Crimes of the Future: David Cronenberg casts Mortensen, Seydoux, and Stewart

Pieces are falling into place for David Cronenberg’s next original film. It’s been announced that NEON and Serendipity Point Films will begin production on Crimes of the Future in Athens, Greece, this summer. Written and directed by Cronenberg, the sci-fi thriller now stars Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart, with Scott Speedman, Welket Bungué, Don McKellar, and Lihi Kornowski.

Per Deadline, Crimes of the Future is Cronenberg’s first original sci-fi script since 1999’s EXISTENZ. The film takes a deep dive into the not-so-distant future where humankind is learning to adapt to its synthetic surroundings. This evolution moves humans beyond their natural state and into a metamorphosis, altering their biological makeup. While some embrace the limitless potential of trans-humanism, others attempt to police it. Either way, “Accelerated Evolution Syndrome”, is spreading fast. Saul Tenser is a beloved performance artist who has embraced Accelerated Evolution Syndrome, sprouting new and unexpected organs in his body. Along with his partner Caprice, Tenser has turned the removal of these organs into a spectacle for his loyal followers to marvel at in real-time theatre. But with both the government and a strange subculture taking note, Tenser is forced to consider what would be his most shocking performance of all.

I’m sorry, but what the what? Oh, Cronenberg, you certainly know how to weave a twisted yarn, don’t you?

“I have unfinished business with the future,” Cronenberg remarked.

“To work with David Cronenberg is to embark on a journey exploring terrain where no one has gone before,” said Robert Lantos, who is set to produce the film. “Each of our collaborations has been an exhilarating adventure and David’s unwavering vision is what real cinema is all about.”

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Crimes of the Future marks the fourth time that Cronenberg and Mortensen have combined their talents for a film, after teaming for Eastern Promises, eXistenZ, and Crash. Steve Solomos is co-producing, and Panos Papahadzis is co-producer for Argonauts Productions. Executive Producers include Joe Iacono, Thorsten Schumacher, Peter Touche, Christelle Conan, Aida Tannyan, Victor Loewy, and Victor Hadida. Bonnie Do and Laura Lanktree will serve as Associate Producers.

Crimes of the Future might as well be a reunion for some of Cronenberg’s best and brightest collaborators. In addition to Mortensen, production designer Carol Spier (Crash, Dead Ringers) is on board, as well as Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore (A History of Violence).

“Unfinished business with the future” indeed. To me, it sounds like Cronenberg has unfinished business when it comes to screwing with our minds. For my money, Cronenberg is one of the most epochal directors in the game, and I’m delighted (and terrified) by the idea of him going back behind the camera for another of his original sci-fi stories.