Every time we hear that a new thriller is being described as “Speed but with [insert new concept here]", our minds can’t help but drift back to Father Ted’s inspired, milk float-featuring Speed 3 episode. But a new variation on the idea has the potential to actually be something different as it involves music, rather than keeping a vehicle moving. Clearly the concept appealed to Elijah Wood, as he’s now set to star in indie pic Grand Piano.
Wood will play a once-great concert pianist who has developed crippling stage fright. After spending five years away from the dais, he returns to perform at a gala, only to discover a threatening note on his music sheet. Turns out he’ll have to give his best performance ever, or else his life – and his wife’s – are forfeit. Cue dramatic piano sting!
Eugenio Mira will direct, working from a script by Damien Chazelle, and Buried team Rodrigo Cortes and Adrian Guerra are involved as producers. It’ll shoot in Spain and Chicago later this summer.
Wood has been busy lately, completing Maniac, which will be shown at Cannes this month. He’s also playing Frodo in a little movie called The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which is out on December 14.