Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts have signed on to star in the family drama “Leave the World Behind,” based on the upcoming Rumaan Alam novel.
Netflix has obtained the feature-length rights to the novel, and the deal is believed to be a successful payday for the two stars on the A list. Sam Esmail, whose credits include “Mr. Robot” and “Homecoming” (in the who worked with Roberts), is attached directly from his own adapted script.
“Leave the World Behind” is a story about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced to unite in a long weekend that went terribly wrong. Roberts will play the mother of the family who rents a house and Washington will play the owner.
The story explores the complexities of parenthood, race, and class, along with how our closest ties are altered in times of crisis. Ecco will publish “Leave the World Behind” this October.
Washington and Roberts previously collaborated on the 1993 legal thriller “The Pelican Brief,” directed by Alan J. Pakula from their adaptation of the John Grisham novel.
Washington produces alongside Roberts through its Red Om Films banner and Esmail and Chad Hamilton through Esmail Corp. Alam is an executive producer. Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill of Red Om will also participate in a production capacity.
Washington is also producing Netflix’s upcoming “Ma Rainey Black Background”. He is represented by WME and Hansen Jacobson. Roberts is represented by CAA and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman. Esmail is represented by CAA and McKuin Frankel Whitehead. Alam is represented by CAA and Julia Barer in The Book Group. The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.
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