Glen Powell and Anthony Mackie Join ‘Monsanto’

The trio will appear for writer-director John Lee Hancock in the true story of a legal challenge to the titular company accused of hiding cancer links.

(Left) Glen Powell stars in Sony Pictures' 'Devotion'. (Right) Anthony Mackie as Falcon/Sam Wilson in Marvel Studios' 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Preview:

Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern are leading the cast of ‘Monsanto’.
It’ll focus on a real-life case brought against the chemical giant.
John Lee Hancock co-wrote the script and will direct.

Stories of real people taking on giant corporations (and, we assume, winning, or else the story tends to be a little depressing) are prime fodder for movies. Writer/director John Lee Hancock is the latest to bring such a tale to the screen.

Hancock, who has some experience with based-on-truth tales such as ‘The Blind Side’ and ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ is developing ‘Monsanto’, which will see a case brought against the chemical behemoth.

And he’s already wrangled quite the cast for this new project, as rising star Glen Powell is joining the more established likes of Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern in the drama.

What’s the story of ‘Monsanto’?

The film follows the true story of young, untried attorney Brent Wisner (Powell), who in 2019 took on a seemingly insurmountable case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson (Mackie) who used the company’s best-known product Roundup, a wildly financially successful weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper.

Dern plays Dr. Melinda Rogers, the Monsanto Company’s chief toxicologist, who testifies with certainty that Roundup is safe during the landmark cancer trial.

Here’s Powell’s comment on the movie:

“I’ve always been fascinated by true stories of ordinary people against extraordinary odds. This story encapsulates that spirit with a critical issue that affects us all. And it’s a privilege to bring it to audiences with an exceptional filmmaker and powerful cast.”

Who is making ‘Monsanto’?

Adam McKay attends the Academy’s 2018 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Credit/Provider: Troy Harvey / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Hancock is directing from a script he’s worked on with Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc and Ned Benson.

This is what the filmmaker said about why he chose to make the movie:

“I was drawn to this contemporary David vs. Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny and of critical importance in today’s world. My ambitions are to deliver a smart, thoughtful and commercial legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey.”

Adam McKay, no stranger to stories of real-world outrage (think ‘The Big Short’ and ‘Vice’), will produce the film.

Here’s what he had to say about the new movie:

“These days stories about the ‘little guy’ taking on huge institutions seem few and far between. Both in real life and on the big screen. So, when a story as riveting and inspiring as this one shows up on our desks we get excited. Why? Because people love and need these movies. They always have and always will. I legitimately think I can list 200 wildly successful and beloved films about real people standing up against overwhelming odds with only fairness and truth on their side. So, let’s make number 201.”

When will ‘Monsanto’ be in theaters?

The film is awaiting a distribution partner and has its rights for sale at this month’s Cannes Film Market, so there are no details on a release date yet.