In the new issue of Empire, we talked to Ben Wheatley and got a few new details about his low-budget latest, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead. There have been further developments, with the Beeb announcing the film will screen on BBC Two this Christmas and spawn a TV series.
Starring Wheatley veteran Neil Maskell, the new film finds the title character hiring a lavish country manor for his extended family to celebrate New Year. Unfortunately for Colin his position of power in the family is under serious threat from the arrival of his estranged brother David. It's being pitched as holding a mirror to the political and social situation of the country, and of course will be shot through with Wheatley's typically black comedy.
Richard Glover, Peter Ferdinando, Mark Monero, Sam Riley, Asim Chaudhry, Joe Cole and Charles Dance are all among the cast for the film, which will have its world premiere at next month's London Film Festival before going on a run at festivals and Q&A screenings. After that comes the Christmas holiday showing on BBC Two and residence on the iPlayer.
And Wheatley has also been writing an extended TV series featuring the characters, which should be on screens next year. Meanwhile, those outside the UK will be heartened to hear that sales agents Goalpost Film will be selling the international rights at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Find the new issue of Empire in all good and evil newsagents right now.
Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.