Jenna Ortega and Robert De Niro to Play Pool Hustlers in David O. Russell’s ‘Shutout’ for RK Films, Black Bear

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In David O. Russell’s upcoming film, members from Generation Z (represented by Jenna Ortega) and Baby Boomers (led by Robert De Niro) will be sharing the screen for an interesting dynamic. The director, known for “American Hustle” and “The Fighter,” has cast these two talented actors in this project.

The film titled ‘Shutout,’ written by Alejandro Adams, is being produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum from RK Films, along with Russell and Mark Bomback. These individuals have previously worked on projects such as ‘Maleficent,’ ‘Fast X,’ ‘Defending Jacob,’ and ‘The United States vs Billie Holiday.’ During the upcoming Cannes Film Market, Black Bear will present this project to international distributors. The U.S. rights are being managed by CAA Media Finance.”

“‘Shutout’ is a movie written by Alejandro Adams and produced by several people including Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Russell, and Mark Bomback. They have worked on movies like ‘Maleficent,’ ‘Fast X,’ and others. At the upcoming Cannes Film Market, this movie will be shown to international distributors. In the United States, the rights to distribute the movie are being handled by CAA Media Finance.

In the world of fading pool hustlers, I, Jake Kejeune (De Niro), have seen my fair share of victories and defeats in dimly lit backroom arenas. My life took an unexpected turn when I crossed paths with Mia (Ortega), a raw, electrifying prodigy who rekindled a passion I thought had vanished. Seeing potential in her, I chose to mentor her, helping her hone her instincts and polish her natural talent.

Together, we ventured into the cutthroat landscape of high-stakes pool, where success and failure hang by a thread. As Mia’s star began to rise and her ambition swelled, I found myself facing a critical question: can I guide her towards greatness, or will her thirst for victory overshadow all I’ve taught her?

RK Films’ Kirschenbaum expressed great joy about working with renowned director David O. Russell and acting legend Robert De Niro, and is particularly looking forward to Jenna joining this esteemed duo on screen,” said Kirschenbaum. “This collaboration represents a unique and exhilarating chance to back such a talented group as they bring a captivating tale to life. The combination of these exceptional artists feels like the ideal fit for an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Black Bear is brimming with an active schedule at Cannes, adding “Shutout” to their already announced project featuring Angelina Jolie, titled “Anxious People,” directed by Marc Forster. Their upcoming projects include “Train Dreams,” which debuted at Sundance and was acquired by Netflix; “The Rivals of Amziah King,” starring Matthew McConaughey; Guy Ritchie’s “Wife & Dog,” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins; a heist thriller titled “Tuner,” starring Leonardo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman; an action movie starring Jason Statham, still untitled and directed by Ric Roman Waugh; David Michôd’s unnamed film about Christy Martin, with Sydney Sweeney portraying the champion boxer; and Gregg Araki’s thought-provoking thriller “I Want Your Sex,” starring Olivia Wilde.

Established by producers Roth and Kirschenbaum, RK Films is known for creating blockbuster franchise films such as “Maleficent,” “Snow White and the Huntsman,” and “The Huntsman: Winter’s War.” They have also contributed to the “Fast & Furious” series with “F9” and the upcoming “Fast X,” in addition to significant Netflix productions like “The Gray Man,” “Damsel,” and “Hustle.” In the realm of television, RK Films has produced the HBO miniseries “The Plot Against America” and Amazon Prime Video’s “Panic.

Russell is represented by CAA and 42West; De Niro by CAA and RMG; Ortega by CAA and Viewpoint.

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2025-05-05 17:20