Timothée Chalamet is set to collaborate once again with acclaimed director James Mangold on the upcoming film “High Side.” This project marks their reunion after their previous work on “A Complete Unknown,” and it is expected to explore a gripping narrative within the world of motocross and crime. According to Deadline, the film is based on an unpublished short story by Jaime Oliveira, and Chernin Entertainment is attached as the producer.
Paramount Pictures secured the rights to the film through a competitive auction, as reported by Variety. The storyline follows Billy, a former MotoGP racer whose career ended in a devastating crash. Haunted by his past and burdened by family issues, he finds himself drawn back into a life of high-speed crime. The plot thickens when his estranged brother, pursued by the FBI, recruits him for a series of bank heists on superbikes.
Billy’s journey is marked by personal challenges, including caring for his father who struggles with addiction. As his brother Cole reenters his life after the death of their father, he presents Billy with a proposition that threatens to upend his fragile existence: use his racing skills for bank robberies. Cole gathers an unconventional team, which includes a woman who becomes Billy’s love interest, and they begin executing meticulously planned heists on small-town banks. As their criminal activities escalate, they face increasing pressure from Lennox, an FBI agent with a complex history with Cole, just as they prepare for their most ambitious score timed with a major motorcycle parade.
Paramount’s Vision and the Creative Team
Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs of Paramount Pictures, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re thrilled to be in business with visionary artists like James and Timothée, and exceptional collaborators like Peter and David at Chernin. What Jaime has created reflects the kind of bold, original storytelling we’re committed to championing at Paramount.”
Mangold praised the studio’s dedication to storytelling, emphasizing their shared commitment to original films. He remarked, “This passion made it easy for Timothée, Peter, and me to land on this project. Timothée is a trusted collaborator, a generational artist, and a person I adore. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work together again.”
As part of his current slate, Chalamet is also engaged in filming the third installment of the “Dune” series and is set to lead Josh Safdie’s upcoming project “Marty Supreme.” Meanwhile, Mangold’s recent film, “A Complete Unknown,” garnered eight Oscar nominations, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile director adept at handling various genres.
Directorial Insights and Future Collaborations
Mangold has a storied career characterized by a wide range of directing experiences, including notable titles such as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” “Copland,” and “Girl, Interrupted.” He shared insights into his directing philosophy, stating, “At this point, I’ve known and befriended a lot of great directors… What we all do is if something better comes up, we jump on it and make it look like we thought of it.” He further added that he values transparency with his cast, aiming to create an environment where actors can feel free to challenge the script.
With “High Side,” both Chalamet and Mangold are poised to deliver a compelling narrative that combines high-octane action with deep emotional undertones. The film promises not only thrilling sequences but also an exploration of personal redemption against the backdrop of crime. As production gears up, audiences can expect an engaging ride filled with intricate character dynamics and heart-pounding action.