Chris Rock, known for his comedic talent, is set to take on a familiar story as he steps into the director's chair for his next project. The actor and comedian is set to helm a remake of the highly acclaimed Danish film, Another Round, which originally starred Mads Mikkelsen. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson for Appian Way, along with Brad Weston and Collin Creighton for Makeready, this remake is already generating buzz in Hollywood.
Another Round, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, is a dark comedy that revolves around four high school teachers who embark on an experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout their workday. The film was a critical success, winning the Best International Feature Film Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards and earning Vinterberg a Best Director nomination. It also received four European Film Awards and four BAFTA Award nominations, emerging victorious in the category of Best Film Not in the English Language.
Rock is no stranger to the director's chair, having directed two previous films. His directorial debut came in 2003 with the comedy Head of State, in which he portrayed a presidential candidate thrust into the spotlight following the unexpected passing of the original candidate. Though the film received mostly negative reviews upon its release, it managed to gross $38.6 million worldwide.
Rock followed up his debut with the 2007 film I Think I Love My Wife, a remake of the 1972 French film Love in the Afternoon. The story follows a man who constantly daydreams about being with other women, and his resolve is tested when he encounters the ex-mistress of an old friend. Unfortunately, the film was not well-received by critics, receiving a very low score of 19 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
In 2014, Rock saw a significant improvement in his directorial career with his film Top Five. This time, he took on the role of a comedian trying to break into the world of serious acting. The movie garnered positive reviews, with Rock earning praise for his direction and writing. It even drew comparisons to the work of renowned filmmaker Woody Allen, particularly his film Stardust Memories. Top Five secured a fresh rating of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and scored a lucrative $10 million deal at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival.
Apart from directing the Another Round remake, Rock is also involved in other exciting projects. He is attached to an adaptation of the book King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, which will be released by Universal Pictures. This film delves into the life of the inspiring civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, Rock is currently writing an untitled script, with Peter Rice serving as the producer.
As we eagerly anticipate Rock's take on Another Round, we can revisit the trailer for the original film to get a sense of the narrative and the darkly comedic tone. This exciting project is surely one to look out for, as Rock continues to showcase his skills as both an actor and a director.
