Monday, September 20, 2010 at 12:42PM PT Anderson 'Master's Defeat
According to lead actor Jeremy Renner, production of Paul Thomas Anderson's feature The Master has been delayed indefinitely. The film mirrors the foundation and growth of Scientology focusing mainly on the figure of L. Ron Hubbard. The story follows the master, set to be played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, as a charismatic cult leader whose faith-based cult called 'The Cause' begins to catch on in the early 1950s. Jeremy Renner was to play a young, alcoholic drifter who eventually becomes the master's right hand man, only to begin questioning his new beliefs and mentor.
Anderson's proposal to Universal Studios was respectfully declined back in March of this year. Apparently this was not due to the controversial content of the film, but the inflated $35 million dollar budget that Anderson proposed. Never-the-less, Anderson appeared to be solidifying his cast by June, with co-producers Daniel Lupi and JoAnne Sellar, with much hype surrounding the final release. So, why the grinding halt?
"I don't have any new information [about The Master]." said Hoffman, "I don't quite know what that is at the moment, but hopefully I will and hopefully I'll be part of something soon. It would be great to work with him again."
According to Renner, Anderson was running into issues with the film that he could just not overcome. What these issues are shrouded in mystery, but isn't everything that has to do with Scientology?
Reader Comments (2)
PT Anderson may be one of the finest well screw it I think he is one of the finest directors of his generation & I hope this doesnt hurt his future projects
I KNEW IT! If you go back to my posts with Colin, first proclaiming such a film in the works, I knew it wouldnt come to light b/c of the "politics" & "mystery" involved..... This sucks!! UGHHH what a waste of an amazingly put together cast