Fans of Black Panther's Martin Freeman and Paddington's Sally Hawkins should watch out for a brand new British movie that the pair are starring in together.
Pretend I'm Not Here, which will also star Only Murders in the Building's Matthew Broderick, is set during the Second World War and is touted as a "compelling and comedic exploration of human relationships tested by extraordinary circumstances" of the period (via Variety).
The upcoming film comes from The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird, who is behind the camera as director in what will mark his second feature.
It tells the story of an ordinary couple who give refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. There, the cohabitation "unfolds in unexpected ways".
The movie is based on the 1947 Hans Keilson novella Comedy in a Minor Key, which was described as "taut, penetrating and rich with dark irony" and "a masterful study of human relationships under extreme circumstances" (via Waterstones).
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Writer Lisa Owens has adapted the story, having previously worked with Bird on 2019 film Days of the Bagnold Summer.
Bird is not stranger to directing, previously helming 2016 short Ernestine & Kit as well as episodes of TV shows Amandaland, Such Brave Girls and Ellie & Natasia.
Polite Society's Cecilia Frugiuele and Olivier Kaempfer are on board as producers for the project and teased the movie is something "truly special".
"We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing Pretend I’m Not Here to life with such stellar partners," they said in a statement.
"Combining Simon’s striking directorial vision, Lisa’s sharply witty and poignant screenplay, Hans Keilson’s timeless novel, and our exceptional lead cast with Matthew, Sally and Martin, we have all the ingredients for a truly special film.
"Pretend I’m Not Here offers a surprising take on a well-known period of history, and in doing so allows it to feel fresh and urgent, as well as both entertaining and profound."
Cornerstone will distribute the film at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, with the company's Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder adding: "Pretend I’m Not Here is a powerful story for our times that explores the nuances of human connection during times of crisis.
"With a stellar cast and Simon Bird’s unique vision, we believe this funny and subversive gem will captivate audiences and spark important conversations."
A release date for Pretend I'm Not Here is yet to be announced, though filming on the project is set to begin later in 2025 in the UK and the Netherlands.
Freeman is well known for starring in TV shows The Office, Sherlock and The Responder, as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Hobbit series.
Double Oscar-nominee Hawkins has appeared in the first two Paddington movies, as well as The Shape of Water, Happy-Go-Lucky and Wonka.
Pretend I'm Not Here is yet to confirm a release date.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
