Denzel Washington will star in and direct a movie version of August Wilson’s “Fences “ for Paramount Pictures with Viola Davis on board to star.
Both actors won Tony’s for their performance in the 2010 Broadway revival of “Fences.” Bron Creative and Macro are producing the movie with Washington, based on Wilson’s screen adaptation of his Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Scott Rudin and Todd Black are producing with Washington. Executive producers are Eli Bush ; Bron Creative’s Aaron L. Gilbert ; Jason Cloth; Andy Pollack ; Macro’s Charles D. King and Kim Roth along with co-executive producer Poppy Hanks.
Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, “This important and beloved play has been a passion of Denzel’s for many years and it is with great excitement that we embark together to bring his dream project to the big screen.”
“Fences” is the story of a one-time promising baseball player, now working as a Pittsburgh garbage collector, and the complicated relationships with his wife, son, and friends. The film’s ensemble cast includes Stephen Henderson, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, Jovan Adepo and Saniyya Sydney.
“Fences” is Washington’s third outing behind the camera following “The Great Deabaters” and “ Antwone Fisher.” Paramount and Washington last collaborated in 2012 on “Flight,” in which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
“Fences,” co-financed by Bron Studios, Macro and Paramount Pictures, will begin shooting in late April in Pittsburgh.
Dave McNary | © 2016 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC