Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman Starring in ‘The Roses’

Jay Roach is on board to direct the new version of ‘The War of the Roses’ story, which hit screens in 1989 starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.

(Left) Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar in 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.' Photo: Netflix ©2023. (Right) Olivia Colman in 'Empire of Light.' Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

Preview:

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman will star in and produce ‘The Roses’.
Jay Roach is directing the new take on 1989 comedy thriller ‘The War of the Roses’
‘Poor Things’ Tony McNamara is aboard to adapt the William Adler novel.

Back in 1989, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner starred as the Roses –– Oliver and Barbara –– who seemed to be living the perfect life. But, as it turned out to darkly comic effect, that wasn’t exactly the case in ‘The War of the Roses’ the movie directed by Danny DeVito.

That story –– which was adapted from William Adler’s 1981 novel –– is headed back to our screens in a new incarnation. And this time, British actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are starring.

The War of the Roses

"Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie."

R1 hr 56 minDec 8th, 1989

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch The War of the Roses Online

What’s the Story of ‘The Roses’?

(L to R) Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in 'The War of the Roses.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.

Here’s the official logline for the movie: “Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Colman): successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that’s ignited when Theo’s professional dreams come crashing down.”

Who is Making ‘The Roses’?

Director Jay Roach attends the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

With Colman and Cumberbatch on board to produce as well as taking the lead roles, the new movie will be directed by Jay Roach, best known for the ‘Austin Powers’ films, though more recently applauded for the politically-minded likes of ‘Bombshell’, ‘Recount’ and ‘Game Change’.

Tony McNamara, who most recently wrote ‘Poor Things’ for director Yorgos Lanthimos (and also penned the director’s ‘The Favourite’, which saw Colman scoop an Oscar for her performance), is aboard to adapt the book.

‘The Roses’: The Filmmakers Speak

(L to R) Jay Roach and guest attend the Academy’s 2019 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Hollywood, CA. Credit/Provider: Troy Harvey / ©A.M.P.A.S.
Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

All involved are clearly excited about this new prospect.

Here’s Searchlight president Matthew Greenfield:

“The Roses is a wildly funny, bigger than life, and yet deeply human story. With Jay at the helm, and Benedict and Olivia and Tony, we have a dream team bringing it to life.”

And this was the statement from SunnyMarch, Cumberbatch’s production company:

“We are thrilled to be working on this very special film with such an incredible team. We have been long admirers of Jay’s work and his vision and passion to tell this story is incredibly inspiring.”

Finally, this was the comment from Colman’s team at South of the River:

“We have been cooking this up with our friends at SunnyMarch for some time, and it has been an absolute thrill to see it spring into life under Jay’s passionate and thoughtful guidance. He and Tony are a match made in cinematic comedy heaven.”

When Will ‘The Roses’ Be in Theaters?

‘The Roses’ is still in development, so it has yet to find a spot on the packed Disney release schedule. And given that both Cumberbatch and Colman are in-demand actors, it may have to wait until their availability opens up.