Though it looked for a moment that he might become better known for his performance art and other offscreen antics, Shia LaBeouf has continued to log good performances, typified by his work in last year's American Honey. He's now attached to star in an interesting indie called The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz have written the script and will direct the film, which Variety has learned has the feel of a Mark Twain story. The plot focuses on Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome, who runs away from a nursing home to pursue his dream of attending the Saltwater Redneck wrestling school with hopes that'll lead to a career as a professional grappler.
LaBeouf has the role of a small-time outlaw also on the run, who will become an unexpected coach and ally to Zak. With Lucky Treehouse Pictures backing the film, the rights will be on sale at the Cannes Film Festival later this month.
With tennis tale Borg/McEnroe awaiting release, LaBeouf will be hoping it performs better than his last UK release, thriller Man Down, which famously sold just one ticket on its first day at the end of March.