Channing Tatum, Tessa Thompson, and Patsy Ferran Team Up for Charlie Kaufman’s ‘Later The War’ with 2027 Cyprus Shoot Planned
Upcoming Charlie Kaufman Film to Begin Production in 2027
Charlie Kaufman fans have reason to celebrate as The Veterans, a Los Angeles-based sales company led by Vincent Maraval and Kim Fox, has announced its involvement in the sales for Kaufman’s highly anticipated comedy-drama, Later The War.
Set to begin filming in Cyprus in 2027, the project boasts a notable cast, including Channing Tatum, Tessa Thompson, and Patsy Ferran. This film will mark Kaufman’s fourth directorial effort, following his acclaimed 2020 surrealistic thriller, I’m Thinking of Ending Things. It also represents Kaufman’s 12th feature screenplay, adding to a celebrated body of work that includes the Oscar-winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as well as Adaptation and Being John Malkovich.
Kaufman adapted the screenplay from Iddo Gefen’s short story, Debby’s Dream House, which features in his collection Jerusalem Beach. The original narrative revolves around a man who crafts dreams and nightmares for others, including his wife. In Kaufman’s rendition, Tatum portrays Peekman, a renowned actor-director celebrated for his blockbuster comedies alongside his wife, Kiki, played by Thompson. As Peekman’s success grows, he becomes increasingly aware of his creative void. In a pursuit of artistic legitimacy, he embarks on a serious Holocaust film, while Kiki pursues her own one-woman show.
A pivotal moment occurs when Peekman meets Debora (Ferran), a poet unaware of his fame, igniting his need for her recognition with unforeseen complications. The film intriguingly blends contemporary reality, layered films, and surreal dreamscapes, creating a narrative where Peekman and Kiki navigate the perils of fame in search of authentic connection.
Production is led by Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum of Waypoint Entertainment, alongside Sarah Green. "It is a genuine privilege to work with the visionary Charlie Kaufman. Later The War balances humor, irreverence, and wit with the kind of thought-provoking truth-telling Charlie is known for, all of which we need, right now," the producers expressed in a joint statement.
Tatum joins the project following the success of Beth de Araújo’s Josephine, honored with the Sundance Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic Winner, as well as Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman. Thompson, also a producer under the Viva Maude banner, recently appeared in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda and serves as an executive producer on the Netflix thriller mini-series His & Hers. Ferran is set to appear soon in Joel Coen’s Jack of Spades alongside Josh O’Connor and Lesley Manville, following appearances in Mickey 17 and Jay Kelly.
The Veterans is managing international sales, while CAA Media Finance oversees the North American market. Kaufman is represented by CAA and Hansen Jacobson, while Tatum, Thompson, and Ferran are also represented by CAA, among other agencies.
The Veterans will also showcase films at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, including James Gray’s Paper Tiger, Andy Garcia’s Diamond, and Reed van Dyk’s Atonement. Future releases from the company include Jean-François Richet’s Mutiny, Takashi Miike’s upcoming film starring Charli XCX and Milly Alcock, and Empire City featuring Gerard Butler, among other projects.
