Jim Sheridan recently addressed speculations regarding Daniel Day-Lewis’ comeback to the acting world. The rumors sparked after Day-Lewis was spotted leaving a restaurant in New York alongside Sheridan and Steven Spielberg. However, Sheridan clarified that the meeting was centered around discussing a possible reboot of his long-developing project about the Kennedy family. The focus was on the patriarch of the Kennedy family, Joseph Kennedy. Sheridan emphasized that Day-Lewis was only considering an executive producer role, not an acting one. This indicates that the Irish director and the acclaimed actor were not discussing a collaboration on the screen.
During the Doha Film Festival’s Qumra event, Sheridan shared insights into his ongoing projects. One of them, “Standing Bear,” delves into the story of the Ponca tribe chief, Standing Bear, and the groundbreaking trial that recognized Native Americans as “human beings” in the eyes of the U.S. law. The director mentioned that they have a refined script and plan to commence filming in Nebraska and Oklahoma. The movie aims to draw parallels between the histories of the native Irish and the Native Americans. Additionally, Sheridan acknowledged the challenges of financing projects like “Standing Bear” in the current film industry landscape, especially with the rise of streaming platforms.
Another project in progress for Sheridan is “Re-Creation,” a hybrid production exploring the unsolved murder of French producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Ireland in 1996. The film combines real facts with fictionalized elements, creating a unique storytelling approach. Sheridan collaborates with David Merriman on this project, which features talented actress Vicky Krieps. The director expressed intentions to reshoot critical scenes in the production to enhance the narrative. Furthermore, Sheridan defended his belief in the innocence of prime suspect Iain Bailey in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case, emphasizing the lack of substantial evidence against Bailey.
Recent reports indicated that Sheridan plans to introduce a new suspect in the film, leading to a reexamination of the cold case by the Irish authorities. The emergence of this new suspect following Bailey’s death could potentially bring fresh perspectives to the case. Sheridan aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding Bailey’s public and private persona, including allegations of domestic violence against him. This new development in the film’s narrative signifies a significant shift in the investigation.
Jim Sheridan’s projects showcase his dedication to storytelling and exploring compelling narratives. From historical trials to unsolved mysteries, the director’s work delves into the nuances of human experiences and complex legal proceedings. As Sheridan continues to navigate the challenges of filmmaking in today’s industry landscape, his commitment to presenting thought-provoking stories remains unwavering.