Toni Collette and Catherine Hardwicke are following up their last collaboration, 2015 tearjerker “Miss You Already,” with a comedy. The pair are reuniting for “Mafia Mamma,” the story of a suburban American woman “who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm’s trusted consigliere defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business,” a press release details. Collette will topline the pic and Hardwicke is directing.
Based on an original idea by Amanda Sthers (“Madame”), the pic counts her and Collette among its producers. “A.P. Bio” scribes Debbie Jhoon and Michael J. Feldman penned the script. Monica Bellucci (“Spectre”) will co-star in the film.
“I couldn’t be more excited to make this film with Catherine and the team,” said Collette. “It is pure, fish out of water fun with a firm feminist backbone. I think we could all handle an uplifting, laugh out loud story like this right about now. Bring it on Italy!”
Hardwicke added, “Toni is one of the most versatile actresses on the planet – she can be intensely emotional, super-sexy, and LOL hilarious. She’s going to dazzle as Kristin. And I personally relate to this woman who has to tap into her inner warrior and earn the respect of a bunch of men – especially after working in the film business. This story is empowering in the most fun way!”
Collette starred alongside Drew Barrymore in “Miss You Already,” the story of lifelong friends whose relationship is tested by pregnancy and illness.
In 2000 Collette received an Oscar nod for “The Sixth Sense.” Her recent film credits include “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” and “Knives Out.” The four-time Emmy nominee landed the prize for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “United States of Tara.” She’s set to make her directorial debut with “Writers and Lovers,” an adaptation of Lily King’s book about an aspiring novelist who finds herself in a love triangle.
“Twilight,” “Lords of Dogtown,” and “Thirteen” are among Hardwicke’s features. Her upcoming slate includes “Heathen,” a fantasy-adventure epic that follows a Viking warrior, and “Prisoner’s Daughter,” a family drama.
