Paul Greengrass taking over for Spielberg on Chicago Seven

In January, we reported that Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for his characters Borat and Ali G, had been cast in Steven Spielberg's upcoming feature The Trial of the Chicago Seven. And while it still looks like Cohen's involved in the film, Spielberg is bowing out due to his commitments to about five other projects. Film School Rejects noticed that Production Weekly added Paul Greengrass to the film's listing, and though no official confirmation has been announced, suspicions that Spielberg would postpone the project have been around for months.

While the prevailing thought was that Chicago Seven would be put on permanent hiatus, instead it looks like Dreamworks has faith in the script (which was penned by Aaron Sorkin) and cast to push it forward regardless of directorial complications. Spielberg's upcoming Lincoln biopic has been in production limbo for ages, so it's no surprise he'd want to finally bring that to completion. Greengrass seems like an odd choice to fill in for Spielberg, given how radically different their styles are, but who knows? Given the material, that could be an inspired switch. Only time will tell.

Related links:
News: Aaron Sorkin signs deal with Dreamworks
News: Steven Spielberg casts Sacha Baron Cohen in Chicago Seven
Dreamworks.com

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