Following her break-out role in the horror hit “It Follows,” Maika Monroe is quickly building on that success by landing a role alongside Liam Neeson.
Sources tell Variety Monroe is in negotiations to join Neeson in Watergate thriller “Felt.” Jason Bateman and Diane Lane are also on board with “Concussion” helmer Peter Landesman directing the pic.
“Felt” is based on a script by Landesman, who will also produce. MadRiver Pictures will finance and produce, alongside Scott Free Productions, Playtone and Cara Films. Ridley Scott, Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Giannina Scott, Marc Butan, Christopher Woodrow and Jay Roach will produce. Steven Shareshian and Michael Schaefer will executive produce alongside Michael Bassick and Steven Marshall.
Principal photography is set to begin in March 2016; the filmmakers are in discussion with additional cast.
The pic is a spy thriller, centering on “Deep Throat,” the pseudonym given to the notorious whistleblower for one of the greatest scandals of all time, Watergate. The true identity of the secret informant remained a mystery and source of much public curiosity and speculation for more than 30 years. That is until, in 2005, special agent Mark Felt revealed himself as the tipster.
“It Follows” became both a cult hit and critical darling leading to many execs eyeing Monroe for more leading lady rolls, eventually landing the young thesp the female lead in “Independence Day: Resurgence.” Monroe also has the YA pic “The 5th Wave” bowing next year. She’ll shoot “The Tribes of Palos Verdes” opposite Jennifer Garner in early 2016.