Oscar-winning filmmaker James Marsh (The Theory of Everything) is directing.
Barry will adapt the screenplay from his novel, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize 2019.
Set in Spain and Ireland, Night Boat to Tangier follows Maurice (Fassbender) and Charlie (Gleeson), a pair of gangsters from Ireland. Drug-smugglers, partners with a long history of violence and intertwined personal lives, they’re back in southern Spain re-visiting old haunts, old flames and dangerous local criminals, searching for Maurice’s estranged daughter, Dilly.
Maurice and Charlie are an intimidating and sometimes extremely violent pair who like to banter but Cynthia, played by the IFTA-winning and Tony-nominated Ruth Negga, is the brains behind their operation and has a complicated relationship with both men.
“Kevin’s script is a beautiful piece of writing. Underneath the dazzling surface wit and propulsive storytelling, there are surprising and very moving emotional undercurrents to be discovered,” director Marsh said speaking to Deadline. “The story is built around love and tenderness amidst all the macho posturing and violence and the female characters are as strong and powerful as the men. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect.”
Night Boat to Tangier is produced by Andrew Eaton (Rush, The Crown, The Trip) and Conor McCaughan (Slow West, Assassin’s Creed, Scrapper) who is Fassbender’s partner in DMC Film. Ignacio Salazar Simpson will co-produce for Mogambo (1917). Fassbender is executive producing.
“This is the best script I’ve ever had and it’s been a fun collaboration developing it with Michael and Conor at DMC Films,” producer Eaton added. “Working with James on Red Riding was one of my favourite filming experiences and it’s exciting to be back together. Hyde Park and Mogambo are perfect partners for this and we’re excited to be bringing this to market with such a strong team.”
Hyde Park Entertainment Group will be presenting the project to global buyers at the Cannes Marche Du Film next month.
