Bob and Harvey Weinstein have signed on to executive produce, finance, and distribute a feature adaptation of author Ira Levin’s 1973 Broadway thriller “Veronica’s Room,” which will be produced by The Allegiance Theater’s Daniel Dubiecki and Lara Alameddine, who originally brought the project to TWC-Dimension.
The dark tale of “Veronica’s Room” explores the thin line between fantasy and reality. Students Susan and Larry find themselves enticed to an old New England mansion by its caretakers to meet the sole surviving member of the family. They insist that Susan bears a striking resemblance to Veronica, the family member’s long-dead sister. They believe her presence will comfort the dementia-afflicted woman and allow her to die in peace. But what begins as a simple errand of mercy quickly spirals into a nightmare cycle of guilt, sacrifice, and murder.
“From ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ to ‘Deathtrap,’ Harvey and I have been admirers of Ira Levin, as he has created some of the greatest thrillers in film history,” said Bob Weinstein. “With ‘Veronica’s Room’ we have discovered a hidden gem that is going to reintroduce Ira’s genius to a new generation. It will also provide a fantastic opportunity for top tier actors and actresses to embody Ira Levin’s fascinating, complicated characters.”
“It’s such an honor that after 40 years, the Levin family has trusted us with bringing ‘Veronica’s Room’ to the big screen. All of Levin’s works are rich in character and story, and this play is another great psychological thriller in the vein of ‘Rosemary’s Baby,’” added Dubiecki. “Bob and Harvey are our perfect partners for the material, and we look forward to creating another potential classic together.”
The Allegiance Theater’s Tim Crane will executive produce while its head of development, Carly Norris, will co-produce, having brought the project to the company to develop. The Allegiance Theater optioned the rights before setting up the film at TWC-Dimension. Matthew Signer and Keith Levine will oversee the project for TWC-Dimension.
The deal for “Veronica’s Room” was negotiated by Adrian Lopez for TWC-Dimension with WME and attorney Richard Thompson on behalf of The Allegiance Theater.
“Veronica’s Room” is the fifth film to see Bob and Harvey Weinstein teaming up under their new moniker TWC-Dimension, which has them working together on films in which they share a common passion. Previously announced films under the banner include “Paddington,” “Murder Mystery,” “Passengers” and “Regression.”
Although the Weinstein brothers have built their company working side by side, they have been primarily responsible for their own labels, with Harvey focusing on TWC and Bob on Dimension Films. TWC-Dimension will allow for the two to join forces and combine some of the core prestigious sensibilities of a TWC film with the mainstream sensibilities of a Dimension film. The new moniker will further be used to expand and develop future franchises allowing collaborations with respected and emerging filmmakers and talent on productions and acquisitions of all budget ranges.
Headed by “Juno” producer Dubiecki, The Allegiance Theater is currently producing “Money Monster” with Jodie Foster attached to direct; Eric Reese’s script “Family Vacation” at Paramount Insurge; Mark P. Carter’s script “Serial Killer Days” at Paramount; and “Undercover,” which Patrick Hughes will direct for the company’s Australian division.
