Natasha Lyonne to play Joan Rivers in upcoming biopic ‘Can We Talk?’
Five-time Emmy nominee Natasha Lyonne will play Joan Rivers in the upcoming biopic ‘Can We Talk?’, currently in development at Sony’s 3000 Pictures.
Joan Molinsky, known professionally as Joan Rivers, was an American comedienne, actor, and writer who was born in 1933. The new biopic will follow Rivers’ rise through the world of stand-up, depicting her struggle to balance success with personal loss. It will also examine the difficulties of motherhood amid the trials and tribulations of hosting her talk show.
Though no director has been confirmed, the script will be written by The Office writer Amelie Gillette. Gillette has yet to branch out into film, having written for many television shows and sit-coms.
The movie will also allegedly depict Rivers’ trailblazing appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. When the comedian made her first appearance on The Tonight Show in 1965, Carson said on air that she was going to be a star. Carson was awarded a daytime slot in 1968. Their relationship soured when Rivers kept news of her own show secret from Carson until it was too late.
Melissa Rivers, the only child of comedian Joan Rivers and producer Edgar Rosenberg, has given Lyonne official blessing to step into the role. Melissa will also join as a producer on the project.
Last month, Lyonne announced her directorial debut, Uncanny Valley. This dystopian film will be set within the universe of a video game; it will controversially use the AI-based studio Asteria, which she founded alongside filmmaker Bryn Mooser. Asteria’s partner, Moonvalley, will use a model called Marey for the production, which uses copyright-cleared material to help with making the movie.
Lyonne’s next project is Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. She was recently in the public eye with her acclaimed show, Poker Face, from Rian Johnson. Her role in ‘Can We Talk?’ has not been announced officially in any capacity. There has also been no news on when this project will move forward.
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