Free State of Jones - Matthew McConaughey and Gary Ross Team for Civil War Film

[Walts Ghost]

Matthew McConaughey and Director Gary Ross Teaming Up for Civil War Drama FREE STATE OF JONES

There is no end in sight for the McConaissance, it seems. Mattthew McConaughey has been on an incredible roll as of late, between True Detective, winning an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club, and now leading a sci-fi epic from one of the most autonomous filmmakers working today with Interstellar. McConaughey recently finished filming Gus Van Sant’s introspective drama The Sea of Trees, but now he’s lining up another big project that sounds mighty fascinating: Free State of Jones. The project has been around for some time now, but director Gary Ross—who has yet to make a follow-up feature after The Hunger Games—is securing financing for the Civil War drama, and McConaughey has entered talks to topline the film as the leader of one of the war’s greatest rebellions.

Per Deadline, McConaughey and Ross are teaming up for Free State of Jones, and the project is gaining interest from new studio STX Entertainment. The project is being touted at the American Film Market, and currently the deal most likely to materialize involves STX financing for up to $20 million and IM Global partnering on foreign sales. The allure of McConaughey has no doubt boosted the project’s profile significantly.

Ross has been passionate about getting Free State of Jones off the ground for years. The film will tell the story of Mississippian Newton Knight, who defected from the Confederate army and banded together with a group of soldiers to create their own state known simply as, “Free State of Jones.” Knight went on to enter into a common-law marriage to a former slave, which was nearly unheard of at the time—especially in the South. Knight fought against the Confederates during the Civil War from within his Free State of Jones, and afterwards freed children who were still being enslaved in a nearby county.

This is certainly a fascinating true story, and one can imagine McConaughey knocking this kind of role out of the park. Ross opted not to direct the Hunger Games follow-up Catching Fire due to the time crunch and has flirted with a number of projects since successfully launching that franchise, including Peter and the Starcatchers and a pair of East of Eden films with Jennifer Lawrence. Should financing come together for Free State of Jones, however, it’s possible the film could be his next.

Collider

[Darth Marcus]

Excellent. Just stay away from the shaky cam, Ross. It's not your style.

[L.J.]

I like this kind of movie, sounds like it could be good.

[Walts Ghost]

See Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Free State of Jones’

Below you’ll find the first official image of a grimy, cautious Matthew McConaughey on the battlefield in the film The Free State of Jones. Directed by Gary Ross, the Civil War drama features McConaughey as Newton Knight, who leads the residents of Jones County, Mississippi in a bid to secede from the Confederacy. The film also stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell, and Mahershala Ali. Check out the full Free State of Jones photo below.

There’s more to the story than just the secession. Knight also married a former slave, for example, and based on that relationship became an important part of a community that was very unusual in the South at the time. There are differing visions of Knight’s nature, and he’s seen as both hero and outlaw — to be expected, given his violent rebellion against the Confederacy.

A handful of books, including one by his son, offer varying visions of his life, with later writing questioning just how effective the Jones County Rebellion actually was. We don’t know quite what the film will depict, but given the participants it will likely depict Knight in a flattering light.

The Free State of Jones is in production now in New Orleans, and will be released on March 11, 2016. Image via The Film Stage.

Slashfilm

[L.J.]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Slashfilm

Glad to see this movie is rolling forward good.

[The Debts]

I'm game for anything with McConaughey in it and Gary Ross is a decent enough director for me to be interested.

[Darth Marcus]

First Poster:

[Foggy]

McConaghey got those crazy eyes!

[Mrdamron]

really looking forward to this one

[The Debts]

FREE STATE OF JONES - Official Trailer #1 (2016) Matthew McConaughey Civil War Drama Movie HD - YouTube

I wish the trailer was better, because I think it looks pretty good. Then again, it could be my inner McConaughey fanboy speaking through me. Still, it'll be interesting to see how this plays against juggernauts like Captain America and X-Men.

[soarinsteven]

Looks promising, but needs more Gugu Mbatha-Raw!

[AaronJ]

This could definitely be a winner. I thought the trailer looked good, and of course who doesn't love McConaughey?

Also, the fact that this is based on something that actually happened helps to pique my interest.

[Pounder]

Reminds me of 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Pounder

Reminds me of 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson.

Except this looks good.

[Darth Marcus]

The Patriot is entertaining enough as long as you can ignore the bastardization of its historical basis.

[FlyBry]

Greetings from Jones County!

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Darth Marcus

The Patriot is entertaining enough as long as you can ignore the bastardization of its historical basis.

No, I actually agree. I just took my opportunity at an easy cheap shot.

[chris_sc77]

This doesn't look bad but it looks super cheap and very direct to DVD quality...has the studio released a movie theatrically before?

[Chrtte]

I haven't seen yet, I will see the film tonight！







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coque samsung galaxy grand prime etui samsung galaxy grand prime

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Chrtte

I haven't seen yet, I will see the film tonight！

Excellent. I expect a review!