Black Bear, Artists Equity, and Big Picture Co. are teaming up to add some rays to it Woman in the sunJulia Cox’s new feature film project starring Academy Award winners Renee Zellweger and Sissy Spacek opposite Mia Thrippleton.
Written and directed by Cox – reuniting with Black Bear after his breakout moment in the studio Naiad Starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Woman in the sun It follows a month in the life of Claire Keating, who will be played by Zellweger. While working as a waiter on Nantucket, part of the island’s dwindling middle class, Claire’s world opens up when her mother falls ill and her daughter moves home. She is then forced to reckon with her past and take control of her future.
Production is scheduled to begin in September. The project will be in the spotlight amid the Cannes Film Festival, during which time Black Bear will present it to international buyers. Co-financed by Black Bear and Artists Equity, Black Bear is set to be distributed in North America, the UK and Canada via Elevation Pictures. Zellweger and Carmella Casinelli are producing through their Big Picture Co. With Kim Roth and Greg Gertmenian set as co-producers.
“Supporting promising filmmakers like Julia has been central to Big Picture Co.’s mission since day one, and we are thrilled to be part of this very special project and team that will help bring Julia’s vision to life. The script is a storytelling treasure, and Julia’s instincts set her apart as an emerging filmmaker,” said Zellweger, a two-time Oscar winner. We can’t wait to get started.”
Artists Equity CEO Ben Affleck, an Academy Award winner, praised Cox’s talents while revealing his company’s strategy to support her. “Julia has proven herself as a writer, I’m sure of that Woman in the sun She will show the film world that she is equally talented in the director’s chair. This is a poignant and exciting exploration of a complex family dynamic with something lurking beneath the surface. Behind the scenes, we have a tremendous partner in Black Bear. For us, it’s about finding meaningful ways to invest in filmmakers at every stage of their journey, and projects like this are exactly the kind of work we want to be a part of. We look forward to bringing this film to life.”
Black Bear CEO Teddy Schwarzman added: “As soon as I met Julia, I knew she was destined to become a great director and to work closely with her on Naiad It only strengthened my belief in her as an artist and leader. with Woman in the sunShe created the perfect vehicle to transition from acclaimed writer to world-class director. The story is both unique and universal, and Julia is sure to capture rich, unforgettable performances from Rene, Ceci and Mia. Black Bear is honored to support this powerful film alongside our dear friends at Artists Equity, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences soon.
In addition NaiadCox also wrote and produced the upcoming film Love your life The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Rachel Morrison, and stars Margaret Qualley, Gabriel Basso, Aaron Bier, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Catherine Keener. Cox is repped by CAA, Project D Media, Aloft Strategic Communications and the law firm Ziffren Brittenham.
Zellweger won an Oscar for her work in Judy and Cold mountain At the top of the nominations Bridget Jones’s Diary and chicago. She recently starred in the latest installment of the Bridget Jones series, Mad about the boy. She is repped by CAA and Imprint PR.
Her Big Picture Co. is behind the Peacock limited series The thing about Pam And the next feature The imaginary son Directed by David Yates. After being released in the Berlin market, production of the film is scheduled to begin in late 2026. Woman in the sun The film marks the first feature from Big Picture Co.’s growing slate of commercial films. Which depends on the characters to move to the production stage.
Spacek has been nominated for six Academy Awards for Best Actress. She won for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in the 1980 hit film Coal miner’s daughter. Her other nominations came In the bedroom, crimes of the heart, river, missing And a featured role in Stephen King curry. She recently starred opposite Jennifer Lawrence in Lynne Ramsey’s My love dies. Spacek is repped by UTA and MGMT Entertainment.
Threapleton is currently filming Damien Chazelle’s untitled feature film. She had her breakout role in Wes Anderson Phoenician plan. Other credits include Karim Aïnouz Firebrand And Alan Rickman A little chaos. Threapleton is repped by CAA, Markham, Froggatt and Irwin.
Black Bear’s upcoming releases include a Guy Ritchie release In grey Starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza Gonzalez, and Academy Award winner Daniel Rohr. Tuner Starring Leo Woodall and Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman, Amaziah’s rivals are the king Starring Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, Spa weekend Starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michel Buteau and Anna Faris, produced by Guy Ritchie Wife and dog Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike and Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, Sundance Breakout Wicker Starring Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage.
Artists Equity, founded by Affleck and Matt Damon, has a roster of upcoming works Animals Directed by Affleck. He also stars in the film alongside Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yeun. The studio’s latest release topped the Netflix chart Rupture Starring Affleck, Damon, Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor. Since its launch in 2022, Artists Equity has produced… Accountant 2, instigators, little things like that, they can’t be stopped And her first appearance air.
