigating diverse cinematic terrains.
’77 Blackout’ promises to go beyond mere entertainment. The film aims to stir a reflection on the human condition during times of chaos. It endeavors to provoke thought about how a cohort of corrupted guardians of the law come to grips with their internal struggles while the line between order and anarchy becomes hauntingly obscured. As the stage is set amidst one of the most harrowing events in the annals of New York City, ’77 Blackout’ is poised to be not just an exploration of crime and action, but a profound commentary on the human psyche under siege.
The anticipation for this crime saga is palpable as the collaboration of a stellar cast, a visionary director, and a high-stakes plot fuse to create what could be one of the most emotionally resonant and thought-provoking thrillers to tread the silver screen. As production ramps up, moviegoers can only wait with bated breath for the release of ’77 Blackout,’ a film that is bound to depict the darkened streets of New York City like never before.
