Mahershala Ali and Tom Hardy Team Up for NYC Crime Thriller '77 Blackout,' a Tale of Chaos and Morality Amidst the Historic Blackout, Directed by Cary Fukunaga and Produced by Charles Roven.
The bustling streets of New York City are about to be plunged into the cinematic shadows of the 1977 blackout in the upcoming crime thriller "77 Blackout." Two of Hollywood's finest actors, Mahershala Ali and Tom Hardy, are gearing up to lead this gritty narrative set against a backdrop of unprecedented chaos and lawlessness in the city that famously never sleeps. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, known for his work on "No Time to Die" and "True Detective," and produced by Charles Roven of Atlas Entertainment alongside Madison Weireter, the film promises a gripping exploration of crime, survival, and morality.
"77 Blackout" takes us back to a sweltering summer night in 1977 when a citywide power failure darkened New York City and unleashed a wave of crimes and riots. Amidst this pandemonium, the story follows five rogue police officers who, overwhelmed by years of being overworked and underpaid, hatch a bold plan to rob three formidable criminal factions: the Hong Kong Triads, the Italian Mafia, and the Harlem Mob. Their meticulously planned heist coincides with the blackout, throwing their operations into perilous uncertainty and forcing each officer to face their own ethical dilemmas.
Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar winner recognized for his roles in "Moonlight" and "Green Book," portrays Ray Butler, a pivotal character navigating the treacherous night. Ali, who has recently appeared in "Leave the World Behind" and is set to star in the upcoming "Blade," brings a depth of experience and a nuanced portrayal of complex characters. Joining him is Tom Hardy as Eddie Boyle, a character whose resilience and tactical acumen are tested in the night's anarchy. Hardy, celebrated for his roles in "Inception," "The Revenant," and "Mad Max: Fury Road," reunites with producer Charles Roven, recalling their previous collaboration in "The Dark Knight Rises" where Hardy's portrayal of Bane left a lasting impression.
The screenplay, penned by Frank John Hughes and refined by Fukunaga, intertwines personal stakes with the broader societal collapse, offering viewers an intense ride through one of New York's darkest nights. The narrative not only revisits a pivotal moment in the city’s history but also delves into the personal crises and moral quandaries faced by individuals pushed to their limits.
As "77 Blackout" prepares to make its debut to international buyers at the Cannes market, with WME handling U.S. rights, the film is already generating buzz as one of the hot packages of the festival. With a powerhouse team both in front and behind the camera, "77 Blackout" is poised to be a compelling addition to the genre of crime thrillers, promising a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the shades of right and wrong in extreme circumstances.